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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10166 ***
+
+WHAT GERMANY THINKS
+
+OR THE WAR AS GERMANS SEE IT
+
+
+By Thomas F.A. Smith, Ph.D.
+
+Late English Lecturer in the University of Erlangen
+
+Author of "The Soul of Germany: A Twelve Years' Study of the People from
+Within, 1902-1914"
+
+
+1915
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+   I--THE CAUSES OF THE WAR
+
+  II--ON THE LEASH
+
+ III--THE DOGS LET LOOSE
+
+  IV--MOBILIZATION
+
+   V--WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS
+
+  VI--THE DÉBÂCLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS
+
+ VII--"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"
+
+VIII--ATROCITIES
+
+  IX--THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND
+      GERMANY'S ANNEXATION PROPAGANDA
+
+   X--SAIGNER À BLANC
+
+  XI--THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR
+
+ XII--THE LITERATURE OF HATE
+
+XIII--"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"
+
+INDEX
+
+WHAT GERMANY THINKS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE CAUSES OF THE WAR
+
+
+In many quarters of the world, especially in certain sections of the
+British public, people believed that the German nation was led blindly
+into the World War by an unscrupulous military clique. Now, however,
+there is ample evidence to prove that the entire nation was thoroughly
+well informed of the course which events were taking, and also warned as
+to the catastrophe to which the national course was certainly leading.
+
+Even to-day, after more than twelve months of devastating warfare, there
+is no unity of opinion in Germany as to who caused the war. Some writers
+accuse France, others England, while many lay the guilt at Russia's
+door. They are only unanimous in charging one or other, or all the
+powers, of the Triple Entente. We shall see that every power now at war,
+with the exception of Germany and Italy, has been held responsible for
+Armageddon, but apparently it has not yet occurred to Germans that the
+bearer of guilt for this year's bloodshed--is Germany alone!
+
+It is true that the conflict between Austria and Serbia forms the
+starting point. Whether or not Serbia was seriously in the wrong is a
+matter of opinion, but it is generally held that Austria dealt with her
+neighbour with too much heat and too little discretion. Austria kindled
+the flames of war, but it was Germany's mission to seize a blazing torch
+and set Europe alight.
+
+When the text of Austria's ultimatum became known, a very serious mood
+came over Germany. There was not a man who did not realize that a great
+European War loomed on the horizon. A well-organized, healthy public
+opinion could at that period have brought the governments of the
+Germanic Powers to recognize their responsibility. Had the German Press
+been unanimous, it might have stopped the avalanche. But there were two
+currents of opinion, the one approving, the other condemning Austria for
+having thrown down the gauntlet to Serbia and above all to Russia.
+
+One paper exulted over the statement that every sentence in Austria's
+ultimatum "was a whip-lash across Serbia's face;" a phrase expressing so
+aptly the great mass of popular opinion. This expression met with
+unstinted approval, for it corresponded with German ideals and standards
+in dealing with an opponent. Yet there was no lack of warnings, and very
+grave ones too. A glance at German newspapers will suffice to prove this
+statement.
+
+On July 24th, 1914, Krupp's organ, the _Rheinisch-Westfälische Zeitung_,
+contained the following: "The Austro-Hungarian ultimatum is nothing but
+a pretext for war, but this time a dangerous one. It seems that we are
+standing on the verge of an Austro-Serbian war. It is possible, very
+possible, that we shall have to extinguish East-European conflagrations
+with our arms, either because of our treaties or from the compulsion of
+events. But it is a scandal if the Imperial Government (Berlin) has not
+required that such a final offer should be submitted to it for approval
+before its presentation to Serbia. To-day nothing remains for us but to
+declare: 'We are not bound by any alliance to support wars let loose by
+the Hapsburg policy of conquest.'"
+
+The _Post_ wrote on the same date: "Is that a note? No! it is an
+ultimatum of the sharpest kind. Within twenty-four hours Austria demands
+an answer. A reply? No! but an absolute submission, the utter and
+complete humiliation of Serbia. On former occasions we have (and with
+justice) made fun of Austria's lack of energy. Now we have a proof of
+energy which terrifies us. This 'note' represents about the very
+uttermost which can be said to any government, and such things are only
+said when the sender of the 'note' has absolutely determined upon war."
+
+The principal organ of Germany's largest political party, the Social
+Democrats, contained a still more emphatic protest on July 25th. A
+telegram from the Belgrade correspondent of the _Vorwärts_ runs: "Since
+the presentation of Austria's note, public opinion has become
+exceedingly serious, although the city is still very calm. The general
+view held is that Austria's ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign
+State. In Belgrade no one doubts that Russia will stand by Serbia.
+Everyone is certain that in consequence of Austria's excessively sharp
+tone, Russia will not remain inactive should Austria resort to armed
+force. The populace is prepared for war."
+
+In view of the subsequent attitude of Germany's Social Democrats, an
+official proclamation, published in all their seventy-seven daily papers
+on July 25th, is of supreme importance. At that date they had apparently
+no doubt whatever as to the guilty party. The change of front in the
+Reichstag on August 4th would seem in the light of this proclamation, as
+nothing other than a betrayal of conscience. Further, the split which
+has arisen in their ranks during the war leads to the supposition that
+Liebknecht, Kautsky and Bernstein have been troubled by the inward
+voice.
+
+This is the full text of the proclamation as it appeared in the
+_Vorwärts_:
+
+  "An Appeal! The Balkan plains are still steaming with the blood of
+  thousands of murdered; the ruins of desolate towns and devastated
+  villages are still smoking after the Balkan War; hungry, workless men,
+  widowed women and orphan children are still wandering through the
+  land, and yet again Austria's Imperialism unchains the War Fury to
+  bring death and destruction over all Europe.
+
+  "Even if we condemn the doings of the Greater-Serbian Nationalists,
+  still the wicked war-provocation of the Austro-Hungarian Government
+  calls forth the most stinging protest. The demands made by this
+  government are so brutal, that in the history of the world their like
+  has never been presented to an independent State, and they can only be
+  calculated to provoke war.
+
+  "Germany's proletariat, conscious of its mission, raises herewith, in
+  the name of humanity and civilization, the most fervent protest
+  against this criminal action of the war party (_Kriegshetzer_). It
+  (the Social Democratic Party) demands imperatively that the German
+  Government should exercise all its influence on the Austrian
+  Government to preserve peace, and in case this infamous war cannot be
+  prevented then to abstain from any warlike interference. No single
+  drop of blood of a single German soldier may be sacrificed to gratify
+  the lust for power of the Austrian autocracy, the Imperial
+  profit-interests.
+
+  "Comrades! we call upon you to give expression to the working-classes'
+  unshakable will for peace in mass meetings. This is a serious moment,
+  more solemn than any in the last few decades. There is danger in
+  delay. A world war threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave,
+  despise and exploit you in times of peace desire now to misuse you as
+  cannon-fodder. From all sides the cry must ring in the ears of those
+  in authority: We don't want war! Down with war!
+
+  "Long live international brotherhood!
+
+  "Berlin, July 25th, 1914.
+
+  "_The Leaders of the Party_."
+
+Two days later the _Leipziger Tageblatt_ announced that the Public
+Prosecutor had commenced proceedings against the editors of _Vorwärts_
+for having distributed the above appeal in pamphlet form in the streets
+of Berlin. From this fact we may conclude that the charges thrown out by
+the Social Democratic Party were by no means congenial to the plans of
+the German Government.
+
+The Liberal _Berliner Tageblatt_ (July 24th), gave its unreserved
+support to Austria's action. "The Austrian Government has voiced its
+demands in a calm and serious tone which contains nothing offensive to
+the Serbian monarchy. Everyone who has considered the results of the
+inquiry into the tragedy of Serajewo, and the burrowing of Serbian
+propagandists in Austria, must give his absolute sanction to the
+latter's demands. Much as every right-thinking man must desire that
+peace should be preserved, still he must admit that Austria could not
+have acted otherwise."
+
+Even the _Vossische Zeitung_, the organ of army circles, was more
+conservative in its judgment. In the issue for July 24th a leading
+article runs: "It cannot be denied that nearly every point raised by
+Austria in her note is an encroachment on Serbia's sovereign rights.
+Austria appears as the policeman, who undertakes to create order in
+Serbia, because the Serbian Government, according to Austria's claim, is
+unable to hold in check those 'subversive elements' within its
+frontiers, which disturb Austria's peace. But only in this manner can
+Austria protect herself against the criminals who are sent from Serbia
+to the territories of the Hapsburg monarchy. No consideration whatever
+can be shown to Serbia, as Austria's first duty is self-defence."
+
+In the German Press two widely-differing opinions found expression with
+regard to the equity of Austria's demands, but the Press and people were
+unanimous in believing that if these demands were ruthlessly pressed
+home they could only lead to a European conflagration.
+
+In view of this latter danger, national opinion was again divided into
+two camps: the first against war, the second determined to support
+Austria and pursue the path chosen by the Berlin Government, no matter
+what the consequences might be. The latter party included the vast bulk
+of the nation; and Chauvinism dominated in the Press, theatres,
+concert-halls, churches and music-halls. "Patriotic" demonstrations were
+held before Austrian consulates, in restaurants and coffee-houses. The
+Berlin Government was overwhelmed with telegrams from all kinds of
+bodies--especially those with a military colouring, such as veterans'
+clubs, societies of one-year volunteers, university societies,
+etc.--calling upon it to defend Germany's honour against Slavonic murder
+and intrigue. In short, all Germany gave itself up to a veritable
+_Kriegsrausch_ (war intoxication) which found expression in the wildest
+attacks on Russia and a perfervid determination to see the matter
+through, should Russia venture to intervene in any way to protect Serbia
+from whatever measures Austria thought proper to take.
+
+It is little to be wondered at that Russia in face of this spontaneous
+outbreak did take military precautions, for all Germany made it
+perfectly clear that no kind of intervention on Russia's part in the
+Austro-Serbian dispute would be tolerated by Germany. It is true that,
+late in the day, Austria avowed that she had no intention of annexing
+Serbian territory, a declaration which Germans did not believe, and
+certainly one which Russia had no reason to accept after Austria's
+annexion of Bosnia and Herzegowina in 1908.
+
+Furthermore, Austria gave Russia every reason to cherish suspicion as to
+her intentions. On July 25th Austria issued official orders for the
+mobilization of eight of her sixteen army corps, in addition to which a
+part of the _Landsturm_ was called up. The corps mobilized were: one
+each in Upper and Lower Austria, Dalmatia, Buda-Pest, Croatia and Bosnia
+and two Bohemian corps. Three-eighths of the forces called up were thus
+placed very near to the Russian frontier.
+
+Vienna was wild with war-enthusiasm which found expression in
+demonstrations lasting all through the night, July 25-26th. Austrian
+officers, who have always been hated by the populace, were cheered,
+embraced and carried shoulder-high wherever they were met. The effect
+which this had in Berlin may be seen from the _Berliner Tageblatt_ of
+July 26th: "An enormous mass of people gathered before the Russian
+Embassy last night between the hours of twelve and one. The crowd howled
+and hissed, and cries were raised: 'Down with Russia! Long live Austria!
+Down with Serbia!' Gradually the police cleared the masses away."
+
+Russia ignored the incident, but when about a hundred Frenchmen
+demonstrated before the Austrian Embassy in Paris at exactly the same
+time, the Ambassador at once protested at the Quai d'Orsay and the
+Director of the French Foreign Office immediately apologized.
+
+On the whole the reports of excesses in various parts of Germany against
+any and all who dared to show any anti-war sympathies proves clearly
+that the blood-lust aroused by the German Government's policy had
+already passed beyond the control of the authorities. In Munich one of
+the most modern coffee-houses (Café Fahrig) was completely gutted
+because the proprietor endeavoured to keep the demonstrants within
+reasonable bounds. Serbs and Russians were attacked and ill-treated. One
+such incident occurred at mid-day, Sunday, July 26th, in Munich, of
+which a full description is given in the _München-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung_ for the following day.
+
+A few days later (August 2nd) the Princess Café, Berlin, was demolished
+because the guests believed that there were Russians in the band. In
+Hamburg on the following day a newly-opened restaurant was completely
+destroyed because a young Dane had failed to stand up when the national
+hymn was being played. "Yesterday a young Dane remained sitting during
+the singing of the national hymn, for which reason the persons in the
+hall became greatly excited. 'Russian, stand up!' was shouted to him. In
+the same moment blows began to rain down upon him, so that, streaming
+with blood, he was carried out." (_Berliner Zeitung am Mittag_, August
+4th.)
+
+These are only a selection of many such incidents which show that the
+national brutishness was appearing through the veneer. In the light of
+such events where, on German soil, Germans murderously attacked their
+fellow-countrymen on such ridiculous pretexts, it requires little
+imagination to explain the outburst of brutality against Belgians who
+dared to defend hearth and home.
+
+Meanwhile the smaller party which desired peace had not been entirely
+idle. On July 28th the Social Democrats held thirty-two mass meetings in
+Berlin to protest against war. "The attendance was in every case
+enormous, but the meetings were all orderly and calm. The police had
+taken extensive precautionary measures. The speakers were mostly members
+of the Reichstag or the Berlin Town Council. Throughout they were guilty
+of the most fiery and tactless attacks on Austria, _to whom alone they
+ascribed the guilt for the warlike developments_. Each meeting adopted a
+resolution against war. The chief of police had forbidden all
+processions or demonstrations to take place after the day before. In
+spite of this, many of the Socialists who had attended these meetings
+tried to form processions, especially in Unter den Linden. As large
+bodies of troops had closed the streets, small parties of the Socialists
+managed to reach the Linden by means of trams and omnibuses. At about 10
+p.m. hisses and cries of 'Down with the war party!' were heard before
+the Café Kranzler. In a moment the number of Democrats swelled to large
+proportions and the workmen's Marseillaise was struck up, followed by a
+short, sharp order. The mounted police advanced with drawn swords
+against the rioters; the air was filled with shouts and cries of _Pfui_!
+(Shame!). On the other side of the road the crowd sang the national
+hymn. The masses clashed together, and the police advanced again and
+again till the street was cleared. At the corner, however, the
+Socialists formed up again, and began to demonstrate anew, so that the
+police were compelled to attack them without any consideration in order
+to preserve the peace. They cleared the pavements and galloped up the
+promenade. Again the cry echoed 'Down with war!' and as answer came 'die
+Wacht am Rhein.' But it was some considerable time before the struggle
+ceased to surge to and fro." (_München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July
+29th.)
+
+Thus the great Socialist-International-Pacifist movement, with four and
+a quarter million German voters behind it, fizzled out on the pavements
+of Unter den Linden. Probably there were demonstrations in other parts
+of Germany, but this much is certain, that the members of Catholic and
+Protestant _Arbeiterverbände_ (Workmen's Societies) held meetings and
+demonstrated in favour of war. On the other hand the Women's Union of
+the German Peace Society in Stuttgart sent a telegram to the Kaiser,
+begging him in the name of "millions of German mothers" to preserve the
+peace.
+
+The most interesting protest against the war movement is undoubtedly the
+following: "This, then, is the cultural height to which we have
+attained. Hundreds of thousands of the healthiest, finest, most valuable
+forces in the nation are trembling from anxiety that chance, or a nod of
+Europe's rulers, malevolence, or a fit of Sadism, a Caesar-madness or a
+business speculation, an empty word or a vague conception of honour,
+will drive them to-morrow out of their homes, from wife and child, from
+all that which they treasure and have built up with so much pain and
+trouble--into death. The mad coincidence may arise to-day, may call them
+to-morrow, or at any minute, and all, all of them will go--obeying
+damnable necessity, but still obeying. At first they will whine on
+seeing their bit of earthly happiness snatched away, but soon,
+however--although their consciences may not be quite clean--they will be
+possessed by the general frenzy to murder and be murdered." Franz
+Pfemfert in _die Aktion_.
+
+Although this article appeared on August 1st, it had evidently been
+written before the proclamation of martial law. It was one of the last
+political articles which the paper published, for the next number but
+one contains the announcement that "the _Aktion_ will in future only
+publish articles on art and literature." The reasons are not far to
+seek.
+
+In justice to the pacifist elements it must be stated that they were up
+against bayonets. The only pity is that British public opinion, or any
+section of it, had been led to believe that it could ever have been
+otherwise. Austria had committed an unpardonable act of provocation,
+which at first reasonable opinion in Germany openly condemned.
+Simultaneously the German Government set in motion an avalanche of
+racial feeling to play off against the just and moderate measures taken
+by other powers to checkmate Austrian aggression. In addition to the
+racial hostility, which had been lashed into bitterness during the
+spring of 1914, came Germany's morbid conception of national and
+personal honour. Lastly the fear of a Russian invasion was astutely
+inoculated into the nation.
+
+It is the author's firm conviction, and the military events in Poland
+and Galicia have only strengthened this opinion, that from the very
+beginning Germany could have prevented any Russian invasion of her
+territory, but she did not desire that end, but rather that the fear of
+Russia should complete the "Kriegsrausch" of the German nation. After
+frightening the people the Berlin Government struck its blow in the
+direction of their political ambitions--to the West, and after the
+Russians had been allowed to penetrate German territories they were
+hurled over the Eastern frontiers at the end of August. While the Kaiser
+was sending peaceful telegrams to Petrograd and Vienna, the Press was
+full of horrible pictures of Cossack barbarism and the dread terrors of
+the Russian knout, both of which--the public was led to believe--were
+about to strike Germany.
+
+In this manner the Kaiser and his advisers created a national psychology
+which left open only two alternatives: the absolute humiliation of
+Russia and the consequent hegemony of Germany in Europe--or war.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ON THE LEASH
+
+
+Russia gave the world to understand by an official declaration, issued
+on Friday, July 24th, 1914, that she was not an indifferent, but a
+keenly interested spectator to the Austro-Serbian conflict. On the
+following day Russia's declaration was published in almost the entire
+German Press, and from that moment the same Press was flooded with all
+kinds of attacks directed against the Eastern neighbour. Russia was
+frankly told to mind her own business--the quarrel did not concern her.
+
+The German public immediately accepted this point of view, so that every
+subsequent move on Russia's part appeared in the light of an
+unwarrantable offensive. Undoubtedly the Bismarckian tactics of
+publishing inspired articles in all parts of Germany were employed, and
+their colouring left no doubt on the public mind that the much-talked-of
+Slavonic danger had assumed an acute form.
+
+A request on Russia's part, made on July 25th, that the space of time
+(forty-eight hours) allowed to Serbia for an answer should be extended,
+only increased popular irritation in the Germanic Empires. This
+irritation was accompanied by an unmistakable bellicose spirit which
+called forth its natural counterpart in Petrograd.
+
+Nevertheless the fact remains that up till July 25th Russia had only
+asked for time, and the reply given by the Berlin mob (?) during the
+following night, was echoed throughout Germany. The view that Russia had
+no right to interest herself on behalf of Serbia (passing over Russia's
+right to preserve the newly-established balance of power in the Balkans)
+is untenable. If Canada had a quarrel--just or unjust--with the United
+States, it would be ridiculous to assert that England had no right to
+intervene.
+
+This was, however, not the first occasion on which Germany had advanced
+so preposterous a claim. During the tariff conflict between Germany and
+Canada some years ago, a wave of indignant anger went over the whole
+Fatherland, because England ventured to interfere.
+
+In any case, during the last week before war broke out, the German
+Government succeeded in imposing upon public opinion the feeling that
+the quarrel was a racial one; together with the conviction that Russia
+was interfering in order to protect a band of murderers from just
+punishment, and had neither rights nor interests at stake in the
+quarrel. This conspiracy succeeded, but the whole German nation must
+still be held responsible for the outbreak of war, because, as has been
+shown in the preceding chapter, the nation had already been warned by
+newspapers of various political parties. They had been plainly told that
+Austria had exceeded the limits of all diplomatic dealings between two
+sovereign States, and that Austria's provocation could easily kindle a
+world war.
+
+Warnings and truths were alike forgotten, and the voices which uttered
+them were now raising another hue and cry.[1] Racial hatred was ablaze;
+the warlike instincts of a military people were calling for action, and
+a diseased conception of national honour was asking why Berlin did not
+act against the Russian barbarians. In one paper the author remembers
+reading a violent demand for action against Russia before the national
+ardour had time to cool down.
+
+[Footnote 1: The last mention of Austria as the guilty party is the
+account of the Social Democratic demonstrations in Berlin on July 28th;
+reported in the papers of the following day.]
+
+On July 26th Austrian mobilization was in full swing, and Russia
+admittedly took precautions of a similar nature soon after that date. We
+may be sure that Russia understands her neighbours better than the
+inhabitants of the British Isles understand them. In 1909 she had
+suffered a severe diplomatic defeat and corresponding loss of prestige,
+because she could only use words in dealing with Germany and Austria.[2]
+Now she was faced with the alternative of withdrawing from her declared
+attitude (July 24th) or taking measures of a military character. In
+order not to sacrifice her position as a European power and her special
+position as the leader of the Slavonic peoples, Russia chose the latter
+course, the only honourable one open to her. German papers and public
+speakers retorted that Russia is the patron and protector of
+assassins--a calculated distortion of the facts intended to have due
+effect on public opinion. On all sides it was said that Russia had given
+Serbia secret assurances of help which caused her to become stiff-backed
+and unrepentant. Fortunately, it is possible to refute the accusation
+through the pen of a German journalist, who described Belgrade's
+desperate position on July 25th, the day when the ultimatum expired.
+
+[Footnote 2: "The interests of Russian and German imperialism have
+continually clashed during the last ten years, and more than once Russia
+has had to beat a retreat before Germany's threats." Dr. Paul Lensch,
+member of the Reichstag, in his "German Social Democracy and the World
+War," p. 35. Published by "Vorwärts Co." Berlin, 1915.]
+
+"At last the inhabitants of Belgrade have become aware of their serious
+situation. 'We are lost! Russia has left us in the lurch!' is being
+shouted in the streets. Journalists, who at 2.30 p.m. had assured me
+that Russia had intervened in Vienna with success, succumbed now to the
+general depression. The people believe that they have been betrayed and
+sold; rumours of assassination pass from mouth to mouth. The ministerial
+council has been characterized by violent recriminations, ending in
+blows. Others asserted that the Crown Prince Alexander had been stabbed
+by a leader of the war-party. Another whispers that King Peter is dying
+from an apoplectic fit or as the result of an _attentat_. The reports
+become wilder, and each increases the dread of some unutterable,
+imminent catastrophe.
+
+"The streets are crowded with terror-stricken citizens. Curses resound
+on all sides. Certainly a most unusual struggle is going on between the
+two parties for peace and war. Shortly after three o'clock it seems to
+be settled that Austria's demands will be fulfilled. It is true the
+mobilization decree has been posted up on all public buildings, but that
+means nothing. We still have nearly three hours in which all can be
+righted. How will this gallows-respite be employed?
+
+"It is four o'clock. Messengers rush from one Embassy to the other. In
+the coffee-houses the rumour goes round: 'Italy is our saviour in
+distress.' Cries of 'shame!' against Russia are raised, while the
+'_vivas_!' for Italy sound louder and louder. The crowd marches to the
+Italian Embassy, but are received with long and astonished faces. No!
+there is nothing to hope for from Italy. Next they go to the French
+Embassy; now there are about two thousand of us. Another disappointment!
+A young diplomat receives the thronging masses and talks empty nothings,
+including a great deal about France's sympathy for Serbia. But in this
+dark hour sympathy is of no avail. Downcast and silent, the people go
+next to the representative of Albion--who declines to appear.
+
+"The confusion in the minds of the masses caused by the Government's
+indecision increases from minute to minute; indescribable scenes are
+witnessed before the General Post Office. It is alleged that thousands
+and thousands of telegrams have arrived from Russia, begging the members
+of Serbia's royal family not to give way to Austria. It may easily be
+possible that the Russian telegrams all emanate from one person and have
+been forged, in order to counteract the disposition to yield on the part
+of the royal family. Without doubt both the King and Crown Prince have
+lost all personal influence on the final decision. They are being slowly
+carried along by the conflagration-party which obtained the upper hand
+soon after four o'clock."[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July 28th.]
+
+This picture gives no support to Germany's accusation that Russia had
+stiffened Serbia into resisting Austria's unacceptable demands. It
+rather leads one to consider that an action which drives a weak nation
+to arrive at a decision on so awful an issue in so short a time, is an
+action discreditable to a stronger, and impossible on the part of a
+morally great, power. If Serbia chose wrongly in refusing to bite the
+dust, then the guilt is still chargeable to Austria for forcing her
+little neighbour to take a choice in haste. Sir Edward Grey emphasized
+in his speech of July 27th the shortness of the time which all the
+Powers had had at their disposal to formulate a plan, by which the
+conflict could be restricted to the East, or amicably settled.
+
+The leaders of the Germanic States had purposely willed it so. Several
+unsuccessful attempts had been made to break up the Triple Entente, the
+only barrier to the Germanization, _i.e._, Prussianization, of Europe,
+and in the tragedy of Serajewo the Central Powers (or, at least, the
+dominating factor of the two) believed they had found a lever with which
+to break down the opposition by diplomacy. If that failed an immediate
+appeal to the sword should follow. The diplomatic forty-eight hours'
+_coup-de-main_ failed, and the programme contained no other item except
+war. In a few words this means that the dastardly crime of Princip and
+his fellow conspirators was exploited by Germany, acting through
+Austria, to disturb the European balance of power under the guise of a
+just vengeance.
+
+Sir Edward Grey formulated and circulated his conference proposal on the
+next day, July 26th. Some persons to whom I spoke at the time welcomed
+the idea; they belonged principally to the lower middle classes. One
+well-known Pan-Germanist (Dr. Beckmann, professor of history in Erlangen
+University) said that the proposal was an admission of a diplomatic
+defeat and a sign that the Entente Powers were afraid to draw the sword.
+If the three Powers in question were prepared to pocket this smack in
+the face, then Germany would be satisfied, because such a defeat would
+mean that the Triple Entente would never be able to work together again.
+
+It is interesting to compare with this opinion those of two leading
+newspapers:
+
+(1.) "We understand that the German Government is not absolutely hostile
+to England's endeavours to bring about a mediation between the
+contending Powers by those not directly interested in the conflict. But
+the German Government makes its participation in the mediation dependent
+upon whether Austria-Hungary would accept this procedure, and in which
+respect Austria wishes the mediation to follow. The German Government
+cannot support any action which Austria-Hungary does not desire, as that
+would mean exercising pressure.
+
+"From Sir Edward Grey's declaration in the House of Commons it is clear
+that he was not thinking of mediation between Austria and Serbia, but
+between Austria and Russia. This shade of meaning requires attention. We
+think that any attempt at mediation between Austria and Serbia would
+have no prospect of success, because in Vienna they do not seem inclined
+to accept such an action. Diplomatic relations have not been broken off;
+the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs confers still with the Austrian
+Ambassador, and it is not easy to see why the other Powers Should not
+further this discussion in a mediative sense.
+
+"But then Sir Edward Grey gave his idea more exact form and proposed a
+conference between the German, Italian and French ambassadors and
+himself. This conference of ambassadors is to seek a basis for an
+agreement and then submit the result to the cabinets in Vienna and St.
+Petersburg. In his yesterday's speech he emphasized the point that no
+hostilities may take place till the conference has concluded its work.
+
+"Here, of course, is the difficulty which mars his plan, for it is
+questionable whether Austria will consent to a postponement of her
+military operations. Negotiations concerning Sir Edward Grey's proposal
+are at present occupying the cabinets, and it is to be hoped that a
+means will be found to make it acceptable to the Powers most interested
+in the conflict."[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: _Berliner Tagtblatt_, July 28th.]
+
+(2.) "Germany not only cherishes, in a platonic manner, the desire of
+the Western Powers to prevent the conflict between Austria and Serbia
+spreading to the great Powers, but the Berlin cabinet has already been
+active in more than one European capital in favour of a mediation which
+will secure European peace. In this respect we are pleased (_Man
+begrüsst es hier_) that, in consequence of Sir Edward Grey's initiative,
+the mediation idea has assumed an official form and is open for public
+discussion. There is, however, reason to doubt whether a conference
+between four great Powers as an organ for the mediation is the most
+suitable way out of the difficulty. Everyone is quite agreed that the
+details of the Austro-Serbian conflict, which concerns these two States
+alone, cannot be brought before the forum of a conference; but as
+regards the removal in good time of any difficulties which may arise
+between Austria and Russia, the question must be raised as to whether
+the Governments of these States are willing to entrust an official
+mediation to a conference of four other great Powers. For the success of
+the mediation proposal it would be more practical if the means to this
+end were made as simple as possible, and that use was made of the
+current diplomatic discussions, in immediate communication with the
+capitals of the Empires in question, in order to carry through a
+mediatory action to the result desired on all sides.
+
+"In the employment of these means Germany would not fail to support the
+Western Powers as she has already done up to the present."[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: _Kölnische Zeitung_, July 28th.]
+
+I have carefully searched the official publications of the Central
+Powers (Germany's White Book; Austria's Orange Book), and can find no
+record in them of any pacific action on Germany's part in either of the
+European capitals; hence the claims made in the above article seem to be
+an exaggeration.
+
+It appears incredible that these Powers should have omitted to give
+proof of such action when making their case public for the sole purpose
+of proving their innocence before the world. On the other hand, the
+impression given by these books is that Germany and Austria's attitude
+was:
+
+To SERBIA: The conditions must be accepted _ad hoc_ to the smallest
+tittle and comma. Alternative, war.
+
+To RUSSIA: What we have determined upon is unalterable and inevitable,
+and you must submit to this decision. Alternative, war.
+
+The _Görlitzer Nachrichten_ published the following paragraph on July
+30th: "Vienna, July 29th. After having made inquiries in official
+circles, the morning papers make this announcement: Count Berchtold has
+informed the English Ambassador that the Austro-Hungarian Government is
+grateful for Grey's mediation proposal, and appreciates the good
+intentions of the British Government. A peaceful solution of the
+conflict with Serbia is, however, no longer possible, as the declaration
+of war had already been signed."
+
+Before leaving this all-important episode, it is instructive to compare
+three other versions of the reason for refusing a conference. Sir Edward
+Grey mooted the proposal for a conference to the ambassadors in London
+on Friday, July 24th. On the afternoon he requested the British
+Ambassador in Berlin to propose the conference to the German Government.
+
+In spite of this, document No. 12 in the German White Book, a telegram
+from the German Chancellor to Prince Lichnowsky in London runs: "We know
+nothing here of a proposal from Sir Edward Grey to hold a conference of
+four in London, etc." Another telegram, document No. 15, bearing the
+same date and likewise from Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky is as
+follows: "We have immediately commenced the mediatory action in Vienna
+in the sense desired by Sir Edward Grey. Furthermore, we have informed
+Count Berchtold of M. Sasonow's desire to communicate with him
+direct."[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: This message leads to the assumption that direct
+communications between Vienna and Petrograd had already ceased, although
+the _Kölnische Zeitung_ told the German public on the following day that
+they had not.]
+
+The next document in the German White Book is dated July 28th. It is a
+telegram from the German Ambassador in Vienna to the German Chancellor
+in Berlin. "Count Berchtold begs me to express his thanks to you for
+communicating the English mediation proposal. He replies, however, that
+in consequence of the commencement of hostilities by Serbia and after
+the declaration of war which has meanwhile been made he must look upon
+England's step as being too late."
+
+In the Austrian Orange Book, p. 122, we find this passage in a telegram
+from Count Berchtold to the Austrian representative in London: "When Sir
+Edward Grey speaks of the possibility of avoiding an outbreak of
+hostilities he is too late, for yesterday Serbians shot at our frontier
+guards, and to-day we have declared war on Serbia."
+
+There are two points in these telegrams which require explanation.
+Firstly, why should Sir Edward Grey's proposal take so long to reach
+Vienna. Apparently it took from Monday to Wednesday to go by telegram
+from London via Berlin to Vienna. Two German newspapers (already quoted)
+knew of this conference idea on the 27th of July and commented upon it
+in their morning editions of the following day.
+
+The other point is the Austrian statement that Serbia commenced
+hostilities. If this were the case, one would expect that
+Austria-Hungary, in declaring war subsequently to the alleged shooting
+by Serbians at frontier guards, would make mention of the acts as a
+_casus belli_. On p. 117 of the Red Book the text of the declaration of
+war is given in full, but there is no mention of any resort to arms on
+the part of Serbia.
+
+We are forced to the conclusion that Germany and Austria are mutually
+responsible for preventing the conference; they desired war, and a
+conference might have preserved peace. During the present summer (1915)
+an important work has been published in Germany from which the following
+passage is taken:
+
+"Grey thought the time had now arrived to formulate a mediation
+proposal. This idea was from the very beginning unacceptable to Austria,
+because that would indirectly be a recognition of Russia as an
+interested Power in the Austro-Serbian conflict. Only those who have
+followed the development of mutual obligations between the Entente
+Powers are able to understand the role which Russia's two comrades
+(France and England)--to say nothing at all of Italy--would have played
+in this conference. During its sittings Russia would have continued her
+military preparations, while Germany would have been pledged not to
+mobilize. Finally, nobody could assert that the man (Sir Edward Grey)
+who would have presided over these negotiations, could have been
+impartial. The more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more
+clearly one recognizes that it would have made for a diplomatic victory
+of the Triple Entente."[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Professor Hermann Oncken: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg,"
+pp. 545-6.]
+
+Even the claim that Austria showed some inclination to permit mediation
+on the points in her ultimatum to Serbia which were incompatible with
+Serbia's sovereignty, has been categorically denied. The Vienna
+_Fremdenblatt_ for September 24th, 1914, contains this official
+announcement:
+
+"Vienna, September 24th. In a report of the late British Ambassador
+published by the British Government, there is a passage which maintains
+that Austria-Hungary's Ambassador, Count Szapary, in St. Petersburg had
+informed Monsieur Sasonow, Russia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, that
+Austria-Hungary 'was willing to submit the points in her Note to Serbia
+which seemed incompatible with Serbian independence, to mediation.'
+
+"We have been informed officially that this statement is absolutely
+untrue; according to the nature of the step taken by the monarchy in
+Belgrade, it would have been absolutely unthinkable. The passage cited
+from the British Ambassador's report, as well as some other phrases in
+the same, are evidently inspired by a certain bias. They are intended to
+prove, by asserting that Austria-Hungary was prepared to yield on some
+points at issue, that German diplomacy was really responsible for the
+outbreak of war.
+
+"Such attempts cannot obscure the truth, that Austria-Hungary and
+Germany concurred in the wish to preserve European peace. If this wish
+has not been fulfilled, and a European conflict has arisen out of a
+local settlement, it can only be ascribed to the circumstance that
+Russia first threatened Austria-Hungary and then Germany by an
+unjustifiable mobilization. By this she forced war upon the Central
+Powers and thus kindled a general conflagration."
+
+In dealing with Germany's endeavours for peace Professor Oncken writes
+on p. 546 of "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War"): "The work of German diplomacy took the form of giving warnings
+and peaceful explanations." On July 26th she pointed out to the Russian
+Government that "preparatory military measures on Russia's part would
+compel Germany to take corresponding steps, viz., the mobilization of
+the army. Mobilization means war." Oncken does not quote any of the
+"peaceful explanations" (_friedliche Erklärungen_), and much as the
+present writer would like to fill up this gap in his work, he must admit
+his utter inability, because in the diplomatic correspondence he can
+only find exasperating threats, thrown out to Russia by the two Germanic
+Empires.
+
+The whole problem allows of a very simple digest: On July 23rd,
+Austria-Hungary handed her ultimatum to Serbia, therein stating her
+demands, and on the following day informed all the European powers of
+her attitude. The neutral Press of the world and an unusually large
+section of the German Press, immediately pronounced Austria's position
+to be indefensible and untenable. The German Government, in spite of
+these facts, gave its official and unreserved support to Austria's
+attitude on July 26th. After eight weeks of war (on September 25th),
+Austria officially declared that she had never swerved from her original
+claims, nor ever felt any inclination to do so.
+
+It is true that the usages of everyday life do not always hold good in
+diplomatic dealings, but it is instructive to state the case in the
+terms of everyday affairs. Mr. A. (Austria) informs Mr. B. (Serbia) that
+he has a quarrel to settle with him and states his demands. Mr. C.
+(Russia) who is a relation, patron and friend of B.'s, interferes to see
+fair play. Whereupon Mr. D. (Germany), a friend and relation of A.'s,
+informs C. in unmistakable fashion that he must neither speak nor act in
+the affair or he will be immediately thrashed. Messrs. A. and D. are
+unanimous in this view and repeat the threat in mutual form. Meanwhile
+A. attacks B. Mr. C, seeing that they will not accord him a hearing,
+takes steps to compel them to hear him, at which point Mr. D. fulfils
+his threat and falls upon C.
+
+It is not yet clear whether Austria would have permitted Russia to take
+over the rôle of adviser and second to Serbia in her unequal struggle
+with Austria. But from the moment Germany appeared on the scene the
+situation becomes perfectly simple: Russia has absolutely no right
+either to speak or move in the matter. On this rock of immovable
+Germanic obstinacy the Russian ship of State, was intended to meet with
+diplomatic shipwreck. Should Russia attempt to avoid this fate, then the
+German sword could be trusted to arrange matters in the way desired by
+Germany.
+
+The German language contains a very expressive phrase,
+_Stimmungsmacherei_, which means creating or preparing a certain frame
+of mind. How Germany's public opinion was tuned to the war melody is
+seen by a study of the German newspapers published between July 25th and
+August 1st. A great part of the German nation had welcomed Austria's
+expressed determination to compel Serbia "to lick her shoes," as a
+London paper put it at the time. Only the Social Democratic Party
+persisted in asserting that Austria was the provocative and guilty party
+down to the evening of July 28th.
+
+But three days earlier the process of educating public opinion against
+Russia commenced. In fact, it required little tuning to arouse a
+national chorus, which was swelled subsequently by the Social Democratic
+voices, demanding that Russia too must bite the dust.
+
+At the psychological moment the terms of the alliance between Germany
+and Austria were launched in the Press. One paper[8] wrote: "It is
+interesting at the present moment to call to mind how the treaty
+existing between Germany and Austria regulates the question of mutual
+support." Then the various paragraphs are cited, and the article
+concludes: "That is to say: (1.) Assuming Austria attacks Serbia, and
+Russia as a precautionary measure sends troops to the Austrian frontier
+without commencing hostilities against the latter, then Germany is under
+no obligation to intervene. (2.) Assuming that Serbia is the attacking
+party, and Russia gives her support by military measures which threaten
+Austria, then the German Empire must immediately assist the Hapsburg
+monarchy with the whole of her military forces.
+
+[Footnote 8: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July 27th.]
+
+"Hence it all depends upon who attacks; the interpretation of 'attack,'
+however, is debatable both in politics and international law. Again and
+again it has been asserted that that Power which declares war is not the
+attacker, but the one which makes a continuance of peaceful relations
+impossible."
+
+Innumerable notices of Russia's alleged mobilization appeared and,
+probably with a view to encouraging Germans to stand fast, ghastly
+pictures of the weakness and unpreparedness of the Russian army, in a
+word Russian rottenness and corruption. Persistent rumours of
+revolutions in Russia were current.
+
+A Vienna telegram published in Berlin[9] informed the German public
+that: "News received from Warsaw deny the rumours that a revolution has
+broken out in Russian-Poland, but it is true that yesterday the entire
+citadel in Warsaw was blown up. Official Russian reports endeavour to
+prove that the explosion was caused by lightning. The extent of the
+damage is not yet known, but in any case it amounts to hundreds of
+thousands of roubles. It is also not certain whether any or how many
+lives were lost."
+
+[Footnote 9: _Vossische Zeitung_, July 29th.]
+
+A few days later the German official organ _Norddeutsche Allgemeine
+Zeitung_ and the semi-official _Kölnische Zeitung_ published the
+following report of the explosion. "According to the statement of the
+Governor of Warsaw it was caused by revolutionaries. No proof of this
+was forthcoming, therefore it was ascribed to lightning, and as nobody
+believed this explanation--there was not a cloud on the sky at the
+time--the guilt remained finally with the revolutionaries.
+
+"Now it has been proved, not to the satisfaction of the Russian
+authorities of course, that Russian officers of high rank blew the
+magazine up, because they would have to supply the troops with
+ammunition after the mobilization--and the ammunition was not there. The
+money for the same had found its way into the officers' pockets."
+
+On July 30th the _Vossische Zeitung_ announced: "To-day even more
+alarming news has been in the air than in the last few days. The _Lokal
+Anzeiger_ stated during the afternoon that an order for the mobilization
+of the army and navy had been signed by the Kaiser. On making inquiries
+in official quarters, we were informed that the 'news' is false. At
+three o'clock Wolff's Bureau issued an official _dementi_: 'We have
+received an official statement to the effect that the news published in
+an extra edition of the _Berliner Lokal Anzeiger_ that the Kaiser had
+ordered the general mobilization is untrue.' Great excitement was caused
+by the _Lokal Anzeiger's_ announcement, and the public visibly
+disquieted."
+
+The above report refers, of course, to incidents which happened on the
+preceding day. The 30th of July was marked by the suppression of three
+Berlin papers, including the _Berliner Neuester Nachrichten_, for
+divulging the fact that the 1st, 5th and 17th Army Corps had been
+mobilized. An account of this _faux pas_ appeared on July 31st in the
+_Kreuz Zeitung_ and concluded, after denying the truth of the
+mobilization, with the following paragraph: "If bodies of troops have
+been moved to various points of our Eastern frontier, then it only means
+the so-called frontier protection (_Grenzschutz_), which has been made
+necessary by our Eastern neighbour strengthening his customary frontier
+guards by troops of the line. Frontier protection is not generally
+intended to prevent a serious attack, but means rather a kind of police
+action."
+
+Two other passages will suffice to illuminate the mobilization question.
+"Yesterday Russia gave official notification in Vienna and Berlin of
+mobilization against Austria. Is it to be wondered at that a feeling of
+disquietude is spreading throughout all classes of the nation. By delay
+on our side, valuable military advantages may be lost if the people once
+suspect that there is an absence of that firmness and joy of
+responsibility (_Verantwortungsfreudigkeit_) which marked the action of
+the Austrian Government and was hailed with jubilation by the German
+nation.
+
+"_Summa summarum_: The German Government has taken honest pains during
+the last week in showing its peace-loving disposition and in seeking a
+peaceful solution to the crisis. Nevertheless the political situation on
+all sides and in every respect, has become worse from day to day through
+the fault and according to the intention of the Triple Entente."[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: _Kreuz Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+"The others are mobilizing. We--issue denials. We deny everything which
+might mean mobilization or look like preparation for that step. It is
+done for the sake of 'peace,' so that Russia, who is gathering her
+national strength together in masses, may not be offended. Are we being
+led? We look to the Kaiser. The Peace Societies and some of Germany's
+enemies are looking to him.
+
+"Can we remain indifferent in our hour of dread need, when the gleaming
+promise of a bright future appears in the distance, if the inability to
+resolve and dare has made Berlin its headquarters. All efforts are for
+'peace' with honour. But in politics one must be able to recognize when
+it is impossible to continue at peace; when peace is at the cost of our
+friends, our own security, and the future of European peace. In view of
+this one must be able to act."[11]
+
+[Footnote 11: _Deutsche Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+The internal tactics of the German Government had been successful all
+along the line. Insignificant Serbia had dropped out of the reckoning.
+Russia must be humbled. The German nation, believing itself entirely
+peaceful, and convinced that its leaders had done everything possible
+for peace, now demanded in no unmistakable voice--action! mobilization!
+war!
+
+Announcements of mobilization on all sides (Switzerland, Holland,
+Belgium) doubtless added to the popular belief that Germany desired
+above all things--peace. Still, in spite of the warlike spirit of the
+nation and the burning desire to settle off Russia once and for all,
+there was an undercurrent of overstrained nervousness. A Dresden paper
+of July 30th relates that between the hours of two and four on the
+preceding afternoon a Berlin newspaper had been asked thirty-seven
+different questions on the telephone relating to rumours of
+assassinations, mobilization, etc.
+
+The process of inspiring national confidence, however, had by no means
+suffered through neglect. France was represented as being unprepared
+and, together with England, desiring only peace. As early as July 27th
+in the _Tägliche Rundschau_ the public had been told that Italy, had
+officially declared herself ready and willing to stand by the Central
+Powers as an ally.
+
+Even Japan was used to stiffen Teutonic courage. The _Deutscher Kurier_
+told its readers in a telegram from New York (?) that Americans fully
+expected Japan to attack Russia in the back and Japanese ministers were
+holding conferences all day and night. According to the _Weser Zeitung_,
+August 1st, Japan was arming for war, while the _München-Augsburger
+Zeitung_ published details of an alliance concluded between Austria and
+Japan in Vienna on the afternoon of July 30th. According to this source
+Japan had pledged herself to support Austria in case the latter was
+attacked by Russia, while Austria declared her absolute
+disinterestedness in the Far East. On August 1st the _Berliner
+Tageblatt_ repeated this legend; but advised its readers to exercise
+reserve in accepting it.
+
+"During the evening (August 2nd) the news spread in the streets of
+Berlin that Japan was mobilizing and had already declared war on Russia.
+Huge crowds flocked to the Japanese Embassy and spent hours in cheering
+Japan, Germany, and the Triple Alliance."[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: _Der Montag_, August 3rd.]
+
+Meanwhile Russia, having failed to get her simple rights recognized and
+knowing that Germany had made extensive military preparations, decided
+on July 31st to mobilize her entire forces. The German Ambassador
+immediately informed his Government of this step, and the Kaiser placed
+Germany under martial law. On the same day the Emperor proceeded from
+Potsdam to the Imperial Palace in Berlin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE DOGS LET LOOSE
+
+
+"Just after three o'clock a company, at war strength, from the
+'Alexander' regiment marched under the command of a young lieutenant,
+down Unter den Linden. Drums were beaten; a huge crowd listened in
+solemn silence as the lieutenant read the articles placing the German
+Empire under martial law. The crowd was fully alive to the awful
+sternness of this historic moment.
+
+"After the proclamation was ended a deep silence ensued, then a loud
+voice cried: 'The Kaiser! Hurrah!' Three times the shout rang to the
+heavens. 'The German army! Hurrah!' Once more the caps were swung three
+times. The boy-like lieutenant, with head erect, sword in hand,
+commands: 'Attention! Slope arms!' The regular beat of marching men
+follows as they proceed in the direction of the Imperial Residence.
+Berlin is under martial law!"[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: _Deutscher Kurier_, July 31st.]
+
+"During the afternoon enormous masses of people collected in the streets
+and open spaces of Berlin. Unter den Linden, in expectation of the
+Kaiser's return, was overfilled with excited, waiting throngs. Just
+before a quarter to four a great movement was seen from the direction of
+the Brandenburger Tor, which spread like a wave along the street.
+Everybody rushed on to the road, and the police were pushed aside. Then
+the suppressed excitement of the last few days gave vent to a hurricane
+of hurrahs as the populace greeted their monarch. The Emperor was
+wearing the uniform of the _Garde-Kürassiere_; beside him sat the
+Empress. His countenance was overshadowed by deep gravity as he returned
+the welcome of his subjects. At a quarter to four the Kaiser was in the
+royal castle, and immediately the Imperial Standard was fluttering
+aloft."[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: _Vossische Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+The next twenty-four hours are so full of fateful events that they seem
+one big blur on the memory. Although everyone was convinced that an
+appeal to the sword was inevitable, there was still a tense feeling of
+dread expectation hanging like a cloud over the land. During the whole
+of that long night the author was an observer from an overcrowded train
+which left Nuremberg at 9 p.m. and rumbled dismally into Cologne the
+next morning at ten o'clock. Every station, great and small, was crowded
+with anxious, expectant crowds; the smaller stations full of spectators
+and relatives bidding farewell to departing soldiers, and the greater
+ones crowded with fleeing tourists.
+
+On the platforms at Frankfort and Cologne many tons of luggage were
+stacked in huge piles. It would be interesting to know what became of
+them.[15] Few Germans could have slept that night; the anxiety was too
+great. The whole railway line was guarded by patrols, many of whom were
+in civilian attire. Here and there a "field-grey" uniform was visible.
+On many stations armed guards awaited the arrival of reservists and gave
+them conduct to the barracks.
+
+[Footnote 15: The _Königsberger Hartungsche Zeitung_ contained a
+paragraph on August 7th to the effect that 120,000 trunks and
+portmanteaux had been collected on Berlin stations alone.]
+
+The Kaiser spoke words of cheer from a window of the royal palace on
+Friday evening, after which the restless crowd thronged to the official
+residence of the Chancellor to receive as a watchword the words which
+Prince Friedrich Karl had spoken on a memorable occasion to his
+Brandenburger troops: "Let your hearts beat to God, and your blows on
+the enemy."
+
+An ultimatum was despatched to St. Petersburg and presented at midnight
+to the Russian Government. The latter was requested to cancel all
+mobilization orders within twelve hours, or war would ensue.
+Simultaneously the French Government was asked what its attitude would
+be in case of a Russo-German war. In these measures it is safe to
+conclude that the German nation was heart and soul behind the
+Government, otherwise the tremendous outbreak of national enthusiasm
+throughout the length and breadth of the land would be entirely
+inexplicable.
+
+Throughout the day the nation awaited, under tense strain, an answer
+from Russia. "At five o'clock the excitement of the masses in Unter den
+Linden had increased to a degree almost beyond endurance. The crowd
+surged from side to side when a court carriage or an officer drove by in
+a motor-car. Everyone felt that the fateful decision might fall at any
+minute, when the German nation would know its fate.
+
+"Suddenly motor-cars full of officers appeared from the gates of the
+royal residence. They shouted to the excited crowd that the general
+mobilization had been ordered. One officer waved his drawn sword,
+another his handkerchief, while others stood up and waved their caps.
+Then an indescribable scene of jubilation followed; the parole
+'mobilization' was passed on by the police, and in less time than it
+takes to write, the hundreds of thousands of human beings surging to and
+fro between the monument to 'Old Fritz' and the Lustgarten, knew that
+Germany would now speak with her sword."[16]
+
+[Footnote 16: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 2nd.]
+
+"Our hour of destiny has struck! Germany, the strongest and most
+peaceful nation on earth, appeals to the sword. The last call which we
+sent across the Eastern frontier has remained unanswered. The enemy is
+mute. Now Germany speaks!
+
+"The Kaiser calls the Empire to arms! Our King will lead Bavaria's
+armies to him. The nation is ready, armed to the teeth. Challenged by a
+dishonest opponent who envies us the fruit of our peaceful toil, the
+hands of German men leave their work and grasp the sword. Our enemy
+shall learn to his terrible cost, what it means to summon a nation in
+arms to the battlefield. The German army goes out to fight for our
+country, in a cause which is more stainless and pure than the light of
+the sun. The disgraceful Muscovite conspiracy, creeping in the footsteps
+of Serbian murderers, believes the moment has arrived in which they will
+be able to fall upon, overthrow and plunder us; Russia desires to kindle
+a world war.
+
+"We believe that he will not succeed; but should it thus fall out, we
+Germans will defend not only our land and ourselves; but, in this war
+which has been forced upon us in the basest manner possible, we shall
+defend the civilization of the world, the culture of the earth, against
+debased 'unculture' and the spreading roots of decay. This is a lofty
+and tremendous task. If we are victorious, as we confidently trust, then
+the ever-increasing number of civilized peoples honestly toiling in the
+blessings of peace, will thank us for centuries to come.
+
+"Brothers! Sisters! such an hour has come that the history of the world
+has never witnessed before. In the struggle which now begins--a deadly
+grapple frivolously conjured up by Russia's monarch--the whole earth
+will groan. The German people, however, will prove that it is worthy to
+retain and develop its leading place in the intellectual and cultural
+progress of the world. Our enemy envies us this position because in his
+land, stupidity and confusion reign supreme; his own uncivilization and
+barbarism cannot be rooted out.
+
+"We will prevent him from throwing Europe back to the conditions in
+which he and his likes dwell. May God grant that the civilized peoples
+of Europe may have true understanding for this historic hour, just as
+their heroic ancestors understood the danger when they hurled themselves
+against the invasions of the Mongols.
+
+"First of all the German nation will march against the armies of the
+East, and, hand in hand with our ally, we hope will so grip the enemy
+that he will lose all desire ever to attack us again."[17]
+
+[Footnote 17: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 2nd.]
+
+The last lines of this perfervid article, give an instructive clue. A
+mere quibble had arisen between the Central Powers and Russia. The
+former immediately adopted an arrogant, even threatening, attitude which
+thoughtful Germans condemned. Russia's willingness to submit the
+question to an arbitration conference consisting of four neutral
+ambassadors seems only to have intensified Teutonic lust to humiliate
+the opponent. In any case, it is interesting to note that between July
+24th and 31st the whole German nation had been converted to the
+uncompromising attitude of the Government.
+
+Further, it is evident that the German people believed they were about
+to march against Russia. The very last remark which I heard from German
+lips as we entered the train to leave Erlangen on July 31st was: "Jetzt
+werden die Russen abgeklöpft." ("Now the Russians will get a
+whacking.")[18]
+
+[Footnote 18: We left Erlangen at 3.30 p.m. Martial law had been
+proclaimed some time previous to that. But the proclamation in Berlin
+occurred at 3.30 p.m. on the same day. The _Berliner Abendblatt_
+published on the same evening states that the Kaiser had been waiting
+and hoping for a peaceful answer from Russia. The Bavarian authorities
+could not have taken so serious a step without an order from the Highest
+War Lord, which leads to the conclusion that it was a device to get
+military preparation well under way.]
+
+The Berlin cabinet mobilized Germany's armed strength, as they alleged,
+against Russia, and the Government succeeded in arousing and enlisting
+national enthusiasm against the Eastern neighbour. Yet when the time
+came to strike, Germany's might was hurled against neutral Belgium and
+unwilling France, while Russia was left free to overrun the Eastern part
+of Germany. The blood-guilt rests in the first place with the Kaiser and
+his Government, and in the second place (although in no less a degree)
+with the German people, because they condoned the crime and acquiesced
+in the duplicity.
+
+While the war fury seethed through the nation the cry echoed on all
+sides: "We want peace! We have worked for a peaceful solution!" Yet a
+study of the workings of the national mind as revealed in the German
+Press, and of diplomatic doings as shown in the German White Book,
+affords not a single instance--excepting the Socialists'
+demonstrations--of any tangible, concrete effort made either by the
+German people or its representative diplomacy to avoid a catastrophe. On
+the other hand it must be said that the latter (German diplomacy)
+deliberately baulked the only practical proposal (Sir Edward Grey's)
+which could have brought about a solution. The German nation _did_
+desire peace, but only on the condition that their opponents granted
+Germany and Austria's arrogant claims down to the smallest tittle.
+
+Exactly at six minutes to one (midday) on August 1st, a telegram left
+Berlin instructing the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg to declare
+war on Russia at 5 p.m. if the latter State had not given a satisfactory
+answer to Germany's ultimatum by that time. Count Pourtalès performed
+this duty, and therewith the sands of fate ran out.
+
+On the previous day summonses had been issued calling a meeting of the
+Reichstag for Tuesday, August 4th. The opening ceremony took place at 1
+p.m. and all the political parties were present, except the Social
+Democrats, who, according to their traditions, did not appear, and thus
+escaped the famous hand-shaking scene. The Kaiser and two of his sons
+appeared in field-grey uniform. His theatrical appeal for the leaders of
+each party to swear fidelity to the national cause by shaking hands with
+him, as well as his saying that "Now there are only Germans," may have
+been spontaneous; but it is far more probable that they were meant to be
+a diplomatic appeal to the sentimental vanity of the German nation.
+
+It would be superfluous to deal with the speech from the throne in this
+place, but at the close of the ceremony an incident occurred which
+deserves mention. "After taking leave of the Reichstag's representatives
+the Kaiser stretched out his hand to the famous professor of
+jurisprudence in Strasbourg University, Dr. van Calker. The Kaiser
+looked steadily at Professor van Calker for a moment, then, after the
+handshake, clenched his fist and struck downwards uttering these words:
+'Nun aber wollen wir sie dreschen!'[19] ('Now we will jolly well thrash
+them!'); nodded to the professor and walked away."[20]
+
+[Footnote 19: This utterance has since become a common theme for
+composition exercises in German schools.]
+
+[Footnote 20: _Tägliche Rundschau_, August 5th.]
+
+The sitting in the Reichstag was a solemn event. On that occasion the
+Chancellor expressed himself at length in defining Germany's position.
+
+"A tremendous fate has fallen upon Europe. While we have endeavoured to
+maintain the prestige of the German Empire in the eyes of the world, we
+have lived for forty-four years in peace and protected European peace.
+In this work of peace we have become strong and mighty--therefore we are
+envied. We have suffered with long-enduring patience; while in the East
+and West, under the excuse that Germany is lusting for war, hatred for
+us has been nourished and fetters wrought where-with to bind us. The
+wind which blows there has now become a storm.
+
+"We desired nothing but to live on in peaceful toil, content with an
+unspoken oath that was echoed from the Emperor down to the youngest
+recruit. Our sword shall only leap from its sheath in defence of a just
+cause. (Loud applause.) The day on which we must draw it, has dawned
+against our will and contrary to our honest endeavours. Russia has set a
+burning torch to the house of peace. (Loud cries of 'Quite true.') We
+stand to-day in a forced war with Russia and France.
+
+"Gentlemen, a number of documents, collected in the haste caused by
+these overwhelming events, have been laid before you. Permit me to
+emphasize the facts which characterize our attitude.
+
+"From the moment that the Austrian conflict broke out we have striven
+and worked to limit the quarrel to Austria-Hungary and Serbia. All the
+cabinets, in particular England, accept this view; only Russia has
+declared that in the settlement of this conflict, she must be allowed to
+express her wishes. Therewith the danger of European complications
+raised its threatening countenance.
+
+"As soon as the first certain news of Russian military preparations
+reached us, we caused it to be made known in St. Petersburg, in a
+friendly but unmistakable manner, that warlike measures and military
+preparations would compel us also to take corresponding steps. But
+mobilization is next to war. Russia assured us in a friendly tone (cries
+of indignation) that she was making no military preparations against us.
+
+"Meanwhile England tried to mediate between Vienna and St. Petersburg
+and was warmly supported by us. On July 28th the Kaiser telegraphed to
+the Czar begging him to remember that it was Austria-Hungary's right and
+duty to stop the Greater-Serbian agitation, as this threatened to
+undermine Austria's existence. (Cries of indignation.) The Kaiser
+pointed out to the Czar the gulf between monarchical interests and the
+outrage at Serajewo; he begged him to give his personal support to the
+Kaiser's endeavour to smooth out the antithesis between Vienna and St.
+Petersburg.
+
+"Just before this telegram came into the Czar's hands, the Czar, on his
+side, begged the Kaiser for his help: the Kaiser should advise Vienna to
+be more moderate. The Kaiser undertook the task of mediator, but the
+action ordered by him was hardly in motion, when Russia began to
+mobilize all her forces against Austria-Hungary. (Excited shouts of
+indignation and disgust.) But Austria had only mobilized certain army
+corps against Serbia, besides which she had only two corps, and these
+were far from the Russian frontier.
+
+"At this juncture the Kaiser informed the Czar that the mobilization of
+his armies against Austria would increase the difficulties of mediation,
+a task which he had undertaken at the Czar's express wish, and perhaps
+render it impossible. Nevertheless, we continued our mediatory action in
+Berlin, and indeed in a form which went to the limits permitted by our
+alliance. (Great excitement.) During this time Russia renewed her
+assurances that she was taking no military measures against us.
+
+"We come to July 3ist. In Vienna a decision was to be arrived at on that
+day. By our representations we had already brought it about that Vienna,
+which for a time was not in direct communication with St. Petersburg,
+had commenced direct discussion again. But before Vienna could come to a
+final decision, the news came that Russia was mobilizing--_i.e._,
+against us too--her whole forces. (Cries of indignation.) The Russian
+Government, although fully aware from our repeated representations what
+a mobilization on our frontiers means, did not notify this step to us,
+and gave us no explanations concerning it.
+
+"As late as the afternoon of July 31st a telegram came from the Czar to
+the Kaiser in which the former pledged himself that his army should take
+up no provocative attitude against us. (Great excitement.) But the
+hostile mobilization on the Russian frontier was in full swing during
+the night July 30th-31st. While we were mediating in Berlin the Russian
+armies appeared on our long and almost entirely open frontier. France
+was not yet mobilizing, but, as she admits, was already taking
+precautionary measures.
+
+"And we? Up till then we had not--the Imperial Chancellor spoke with
+great emotion and repeatedly struck the table while uttering these
+words--called up a single reservist, out of a loving regard for the
+peace of Europe. (Loud cries of 'Bravo!') Were we then to wait on in
+patience till the Powers between which we are wedged should choose their
+moment to strike? (A hurricane of voices, 'No!') To expose Germany to
+this danger would be a crime. (Stormy, general and long continued cries
+of 'Quite true!' and 'Bravo!' in which the Social Democrats joined too.)
+
+"Therefore on July 31st we requested Russia to demobilize as the only
+measure which could save the European peace. (Loud applause.) The
+Imperial Ambassador in St. Petersburg further received instructions to
+inform the Russian Government, that in case our demand was rejected, we
+should consider ourselves in a state of war with Russia. The Imperial
+Ambassador has carried out these instructions.
+
+"What answer Russia accorded to our demand for demobilization we do not
+know even to-day. Telegraphic announcements on this point have not
+reached us, although matters of far less importance have been sent over
+the wires. Hence, long after the expiration of the stated time, the
+Kaiser saw himself compelled to mobilize our forces at 5 o'clock on
+August 1st.
+
+"Simultaneously, it was necessary for us to inquire regarding France's
+attitude. In answer to our definite question whether, in case of a
+Russo-German war, France would remain neutral, the French Government has
+replied that they will act as their interests dictate. (Laughter.) This
+was at least an evasion, if not a negative answer to our question.
+
+"In spite of this, the Kaiser ordered that the French frontier should be
+respected. This order was strictly obeyed with one single exception.
+France, who mobilized at the same time as ourselves, declared that she
+would respect a ten-kilometre zone along her frontiers. (Cries of
+indignation.) And what happened in reality? Their airmen have thrown
+bombs, cavalry patrols have violated our territory, and companies have
+broken into Alsace-Lorraine. (Indignation.) Therewith, France, although
+war has not yet been declared, has attacked our territories.
+
+"As regards the single exception which I have referred, I have received
+the following report from the Chief of the General Staff: In respect to
+French complaints of violations of her frontiers, only one case is
+admitted. Against express orders an officer with a patrol from the 14th
+Army Corps crossed the French frontier on August 2nd. Apparently they
+were shot down; only one man has returned. But long before this single
+instance occurred, French airmen had penetrated into Southern Germany
+and dropped bombs, and French troops had attacked our
+frontier-protection-troops in the Schlucht Pass. Up till now our
+soldiers have confined themselves entirely to protecting the frontier.
+
+"So far the report from the Chief of the General Staff.
+
+"We are now in a position of self-defence, and necessity knows no
+law![21] (Cries of 'Quite right!') Our troops have occupied Luxembourg,
+perhaps they have already entered Belgium. (Loud applause.) That is a
+breach of international law. The French Government, it is true, had
+declared in Brussels that they would respect Belgian neutrality so long
+as their opponent respected it. But we knew that France stood ready to
+invade it. (Cries of indignation.)
+
+[Footnote 21: This sentence seems so important that I give the original:
+"Wir sind jetzt in der Notwehr, und Not kennt kein Gebot!"]
+
+"France could wait, we could not; and a French attack in our flank on
+the Lower Rhine might have been disastrous for us. Thus we were
+compelled to ignore the protests of the Luxembourg and Belgian
+Governments.
+
+"The injustice which we commit thereby, we shall try to make good again
+as soon as our military goal is attained. Anyone who fights for the
+highest, as we do now, may only think of how he may hack his way
+through. (Hurricanes of applause; long continued hand-clapping in the
+whole house and on the tribune.)
+
+"Gentlemen, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Austria-Hungary.
+Concerning England's attitude, the declaration made by Sir Edward Grey
+in the House of Commons yesterday has made the standpoint which the
+English Government takes up quite clear.
+
+"We have declared to the English Government that as long as England
+remains neutral, our fleet shall not attack the North Coast of France.
+Further, that we shall not disturb the integrity and independence of
+Belgium. I repeat this declaration before the whole world and I may add
+that if England will remain neutral, we are prepared--assuming mutual
+treatment--to undertake no hostile operations against France's
+commercial marine. (Applause.)
+
+"Gentlemen, so much for events up till now! I repeat the words of the
+Kaiser: 'We enter the struggle with a clear conscience!' (Great
+enthusiasm.) We are fighting for the fruits of our labours in peace, for
+the heritage of a great past, and for our future. The fifty years are
+not yet ended within which Moltke said we should stand at arms to defend
+the heritage and the achievements of 1870. The hour of great trial has
+struck for our nation. But we look forward to it with absolute
+confidence. (Tremendous applause.)
+
+"Our army is in the field, our fleet is ready, and behind them the
+entire German nation (roars of never-ending applause and hand-clapping
+in the whole house)--the whole German nation! (These words were
+accompanied by a gesture towards the Social Democrats.--Renewed outburst
+of applause, in which the Social Democrats also joined.)
+
+"Gentlemen, you know your duty in its entirety. The vote of credit
+requires no further argument, I beg you to pass it quickly. (Loud
+applause.)"[22]
+
+[Footnote 22: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 5th.]
+
+Unfortunately this eloquent exposition of Germany's case contains
+inaccuracies which can only be described as conscious untruths. I have
+already made myself responsible for the statement: "Lying has always
+been the foundation stone of German policy."[23] Earl Cromer, in
+commenting on this, gives additional evidence of its veracity.[24]
+
+[Footnote 23: "Soul of Germany," p. 192.]
+
+[Footnote 24: _The Spectator_, August 7th, 1915, p. 169.]
+
+The German Chancellor, when he justified his policy by the dictum:
+"Necessity knows no law," evidently meant that necessity also recognizes
+no law of truth. In any case, he remained faithful to the traditions of
+his country. Although the German Press is both venal and supine, we
+shall see that it has done the world a service and played its own
+Government a foul trick. (Der deutschen Regierung einen bösen Streich
+gespielt.)
+
+When Bethmann-Hollweg was thumping the table before him, and assuring
+his immediate hearers and the world in general that the Berlin cabinet
+had not called up a single reservist before five o'clock on Saturday,
+August 1st, he was guilty of a deliberate falsehood. On July 31st, I
+left Erlangen by the 3.31 train for Nuremberg; travelling in the same
+train was Dr. Haack, professor of the history of art in Erlangen
+University. He was accompanied by his wife and various colleagues,
+including Professor Busch, who bade him farewell on the platform. Dr.
+Haack is an artillery reserve officer, and he was then going to join his
+regiment. At 8.30 p.m. on the same day, we spoke to Frau Haack on
+Nuremberg station. The lady's face was very tear-stained and she was
+about to return to Erlangen alone. She told us in a broken voice that
+her husband had been called up.
+
+In "The Soul of Germany" I have given names and dates of other cases. I
+do not propose to disgrace my word of honour by playing it off against
+the German Chancellor. But acting on the principle of "Set a thief to
+catch a thief," I shall adduce some instances from German newspapers.
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Kölnische Zeitung_ travelled home via
+Brussels; his adventures are related at length in the _K.Z._ for August
+4th. On August 1st he was in Brussels and complained bitterly, in his
+article, about the hotel service, and excuses it by writing: "The German
+waiters had all left Brussels the day before (July 31st) to join the
+army."
+
+An article dated Strasbourg, August 3rd, was published in the
+_Frankfurter Zeitung_ on the 6th of the same month. The writer describes
+the martial scenes which he had witnessed during the preceding week, and
+mentions that the officers in the garrison had received a special order
+to send their wives and children away from the city several days before
+martial law was proclaimed. Friday, presumably, the order came for the
+garrison to march to the French frontier, for on Saturday the regiments
+were entrained and left Strasbourg. Our good German friend describes the
+scene in the streets: "Alongside the ranks were the wives and children
+of the called-up reservists, trying to keep step with the quickly moving
+troops. Before sunset the regiments, all on a war-footing, had left the
+city."
+
+Every layman knows that a reservist cannot enter a barracks in civilian
+attire, and emerge five minutes later in full war-kit ready for the
+march. The German Imperial Chancellor affirms that not one of them had
+been called up before five o'clock in the afternoon of that day. It is
+true that neither the age of miracles nor the age of lies has passed
+away. Perhaps Herr Bethmann-Hollweg could explain why it was impossible
+to send trunk-messages on Germany's telephone system during the last
+three days of July, 1914. At least, the local papers in Bavaria asserted
+that that was the case.
+
+The _Elbinger Zeitung_, August 13th, contained a reservist's letter with
+this illuminating passage: "During the last few days everybody was in
+readiness; our linen, etc., had been packed and sent off in advance. On
+Friday, July 31st, the order arrived that I should present myself;
+mobilization had begun. With feelings of joy I changed into my uniform
+and rushed to join my company. The streets were full of frightened
+people with tears in their eyes. We officers pressed each others' hands
+and with ardent glances exclaimed: 'At last it has come!'"
+
+The Chancellor based his assertion that French troops had crossed the
+German frontier, on the report from the Chief of the General Staff. This
+authority admitted that German soldiers on August 2nd (Sunday) had
+violated the French frontier and continues with these words: "But long
+before that French airmen had dropped bombs in Southern Germany, and
+French soldiers had attacked our frontier-guards in the Schlucht Pass."
+
+The _Frankfurter Zeitung_, July 31st, gives Bethmann-Hollweg and the
+Chief of the General Staff the lie direct. The paragraph is dated July
+30th, Kolmar, and runs: "The Schlucht Pass has just been barricaded by
+German frontier guards. This is to prevent motor-lorries and such-like
+vehicles from entering French territory without our permission. Several
+papers have announced the alleged occupation of the Schlucht (gorge) by
+French troops. The report is an absolute invention. (Die Meldung ist
+völlig aus der Luft gegriffen.) I have taken the trouble to look round,
+and may say that the usual tourist traffic is going on as usual."
+
+The remainder of the charge is that "long before August 2nd," French
+airmen had dropped bombs on South German towns. The towns in question
+are Frankfort and Nuremberg. The _Kölnische Zeitung_ contained this
+paragraph on August 2nd: "A military report has just come in, stating
+that French airmen dropped bombs in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg this
+morning. As war has not yet been declared between France and Germany,
+this is a breach of international law."
+
+Two remarks are necessary to supplement the above "news." Firstly, in
+the Reichstag, the Chancellor said this attack had occurred "long before
+August 2nd." Secondly, the _Cologne Gazette_ received the report from
+the _military authorities_. That betrays the source from which all these
+lies emanated.
+
+The author has in his possession a Nuremberg paper (_Fränkische
+Tagepost_) for the whole of August, 1914. It contains absolutely no
+mention of any air raid on or near Nuremberg. If bombs had been dropped
+in the vicinity, it is quite unthinkable that the local papers should
+contain no report of the affair.
+
+President Poincaré, on July 15th, 1915, declared the Nuremberg flight to
+be a fable. The _Fränkischer Kurier_ (a Nuremberg newspaper) on August
+1st, 1915, contains an article which states that the news of these
+alleged airmen, whom nobody saw, was spread throughout the length and
+breadth of the German Empire. This same paper ridicules the whole
+affair.
+
+Another extract gives the key to the whole mystery. "Yesterday (Monday,
+August 3rd), at 8 p.m., the following official announcement was given
+out for publication.
+
+"Up till now, the German troops, in obedience to orders given, have not
+crossed the French frontier. In contrast to this _since_ yesterday
+(August 2nd) French troops have attacked our frontier posts without any
+declaration of war. They have crossed the German frontier at several
+points, although only a few days ago the French Government assured us
+that they would keep a zone ten kilometres wide free from their troops.
+_Since_ last night French troops hold German places in occupation.
+_Since_ yesterday bomb-dropping airmen have come into Baden and Bavaria;
+further, by violating Belgian neutrality, they have fled over Belgian
+territory into the Rhine province and tried to destroy our railways.
+Thus France has begun an attack upon us, and thereby created a state of
+war. The safety of the Empire compels us to take defensive measures. The
+Kaiser has given the necessary orders. The German Ambassador in Paris
+has been instructed to demand his passports."[25]
+
+[Footnote 25: From the _Berliner Lokal Anzeiger_ of August 4th.]
+
+Germany had no earthly excuse to begin war on France, and imitating the
+noble example of Bismarck in forging the notorious Ems telegram which
+precipitated the 1870 war, the German military authorities forged the
+"news" of alleged attacks by French airmen and French troops. The German
+Official Press Bureau completed this vile, criminal work.
+
+Although the point is proved, a few more examples of the "airmen" legend
+will be of interest. "Berlin, August 2nd. _Last night_ a hostile airship
+was observed flying from Kerprich to Andernach. Hostile aeroplanes were
+observed flying from Düren to Cologne. A French aeroplane was shot down
+by Wesel." (From the _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 3rd.)
+
+The _Frankfurter Zeitung_, August 4th, contains three separate detailed
+accounts of French airmen dropping bombs on Frankfort railway station
+during the previous night. The third account will suffice.
+
+"The military authorities in Frankfort were informed last night that a
+hostile airman was flying in the direction from Darmstadt to Frankfort.
+At ten minutes past one the noise of the propellers as well as bursting
+bombs was heard by those standing on the command-bridge of the Central
+Station. In the dark night it was impossible to see the flying-machine.
+As it approached the station, where all lights were out, fifty to sixty
+soldiers stationed on the command-bridge fired at the aeroplane, which
+soon moved off in the direction of the Southern Station. There, too, it
+came under a heavy fire from soldiers and policemen. Nothing whatever
+has been found on the ground or at the station, not even parts of the
+bombs. It is assumed that the hand-bombs exploded in the air."[26]
+
+[Footnote 26: Yes, they burst in the air, _aus der sie gegriffen worden
+sind!_ Author.]
+
+In peace times no German editor would dare to refuse any contribution
+sent to him by the military authorities. The above airman-story
+sufficiently illustrates the state of affairs in war time.
+
+"Chemnitz, August 4th. During the past night, between 3 and 4 a.m., a
+French airman dropped bombs on Chemnitz. Bombs exploded in the streets
+without, however, doing any damage. Apparently the shots fired at the
+aeroplane were unfortunately without result." _Magdeburgische Zeitung_,
+August 5th.
+
+This is an excellent example of how the Press trick is worked. A lying
+report is published in a city hundreds of miles away from the scene of
+the alleged occurrence. The extract where it was alleged that a French
+airman was shot down at Wesel, on the Dutch frontier, was published in a
+Munich paper, four hundred miles away.
+
+The last and supreme lie in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech is the most
+insidious of all. The Chancellor sketched a truly moving picture of
+Germany beseeching Austria to find a _modus vivendi_ between herself and
+Russia. Germany claims that up to the last minute of the last fatal week
+she was working for peace. Bethmann-Hollweg insinuates that on July 31st
+a last decision was to have fallen in Vienna; he does not tell us what
+that decision would have been, but he maintains that Russia's military
+preparations forestalled it and so the decision was never arrived at.
+Thus Russia destroyed the last hope of peace; the Chancellor falsely led
+his hearers to believe that it was a certain hope and that the European
+peace would have been saved.
+
+It is useless to choose one's words in writing of German diplomacy. This
+is a base lie. Austria arrived at her decision previous to sending her
+ultimatum to Serbia. This momentous decision was, that Russia had no
+right to intervene in the quarrel, which means, in other words, that
+Russia had absolutely no right to speak or use her influence in a crisis
+affecting the destiny of the Slavonic peoples, neither had Russia any
+right to move in a crisis which would disturb the balance of power in
+the Balkans and in Europe. It was merely these rights which Russia
+throughout the crisis endeavoured to establish; if they had been
+recognized there would have been no war.
+
+In order to prove what the Austro-German standpoint was, and that from
+first to last never changed, reference must be made to the Austrian Red
+Book.[27] On page 24: Sir Edward Grey was informed by Count Mensdorf on
+July 24th, "and I (Mensdorf) repeated to him (Grey) many times, that we
+should stick to that view."
+
+[Footnote 27: Oesterreichisch-ungarisches Rotbuch. Vienna, 1915.]
+
+Page 25. Count Czécsen in Paris informed French Minister: "It is a
+question which can only be settled between Serbia and ourselves," on
+July 24th.
+
+On the same day the Austrian Ambassador emphasized the same point in an
+interview with the Russian Foreign Minister--pp. 27-8.
+
+During the evening Monsieur Sasonow had interviews with both the German
+and Austrian Ambassadors. The latter telegraphed to Vienna: "My German
+colleague at once pointed out to M. Sasonow that Austria would not
+accept any interference in her differences with Serbia and that Germany
+would also not permit it."--p. 29.
+
+That gives the situation in its simplest form, and without making
+further quotations, it will suffice to cite the dates on which it was
+re-emphasized:
+
+  July 25th  in St. Petersburg,   p. 89
+    "  27th  "  "       "         p. 101
+    "  28th  " Berlin by Germany, p. 116
+    "   "    " London by Austria, p. 123
+    "  29th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 128
+    "  30th  " Berlin,         "  p. 130
+    "  30th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 131
+    "  31st  " Vienna,         "  p. 133
+  August 1st " St. Petersburg, "  p. 136
+
+Moreover, no less a personage than the Kaiser's brother confirmed this
+view. In Prince Heinrich's telegram to the King of England, July 30th,
+the following passage occurs: "If you really and sincerely wish to
+prevent this terrible misfortune (a European war), may I propose that
+you should exercise your influence on France and Russia to keep them
+both neutral (in the Austro-Serbian quarrel). In my opinion this would
+be of the greatest service. I consider this a certain means and perhaps
+_the only possibility of preserving European peace_."
+
+Prince Heinrich expressed no hope that Austria could be persuaded to
+make any concession, but merely requested King George to exercise his
+influence to get Russia to accept a position impossible to herself and
+incompatible with the balance of power in Europe.
+
+The rock of Germanic obstinacy was seated in Vienna, whether Germany was
+the prime mover in erecting it remains to be proved. Germany knew full
+well that European peace would be shattered on that rock, yet there is
+no fragment of evidence to show that she tried to remove it; but there
+is overwhelming proof that she encouraged Austria to stand by it, thus
+causing a European conflagration.
+
+And as if the above were insufficient to prove that the German Imperial
+Chancellor was guilty of conscious falsification, Austria put one more
+nail in the coffin of European peace on September 24th, 1914, when it
+issued an official communication to the Press, reiterating that Austria
+had never dreamed of departing from the attitude which she first took
+up.[28]
+
+[Footnote 28: "Die Schuld am Weltkriege" ("The Guilt for the World
+War"), by an Austrian. Vienna, 1915, p. 59.]
+
+Germany's aim was to employ the Serajewo crime as a lever to put Russia,
+as a vital force, out of the domain of European politics. In spite of
+denials, there is reason to believe that Austria was inclined to listen
+to reason, but Germany forestalled and prevented this by despatching an
+ultimatum to Russia and then declaring war.
+
+A few other points in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech deserve brief notice. He
+quotes Germany's threats, but not one word from the peaceful overtures
+which were so often mentioned. He fails to cite any single point which
+Austria had yielded at Germany's advice. Further, no proof of Germany's
+vaunted "mediatory action" is discoverable either in the speech or the
+diplomatic documents published by the Central Powers.
+
+In regard to his justification of the violation of Belgian neutrality,
+the civilized world has already passed judgment, and in this place it
+only remains to point out that the four hundred members of the Reichstag
+cheered the Chancellor's announcement. This alone is a sufficiently
+severe comment on the conceptions of right and justice which direct the
+proceedings of Germany's highest legislative body.
+
+It evidently did not occur to the Reichstag or Germany's Imperial
+Chancellor that, if necessity knows no law which respects a neutrality
+guaranteed by Germany, then at a later date necessity would also
+recognize no law which protected Belgian territory after Germany had
+conquered it. A lamb in the jaws of a lion is in a truly dangerous
+position, and although the outlook may be black, it is still wiser for
+the lamb to try and avoid the lion's jaws.
+
+Bethmann-Hollweg saw the mote of Greater-Serbianism in Serbia's eye, but
+he was peculiarly anxious not to perceive the beam of Pan-Germanism
+which has blinded Germany's vision for a generation, and is the one and
+only cause for the rapid increase in European armaments.
+
+Before consigning the German Chancellor's Pecksniffian oration to
+well-deserved oblivion, there is one other fact to state, because it is
+of immediate interest to Great Britain. In the person of
+Bethmann-Hollweg the German Government stood before the world on August
+4th, 1914, and endeavoured to prove that Germany was attacked, and that
+her conscience was clear. There are even Britons who have got stuck in
+Bethmann-Hollweg's peace-lime. Yet it would be interesting if the German
+Government would explain why the civilian population was ordered to
+leave Heligoland on the afternoon of Friday, July 31st. They were
+allowed twenty-four hours within which to leave the island, and one who
+was in the exodus describes the scene in the _Leipziger Neueste
+Nachrichten_ for August 12th. Early on Saturday morning the civilians
+proceeded on to the landing-stage, where several steamers were waiting.
+"Suddenly the _Königin Luise_ started off without taking any passengers
+on board, and soon disappeared under full steam."
+
+This was the boat which laid mines round the mouth of the Thames.
+Although the German Chancellor protested his desire for peace with
+England as late as August 4th, it seems quite evident from the events in
+Heligoland that war with this country had been decided upon on July
+31st.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MOBILIZATION
+
+
+"Munich.--Evening after evening masses of people thronged the streets.
+The heavy, oppressive atmosphere weighed upon the spirit--a leaden
+pressure which increased with every hour. Then came the stirring events
+on the evening of July 3ist, when the drums beat 'general march' on the
+Marienplatz, and a commissioner read the articles of war to a crowd
+numbered by thousands. Thirty drummers and commissioners in motors
+rushed through the streets of the city.
+
+"On Saturday evening, August 1st, the general order for mobilization was
+proclaimed from the offices of the _Münchener Neuesten Nachrichten_. A
+deep solemnity fell upon the masses of spectators and the crowd fell
+into rank to march to the Royal Palace, from a window of which King
+Ludwig spoke words of comfort and inspiration. Still singing the 'Wacht
+am Rhein,' this river of humanity flowed on to the 'Englischen Garten,'
+at the corner of which stands the Austrian Legation. A gentleman
+addressed the representative of our beloved ally, who sounded in his
+reply the note of 'faithfulness unto death.'
+
+"And now from out the stifling depression of the leaden weight of the
+previous days there arose a terrible, united will, a single mighty
+thought. The whole of a great and powerful people was aroused, fired by
+one solemn resolve--to act; advance on the enemy, and smash him to the
+earth!
+
+"Dresden.--I was sitting in the garden of a suburban restaurant; above
+me were the dark masses of chestnut trees, while before us, above the
+railway, was a long strip of bright, summer-night sky. There seemed to
+be something gloomy and uncanny in the air; the lamps blinked
+maliciously; a spirit of still expectation rested on the people; furtive
+glances were cast from time to time at the near embankment. Military
+trains were expected, and we listened nervously to the noises of the
+night. The first troop-transports; where were they going--against Russia
+or to the French frontier? It was whispered that the troops would only
+be transported by night.
+
+"At last a pounding thud came through the stillness of the night, and
+soon two colossal engines were silhouetted against the sky, like
+fire-spitting monsters. Their roar seemed more sinister than usual.
+Heavy forebodings rumbled out in the rocking and rolling of the endless
+coaches--the clang of a future, pregnant with death and pain. Suddenly
+the tables were empty; everyone rushed towards the lighted compartments
+of the train, and a scene of indescribable jubilation followed as train
+after train of armed men rushed by into the night.
+
+"Sometimes a troubled father was heard to exclaim: 'If only the first
+battles were fought and won!' Yet calm confidence prevailed from the
+very beginning. But the sight of the quiet, machine-like completion of
+the mobilization strengthened our trust, even though a justifiable
+indignation and rage filled our hearts at Europe's dastardly attack on
+the Central States. Hate flamed highest, however, when England declared
+war against us.
+
+"There are several reasons for this. In the north of Germany, the
+Englishman is looked upon as the European who stands nearest the German,
+and with whom we have the most sympathy. His personal reliability and
+the manly firmness of his bearing, the culture of English social life,
+English art and style, have given Imperial Germany many points of
+contact and grounds for sympathy. Our historical interests have never
+collided. Then we suddenly became aware that this country, under the
+mask of friendship, had egged on the whole of Europe to attack us. Not
+because we had injured English feelings or interests, but solely to
+destroy a competitor and divide his coat of many colours.
+
+"No political necessity compelled modern Carthage to declare war on us,
+but merely the avowed aim to do a good piece of business by the war.
+Without England's intrigues Europe would never have dared to attack us.
+In our case, therefore, hate has sprung out of disappointed love.
+England has become our mortal enemy, just as Russia is Austria's. In a
+word, the two Central Powers are inspired by moral superiority over
+their enemies, and are determined to wage war on them to the last drop
+of blood, and if fate permits it, to settle them off and settle up with
+them once for all.
+
+"At the commencement of the mobilization the railway time-tables in
+force were cancelled; railway traffic ceased, and only slow local-trains
+ran, stopping at every station to pick up the men. During the nights a
+gigantic transport of troops went on to the frontiers. From that moment
+the sale of alcohol on the stations was prohibited. The publication of
+news concerning troop movements was suppressed, in order to veil our
+objective and to keep secret our strength on the various frontiers.
+
+"The trains in the Tyrol were decked with wreaths and flowers. They bore
+Germans from the most southerly corners of our neutral ally--Italy.
+Members of the _Wehrkraftverein_ (Boy Scouts) inspected the trains at
+every station, and it is said that a Serb was found bound fast
+underneath one of the carriages. Serbian scoundrels were found on all
+sides; if one of them had succeeded in destroying the Brenner line the
+whole plan of mobilization would have been disturbed. Therefore
+sentinels were placed along the whole line and strong guards protected
+every tunnel. At night all lights were put out and those on the engines
+covered up; even the stations were not illuminated--everywhere darkness.
+
+"Slowly feeling its way, the train crept over the Brenner--it took
+twelve hours; in Innsbruck the station was crowded with Germans to
+welcome the warriors, and the ancient hills echoed again and again the
+'Wacht am Rhein.' The solemnity which had marked the first days in
+Munich had given place to boisterous joy. Thousands of men in mountain
+costume had flocked into Munich to offer themselves as volunteers, and
+the streets and station rang with their _jodeln_! (the peculiar cry of
+Alpine herdsmen).
+
+"Outside the station lay vast quantities of materials for the Flying
+Corps, and innumerable motor-cars. A regiment of artillery was just
+leaving, while a band was in the centre of the station; the rhythm of
+the kettle-drums rolled mightily, and the music clashed in the huge
+central hall; thousands of voices joined in, then helmets, hats, caps,
+rifles and swords were waved and the train moved off amid shouts: 'Go
+for them! Cut them down!' ('Drauf auf die Kerle! Haut sie
+zusammen!')"[29]
+
+[Footnote 29: Colonel Frobenius: "Durch Not und Tod" ("Through Distress
+and Death"). Leipzig, 1915, p. 12 et seq.]
+
+"If I live to be a hundred I shall never forget these days. They are the
+greatest in our history. We never dreamed that anything so overwhelming
+could be experienced on earth. Only three weeks ago and we should have
+been quite incapable of imagining its like. The feeling that we have
+experienced something overpowering, something which we cannot utter,
+overwhelms us all. We see it in each other's faces and feel it in the
+pressure of a hand. Words are too weak, so each is silent about what he
+feels. We are conscious of one thing alone: Germany's heart has appeared
+to us!
+
+"At last we see each other as we are, and that is the indescribable
+something--the birth of this great time. Never have we been so earnest
+and never so glad. Every other thought, every other feeling has gone.
+What we have thought and felt before was all unreality, mere ghosts; day
+has dawned and they have fled. The whole land bristles with arms and
+every German heart is filled with trust. If we were always as we are
+to-day--one heart and one voice--then the whole world would have to bow
+before us. But we no longer knew ourselves, we had forgotten our real
+nature. We were so many and so divided, and each wanted only to be
+himself. How was it that such madness could have blinded us, and discord
+weakened us?
+
+"Now we realize our strength and see what we can achieve, for in spite
+of all we have retained our integrity; we have suffered no injury to the
+soul. Germany's soul had slept awhile and now awakes like a giant
+refreshed, and we can hardly recollect what it was all like only three
+weeks ago, when each lived for himself, when we were at best only
+parties, not a people. Each knew not the other, because he knew not
+himself. In unholy egoism everyone had forgotten his highest will. Now
+each has found his true will again, and that is proved--for we have only
+one.
+
+"In all German hearts flames the same holy wrath. A sacred wrath which
+sanctifies and heals. Every wound heals; we are again healthy and whole.
+Praise be to God for this war which delivered us on the first day from
+German quarrelsomeness! When the days of peace return we must prove that
+we deserve to have lived through this holy German war. Then no word must
+be spoken, no deed done on German soil which would be unworthy of these
+sublime days.
+
+"Groups stand at the street corners reading the latest news. One counts
+aloud how many enemies we have: there are already six. A silence ensues,
+till someone says: 'Many enemies, great honour, and we shall win, for
+our cause is just!' Such utterances can be heard every day. That is
+German faith; human might does not decide, but God's justice! That is
+the Supreme blessing of this great time; we put our trust in the spirit.
+Modern Germans have never breathed before so pure an atmosphere, for
+Germany's soul has appeared to us.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I am going to pronounce a blessing on this war, the blessing which is
+on all lips, for we Germans, no matter in what part of the world we are,
+all bless, bless and bless again this world war. I do not intend to
+become lyrical. Lyric is so far from me that in all these three months I
+have not composed a single war poem. No, I shall endeavour to count up
+quite calmly, unlyrically, what we have seen during these three months:
+point for point, the whole list of surprises, for they have all been
+surprises, one after the other.
+
+"Only a few days ago a high State official said to me: 'Let us confess
+at once that in all Europe nobody believed in this war; everybody had
+prepared for it, but nobody thought it possible--not even those who
+wanted war.'
+
+"All thinking men considered that the interwoven economic dependence on
+each other among the nations, was so strong that none dare commit
+suicide by commencing a war. Thus we spoke to each other, and that
+seemed an axiom. Further, it seemed to be true that even if a madman let
+loose the dogs of war, then it would be all over in a fortnight. The man
+in the street imagined that it would be a kind of parade (_Aufmarsch_),
+a mobilization test, and the power which succeeded best would be the
+victor, for no country in the world was strong enough to stand the
+enormous cost for longer than three weeks.
+
+"Now three months have gone, and we have stood the strain, and we can
+bear it for another three, six months, a year, or as many years as it
+must be. The calculation was wrong, all the calculations were wrong: the
+reality of this war surpasses everything which we had imagined, and it
+has been glorious to experience on so grand a scale that reality always
+surpasses the conception. Even that is not true which we learned in all
+the schools and read in all the books--that every war is an awful
+misfortune. Even this war is horrible; yes, but our salvation. It seems
+so to us, and so it has appeared to us from the very first day onwards.
+
+"That first day will remain in our memories for ever; never in all our
+lives had we experienced anything so grand, and we had never believed it
+possible to experience anything so magnificent. Word for word Bismarck's
+prophecy (1888) has come true: 'It must be a war to which the whole
+nation gives its assent; it must be a national war, conducted with an
+enthusiasm like that of 1870, when we were ruthlessly attacked. Then all
+Germany from the Memel to Lake Constance will blaze up like a
+powder-mine and the whole land bristle with bayonets.' The war which
+Bismarck prophesied was this war, and what he foretold came to pass, and
+we saw it with our eyes. We saw the German mobilization with eyes which
+since then have been consecrate.
+
+"All enthusiasm is splendid, even in an individual, be he who he may and
+for whatever cause you like. In enthusiasm everything good in a man
+appears, while the common and vulgar in him sinks away. Any enthusiasm
+either of groups or societies in which the individual ego loses itself
+is grand, but the mighty enthusiasm of a powerful people is
+overwhelming. This was, however, an enthusiasm of a peculiar sort--it
+was well disciplined, an enthusiasm combined with and controlled by the
+highest order.
+
+"In this the fundamental secret of German power was revealed: to remain
+calm in enthusiasm, cold amidst fire and still obedient to duty in a
+tornado of passion. Then we were all inspired by the thought and
+feeling: 'Nobody can achieve that, for in order to be able to do it we
+have had to perform a huge intellectual and spiritual task. It is not
+alone the result of the last century and a half; no, that work has been
+going on for nearly a thousand years.'
+
+"What is the spirit of our German mysticism, the spirit of Eckhart and
+Tauler, except: Drunkenness of the soul in a waking condition? The
+accepted law on which all great German deeds rest, is: to dovetail
+enthusiasm with discipline and order. From our Gothic, through German
+_barock_ to Frederick the Great and Kant, on to the classical
+period--what does all that mean if it is not the architecture of one
+huge feeling? The soul runs riot in its imaginings and therewith the
+intellect builds. The ravings of the soul provide the materials with
+which the mind builds.
+
+"What is German music from Bach to Beethoven and from Beethoven to
+Wagner--yes, even to Richard Strauss--but enthusiasm with discipline?
+German music has been our mobilization; it has gone on just as in a
+_partitur_ by Richard Wagner--absolute rapture with perfect precision!
+
+"Hence when we saw the miracle of this mobilization--all Germany's
+military manhood packed in railway trains, rolling through the land, day
+by day and night after night, never a minute late and never a question
+for which the right answer was not ready and waiting--when we saw all
+this, we were not astonished, because it was no miracle; it was nothing
+other than a natural result of a thousand years of work and preparation;
+it was the net profit of the whole of German history.
+
+"At the German mobilization not only our brave soldiers, reserves and
+militia (_Landwehrmänner und Landstürmler_) entered the field, but the
+whole of Germany's historic past marched with them. It was this which
+inspired the unshakable confidence which has endured from the first day
+of war. In truth, the dear Fatherland has every reason to be calm.
+
+"In the meantime something more has happened: all in a moment we became
+Germans! We held our breaths when the Kaiser uttered these words. This
+too arose out of the deepest depths of Germany's yearnings; it sounded
+like an eagle-cry of our most ancient longings. Germany's soul has long
+pined to tear itself from its narrow confines (_verwerden_, as Eckhart,
+or _sich entselbsten_, as Goethe put it), to lay aside self-will and
+sacrifice itself, to be absorbed in the whole, and yet still to serve
+(Wagner). And this eternal German yearning had never reached fulfilment,
+but self-interest and egoism have always been stronger; every German has
+been at war with all the others. 'For every man to go his own way,' said
+Goethe, 'is the peculiar characteristic of the German race. I have never
+seen them united except in their hate for Napoleon. I am curious to see
+what they will do when he is banished to the other side of the Rhine.'
+And Goethe was right: no sooner was the land freed from the oppressor,
+than each began again to think and act only for himself. Hence, when we
+first learned of the Kaiser's words we felt almost a joyous fear. If it
+were only true that now there were only Germans! But on the very next
+day our eyes saw and our ears heard that at last there were only
+Germans, and with that, all pain and fear was forgotten. If war is
+awful, even a just war, a holy war--even for the victor too, we will
+endure all that, for it is as nothing; no sacrifice is too great for
+this prize--that we are all only Germans.
+
+"Since the Emperor spoke those words three months have passed, and there
+have only been Germans in the land. These three months have brought much
+sorrow to German hearts, for there is hardly a home which does not
+lament a father, a son, or a brother. Nevertheless, one may say that
+since our existence as a nation, Germany has never been more joyous, in
+the best sense of the word, than in this time of suffering. Through our
+tears the noblest joy has shone; not alone at the success of our arms;
+it is not from pride at fighting against a world of enemies; it is not
+the fact that we are now assured of a future which in July last we could
+not have imagined; it is not the feeling of power, of which even we
+ourselves did not know. That shining joy springs from deeper reasons. We
+are glad because we have found each other; we did not know each other
+before. Indeed, no one knew himself. Now we know each other, and above
+all, each knows himself.
+
+"It was Bismarck who uttered these terrible words: 'When the unoccupied
+German must give up the struggle and strife which has become dear to
+him, and offer the hand of reconciliation, then he loses all joy in
+life. Civil war is always the most terrible thing which any land can
+have. But with us Germans it is still more terrible, because it is
+fought out by us with more love for the strife than any other war.'
+
+"Does it not sound truly horrible for the greatest benefactor of a
+nation, which has to thank him for having realized its century-old dream
+of unity, to say in all calm and as something quite obvious, that his
+own nation engages in a civil war 'with more love' than any other war?
+And wherever we look in Bismarck's speeches, the same complaint is found
+which had been the eternal lamentation of Goethe--the lament over the
+lack of faith and will of the Germans.
+
+"How will it be this time? Will it be as after the Seven Years' War,
+after the War of Liberation, after 1870? Will it be again all in vain?
+As soon as the Fatherland is secure, will every German once again cease
+to be a German in order to become some kind of -crat or -ist or -er?
+This time it will be more difficult, for from this war he will return no
+more into the same Fatherland. It will have expanded; the German
+Fatherland will be greater. Arndt's poems must be written over again: no
+longer merely 'as far as the German tongue is spoken.' Germany will
+stretch beyond that limit, and in it the German will have work to do.
+
+"In his speech Bismarck spoke of the 'unoccupied'; but in all
+probability after this war, for years to come, there will be no
+'unoccupied' Germans. They will be fully occupied with the new
+organization. What the sword has won, we shall keep. 'The pike in the
+European carp-pond,' said Bismarck once, 'prevent us from becoming carp.
+They compel us to exertions which voluntarily we should hardly be
+willing to make. They compel us to hold together, which is in direct
+contradiction to our innermost nature.'
+
+"As we cannot change our nature, it will be good if we take over for
+good and all a number--a very considerable number,--of these European
+pike. That will occupy the German peasant and give an outlet to his
+superfluous energies. There will be no leisure-energy to discharge
+itself in party strife. Further, we must build Europe up again. It stood
+on rotten foundations, and now it has fallen to pieces. We shall erect
+it again on a German basis, and there will be work enough."[30]
+
+[Footnote 30: Hermann Bahr: "Kriegssegen" ("The Blessings of War").
+Published in Munich, 1915, p. 5 _et seq_.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS
+
+
+It would be more than human if the German nation had actually realized
+the lyrical picture painted by two well-known writers in the preceding
+chapter. German newspapers, it is true, prove that the national unity so
+loudly acclaimed was no empty word; moreover, they show conclusively
+that grumblers and half-hearted enthusiasts were not lacking. It would
+probably be more correct to describe them as "sober-minded patriots."
+These elements had, however, to use a colloquialism, an "exceedingly
+rough time."
+
+The author has already contended that the German is innately brutal, and
+in proof thereof quoted the awful statistics of brutal crimes published
+by the Imperial Statistic Office, Berlin. The present work will contain
+a picture of the natural unfolding of this "innate brutality" in Germany
+itself during war time, and on the battlefields of Belgium and France.
+
+There is no doubt whatever that a systematic, officially-organized press
+campaign was carried on to madden the people and arouse blood-lust,
+successively against Russians, Belgians, French and English. One is
+almost inclined to exclaim: Providence caused some of the fruits of this
+blood-lashing to be reaped in Germany!
+
+"Yesterday evening in the Riebeckbräu another free fight took place, and
+quieter guests who refused to take part in the patriotic screaming of
+the students and other mob elements were badly ill-treated.
+Beer-glasses, ash-trays, chairs and other missiles were thrown about
+freely. One man was struck on the back of the head with a beer-glass,
+causing the blood to flow in streams. Helpless women, too, were beaten
+and threatened."[31]
+
+[Footnote 31: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 1st, 1914.]
+
+Three days later the same journal contained a public appeal from the
+Mayor of Leipzig, begging the inhabitants to preserve public order: "If
+the disturbances in the streets, public houses, etc., should--contrary
+to our expectations--continue, then we shall be compelled to take severe
+steps to suppress them."
+
+On the same page there is another report of similar scenes, in one of
+which a workman was "horribly ill-treated" by eight others. The army
+authorities were compelled to issue a still more drastic warning on
+August 6th.
+
+A victim reported his adventures in another Leipzig paper[32]: "I have
+just read your article admonishing the 'hot-heads' to keep cool. The
+General commanding Leipzig has also warned members of the public not to
+allow excitement to lead them to 'deeds of brutality and crime.' I am a
+good German patriot, and yet nearly lost my life at the hands of my own
+countrymen."
+
+[Footnote 32: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+The "good patriot" then relates that during the week he had spent an
+evening at a concert in a beer-garden. Patriotic music was the order of
+the day, and as each national song was sung he stood up with the rest of
+the company. Towards the close of the evening he felt unwell and
+remained sitting, an indiscretion which he truthfully says "nearly cost
+him his life." Three skull wounds several inches long, his body beaten
+black and blue, and ruined clothes, was the punishment for not joining
+in with the "hurrah-patriots."
+
+Dozens of similar instances might be cited, but for the sake of
+impartiality it is preferable to allow a German to generalize: "The rage
+of the populace has found vent not only against foreigners, but also
+against good German patriots, indeed even against German officers."[33]
+
+[Footnote 33: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 12th.]
+
+Probably one of the most glaring instances of German indifference to
+brutality is afforded by the following incident. A commercial traveller
+named Lüderitz, aged twenty-three, murdered his sweetheart in a Leipzig
+hotel by strangling her with his necktie. He alleged that he had killed
+the girl at her wish, and the judge sentenced him to three years, six
+months' imprisonment--not even penal servitude! The report
+concludes[34]: "As the accused has been called up to serve in the army,
+he was allowed to go free for the present." Which means that if he
+survives the war he may be called upon to undergo his sentence.
+
+[Footnote 34: Ibid., August 28th.]
+
+A South German newspaper[35] advised "German wives and maidens to avoid
+wearing striking costumes, dresses and hats. Such restrictions are not
+only desirable in the serious time through which our dear Fatherland is
+passing, but such precautions are urgently necessary in the interests of
+personal safety. For amidst the excitement which has unfortunately taken
+possession of our people, ladies are not safe, either from insult or
+assault, in spite of the fact that the police do their best to protect
+them."
+
+[Footnote 35: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+These are the bare facts, in a very limited selection, as regards German
+brutality towards Germans. In the light of these events the question
+suggests itself: How did foreigners fare in the midst of this
+_Kulturvolk_? The answer is simple and expressive: "Not half has ever
+been told;" yet the German newspapers contain more than sufficient
+materials to prove that the floodgates of barbarism were opened wide.
+
+When martial law was proclaimed the Berlin Government caused official
+announcements to be issued throughout the whole country, requesting the
+public to assist in preventing tunnels, bridges, railways, etc., from
+being destroyed by foreign agents and spies. The whole country at once
+became a detective office of madmen!
+
+Ample proof is at hand to show that this lashing of the public mind into
+brutal fury was the calculated work of the German authorities. "We are
+now absolutely dependent upon reports issued by the authorities; we do
+not know whether they are correct or whether they are merely intended to
+inflame public opinion. Thus reports have been officially circulated of
+Russian patrols crossing our frontiers, and from Nuremberg of French
+airmen dropping bombs on the railways in that neighbourhood, whereupon
+diplomatic relations with both countries were broken off."[36]
+
+[Footnote 36: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+The whole Press, with the exception of at least some Social Democratic
+organs, joined in a chorus of hatred and suspicion against Russians
+residing in Germany. In bitterness towards the Russian State the
+Socialist journals were solid in their hostility, but the author has
+only discovered expressions of abhorrence in their columns concerning
+the ill-treatment, even murder, of innocent foreigners in Germany. This
+fact must be recorded to their honour.
+
+"Certain circles of Leipzig's population are at present possessed by
+patriotic delirium and at the same time by a spy-mania which luxuriates
+like tropical vegetation. In reality, love of Fatherland is something
+quite other than those feelings which find expression in the present
+noisy and disgusting scenes. These mob patriots must remember that in
+their mad attacks on 'Serbs' and 'Russians'--that is to say, everybody
+who has black hair and a beard, whom they at once conclude must belong
+to those nations--they are endangering the lives of hundreds of
+thousands of Germans in France and Russia."[37]
+
+[Footnote 37: Ibid., August 4th.]
+
+On the following day the same journal contained another detailed report:
+"In spite of official appeals to the public to display self-possession
+in these serious times, the nationalist mob continues to behave in the
+most scandalous manner, both in the streets and public restaurants, etc.
+The wildest outbreaks of brutal passions occur, and no one with black
+hair and dark complexion is secure from outbursts of rage on the part of
+the fanatics. Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday a gentleman in the uniform
+of a German artillery officer was sitting with a lady in the Café
+Felsche; apparently somebody 'denounced' him for a Russian officer in
+disguise. The police accompanied by army officers arrested and led him
+into the street, where they were received by a yelling crowd. The
+enraged mob forced its way past the guards and beat the 'spy' with
+sticks, umbrellas, etc., till streams of blood ran down his face, his
+uniform being torn to shreds. The officers and police guarding him drew
+their weapons, but were unable to protect him from further brutal
+treatment; indeed, it was with the greatest difficulty that they
+succeeded in bringing him to a place of safety."[38]
+
+[Footnote 38: The unfortunate suspect was in truth a German officer.]
+
+On the last page of the same edition there is an advertisement which
+helps to explain why the appeals for cool blood were useless.
+
+  "APPEAL!"
+
+  "Among the foreigners in our country, especially Russians, there are a
+  large number who, it is to be feared, are guilty of espionage and
+  attempts to disturb our mobilization. While the Russians engaged in
+  work on our farms may be allowed to continue their work in peace, it
+  is necessary to watch carefully those who are studying here, or are
+  permanent residents.
+
+  "I call upon the inhabitants to take part in the task of observation,
+  and when strong suspicion is aroused to see to it that the suspects
+  are arrested and handed over to the civil authorities.
+
+  "The protection of our railway lines and stations, telegraph wires,
+  etc., demands the most careful attention during the next few days.
+
+              "VON LAFFERT,
+              "General in Command.
+  "Leipzig, August 4th."
+
+An interesting contrast to the above is a police order, issued by the
+Director of the Stuttgart police.[39]
+
+[Footnote 39: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+  "Policemen! The populace is going absolutely mad. The streets are
+  crowded with old women of both sexes who have nothing else to do but
+  disgrace themselves. Each sees in his neighbour a Russian or French
+  spy, and imagines that it is his duty to thrash both him _and_ the
+  policeman who intervenes, till the blood flows; if not that, then at
+  least to cause an enormous crowd to gather in giving the alleged spy
+  over to the police. Clouds become hostile airmen, stars are mistaken
+  for airships and the cross-bars of bicycles are thought to be bombs;
+  bridges have been blown up, telegraph and telephone wires cut in the
+  middle of Stuttgart; spies have been shot and water supplies poisoned!
+  It is impossible to imagine what will happen when serious events
+  really come.
+
+  "It has been proved that up till now there has not been the slightest
+  reason for all this alarm; but yet, judging by appearances, we are
+  living in a huge lunatic asylum. Everyone, if he is not a coward or a
+  dangerous idler, should be quietly doing his duty, for the times are
+  already serious enough.
+
+  "Policemen! continue to keep your heads cool. Be men as you were
+  formerly, and not women. Do not allow yourselves to be frightened at
+  straws; keep your eyes open and do your duty!
+
+  "BILLINGER,
+
+  "Director of Police.
+
+  "Stuttgart."
+
+It is not surprising that this humorous police commander expressed his
+indignation in the forceful Swabian manner. Here are a few telegrams
+which had been sent to Berlin from Stuttgart, or still more probable,
+manufactured by the official Press Bureau in Berlin.
+
+"A considerable number of Russians and French--including several
+women--have been arrested in Stuttgart to-day under the suspicion of
+practising espionage. One of these arrests was made in the top-floor of
+the Central Post Office, where the apparatus connected with the
+telegraph office are to be found.
+
+"More arrests are about to be made in the environs. It has been
+established that numerous attempts have been made during the last few
+days to blow up the railway bridges. In Freudenstadt a gypsy's wagon was
+seized which contained a quantity of explosives."[40]
+
+[Footnote 40: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 3rd.]
+
+"Some of our contemporaries (Oh, shade of Pecksniff!--Author) announced
+yesterday that in Stuttgart eighty, according to other reports, ninety
+millions in French gold had been seized. In answer to our inquiry at the
+principal office of the Würtemberg State Railways we were informed that
+the statements are pure inventions."[41]
+
+[Footnote 41: _Berliner Lokal-Anzeiger_, August 4th.]
+
+Another Socialist paper which denounced this campaign of lies in its
+columns deserves quotation. "The spy-mania luxuriates; every Russian is
+in danger of assault by over-heated patriots. The nation, however, ought
+to know that the Russians in our midst are labourers, students,
+travellers and business men; it is exceeding rare for one of this class,
+to sell himself to the scoundrels who follow the dirty practices of
+espionage.
+
+"Civilization and good-breeding demand that everyone should respect the
+dictates of international law, and treat the peaceful citizens of a land
+with which we are at war, with decency.
+
+"Especially those wretches deserve to have their knuckles rapped who
+circulate such infamous bear-baiting news as the alleged attempt on the
+Crown Prince's life by Russian students."[42]
+
+[Footnote 42: _Vorwärts_, August 7th.]
+
+"The General commanding the Leipzig district has issued the following
+reply in answer to an inquiry by the civil authorities: We know nothing
+at all of an alleged attempt on the life of the Kaiser or the Crown
+Prince. The commanding General von Laffert has never uttered the words
+ascribed to him, that the Kaiser had been murdered. These reports must
+be contradicted with the greatest energy."[43]
+
+[Footnote 43: _Leipziger Tageblatt_, August 3rd.]
+
+The following extracts are of the greatest importance, for they prove
+beyond doubt the source of these lies, and the cold-blooded, calculated
+manner in which they were circulated by the German authorities:
+
+"The decision as to what may be published in newspapers, is now in the
+hands of the military commander in each district.
+
+"The regulations issued by the military authorities, force certain
+restrictions upon us and threaten the existence of our journals. As
+regards our principles and convictions no change has taken place."[44]
+
+[Footnote 44: The editor of the _Vorwärts_ to his readers on August
+1st.]
+
+"Berlin, August 10th.--Major Nicolai, director of the Press department
+of the General Staff, received representatives of the Press to-day and
+communicated to them, _inter alia_, the following details: Our army
+commanders decline to enter into competition with the lie-factories
+abroad. They will convince the world that truth is on our side, and that
+we spread neither lies nor coloured reports. We hope in a short time to
+be able to prove how much our enemies have sinned against the truth.
+
+"What have we achieved up till now? The dreaded invasion of Russian
+cavalry was broken up by our frontier guards alone. Indeed, in many
+cases only the Landwehr was needed to throw back the invaders. What
+about the destruction of important buildings, railways, bridges and such
+like? Nothing at all has happened."[45]
+
+[Footnote 45: Condensed translation of the report in the _Leipziger
+Volkszeitung_, August 11th.]
+
+On another page of the same issue a long official army order to the
+Press is given in which this paragraph occurs: "All news given out by
+Wolff's Telegraph-Bureau may only be quoted literally as they stand and
+the source named by the initials W.T.-B."
+
+It is thus clear that the news-agency mentioned performs two separate
+functions, although the German army authorities do not draw this
+distinction. First, the circulation of reports issued by the Army
+Headquarters in the field, for the truth of which the Berlin General
+Staff guarantees. Secondly, the spreading of their own news, and
+information supplied to them by other German Government departments. All
+news published by the agency has thus received the stamp of official
+authority, and the German public is too ignorant to recognize the
+palpable fraud.
+
+"Metz, August 3rd.--A French doctor, accompanied by two officers in
+disguise, was caught yesterday while trying to infect the water supply
+with cholera bacilli. He was at once shot under military law."[46]
+
+[Footnote 46: _Deutsche Tageszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+"The report of the Metz water supply being infected, which was given out
+by Wolff's Bureau yesterday, proves to be a pure invention. The agency
+informs us that there is no ground for uneasiness, but the state of
+affairs at present makes it imperative to exercise great care."[47]
+
+[Footnote 47: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 4th.]
+
+"Coblence, August 2nd.--The Government-president in Düsseldorf reports
+that twelve motor-cars containing eighty French officers in Prussian
+uniforms tried this morning to cross the Prussian frontier by Walbeck,
+west of Geldern. The attempt failed."[48]
+
+[Footnote 48: Ibid., August 3rd.]
+
+Referring to this episode another paper wrote: "The alleged attempt of
+whole caravans of French officers, masquerading as German lieutenants,
+to enter the Rhine province as spies is too adventurous to be believed.
+Especially as it is known that the Dutch frontier is very strictly
+guarded.
+
+"But Wolff's Bureau, which at present takes every precaution, circulated
+the news. Hence we have here an instance of France violating Dutch
+neutrality."[49]
+
+[Footnote 49: _Kölnische Volkszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+As far as the author is aware, the German Government has not yet
+protested to the Dutch authorities for this breach of their neutrality.
+
+The poisoned-water-supplies lie deserves further attention. It was
+scattered broadcast throughout the land, and millions of credulous
+Germans reduced to a state of absolute panic and--what was intended by
+those who spread the lie--blind hate against Germany's opponents. I have
+before me a number of descriptions of scares in various parts of the
+Fatherland. A few notices will suffice as illustrations.
+
+"A most terrifying report spread like wild-fire through the town last
+Monday morning, and reached to the farthest suburbs. The waters of the
+Mangfall had been poisoned by Russian spies, and everyone's life was in
+danger. It is hardly possible to conceive the effect of this terrible
+rumour. Messengers of despair rushed from house to house, knocking at
+strangers' doors in order to spread the warning. 'That is a devilish
+deed!' stammered the white lips of women. 'Only barbarians wage war in
+this manner!' hissed the men, trembling with rage and hate."[50]
+
+[Footnote 50: The full report of this Munich scare occupies more than a
+column in the _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+The _Breslauer-Morgenzeitung_ for August 10th contains an announcement
+from the Breslau municipality warning the inhabitants that the waters of
+the Oder have possibly been poisoned, and appealing for every precaution
+to be taken before drinking from the town supply, till a fresh supply
+can be provided.
+
+"The authorities in Danzig have declared the waters of the Weichsel to
+be under suspicion of having been infected with cholera bacilli. It is
+presumed that cholera is raging on the upper Weichsel in Russia, and
+that the Russians have not allowed this to become known. Water from the
+river must not be used for any purposes connected with human food or
+drink."[51]
+
+[Footnote 51: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 20th. A lying
+report put in circulation hundreds of miles away from Danzig.]
+
+Finally the originator of these rumours piously contradicts them all and
+announces, "lieb Vaterland magst ruhig sein," in the following words:
+
+"Wolff's Bureau reports: There is absolutely no reason for anxiety on
+account of the alleged poisoning and infection of rivers, water supplies
+and springs which have been reported unauthoritatively from all parts of
+the country, and published in the Press. These rumours, which have
+caused grave anxiety, on closer investigation have all proved to be
+utterly unfounded."[52]
+
+[Footnote 52: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 27th.]
+
+The war had lasted for four weeks, and although no rivers had been
+poisoned, the same could not be said of the currents of popular opinion.
+
+"While I was walking down a street in Breslau a tram suddenly stopped,
+loud cries proceeding from within it. The occupants had discovered a
+Russian, dragged him out and handed him over to a policeman who led the
+man away. But the official was unable to protect him, and blows with
+fists and sticks literally rained on the defenceless fellow. The couple,
+surrounded by a howling crowd, had just moved away, when a nun attracted
+the attention of the crowd. On account of a report that a Russian spy
+disguised as a nun had been arrested the same morning, the people
+imagined the nun to be a man in disguise.
+
+"Smiling at the ridiculous supposition and the maddened howls of the
+ever-increasing throng, the lady endeavoured to enter a tram. Men placed
+themselves in front of the car, others dragged the frightened woman out
+again and with blows and kicks she was driven before them to the next
+police station. But the saddest part of these excesses--and I am only
+describing a few of which I was accidentally a witness--is that members
+of the so-called educated classes participated in them."[53]
+
+[Footnote 53: A special correspondent in the _Frankfurter Zeitung_,
+August 7th.]
+
+"On one of the most frequented open places in Breslau a soldier
+approached a lady and looked searchingly into her face. She understood
+him, and remarked with a smile: 'I am not a spy!' The man replied: 'But
+you have short hair. I am sorry, you must come with me.'
+
+"She at once recognized that the wisest plan was to accompany him, and
+turned to do so. The movement worked like a signal; the bystanders
+immediately threw themselves in blind rage upon the defenceless woman.
+In vain the single soldier tried to protect her, and equally in vain was
+the assistance of two policemen who had come up. Her cries to be taken
+into a neighbouring house for safety met with no response.
+
+"Her garments were literally torn from her body, a spectacle which
+finally proved to her persecutors that she actually was a woman, but
+that fact no longer protects her. Brutal instincts, once let loose, are
+mad and unrestrained. Blows continue to fall on her head and kicks rain
+against her body. She only tries to shield her eyes. 'Take her to the
+police station' was shouted, but that is some distance away. And any
+second may mean death--a horrible, disgraceful death.
+
+"Having arrived in the guard-room the officials are soon convinced that
+they have to do with an absolutely innocent woman. Outside the throngs
+yelled in triumph."[54]
+
+[Footnote 54: _Breslauer Generalanzeiger_, August 6th.]
+
+A German officer wrote the following account to the _Berliner Zeitung am
+Mittag_ (August 5th): "May I supplement your article 'Spies and
+Spy-hunting' with a few facts from my own personal knowledge. On August
+3rd no fewer than sixty-four spies (?) were brought into the police
+station at the Potsdamer Railway Station (Berlin). Not one was kept in
+arrest, for the simple fact that they were all innocent German citizens.
+
+"Among others who were 'captured' and threatened with death by the
+raging crowd on the Potsdamer Platz were: A pensioned Prussian major,
+who was waiting for his son; a surgeon in the Landwehr; a high official
+from the Courts of Justice; and lastly, a pensioned Bavarian army
+officer who, on account of his stature, was thought to be a Russian. A
+drunken shop-assistant egged on the crowd against this last suspect, so
+that his life was really in danger. He was rescued by four Prussian
+officers, who pretended to arrest their Bavarian colleague, and were in
+this way able to lead him into safety."
+
+This twentieth-century reign of terror is not, however, without a ray of
+humour. The semi-official _Kölnische Zeitung_ (August 4th) contained a
+legend which set all Germany hunting for French motor-cars. "Several
+motor-cars with ladies in them, taking gold to Russia, are on their way
+across Germany. They must be stopped and a communication sent to the
+nearest military or police station."
+
+"The occupants of the motor-cars carrying gold to Russia are said to
+have transferred the precious metal to cyclists dressed as
+bricklayers."[55]
+
+[Footnote 55: _Das Kleine Journal_ (Berlin), August 5th.]
+
+"The official announcement that French and Russian motor-cars had been
+seen on our country roads has aroused the otherwise leaden, heavy
+imaginations of the country people to the most incredible delirium. We
+will limit ourselves to a single instance. One of our cars met a peasant
+with a hand-waggon near Nerchau. As soon as he perceived the motor he
+bolted in mad fright into a neighbouring corn-field.
+
+"Our man called in a friendly voice: 'My good fellow, what are you
+running away for?' Then the hero answered in a trembling voice: 'I
+thought it was a French motor!'"[56]
+
+[Footnote 56: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 6th.]
+
+On August 6th every important paper in the German Empire contained the
+following paragraph issued by the "Army Direction" in Berlin:
+
+"The hunt for alleged hostile motor-cars must stop. It endangers the
+motor-car communications so necessary to our armies."
+
+This warning was repeated in stronger terms on the following day, and
+the roll of murdered victims began to leak out. "Unfortunately through
+this hunt several persons have been wrongfully shot. In Leipzig a doctor
+and his chauffeur have been shot, while between Berlin and Koepenick a
+company of armed civilians on the look-out for Russian motor-cars tried
+to stop a car. The chauffeur was compelled to put the brakes on so
+suddenly that the motor dashed into a tree, with the result that the
+occupants--several persons connected with the army--were hurled on to
+the road and received dangerous injuries.
+
+"In Munich a chauffeur was shot dead by a sentinel because he did not
+stop soon enough. Even children are not spared in this degrading fear of
+spies.
+
+"Near Büren (Westphalia) the twelve-year-old daughter of Town Councillor
+Buddeberg in Bielefeld was returning with her mother from Marburg in a
+motor. Somebody must have telephoned that the car was suspect, for the
+Landwehr Society placed armed sentinels at various points on the road.
+They cried 'Halt!' to the chauffeur; just as the car was stopping, shots
+were fired, and the girl sank dead in the arms of her mother.
+
+"Even the nationalist journals have expressed their astonishment that a
+civilian society is permitted to hold the public highways with armed
+guards. At Coblence a teacher and organist named Ritter was shot by a
+sentinel."[57]
+
+[Footnote 57: _Leifziger Volkszeitung_, Supplement I., August 7th. Here
+we have proof that Germany allowed armed civilians to murder supposed
+Frenchmen, a fact to be remembered when weighing Germany's accusations
+against Belgian civilians. The German Government has published a White
+Book (328 quarto pages) during the summer, 1915, indicting Belgian
+civilians with all kinds of atrocities. Waiving the point that if
+Germany first laid aside international law she had no right to expect
+Belgium to respect its dictates, it may be safely assumed that the
+evidence cited by the Germans is of little or no value. The oath which
+German soldiers are compelled to take precludes the possibility that
+they would or could give evidence which reflected on the conduct of the
+German army either in peace or war, even if the evidence is absolutely
+true. "In the interests of military discipline" the truth must be
+suppressed. The same oath is, however, proof that the German soldier
+must be prepared to lay down either his life _or his honour_ in defence
+of the army, and in a later chapter irrefutable evidence from German
+sources will be adduced to show that the White Book in question contains
+"sworn lies" emanating from members of the German army.]
+
+In its issue for August 11th the same newspaper gave the names of four
+more victims who had been shot in Westphalia. Among them was a poor
+woman of weak intellect; she was near a bridge, and failing to comply
+with a sentry's challenge, was shot. The bullet passed through her leg
+and killed a little girl who was working near her.
+
+Wolff's Bureau in Berlin reports: "In spite of the most urgent appeals
+which the Army Direction has issued during the last few days, begging
+the public not to place hindrances in the way of motor-cars, blundering
+mistakes are still being made every hour in all parts of Germany,
+accompanied by the most serious consequences.
+
+"The morning papers again contain reports of gold-motors having been
+captured. There are neither gold-motors nor foreign motors in Germany.
+Anyone who interferes with motor traffic is committing a sin against the
+army."[58]
+
+[Footnote 58: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+Another warning appeared in all the papers of August 12th in a still
+more imperative form. Yet a section of the public seemed to find a
+source of humour in this tragic hunt. A correspondent of the _Berliner
+Tageblatt_ gave an interesting report of his motor-ride (joy-ride?) from
+Lindau to Munich.
+
+"We were hardly two kilometres out of Lindau when we were stopped by a
+barricade of hay-wagons. On each side peasants stood with threatening
+mien, armed with pitchforks, revolvers and ancient carbines at
+full-cock. 'Hands up!' First visitation; we show our papers, everything
+in order. Off again.
+
+"About every two kilometres this scene was repeated: road jammed with
+huge, long wagons, the same excitement, the same discussion, but now and
+then somewhat sharper. In some villages the duty to defend the
+Fatherland has turned into madness.
+
+"'Here, get out! Where was this paper stamped? Yes, it is possible to
+forge!' They refuse to believe anything; not even a passport from the
+Chief in Command, nor papers proving me to be a German and my companion
+a German officer. When I tell them that I am an author and journalist
+from Berlin, they parry with a 'What the devil is that?'
+
+"These brave peasants defend their Fatherland well. Once we had to wait
+half an hour till a _gendarme_ came and ended the comedy with a few
+short words. Then we are allowed to get in again, and as I turn round a
+peasant shouts a last greeting: 'Really, I took you for a common hussy
+in disguise!'
+
+"They threaten us from the houses. Now and then the trigger of a gun
+clicks as it is levelled at us from a window. The roads are lined with
+peasants armed with all sorts of weapons, iron spikes, dung-forks,
+clubs, scythes, and old swords from the time of our great-grandfathers.
+
+"Up to the suburbs of Munich they stand at every village by day and by
+night to see that nothing happens to the Fatherland! And even if we were
+stopped twenty-eight times in this short distance; even if we did have
+to put up with hard words and black looks--we suffered all this gladly.
+We rejoiced to see with our own eyes how valiantly our peasants defend
+the frontiers of their Fatherland."[59]
+
+[Footnote 59: Edmund Edel in the _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 9th.]
+
+In due time the bloodthirsty Pecksniff who had set the avalanche in
+motion appeared to express his holy indignation.
+
+"Wolff's Bureau has circulated the following warning. Berlin, August
+14th. This fatal hunt for motor-cars has claimed yet another victim.
+Recently an Austrian countess was shot while working for the Red Cross,
+and now a cavalry captain and his chauffeur have been killed by a
+forest-keeper on the look-out for Russian _automobile_.
+
+"The General Staff has again and again issued the most urgent demands
+that this unhappy hunt for foreign motorists--which has already caused
+the death of several good Germans--should cease.
+
+"It is unadulterated madness (_es ist heller Wahnsinn_) to search for
+enemy motors in our land. Neither enemy officers, nor cars loaded with
+gold, are driving around in Germany. Would that our people would stop
+this horrible murder of their own countrymen and lend an ear to the
+warning voice of our Army Direction. Our Fatherland needs every single
+man in this serious hour."[60]
+
+[Footnote 60: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 15th.]
+
+Only one more nail requires to be driven home to prove the blood-guilt
+of the German authorities for the murder of their own citizens.
+
+"Innumerable reports are in circulation about the capture of spies and
+the prevention of plots against persons and buildings. In spite of the
+fact that the military authorities have repeatedly and urgently appealed
+for the exercise of the greatest discretion in publishing such reports,
+the nationalist Press exploits every opportunity to disquiet the
+masses and excite them to senseless delirium.
+
+"It is obvious that we shall not join in this game. We exercise our most
+careful judgment before publishing anything; in these serious times we
+must decline to speculate in the thirst for sensation which has been
+bred in the public. Rather, on the contrary, we must beg our readers
+always to accept all news, WHICH NOW EMANATE ALMOST ENTIRELY FROM
+OFFICIAL SOURCES,[61] with the necessary reserve."[62]
+
+[Footnote 61: The emphasis is mine. Author.]
+
+[Footnote 62: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 7th.]
+
+The author has ventured to lead his readers on a mad-brained chase after
+non-existent motor-cars and mythical French gold. He hopes that his
+readers' patience has not been exhausted, because the ride may prove an
+instructive education in German methods and the standards of truth
+accepted in a country where only might is right.
+
+The object in view, in submitting these modern fairy-tales to the
+British public, is to lay bare the pillars of truth which support the
+Fatherland. During the first month of the war there was an outbreak of
+brutality in Germany; contemporaneously with these horrors some million
+members of the same nation flooded Belgium with dread deeds of an
+indescribable nature. This is a noteworthy coincidence.
+
+We have seen how Germans treat Germans, which makes it easier to
+comprehend how Germans treated Belgians. The present chapter gives a
+picture of how the German Press is worked, how popular opinion is
+created and blood-lust awakened. When dealing with Germany's defence of
+her Belgian horrors, we shall find that her entire case rests alone upon
+the utterances of her oracles of truth: Wolff's Telegraphic Bureau and
+Germany's venal, lying newspapers.
+
+That was the reason for this mad joy-ride from end to end of the German
+Empire, and that is the only apology which the author has to make for
+introducing the latest contributions to Germanic mythology into an
+otherwise serious work.
+
+Incidentally we have observed that German civilians were permitted to
+bear arms and did not hesitate to use them "in defence of the
+Fatherland," as Edmund Edel put it. The civilians were doubtless
+inspired by the noble desire to grab French gold. Yet when Belgian
+civilians--as Wolff's Bureau alleges--dared to defend their homes, wives
+and children against the most treacherous and dastardly invasion in the
+world's history--then, of course, Germany was perfectly justified in
+murdering all and sundry, burning towns and hamlets and laying waste a
+fertile land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE DÉBÂCLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS
+
+
+In the second paragraph of the Social Democratic programme published
+after the Halle Congress in 1890, we read: "The German workmen's
+socialistic party, although working for the present on national lines,
+is aware of the international character of the workmen's movement, and
+is determined to fulfil all duties accruing thereby to the working
+classes, in order to make the brotherhood of all men a reality."
+
+At that meeting--the first to be held after the repeal of Bismarck's
+anti-socialist law--the president claimed that they had secured more
+votes at the Reichstag election than any other party; they were the
+strongest political party in Germany.
+
+Since that year they have consistently increased their power, till in
+the present Reichstag they have no fewer than one hundred and eleven
+members, giving them almost an absolute majority.
+
+It seems an irony of fate that at Halle in 1890 one of the speakers who
+dilated on international brotherhood and the inseparable bonds which
+bound Belgian and German workmen--was a Belgian delegate! Singer, in
+reporting on the doings of the representatives in the Reichstag, said:
+"We consider peace among the nations to be an indispensable preliminary
+for the improvement of social conditions. We vote against expenditure
+for military purposes, because we are convinced that this continuous
+arming, accompanied by the constant improvement of murderous weapons,
+must be ended. It is contradictory to the civilizing task of the nations
+for them to be armed to the teeth, lying in wait for the moment when
+they can devour each other.
+
+"Militarism is an evil for the nations; its burdens cannot be borne for
+ever, and even to-day the nations are collapsing under them. Modern
+conditions are unbearable; out of them spring ever-increasing armaments,
+and at last a time will come when war must break out, because the state
+of modern armed peace will one day have become impossible."
+
+Another authoritative pronouncement from the report[63] of the Social
+Democratic Congress in Erfurt, 1891, deserves mention. It is a passage
+from a speech delivered by the elder Liebknecht in the Reichstag: "As
+regards the defence of the Fatherland all parties will be united when it
+is necessary to meet an outside enemy. In that moment no party will
+shirk its duty."
+
+[Footnote 63: "Protokoll über die Verhandlungen des Parteitags der Soz.
+Dem. Partei Deutschlands zu Erfurt, 1891."]
+
+This is an instance of what Germans call _Rückversicherung_, or a
+covering insurance. Having pledged themselves never to leave the
+Fatherland in the lurch--and the pledge was repeated on many
+occasions--they were free to babble to French, English and Italian
+Socialists about the blessings of internationalism, general strikes, and
+eternal peace. But there is no single instance on record to show that
+German Socialists considered any other benefits of internationalism,
+except those which served the purposes of their own nationalism.
+
+At Halle, 1890, Liebknecht said: "These ideas are indisputably correct.
+Nobody,[64] no matter how enthusiastic he may be for the international
+cause, will dare to maintain that we have no national duties. National
+and international are not opposing principles. The word 'national' must
+be rightly understood. It includes only a certain, limited portion of
+international humanity. The part belongs to the whole, and international
+merely means going beyond the boundary-posts of the nation, the narrower
+limits of the native land; to extend one's horizon to include the whole;
+to consider humanity as one family and the world as a home."
+
+[Footnote 64: Liebknecht was wrong. There are dupes who hold that their
+international obligations come before their national duties, and
+unfortunately in the ranks of these traitors, English M.P.'s may be
+found, who receive £400 per annum from the British State, presumably to
+aid them in injuring the British cause.]
+
+The error into which British Socialists have fallen--or been led--is
+their attitude towards militarism. German Democrats have never denounced
+the bearing of arms; they have admitted that arms will always be
+necessary, pre-supposing that the world continues along the same lines
+of development as heretofore.
+
+They have only objected to the existing _form_[65] of militarism, but
+otherwise they have always been unanimous that military training should
+be compulsory and universal. Their British _Genossen_ (comrades) have
+either misunderstood or wilfully perverted these teachings. German
+Socialists have unswervingly insisted upon every man learning the use of
+arms, while their British followers have preached absolute disarmament
+and done their utmost to betray this country into weakening herself
+below the minimum necessary to guard the land, and to maintain the
+country's pledges to the world.
+
+[Footnote 65: Kautsky: "Die Internationalität und der Krieg" (Vorwärts
+Publishing House, Berlin, 1915), p. 26. "We have fought against the
+military system not to make the land defenceless, but in order to
+introduce another system in its place, which will give us the necessary
+guarantees that the army will always be the tool of the civil
+authorities and never their master. When the latter is the case we call
+such a condition 'militarism,' and it is against that alone that we
+fight." Seeing that military power is absolutely subordinated to the
+civil authorities in the case of Great Britain (Mutiny Acts), then
+according to the principles of German Socialists their British
+colleagues were wrong in all the efforts which they have made against
+the armed powers of these islands.]
+
+In Halle, Herr Bebel made this statement: "I have already made it clear
+that I consider the efforts of the so-called peace friends towards
+disarmament to be useless (_aussichtslos_), because it is unthinkable
+that the rival States would agree to legal restrictions concerning
+disarmament. If such were made, each would endeavour by secret
+preparations to out-do the other. War and national enmity are necessary
+products of society, and the existing class distinctions."
+
+The Germans were quite logical in this matter; in effect they said--the
+existing States and forms of government make militarism necessary, and
+war inevitable. Therefore we declare war to the knife on every existing
+government, including Russian Czarism, British constitutionalism, German
+autocracy and American republicanism. They are one and all rotten,
+unjust and inhuman. Our programme includes their complete overthrow and
+the erection in their stead of a _Volksstaat_ (People's State).
+
+The position is perfectly simple, and to those who are sufficiently
+ignorant and naïve this programme promises an universal salvation, as
+delirious in its joy as that expected by African races when bending the
+knee before images of wood and stone. German Socialists are pledged just
+as irrevocably to the doctrines of brute force as are the Junker and
+military powers in the German Fatherland. What is their industrial and
+class warfare but an attempt to enforce the doctrine of might is right?
+
+In the official programme drawn up at Erfurt, 1891, there is a paragraph
+stating a claim for _uneingeschränktes Koalitionsrecht_ (absolute and
+unlimited right of coalition), which means that the masses may unite to
+enforce what they will, and annihilate whom they please. The same rights
+of coalition are denied to anyone else, and in the coal-strikes in South
+Wales[66] we have a lurid example--such instances could not be found in
+Germany--of the absolute and unlimited right of coalition at the risk of
+undoing any and every other right.
+
+[Footnote 66: The strikes during the present war.--Author.]
+
+The point is this: German Socialists have declared their intention to
+give no allegiance to any existing form of government and to overthrow
+them at the earliest possible moment. Do British Socialists accept this
+part of the programme?
+
+Throughout German Social Democratic literature we find Mr. Ramsay
+Macdonald referred to as _Genosse_ Ramsay Macdonald, which means that he
+is considered a full member of the brotherhood. If that is really the
+case, and if he accepts their programme as one to be followed here he
+would be favouring the substitution of the _volksstaat_ for the British
+constitutional monarchy.
+
+In face of this it may be asked why do British members of the Socialist
+party take an oath on entering the House of Commons, and why do they
+accept £400 per annum to support a national State, if they have pledged
+themselves internationally to overthrow it?
+
+The author admits his inability to solve the riddle, but during the
+years 1902-1914 he has heard members of all non-Socialist German parties
+assert that the German Socialists do not recognize any religious oath,
+and sections of the Socialists admit this position. As a party they are
+professedly atheistic; therefore when the might of the German State
+compels them to take an oath--they take it with an inward
+_Rückversicherung_.
+
+In a word, false-swearing is permitted, when one is obliged by
+circumstances, to take an oath to authorities whose right and might the
+oath-taker does not admit. So long ago as 1892 the Social Democrats were
+publicly charged with condoning perjury in order to rescue fellow
+members from the results of breaches of the law. Judge Schmidt in a
+court at Breslau said in that year: "Social Democrats have never
+concealed the fact that they are hostile to any religious form of oath.
+For them the religious importance and responsibility of an oath has no
+meaning whatever." Numerous German judges and authors have expressed
+themselves in a similar strain.
+
+Readers who are interested in the point are referred to the report[67]
+of the Socialist Congress held in Berlin, October, 1892. The party
+leaders endeavoured to gloss the matter over with righteous indignation
+and ambiguous phrases, but it nevertheless remains a fact that the
+desire to counteract effectively, a tendency to perjury among Socialists
+led the German Government a few years later to make perjury punishable
+by penal servitude up to ten years.
+
+[Footnote 67: All these reports may be seen in the British Museum
+Reading Room. Press mark is: 08072d.]
+
+Before leaving the _Volksstaat_ the author only wishes to state that it
+lays the axe on every conception of morality, religion and social order
+which we esteem. In the place of existing conditions, it would erect a
+mob tyranny more degrading to the individual than Czarism or
+Republicanism. The mines of Siberia and the tinned-meat factories of
+Chicago may enslave the body, but the _Volksstaat_, as portrayed by
+Socialist writers and speakers, promises an intellectual
+tyranny--hopeless alike to body and soul; and those who have had an
+opportunity to observe the brutal tyranny called "party discipline"
+which rules the German Social Democrats, will bear the present writer
+out in saying that its like, could only be found inside the German army.
+
+The strongest, best organized and most thoroughly disciplined political
+party in the world has repeatedly expressed its unalterable
+determination to place national before international interests, whenever
+these two should seem to be at variance. In the light of these
+declarations, the action of German Socialists in giving unreserved
+support to the German Government in this war, is not altogether
+surprising.
+
+Furthermore, this foundation-stone in their policy ought never to have
+been left out of consideration when pondering over their ecstatic
+utterances on peace and internationalism.
+
+The communistic manifesto of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, first
+published in London in the German language in 1847, contains the
+following: "Men say that we Communists wish to destroy the nationality
+of the native land. Workmen have no Fatherland. It is impossible to take
+away what they do not possess. The Communists scorn to conceal their
+views and intentions. We declare openly, that their aims can only be
+attained by the violent overthrow of all existing social orders. Let the
+ruling classes tremble before a communistic revolution. The proletarians
+have nothing but their chains to lose, while they have a world to
+gain."[68]
+
+[Footnote 68: "Envy and greed are the two powerful levers by which the
+Social Democrats are endeavouring to lift the world off its hinges. They
+live by the destruction of every ideal." Treitschke in the "Preussische
+Jahrbücher," vol. 34.]
+
+German Socialists have incorporated these principles _in theory_ in
+their programme, but _in practice_ they do not hold them, especially if
+their own skins are endangered, together with the Government which is
+threatened by "violent overthrow." That is the sum total of their
+extensive defence--literature published _since_ the outbreak of the
+present war. In its naked reality that is what the guarantee-insurance
+policy covered. So long as no danger threatened their own lives, goods
+and chattels, such eloquence as the following extracts were shouted into
+the world; but when they personally stood face to face with the Moloch
+upon which for years they had heaped contemptuous abuse, then national
+(_i.e._, personal) interests came first.
+
+Herr Fischer, in his capacity as president of the Socialist Congress in
+Berlin, 1892, said:
+
+"The reception of French delegates at Halle, and of Liebknecht at
+Marseilles, have proved incontrovertibly that the struggling French
+proletarians are of one mind and heart with German Social Democracy. Let
+the chauvinists, burning with hate on this and that side the Rhine, urge
+us on to war; let the diplomats and Governments of both countries
+sacrifice the well-being of the two nations to militarism and the
+war-bogey. The working-men in the two countries stretch out their hands
+to each other over the frontiers as pioneers of true culture and
+morality. They are convinced that there is only one enemy which
+separates them, and that it is their common task to fight against and
+annihilate this one enemy--capitalism."
+
+"Now as ever, we Social Democrats reply to the Government's military and
+economic policy this parole: Not a man and not a farthing will be voted
+for this system!"[69]
+
+[Footnote 69: Social Democrat members of the Reichstag in their report
+to the annual congress held in Cologne, 1893.]
+
+These quotations have been intentionally taken from speeches, etc.,
+published in the early nineties of the last century. If necessary, it
+would be an easy matter to fill several volumes of similar matter from
+the annual congress reports down to 1913; from the vast mass of German
+Social Democratic literature published between 1890 and 1914; and from
+the hundred party newspapers and reviews circulated in the Fatherland,
+Yet in the face of all these assurances it seemed to us that the German
+Socialists had shamefully betrayed their principles on August 4th, 1914,
+by giving their unreserved support to "Germany's Holy War."[70]
+
+[Footnote 70: In all Germany, and among all classes, this has become the
+popular designation of the European war: "_Unser_ heiliger Krieg."]
+
+Probably the betrayal was not so shameful as it seemed, because the fact
+was not made known in this country that the German Socialists had but
+imitated Bismarck's policy with Russia and Austria. (Bismarck concluded
+a treaty, with the one Power, then behind that Power's back he concluded
+a _Rückversicherungsvertrag_ with the other, _i.e._, a covering
+insurance policy intended to protect him against all risks.)
+
+During a quarter of a century, German Social Democrats have been the
+most ardent and insistent pioneers of internationalism and
+anti-militarism. But it has not been so generally known that they too
+have protected their rear by a _Rückversicherung:_ (1.) They have
+consistently taught that every man must learn to bear arms, and that
+both man and woman must be prepared to make any sacrifice for their
+Fatherland. (2.) They have always held that national interests must be
+considered before international palaver.
+
+In Chapter I. we have seen that up till July 28th, 1914, the German
+Social Democratic Party considered Austria and Germany to be entirely
+responsible for the European crisis. They had then no shadow of doubt,
+that Austria alone was guilty for bringing the danger of a European war
+to their very doors; from that point we again take up the story.[71]
+
+[Footnote 71: In all the mass of literature published by German
+Socialists during the war I have found only one mention of their first
+attitude to the war danger. On the first anniversary of the ultimatum to
+Serbia (July 23rd, 1915) the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_ contains these
+lines in a leading article: "To-day we may not repeat that which we
+wrote about the ultimatum in our issue of July 24th, 1914. But there was
+no doubt in any section of the Press, that Europe stood on the brink of
+war from the moment that ultimatum was despatched."]
+
+Three days later they tacitly agreed that Russia was the guilty party
+and acquiesced in the mobilization of the German army. On August 1st
+this proclamation occupied the front page of their seventy-seven daily
+papers:
+
+  "PARTEIGENOSSEN! Military law has been proclaimed. Any hour may bring
+  with it the outbreak of the world war. Thereby the severest trials
+  will be imposed upon, not only our nation, but upon the whole of our
+  continent.
+
+  "Up till the last minute the internationalists have done their duty,
+  and on the other side of our frontiers every nerve is being strained
+  to preserve peace and to make war impossible.
+
+  "If our earnest protests, our repeated endeavours have been without
+  success, it is because the conditions under which we live have once
+  again proved stronger than our will, and the will of our workmen
+  brothers. Hence, whatever comes, we must now face it with firmness.
+
+  "The horrible self-laceration of the European peoples, is the cruel
+  confirmation of our warnings to the ruling classes for more than a
+  generation; we have spoken admonishingly and in vain.
+
+  "_Parteigenossen_ (comrades), we shall not live through coming events
+  in fatalistic indifference; we shall remain true to our cause; we
+  shall hold firmly together, permeated by the sublime greatness of our
+  cultural mission.
+
+  "The women, on whom the burden of events presses two and threefold,
+  have above all, in these serious times, the task of working in the
+  spirit of Socialism for the high ideals of humanity, so that a
+  repetition of this dreadful catastrophe may be averted, and this war
+  may be the last.
+
+  "The stern regulations of martial law strike the workmen's movement
+  with terrible force. Imprudent actions, useless and falsely-conceived
+  sacrifices, damage in this moment not only the individual, but also
+  our cause.
+
+  "Comrades, we appeal to you to persevere in the unshakable confidence
+  that the future belongs, in spite of all, to nation-binding Socialism,
+  to justice and humanity.
+
+      "DER PARTEIVORSTAND.
+      (The leaders of the party.)
+
+  "Berlin, July 3ist, 1914."
+
+With these words, millions of German Socialists, represented by four and
+a quarter million voters and a hundred and eleven members of the
+Reichstag, tacitly denied their previous protestations, that Austrian
+Imperialism was letting loose the war-fury on Europe. There are rumours
+of a secret consultation with the German Chancellor, but that is of
+little import in this place. The leaders of this huge party proclaimed
+on July 25th that Austria was the blood-guilty power and maintained this
+attitude in spite of bloodshed till 11 p.m. on July 28th. By what
+lightning-change Austria's original guilt was transferred to Russia by
+July 31st is not recorded.
+
+With regard to the text of the above proclamation, there are variations
+to be noted. In the _Vorwärts_ it runs "within and without our
+frontiers" in the second paragraph; the text as I have given it is taken
+from the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_. In the fifth paragraph the Nuremberg
+_Fränkische Tagespost_ gives "capitalistic" for "fatalistic."
+
+A few extracts from Socialist newspapers will suffice to illustrate the
+complete change of front which happened in three days:
+
+"We Social Democrats in this solemn hour are at one with the whole
+German nation, without distinction of party or creed, in accepting the
+fight forced upon us by Russian barbarism, and we are ready to fight
+till the last drop of blood for Germany's national independence, fame
+and greatness." _Der Folksfreund_ (Karlsruhe), August 1st.
+
+"We desired peace and we have done everything humanly possible to secure
+that end. But when war is forced upon us by Russian Czarism, then,
+whatever the final decision may be, we must drop all class distinctions
+and differences of every kind, to form a single, determined people,
+prepared to defend Germany's independence and greatness against the
+enemy--even to the last drop of blood." _Volksstimme_ (Mannheim), July
+31st.
+
+"A defeat would mean collapse, annihilation and horrors most dreadful
+for all of us.[72] Our imaginations revolt at such a possibility. Our
+representatives in the Reichstag have unanimously declared on
+innumerable occasions that the Social Democrats could not leave their
+Fatherland in the lurch when the hour of destiny strikes; the workmen
+will now redeem the promise given by their representatives. The
+'Fatherlandless fellows'[73] will do their duty, and in doing it, will
+allow themselves to be surpassed in no wise by the patriots," _Münchener
+Post_, August 1st.
+
+[Footnote 72: These sentiments did not occur to this journalist when
+Germany began a ruthless war of invasion on Belgium.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 73: A phrase of contempt employed by the Kaiser when speaking
+of the Social Democrats in 1889, and which became proverbial.]
+
+"Whatever our opponents have done to us, at this moment we all feel the
+duty to fight against Russian knout-rule. Our women and children shall
+not be sacrificed to Russian bestiality, nor the German people become a
+booty for the Cossacks." _Die Volksstimme_ (Chemnitz), August 2nd.
+
+It is possible that even at the end of the war no explanation will be
+forthcoming for this astounding change of attitude. Some have suggested
+that the Russian or Slavonic danger caused it. Yet just these journals,
+and this party, had maintained, so long as any degree of free speech was
+permitted, that Austria had provoked the danger, and they were fully
+aware that the German Government had from first to last approved of and
+openly assisted in provoking, nay challenging, Russia on a question
+which involved the latter's prestige and diplomatic existence.
+
+Bethmann-Hollweg gave the alleged Russian mobilization as the immediate
+cause of the war, but doubtless the Social Democrats knew full well that
+for several days before Russia's mobilization was announced, Germany had
+been secretly mobilizing her army. From July 26th till July 30th German
+papers contained many reports that Russia was mobilizing; they may have
+been true or not, but the diplomatic correspondence published by Austria
+and discussed on page 63 shows conclusively that the Central Powers were
+baiting Russia into taking that step, and when the greatest Slavonic
+power had made the desired move, Germany replied with an ultimatum which
+brought about the war, so ardently desired by the great majority of
+Germany's warlike tribes.
+
+Britishers who sympathize with German Social Democracy may advance the
+plea: If Germany's military preparations were secret, how could the
+Social Democrats know of these proceedings? The answer is direct and
+simple: Every individual Social Democrat--and men, women, and children,
+they number some twenty millions--has for years past been a spy and
+informer in the interests of the _Umsturzpartei_ (overthrow-party). All
+the happenings of the workshop, barracks, farmyard, shop and office have
+been systematically reported to the local Press, and local committees of
+the Democratic Party; the ammunitions thus obtained have been just as
+systematically employed to fire insidious paragraphs and Press articles
+at governments, local authorities, employers, officers, and even the
+employers of servant-girls. Of late years it has been dangerous to have
+a difference even with a maid-servant; a few days later the inevitable
+insidious, anonymous attack would certainly appear in one or other of
+the S.D. journals.
+
+One instance will suffice to illustrate the everyday routine of the
+class-war (_Klassenkampf_) in which the whole energies of the Social
+Democrats have been absorbed for a quarter of a century. An acquaintance
+of the author's, Major Schub, in the 19th Infantry Regiment, stationed
+in Erlangen, dared some years ago to send his orderly with a she-goat to
+a peasant in the district who kept the indispensable he-goat. Two days
+later he was pilloried in a Furth paper for calling upon a private
+soldier to fulfil such a degrading office. German workmen do not read
+the _Vorwärts_ (its circulation is well under 100,000), but they read
+one or other of the seventy purveyors of filth and class hatred which
+form the stock-in-trade of the Social Democratic Party.
+
+The author of this work, knew as early as July 25th, that reserve
+officers had been warned to hold themselves in readiness; on succeeding
+days he saw tangible evidence that mobilization was proceeding
+stealthily, and it would be ridiculous for him to claim greater
+knowledge than the hundred and eleven S.D. members of the Reichstag, and
+the seventy-seven editors of their party papers--especially when these
+have an army of millions of spies at their command.
+
+In order to obtain a correct judgment of the motives which actuated
+German Social Democrats in their complete support of the German
+Government it is necessary to consult the works published by them during
+the war. Karl Kautsky writes:[74] "That which under these circumstances,
+was most immediate and pressing in determining the attitude to war, not
+only for the masses, but also many of our leaders, was the fear of a
+hostile invasion, the urgent necessity to keep the enemy out of our
+territory, no matter what the causes, object or results of the war may
+be. This fear was never greater and more justified than on this
+occasion; never have the devastating results of invasion been more
+terrible. Belgium and East Prussia speak plainly.
+
+[Footnote 74: "Die Internationalität und der Krieg." Berlin, 1915; p.
+32.]
+
+"The increased size of the armies greatly extends the unavoidable
+desolation of war, and in addition to this a second strongly-working
+popular motive decides the attitude of a nation to war, viz., the
+interest of the entire people in the fate of an army in which every
+family is represented."
+
+It thus becomes evident that no motives of justice, right or wrong, or
+politics played any part in the decision arrived at, but merely a great
+fear which impelled the Social Democrats to consider first and foremost
+how to save their own skins.
+
+All protest meetings were cancelled on August 1st, and the Press
+restricted itself to chronicling rumours and events. The sitting of the
+Reichstag was awaited with impatience as that was expected to bring more
+light on the crisis. The effect which Bethmann-Hollweg produced upon his
+hearers was to convince them that Russia alone was to blame. "The
+question of supporting the war by voting a loan was all the easier for
+us to decide, because the provocation had come, not from France or
+England, but from Russia. I admit openly that while I was travelling to
+Berlin to the Reichstag I had very little time to hunt for precedents in
+the party's history to determine my vote. For me the force of
+circumstances alone was decisive; the material interests of the working
+classes and the entire nation; common sense and the realization of a
+practical policy."[75]
+
+[Footnote 75: "Die Kriegssitzung des deutschen Reichstags" ("The War
+Sitting of the Reichstag"), by Karl Hildenbrand, Member for Stuttgart.
+Published 1915; p. 13.]
+
+"At the time of voting on August 4th, we were not in a position to take
+England into consideration, because at the moment she had not yet
+declared war. But by England's intervention our attitude on August 4th
+has been still more emphatically justified."[76]
+
+[Footnote 76: Ibid., p. 16.]
+
+This statement is a gross distortion of the truth. It is true that
+England had not yet declared war, but Sir Edward Grey had made England's
+attitude quite clear on the previous day. His speech had been published
+in the Berlin papers. Furthermore, the Chancellor informed the Reichstag
+that England's position was perfectly clear, although he suppressed the
+fact that Germany had begun preparations for war with this country five
+days before, by ordering civilians to leave Heligoland, and despatching
+the _Königin Luise_ to lay mines on our coasts.
+
+In any case, the action of the Social Democrats on that occasion is an
+example of unfaithfulness to principles. Accepting the invasion fear as
+a ground for voting a loan for a war of defence, there is still no
+evident reason why they should vote funds for a war of aggression
+against Belgium. On the surface, there is no explanation for their
+cheers when Bethmann-Hollweg announced the invasion of two neutral
+States by Germany's armies.
+
+Had they been tricked into supporting an alleged defensive war, there
+was still time to protest against German hordes overrunning two weak
+neighbouring countries. In spite of their terror that they personally
+might suffer through the horrors of war, their vaunted humanitarianism
+led to no outcry against those same horrors being wilfully and
+ruthlessly forced upon their Belgian _Genossen_.
+
+The only anxiety which the speech of their chosen spokesman, Herr Haase,
+betrays, is the anxiety to avoid responsibility. "In the name of my
+party I am empowered to make the following declaration: We are standing
+in an hour of solemn destiny. The consequences of the imperialistic
+policy--which brought about an era of armaments and made international
+difficulties more acute--have now fallen upon Europe like a storm-flood.
+
+"The responsibility for this recoils upon the leaders of that policy; we
+decline to accept it. Social Democracy has fought against this ominous
+development with all the forces at its command. Up to the very last hour
+we have worked for the maintenance of peace through mighty
+demonstrations in every land, especially in intimate cooperation with
+our French brothers. (Applause from the Social Democrats.) Our efforts
+have been in vain.
+
+"Now we are face to face with the stern reality of war. We are
+threatened by the terrors of a hostile invasion. To-day we have not to
+decide either for or against war, but only concerning the necessary
+means for the defence of our country. Now we have to think of the
+millions of our _Genossen_ who are innocently swept into this fate. They
+will suffer most through the devastations of war. Our ardent wishes
+accompany also our brothers who are called to the flag without
+distinction of party. (Loud applause.)
+
+"We think, too, of the mothers who must give their sons and of the women
+and children who are robbed of their bread-winners, and to whose fear
+for their loved ones is added the dread of hunger. Tens of thousands of
+wounded and mutilated warriors will soon be added to these. We consider
+it our most compelling duty to help them, to lighten their burdens and
+relieve their distress.[77] (Loud applause.)
+
+[Footnote 77: There is every reason to believe that the party has worked
+hard to keep this promise.--Author.]
+
+"In case of a victory for Russian despotism, which is already stained
+with the blood of Russia's best sons, much--if not everything--is at
+stake for our people and our free future. It is a question of averting
+this danger, and of securing the culture and independence of our own
+country. (Loud applause.)
+
+"Now we will redeem our oft repeated pledge: In the hour of danger we
+shall not leave our Fatherland in the lurch. (Loud applause.) Thereby,
+we feel ourselves in unison with the principles of internationalism
+which have always admitted the right of each single people to national
+independence and national defence. We condemn, as internationalism does,
+every war of conquest.
+
+"We demand, that, as soon as the goal of security has been attained and
+our enemies are inclined to make peace, the war shall end by a peace
+that will make friendship with neighbouring countries possible. We
+demand this, not only in the interests of the international solidarity
+for which we have uniformly fought, but also in the interests of the
+German nation.
+
+"We hope that the cruel school of war's sufferings will awaken a horror
+for war in new millions, and win them over to the socialistic ideal and
+international peace. Guided by these principles we vote in favour of the
+war loan. (Loud applause.)"[78]
+
+[Footnote 78: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+A short historical comparison will assist in making the Social
+Democratic action still clearer. In 1870, when Bismarck asked the
+Reichstag for a war credit to prosecute the campaign against France, the
+Socialists were few and helpless. Yet Liebknecht and Bebel refused to
+vote in its favour. "Their moral demonstration was in itself perfectly
+logical, for Bismarck's and Napoleon III.'s intrigues equally deserved
+condemnation."[79]
+
+[Footnote 79: Kautsky: "Die Internationalitat und der Krieg," p. 19.]
+
+Apparently it did not occur to the Democrats in 1914, that probably
+Germany had again been guilty of intrigues. It is noteworthy, however,
+that the small party in 1870 protested when a national issue was at
+stake, while the mighty party of 1914 made no protest whatever,
+although, as they had previously announced and denounced, the issue had
+been raised by the unjust actions and vile intrigues of Austrian
+imperialism.
+
+The campaign against Russia conducted by the nationalist Press up till
+August 1st was taken up by the organs representing Social Democracy,
+immediately war broke out. Their papers were flooded with appalling
+pictures of Russian (generally termed Asiatic) barbarism, tyranny and
+misrule. Passages from the speeches and writings of Bebel, Liebknecht
+and others were quoted to show the fiendishness of Russian policy, and
+the justice of every German doing his utmost to smash Czarism and
+deliver millions of fellow workmen from its thrall. Even a
+blood-and-thunder story of the Russian police was turned on as a serial
+story in their daily papers.[80] In short, nothing was omitted which
+goes to make _Stimmung_.
+
+[Footnote 80: "Der Polizeimeister, ein russischer Polizeiroman," by
+Gabryela Zapolska. The story commenced in the Nuremberg party organ on
+August 11th, and in Kautsky's _Leipztger Volkszeitung_ on August 18th.]
+
+Had they been honestly impartial a still blacker picture of Austria,
+painted by one of the founders of the workmen's movement, might have
+been quoted, yet it might have been indiscreet to tell Germans what
+Lassalle wrote. "Austria? Russia is a mammoth, barbarian Empire which
+its despotic rulers endeavour to civilize, just so far as suits their
+despotic interests. In that country barbarism is excusable, because it
+is a national element. But the case is very different with Austria.
+There it is the government which represents the barbaric principle and
+crushes beneath it by artifice and violence, the civilized peoples under
+its rule."[81]
+
+[Footnote 81: Bernstein's edition of Lassalle's "Reden und Schriften,"
+vol. I., p. 306.]
+
+With the exception of a few Britishers, the Socialists of all countries
+have unanimously condemned the attitude of the German party. Not the
+least interesting is the condemnation expressed by the Italian section.
+Dr. Südekum, Reichstag member for Nuremberg, was sent to Italy to
+discuss the situation with Italian Socialists and justify their own
+action in supporting the war. The following account of the meeting
+appeared in the _Vorwärts_ for September 12th: "The meeting lasted from
+3.30 p.m. till 7 p.m. Südekum declared that he had come to inform their
+Italian comrades of the situation in which the German Socialists found
+themselves, and in order to learn whether the Italians had taken any
+steps to keep up communications with Democrats in other lands.
+
+"We hold firmly to the contention that the German Socialists could have
+done nothing except what they did. My presence here is a proof that we
+Germans are aware of our duties towards internationalism.[82] We
+believed that the German Government had given proof of its peaceful
+tendencies and was forced into war against its will. Therefore, the
+Social Democratic Party supported it.
+
+[Footnote 82: There is no evidence to show that Südekum's Italian visit
+had any other purpose than winning over the sympathies of Italian
+Socialists and with them, the whole Italian nation for the purposes of
+German nationalism.--Author.]
+
+"Delia Seta answered that this was no justification for giving their
+support. The Italian Socialists would not have given their assistance
+under the same circumstances, just as they had refused to vote in favour
+of the Libyan war.
+
+"Dr. Südekum replied that the German Socialists were compelled to defend
+their Fatherland against Czarism. Further, he repeated Haase's
+declaration in the Reichstag and continued: 'I am astonished that the
+Italian Socialists are able to believe, that so strong a party as the
+German Democrats, had denied their ideals, and been untrue to their
+task. You must admit that no other way was open to us, except to grant
+the credit demanded.'
+
+"After this, he asserted the nationalist Press of France and Italy was
+working against Germany, and it seemed as if the Italian comrades were
+in agreement with Italian nationalists in endeavouring to maintain the
+existing condition of affairs[83] in Italy.
+
+[Footnote 83: "The existing condition of affairs" seems to mean Italian
+neutrality.--Author.]
+
+"Finally Südekum concluded by pointing out that the German Democrats had
+neither the intention, nor the right, to influence the attitude of the
+Italian Socialists, but were merely endeavouring to link up hearty
+international intercourse again.
+
+"In reply Delia Seta said he found it remarkable that the German
+Socialists had appealed to their Italian comrades in this solemn hour,
+all the more remarkable because intentions might easily be ascribed to
+this intervention. 'This is a serious motive which impels us to state
+our opinions with unreserved frankness.'
+
+"He continued: 'Your defence does not convince us. You speak of France
+being allied with us, and of England, Germany's enemy. But we speak of
+our France, revolutionary France, Jauré's France. The French Socialists
+opposed the military preparations made by France, you Germans did not do
+the same in your country, or at least, only up to the point where the
+imperialistic feelings of the Kaiser and his party might be hurt.
+
+"'The point of view of German Democrats coincides with that of German
+imperialism. German predominance means for us a far greater danger than
+Czarism, because Czarism prevents the German army from marching on
+Paris, and thus protects the banner of France, which in spite of all
+mistakes and errors, is still the most revolutionary.
+
+"'Germany's motto is: _Deutschland über alles_ and you have not opposed
+it; but you have published in the _Vorwärts_ an appreciation of the
+Kaiser alleging that he had worked during twenty-five years for peace.
+
+"'You speak of German civilization being in danger. But in this
+civilization we can find no trace of culture, when you attack and
+torture neutral Belgium, and complete the destruction of Louvain. Taken
+as a whole, German Socialists are just as plausible and use the same
+excuses as the Ministers of the German Government.[84]
+
+[Footnote 84: Might not this also be said of Messrs. Morel, Macdonald,
+Bernard Shaw, etc., and the _Labour Leader_, whose writings on the war
+have been scattered broadcast throughout Germany during the last six
+months?]
+
+"'We are enraged at the terrible fact that Germany has violated
+Belgium's neutrality, and you have not even protested. We tell you quite
+openly that we honour and weep for devastated Belgium, and tremblingly
+follow the fate of France.'"
+
+Südekum had no words with which to answer this terrible indictment, and
+the _Vorwärts_ could only add the following comment:
+
+"We consider the judgment of our Italian comrades to be one-sided, but
+for reasons easy to understand, desist from discussing it in the present
+situation. Unfortunately we must recognize the fact, however, that the
+Italian view is widespread among the Socialists of other neutral
+countries."
+
+Germany's revolutionary party lost no time in hoisting the banner of "no
+annexations." The _Leipziger Folkszeitung_, second in importance only to
+the _Vorwärts_ nailed down a phrase in the Kaiser's speech from the
+throne, which stated: "We are inspired by no desire for conquest." In
+commenting on this phrase, Kautsky's organ said:
+
+"The part of the speech which excites most sympathy in us is the
+admission that Germany cherishes no lust for conquest. At the proper
+time we shall refer to that again.
+
+"It is with sincere regret that we see the French Government on the side
+of the criminal Powers, which have enslaved and robbed the Russian
+people. If Germany, in a delirium of victory, should raise claims which
+mean annexation, then we shall--that must be repeated again--recall the
+speech from the throne of the German Kaiser on August 4th, 1914."[85]
+
+[Footnote 85: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 4th.]
+
+During the first year of war a split among the Social Democrats has
+become evident, and it appears certain that it is the annexation
+question which is causing the cleavage. In December last Liebknecht
+abstained from voting when the second war loan was granted by the
+Reichstag. Evidently doubts have arisen in a small section of the party
+either as to the origin of the war, or in regard to the objects which
+the German Government hopes to attain.
+
+On August 20th, 1915, Dr. Liebknecht put this question in the Reichstag:
+"Is the Government prepared to enter into immediate peace negotiations
+on the basis that Germany renounces all annexation claims and assuming
+that the other Powers in question are willing to negotiate?" Von Jagow
+replied: "I believe the great majority of the members will agree with
+me, when I refuse to answer the question, as being at present beside the
+purpose."
+
+The reply evoked a hurricane of "bravos."
+
+A parallel may be found in the year 1870. The central committee of
+German Social Democrats passed a resolution that: "It is absolutely
+necessary for the party to organize simultaneously in all parts of the
+country great popular demonstrations against the annexation of
+Alsace-Lorraine, and pass resolutions in favour of an honourable peace
+with the French republic."
+
+Nothing came of the movement, for on September 9th the committee was
+placed under arrest and prosecuted. If Germany should be victorious in
+this war, it is to be assumed that the Socialists would again prove
+powerless to prevent annexation. What the allies cannot hinder, the
+Social Democrats would be still more helpless to prevent; especially as
+the great majority of them are unreservedly on the side of the Kaiser
+and his Government. When in need, the latter flattered and persuaded the
+Democrats to vote for an alleged war of defence; but should German arms
+be victorious the German Government would neither seek, nor accept
+advice on her national projects, from her quondam internationalists.
+
+There are grounds for suspicion that the party is playing a game desired
+by the Berlin Government. For some months past they have tried every
+means possible to arrange personal interviews with the leaders of the
+corresponding party in France--the French "comrades" have refused to
+meet them. The _Leipziger Volkszeitung_ for July 16th, 1915, contains
+more than a column about "We and the French," in which the German party
+spreads the usual Teutonic lime of sophistry and empty phrases.
+
+One passage betrays the entire intrigue. They wish their "French
+brothers" to agree to a peace without annexations, which means, in so
+many words, that the French Socialists are to renounce Alsace-Lorraine
+for ever. Had they been, or should they be in the future, so foolish as
+to enter this German mouse-trap, then before the war has reached a
+decisive conclusion, a large section of the French nation would be
+pledged to renounce the lost provinces even in case of a German defeat.
+This is an excellent instance of the manner in which German Social
+Democracy works in an enemy country to assist its own Government. In
+like manner, the Independent Labour Party and Union of Democratic
+Control are forces exceedingly sensitive to German influence, and in a
+decisive moment can be set in motion by the German "comrades."
+
+The hundred and eleven Social Democrats in the Reichstag have no real
+power in Germany. If they possess any degree of power, then fear for
+their own skins, prevents them from risking its exercise. Their real
+opinion concerning Alsace-Lorraine appeared in the same journal four
+days later. "According to our opinion it would be a crime, if France
+made the return of these provinces a condition of peace." In the same
+article an accusation of one-sidedness is made against the Socialists in
+France for supporting the French Government. After which, it is not
+surprising that every time the names of the _Genossen_ Macdonald,
+Snowden, Hardie and Newbold occur in the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, they
+are mentioned with awe and reverence.
+
+"Besides Ramsay Macdonald and Philip Snowden, our friend J.T. Walton
+Newbold has got on the nerves of the English patriots."[86] These
+gentlemen invariably receive polite mention, but French Socialists are
+evidently in disfavour--presumably because they know too well the German
+game.
+
+[Footnote 86: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, July 23rd, 1915.]
+
+The peace programme of the German Socialists has been published. An
+official declaration of the party which appeared on August 23rd, 1915,
+gives the following conditions.
+
+"While caring for the national interests and rights of our own people,
+and at the same time respecting the vital interests of all nations,
+German Social Democracy strives for a peace which bears the guarantee of
+permanence, and will bring the European States closer together in
+matters of justice, culture, and commerce. In this sense we have drawn
+up the following scheme:
+
+"I. The security of German independence and the entirety of the German
+Empire, which implies the rejection of all annexation plans on the part
+of our opponents. That includes the French plan to re-incorporate
+Alsace-Lorraine with France, no matter in what form that end may be
+sought.
+
+"II. In order to secure free economic development for the German nation,
+we demand:
+
+"(_a_) The 'open door,' _i.e._, equal rights for commercial and
+such-like activities in all colonial territories.
+
+"(_b_) The inclusion of the most-favoured-nation clause in the articles
+of peace of all the nations now at war.
+
+"(_c_) The furthering of an economic entente by abolishing tariffs,
+etc., as far as possible.
+
+"(_d_) The equalization and improvement of the social-political
+institutions according to ideals aimed at by the workmen's international
+party.
+
+"(_e_) The freedom of the seas is to be guaranteed by an international
+treaty. To this end the right of capture at sea must be abolished, and
+all straits and narrows of importance for world commerce, must be
+internationalized.
+
+"III. In the interests of Germany's security and the free exercise of
+commercial and economic efforts in South-Eastern Europe, we reject all
+the warlike aims of the Quadruple Alliance to weaken or disintegrate
+Austria-Hungary and Turkey.
+
+"IV.--In consideration of the fact that the annexation of territories
+inhabited by another race transgresses the rights of nations to govern
+themselves; furthermore because thereby, the unity and strength of
+Germany would be weakened and her foreign relations seriously and
+permanently injured, we oppose the plans in that direction cherished by
+shortsighted conquest-politicians.[87]
+
+[Footnote 87: There are two and a half lines of dots at this point.
+Probably the German censor has cut out a sentence.]
+
+"V.--The terrible destruction and sufferings brought upon humanity by
+this war have won over millions of hearts to the ideal of a world peace,
+permanently secured by an international court of justice. The attainment
+of this end must be recognized as the highest moral duty of all those
+who are appointed to the work of framing a peace. Therefore we demand
+that an international arbitration court shall be created which shall
+settle all future difference between the nations."[88]
+
+[Footnote 88: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 23rd, 1915.]
+
+This imaginary peace-treaty is what Germans would call a _Zankapfel_
+(apple of discord). It may represent the serious opinions of Germany's
+greatest political party, but the German Government will welcome it
+because it will give Germany's sympathizers in France, England, Italy
+and Russia an excellent weapon with which they can attack their
+respective Governments, and hamper them in protecting their national
+interests. It will doubtless be an inspiration to the members of the
+I.L.P. and the U.D.C.[89]
+
+[Footnote 89: Above prophecy written end of August; fulfilled in the
+_Labour Leader_ October 28th.--Author.]
+
+If the German Government seriously formulated such proposals, the author
+believes that all Britishers worthy of the name would simply answer:
+"Fight on!" On this assumption the proposals deserve no discussion.
+
+Yet the document is interesting as revealing the mind of Social
+Democratic Germany. These sublime Pharisees are unconscious of Belgium's
+wrongs and Germany's crimes. The former deserve no compensation and the
+latter no penalty. Here we are on the bed-rock of their ideas of justice
+and humanitarianism. Still we are not altogether surprised, because the
+Democratic newspaper organs have openly defended and justified the
+atrocities committed by German soldiers, and whenever any particularly
+damning evidence has been produced their parole has consistently been:
+"At any rate, now is not the time to discuss it." According to their
+comprehension the only time for discussion is when Europe is under the
+German heel. They are willing to discuss--when discussion can no longer
+injure the Fatherland, when Germany has gained all she wants.
+
+The most remarkable metamorphosis which the German Democrats have
+undergone, is shown in their changed attitude to England. This country
+gave a home to Marx and Engels; the former is buried in Highgate
+cemetery. For many decades the party professed enthusiastic admiration
+of British institutions and our ideals of personal freedom. Their
+admiration for England was not always convenient to the German
+Government, and was certainly a thorn in the side of the Kaiser.
+
+In 1898 the party published a "Handbook for Social Democratic Voters,"
+which contains lengthy explanations of their entire policy. Therein they
+justify their opposition to German naval expansion, and while conceding
+that naval supremacy is vital and indispensable to England, continue:
+"Boundless plans are veiled beneath the Navy Bill (1897). The hotspurs
+among the water-patriots dream of a first-class navy which might rival,
+yes, even surpass the British fleet.
+
+"For the water-patriots the Navy Bill means an instrument to further
+their unlimited _Weltpolitik_ and schemes of conquest; a weapon with
+which to realize their mad imaginings of a greater Germany. They desire
+to employ it as a tool for their absolutist plans and adventurous world
+enterprises.
+
+"It increases the risk of foreign conflicts. At the same time it
+brightens the prospects of success of those influential circles
+which--impelled by an overpowering impulse to deeds, and inspired by a
+diseased longing for prestige--press on from excitement to excitement,
+from daring to daring, and from crisis to crisis."
+
+This remarkable prophecy has been verified by history, but with its
+realization, the party which made it has been converted to the side of
+their former opponents. To-day the Social Democrats are just as hearty
+in the desire to see Britain overthrown and British naval supremacy
+smashed as is the Kaiser's Government.
+
+No impartial thinker dare deny that the British fleet has been the
+principal factor in preventing Europe's subjugation to German autocracy,
+and the world to German militarism. Yet the so-called party of freedom
+prays earnestly that this fleet may be destroyed. This represents the
+tone of their daily Press, and the change of attitude has been proved to
+be scientifically correct in various books published by their leaders
+during the present year. One of these works will be quoted at
+considerable length, because of its importance in showing what the
+"pioneers of liberty" wish, may be the end of the "home of liberty." The
+work bears the title, "German Social Democracy and the World War;"[90]
+its author is a Socialist member of the Reichstag.
+
+[Footnote 90: "Die deutsche Sozialdemokratie und der Weltkrieg," by Dr.
+Paul Lensch, published by the Vorwärts Publishing House. Berlin, 1915.]
+
+In dealing with England he refers to their former admiration for this
+country and proceeds to prove that it was wrong--wrong in the interests
+of Germany, and the world. England's fight against Napoleon for European
+freedom Dr. Lensch disposes of in a sentence: "Consumed by greed,
+England took the long-yearned-for opportunity and fell upon her rival,
+France" (p. 16).
+
+He informs his readers that England and Russia are two beasts of prey.
+England's disarmament proposals were only intended to secure her naval
+supremacy, because Germany seemed to be escaping from the strangulation
+cord which. England had drawn tight round her throat. Therefore three
+problems present themselves to Dr. Lensch, which the war must solve:
+
+(1.) Shall the German people continue to exist as an independent nation?
+
+(2.) Shall the danger of Czarism continue to threaten West European
+culture?
+
+(3.) Shall Britain's naval supremacy be eternalized or overthrown,
+seeing that Britain only allows other nations to develop, so far as they
+are compatible with her national interests? (p. 15).
+
+"England's oft-praised freedom is based upon the enslavement of the
+world; the peoples now recognize that England's wealth, freedom, and
+greatness are merely the corollary to their poverty, slavery and
+wretchedness (p. 20).
+
+"International Socialism has not the slightest interest in helping to
+bolster up this supremacy (p. 22).
+
+"When this monopoly is broken the English working classes will lose
+their present privileged position. They will be reduced to the same
+level as the workmen of other lands. Then Socialism will flourish in
+England (p. 23).[91]
+
+[Footnote 91: The author had fondly imagined that the British workman
+stood foremost as the result of his own battles. In any case, it is to
+be hoped that British Socialists will be grateful for "Genosse" Lensch's
+prayers for their downfall.]
+
+"No party stands to lose more by a British victory than Social
+Democracy. The overthrow of England's world-position would clear the way
+for the continuation of the world's progress on the right historical
+lines, and its economic development (p. 25).
+
+"In the present world war the interests of the internationalists are
+bound up in a German victory. Hence a German victory would be a victory
+for Marx's internationalism, and only then, would the hearts and heads
+of English workmen be open to the intellectual schooling of the
+Socialistic idea (p. 27).
+
+"As early as the eighties in the last century, Friedrich Engels proved
+that the ruin of England's industrial monopoly had begun. What the
+scientist had foretold, became evident to all eyes two decades later.
+The social system of the greatest, world-ruling industrial State was
+shaken to its foundations. International Socialists had every reason to
+welcome this peaceful downfall of England's world power" (pp. 21-22).
+
+"Marx once wrote that war is like a locomotive in the history of the
+world. May this war have that effect and under full steam lead to a
+finish the work which peaceful development had already commenced,
+_i.e._, the downfall of English supremacy. If the war hastens and
+concludes this process, then the sacrifices in blood and treasure will
+not have been in vain. A great stumbling-block to human progress and
+especially to the proletarian fight for freedom will have been hurled
+out of the way" (pp. 27-8).
+
+Having failed during a peaceful fight of over forty years, to hurl
+German autocracy and militarism out of the world, these hot-headed
+pioneers of liberty (Kaiserdom?) wish to destroy the very State which
+was their place of refuge when German "liberty" overwhelmed them with
+its kindly attentions.
+
+Still we cannot be too grateful to Dr. Lensch for his lucid statement.
+It is an effective reply to Germany's sympathizers in this country, and
+if British workmen should ever see these lines, it will interest them to
+know that German Socialists are anxious to pull them down a little, in
+the belief that if British workmen are cut short in their luxuries they
+will become better Socialists and Internationalists.
+
+Dr. Lensch has only one step more to take, and he will certainly gain
+the highest German order--_pour le mérite_. The famous Communist
+manifesto of Marx and Engels concludes with the words: "Proletarians of
+all lands, unite!" It is much to be desired that Dr. Lensch should amend
+this by adding to Marx's phrase a few words, so that the amended form
+would run:
+
+"Proletarians of all lands, unite to sing 'Deutschland, Deutschland,
+über alles.'" By this simple means the learned doctor would condense the
+entire teachings of his book into a single sentence.
+
+"The position to-day is that the interests of freedom and democracy are
+utterly at variance with a French victory (p. 42).
+
+"Greater Prussia was founded by the war of 1866, while the 1870 struggle
+established a Little Germany. Through the present war Great Germany will
+be created" (p. 46).
+
+On another page this Socialist-Chauvinist proclaims that "the freedom of
+the oppressed must be the work of the oppressed themselves," which is a
+principle that the I.L.P. and U.D.C., etc., would do well to note. "The
+peculiarity of our situation is to be found in the fact that
+extraordinarily advanced ideals have penetrated into our unripe
+conditions."[92]
+
+[Footnote 92: Louis Bamberger in an essay on German Social Democracy in
+the _Deutsche Rundschau_, vol. 14, p. 243.]
+
+It is to these "unripe conditions" that Lensch, Liebknecht, David,
+Hildenbrand and the remaining leaders of German Social Democracy should
+give their undivided attention. Last year the Berlin Government
+published a record of crimes committed in Germany. It is the most awful
+record of any nation in the world, and the above gentlemen would do well
+to study Volume 267 of the _Vierteljahrshefte_. There were hundreds of
+thousands of brutal crimes committed in Germany by German proletarians
+during the year 1912.
+
+For half a century Marx, Lassalle, Bebel, Liebknecht and their
+successors have been busily engaged in intellectualizing Germany's
+proletarians; now it is advisable for the Socialist party to begin the
+work of humanizing them. Their efforts to internationalize the world
+have resulted in a hopeless _débâcle_; let them now begin the task of
+humanizing Germany. They have all evidently forgotten the German
+proverb: _Kehr vor deiner eignen Tür!_ (Sweep first before your own
+door.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"
+
+
+On August 2nd, 1914, Belgium announced her neutrality in the European
+war; France had already declared her intention to respect Belgian
+neutrality at all costs. On the other hand we have Bethmann-Hollweg's
+word that he knew French armies were standing ready to strike at Germany
+through Belgium. This statement he has never supported by any proof, nor
+even mentioned his authority for the same.[93] In view of the facts that
+no military preparations had been made on the Franco-Belgian frontier,
+and that the German armies first came into contact with French forces
+long after the fall of Liége, we are compelled to declare the German
+Chancellor's statement to be a pure invention.
+
+[Footnote 93: So-called "evidence" has been given by Richard Grasshoff
+in his book "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt"), pp. 14-20. Grasshoff
+quotes the sworn statements of a German corporal who resided in
+Boitsfort, near Brussels. The corporal states that he saw two French and
+one English officer in Brussels on July 26th, and eight French soldiers
+on July 29th.
+
+The statements of three French soldiers, prisoners of war in Germany,
+are also cited; these men maintain that they entered Belgium on the 31st
+of July and the 2nd of August.
+
+With regard to this "evidence," we must note that Grasshoff is a German
+official, the corporal a German spy, and that the Frenchmen have made
+these statements in a prisoners' camp, a place where they were exposed
+to the temptation of German gold and the influence of Teutonic bullying.
+Lastly, the Berlin General Staff has recorded that the German armies
+first came in touch with French troops on August 19th, near Namur.]
+
+Moreover Germany's excuse for invading Belgium is given in the title of
+this chapter. Had Germany possessed any proof that French officers in
+disguise were organizing preparations in Belgium, or that French airmen
+had crossed the latter's territories in order to drop bombs by Wesel,
+etc., then Bethmann-Hollweg would have had no reason to admit in the
+Reichstag that his country was committing a breach of international law.
+Under such circumstances Belgian neutrality would no longer have
+existed; the Chancellor, instead of "necessity," could have pleaded
+justification and the world could scarcely have withheld its approval.
+
+In the early hours of August 4th the Germans crossed the Belgian
+frontier, although the _Cologne Gazette_ had published a notice three
+days before announcing that Germany had no intention whatever of taking
+the step, and that no German troops were near the frontier.
+
+General von Emmich immediately issued this proclamation in French: "To
+my great regret German troops have been compelled to enter Belgian
+territory. They are acting under the compulsion of unavoidable
+necessity, for French officers in disguise have already violated Belgian
+neutrality by trying to reach Germany, via Belgium, in motor-cars.[94]
+
+[Footnote 94: One wonders what military purpose these officers had in
+view. They would have been inevitably arrested at the German frontier.
+The fable was made public by Wolff's Agency, and has been ridiculed even
+by the German Press, _vide_ pp. 96-7.]
+
+"Belgians! it is my most ardent desire that it may yet be possible to
+avoid a struggle between two peoples which up till now, have been
+friends, formerly even allies. Remember the glorious days of La Belle
+Alliance, when German arms helped to found the independence and future
+of your Fatherland.
+
+"Now we must have a free way. The destruction of tunnels, bridges and
+railways will be considered hostile actions. Belgians! you have to
+choose. The German army does not intend to fight against you, but seeks
+a free path against the enemy who wishes to attack us. That is all we
+desire.
+
+"Herewith I give the Belgian people an official pledge that they will
+not have to suffer under the terrors of war; that we will pay ready
+money for all necessaries which we may have to requisition; that our
+soldiers will show themselves the best friends of a nation for which we
+have the highest esteem and ardent affection. It depends upon your
+prudence and your patriotism whether your land shall be spared the
+horrors of war." (Appeared in the _Cologne Gazette_, August 6th.)
+
+A Dresden paper of the same date contains an illuminating statement. "We
+have just received official information that the German General Staff
+had been informed by an absolutely reliable source that the French
+intended to march through the valley of the Meuse into Belgium. The
+execution of this plan had already commenced, therefore France was by no
+means prepared to respect Belgian neutrality."
+
+"For years past the King of Belgium has conspired with England behind
+the backs of his ministers, to damage German interests. His telegram to
+the King of England was a trick planned long ago. These facts will soon
+be supplemented by a large number of documentary proofs; from this the
+necessity has arisen to direct Germany's advance through Belgium
+irrespective of neutrality considerations."[95]
+
+[Footnote 95: _Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+Here we have the first clumsy attempts to prove that Belgian neutrality
+did not exist. These after-thoughts have grown during the past year into
+no inconsiderable literature. Probably the two motives which have
+inspired Germany--official and unofficial--to print many volumes on
+Belgian neutrality have been the indignation aroused in neutral
+countries and the fact that a complete German victory was not obtained
+in three months of war.
+
+German newspapers again betray the plot against Belgium, and a search
+through their files reveals in the clearest manner possible how Wolff's
+Bureau was again the source of a widespread campaign to prove that
+Germany was right, and simultaneously to lash public opinion into hatred
+for the Belgian "barbarians and beasts."
+
+In the first few days of August the Press was filled with reports
+concerning the murder and ill treatment of Germans in Belgium, before
+any act of war had taken place. No doubt a justified fear for the
+mighty, brutal neighbour existed in the popular imagination, and fear
+may be the father of ill-considered deeds. Nevertheless, there is no
+proof that mob law prevailed in Belgium, as it did in Germany. Moreover,
+the latter country outlawed herself when she proclaimed the law of
+necessity. In the light of this consideration the German outcry that the
+Belgians were breaking both the laws of humanity and international
+jurisprudence lacks sincerity and remains unconvincing.
+
+A country which announces her intention to ignore existing laws and
+"hack a way through at all costs," should surely be the last to declaim
+on the alleged offences against the laws of war by a small, weak,
+unprepared neighbour. If these considerations are insufficient, there
+remains the fact that Germany herself began war against unarmed Belgian
+civilians.
+
+During the night following the unsuccessful _coup de main_ against
+Liége, a Zeppelin attacked the town and dropped bombs. "On Thursday,
+August 6th, at 3.30 a.m. Z6 returned from an air-cruise over Belgium.
+The airship took a conspicuous part in the attack on Liége, and was able
+to intervene in a markedly successful manner. Our first bomb was dropped
+from a height of 1,800 feet, but failed to explode. The ship then sank
+to 900 feet above the city, and a non-commissioned officer dropped
+twelve more bombs, all of which exploded, setting the city ablaze in
+several places."[96]
+
+[Footnote 96: German official report in the _Berliner Tageblatt_, August
+10th.]
+
+An Austrian who was in the town afterwards described the attack in the
+_Grazer Tagespost_. According to this witness it was already daylight
+when the airship appeared, and the effect of the bombs was truly awful.
+In view of the circumstance that it was already light, Germany cannot
+put forward the defence that the bombs were intended for the twelve
+forts which surround Liége at a distance of some miles.
+
+This is the earliest official record of an attack upon civilians--and it
+came from the German side! The crew of Z6 were the recipients of a
+tremendous ovation on their return, while the news of this dastardly
+murder was received with jubilation throughout the German Empire. In
+Lunéville fifteen civilians were killed by airship bombs two days
+earlier; shortly afterwards followed the attack by airship on civilians
+in Antwerp.
+
+The author has before him about one hundred different newspaper reports,
+alleging the most awful barbarism on the part of the Belgians. Among the
+numerous statements that Germans were murdered, only two names are
+mentioned, and both these men are alive to-day; the one is Herr Weber,
+proprietor of an hotel in Antwerp.
+
+"We have now received full details of the murder of the German, Weber.
+He had fled from his pursuers and hidden himself in a cellar. As the
+raging mob could not find him they burnt sulphur in the house, which
+caused Weber to break into a violent fit of coughing. This betrayed his
+hiding-place; he was dragged out and murdered."[97]
+
+[Footnote 97: _Hamburger Fremdenblatt_, August 12th, and simultaneously
+in many other journals. On the following day the _Vorwärts_ announced
+that Herr Weber had returned to Germany in the company of their own
+correspondent.]
+
+"The German pork-butcher, Deckel, who had a large business in Brussels,
+was attacked in his house by a crowd of Belgian beasts because he had
+refused to hang a Belgian flag before his shop; with axes and hatchets
+the mob cut off his head and hewed his corpse in pieces."[98]
+
+[Footnote 98: _Kölnische Volkszeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+A few days later the _Berliner Tageblatt_ informed its readers that Herr
+Deckel was residing in Rotterdam, and had suffered no harm whatever.
+
+Readers who are acquainted with the official record of brutal crimes
+committed year by year in Germany and the haughty contempt for civilian
+rights which the whole German army has consistently shown in the
+Fatherland, during the orderly times of peace, will require little
+imagination to conceive that this same army would show still less
+consideration for civilians in a country which they were wrongfully
+invading.
+
+The German Press during the last thirty years, as well as many books
+published in the Fatherland, contains ample proof of German brutality at
+home, and above all, of the legal brutality of German non-commissioned
+and commissioned officers. How can Germany expect the world to believe,
+that these same men, were transformed into decent human beings by the
+mere act of stepping over the Belgian frontier?
+
+Granted that vulgar elements of the Belgian population did transgress,
+there still remains incontrovertible evidence that almost unheard-of
+kindness was shown to the invading army, and that Germans had displayed
+brutal insolence to Belgians before a state of war had been declared.
+Nearly every single letter from soldiers, published in German papers,
+records the fact that in the villages through which they passed they
+were given water, wine and food, while payment was in many cases
+refused.
+
+It is part of Germany's policy to blacken Belgium's character in order
+to justify her own ruthlessness--naturally Wolff's Agency was one of the
+principal tools to that end.
+
+"Much as we condemn the excesses of the Belgians, still we must not
+wreak vengeance on the whole nation as a section of our Press demands.
+Have not harmless and defenceless foreigners been terribly ill-treated
+in Germany without distinction of sex? Have not shops and restaurants
+been demolished in hundreds, wherever a French word was to be met? And
+the rage of the German masses has found an outlet not only against
+foreigners, but against good German patriots and even German
+officers."[99]
+
+[Footnote 99: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 12th. This journal as
+well as the _Fränkische Tagespost_ names Wolff's Agency as their
+authority in more than one issue.]
+
+The same journal on the preceding day deplored that "we ourselves are
+not free from guilt." It recounts how German reservists, when leaving
+Antwerp and Brussels, had sung their national songs in a loud,
+provocative manner, and taunted the bystanders with such remarks as: "In
+three days we shall be here again!"
+
+According to the same authority German residents had insulted the
+populace by displaying their national flag; and German employers had
+been among the first to discharge employees of their own nationality,
+without salary in lieu of notice, thus increasing the difficulties of
+German residents in Belgium.
+
+German official pronouncements are much more reticent in their judgment
+on these allegations of Belgian cruelties. None the less the Berlin
+Government must be held responsible for them being scattered throughout
+the land. After Germany's official representative had returned from
+Brussels to Berlin he made a statement to the Press. Considering that
+von Below was in the Belgian capital at the time, his views are
+instructive.
+
+He expressed his great astonishment that such things should have
+happened, and asserted that up till the very last minute he had been
+treated with the greatest kindness and politeness. Neither he nor any of
+his Legation Staff had experienced the slightest unpleasantness.
+Further, von Below expressed the conviction that only single instances
+of such excesses had occurred and these were a result of the quarrelsome
+Walloon character. No village _fête_ passes off among them without such
+outbreaks, accompanied by bloodshed.[100]
+
+[Footnote 100: This may be true, but von Below could have said the same
+with absolute truth of German village fairs, _Kirmesse_, etc.--Author.]
+
+German papers of August 15th reported this official version, and four
+days later a proclamation was issued by State Secretary Dr. Delbrück,
+calling upon all persons who had been ill-treated in Belgium to report
+themselves, so that the "numerous" newspaper reports could be confirmed
+or refuted. The result of the inquiry has never been published.
+
+From a number of witnesses who testified whole-heartedly to Belgian
+kindness, one will suffice. A lady reported her adventures in the
+_Vorwärts_ of September 6th, from which the following sentences have
+been gleaned. "Even if it is true that Germans were subjected to
+inconsideration and ill-treatment during their flight from Belgium,
+still there are hundreds of Germans who, like myself, met with generous
+sympathy and unstinted help.
+
+"A Flemish servant refused her month's wages, saying that her employers
+would need it on the journey. Many Germans were offered homes in Belgian
+families till the war was over. My own landlord in Brussels placed an
+empty flat at my disposal for German refugees. At parting he and his
+wife were as deeply moved as we, and when I began to make excuses for
+being unable to pay the rent, she at once prevented me from speaking
+another word. My husband was provided with a hat which looked less
+'German;' they filled our pockets with provisions for the journey, and
+after his wife had embraced me and my child we left the house in
+silence.
+
+"German refugees whom I met afterwards, related hundreds of similar acts
+of kindness. When such severe accusations are raised against the entire
+Belgian people, justice demands this statement that Belgians in hundreds
+of cases, uninfluenced by the prevailing bitterness, showed themselves
+kindly, helpful and humane towards the Germans."
+
+In the second month of the war two representatives of the Social
+Democratic Party received special permission from the General Staff to
+visit Belgium and the theatre of war in Northern France. Their report
+has been issued by the Vorwärts Publishing House.[101]
+
+[Footnote 101: "Kriegsfahrten durch Belgien und Nordfrankreich"
+("Journeys in War Time through Belgium, etc."), by Dr. Adolph Koester
+and G. Noske.]
+
+"Concerning the events and conditions in Belgium many false reports have
+been spread abroad. That is especially the case in regard to the
+terrible persecutions of Germans immediately before the outbreak of war.
+The civil authorities (German) are now permitting full investigation in
+those parts of Belgium occupied by our troops, and it is already obvious
+that many exaggerations were circulated by German newspapers. Without
+doubt beer-houses and business houses were wrecked, but the Tartar
+stories which were reported in Germany and Belgium, Herr von Sandt,
+Chief of the Civil Administration, puts down to hysterics, and the
+desire of some people to make themselves important."[102]
+
+[Footnote 102: Ibid., pp. 14-15.]
+
+No correct judgment on the apportionment of right and wrong between the
+Belgian civilians and the German army is possible without taking into
+consideration the status of militarism in each of these countries before
+the war. As far as Belgium is concerned, the army was looked upon as a
+necessary evil. The Social Democratic doctrines imported from Germany
+had obtained such a hold upon the people that the Belgian Government
+experienced ever-increasing difficulty in getting supplies voted in the
+House of Deputies, for defence purposes. Belgian Socialists
+unfortunately played into the hands of the German Government by doing
+their utmost to prevent money from being spent for the defence of their
+country. Consciously or unconsciously, German Socialists have rendered
+the Kaiser and his army inestimable service. Their propaganda against
+armaments has borne fruit in Belgium, England and France, but did not
+prevent a single German battleship from being built, nor a single
+regiment from being added to the German army.
+
+In Germany militarism is a gospel. All classes and all political parties
+have been unanimous for years past, that every man should be a soldier.
+The military ethos has ruled supreme, and whenever civilianism has
+dared, merely to cherish thoughts contrary to the ideals of the ruling
+caste, no time was lost in seeking an opportunity to challenge a quarrel
+which invariably ended in humiliation for the civilian ethos.
+Characteristically, therefore, the contemptuous phrase has become
+current both in the German army and navy--"das Civil"--when speaking of
+the non-military elements of the nation.
+
+Imbued with these traditions and inspired by this contempt for
+everything civilian, the German armies invaded Belgium, and it may be
+safely assumed that in a country where the civilian ethos predominated,
+looks, words, and even deeds, expressed hostility. Such "provocation"
+would certainly rouse the military ego to a revenge ten thousand-fold
+greater than that taken at Zabern. German militarism brooks neither
+contempt, criticism, nor opposition from German civilians, and much less
+so from the civilians of another nation.
+
+When it is possible to obtain cool and clear accounts of the events in
+Belgium, the author has no doubt whatever, that proofs of
+civilian-baiting will be forthcoming in that unhappy country. The policy
+of frightfulness was not only intended to drive an enemy into abject
+submission and as a punishment for resistance to Germany's imperious
+will, but it was the military ethos in strife with the civilian spirit.
+
+In order to hinder the march of the invaders the trees lining the roads
+were cut down and formed into barriers, but the civilian population was
+compelled at the bayonet's point to remove all obstacles and thus assist
+in the conquest of their native country.
+
+"The magnificent tall fir-trees which are so characteristic of Belgian
+roads, had been felled across the highways. But all the civilian
+population which could be found, without regard to age, rank, or sex,
+was forced by our advancing cavalry to clear it all away. One can
+imagine the joy of the Belgians in performing this task!"[103]
+
+[Footnote 103: "Unser Vormarsch bis zur Marne" ("Our advance to the
+Marne"), by a Saxon officer, p. 22.]
+
+This writer, too, chronicles many instances of kindness. "I was billeted
+in a peasant's house at the western exit of the village. Three beautiful
+children, trembling with fear, watched us come in, for besides me there
+were twenty-four men. We had received emphatic warnings from
+headquarters not to allow soldiers to be billeted alone. The woman gave
+us everything she could find and it was almost necessary to use force to
+get her to accept payment."[104]
+
+[Footnote 104: Ibid., p. 25.]
+
+"A load of shot struck the ground at the feet of my horse. Before I had
+calmed the animal a N.C.O. marching at my side had finished off the
+dirty Belgian scoundrel, who was now hanging dead from a roof window.
+
+"Foaming with rage, my field-greys surrounded the house, in which only a
+few of the dogs were taken captive, the others were immediately
+slaughtered. A boy hardly fifteen years old was dragged out of a wet
+ditch with a gun in his hand. Before being brought to me, this youthful
+swine had been thrashed from head to foot. Besides the men, two women
+and a girl were taken.
+
+"Meanwhile a terrible hand-to-hand fight was going on throughout the
+long, scattered village. Infantry and artillerists smashed the doors and
+windows; no mercy was shown to anyone, and the houses were set alight.
+An attempt to storm the church-tower failed because the occupants fired
+from above. Bundles of straw were brought, paraffin poured on them, and
+the tower set on fire. Above the roar of the flames we could distinctly
+hear the shrieks of the murderers shut in there.
+
+"I gave orders to a squad to shoot our prisoners, but a deadly bullet
+finished the career of the lying, scoundrelly priest as he was trying to
+escape. Our losses were remarkably small, only two men being killed and
+a number wounded."[105]
+
+[Footnote 105: Ibid., p. 43-4.]
+
+In all cases where German soldiers asked for water from the inhabitants,
+the latter had to take a drink first. "Before tasting the water both man
+and wife had to drink first, and as this scene was repeated on
+innumerable occasions, it was delightful to observe the comic
+desperation with which the people took their involuntary 'water
+cure.'"[106]
+
+[Footnote 106: "Mit der Kluck'schen Armee nach Belgien" ("With von
+Kluck's Army into Belgium"), by Dr. Jos. Risse, p. 17.]
+
+Dr. Risse's interesting diary contains one or two important passages
+illustrating the relation between conquerors and conquered. Like many
+other German writers, he saw no hostile act on the part of the civilian
+population, but they came to him as rumours. "That night we slept in a
+barn. Here we heard that a village near Dahlem had been burned down
+because the inhabitants had cut the throat of a sleeping ambulance
+attendant.
+
+"On continuing our march we suddenly entered a wide vale. The horizon
+was blood-red and huge clouds of smoke drifted heavenwards. On all sides
+the villages were in flames. In the last village before Louvain the
+sight was terrible in the extreme; houses ablaze; pools of blood in the
+street; here and there a dead civilian; pieces of Belgian equipment,
+haversacks, boots and trousers lay around; while the inhabitants stood
+about with their hands raised above their heads.
+
+"It was said that hostile cavalry had hidden in the village and together
+with a part of the inhabitants had fired on our troops. We only saw the
+consequences.
+
+"After a long rest before Louvain we entered the town at 7 p.m. Our
+artillery had taken up a semi-circular position on the heights around
+and directed their cannon on to the town."[107]
+
+[Footnote 107: Ibid., pp. 22-3.]
+
+The above events occurred on August 19th, exactly six days before the
+sack of Louvain. It strikes one as remarkable that the German cannon
+were even on that day directed against an unfortified city.
+
+Risse was among the first German troops to enter Brussels. "Our route
+took us through some of the principal streets, and various splendid
+buildings including the Royal palace. Joy shone in our faces and a
+feeling of pride swelled our breasts at being the first to enter
+Belgium's capital. These feelings found expression in our talk and
+shouts. The man behind me shouted to every bewildered, staring Belgian
+whom we passed: 'Yes, young fellow, you are astonished, you blockhead!'
+On we marched with the air of victors.
+
+"The inhabitants were exceedingly kind, so that one had not at all the
+feeling of being in the capital of an enemy. They brought us water,
+lemonade, beer, cigars, cigarettes, etc., without asking for any
+payment."[108]
+
+[Footnote 108: Ibid., pp. 26-7.]
+
+The same writer refers to similar hospitality in various parts of his
+book. After passing through Brussels he continues his diary: "Sunday,
+August 23rd. Nothing came of our hopes for a rest-day. Shortly after 5
+a.m. we were ready for the march. A fine rain was falling as we passed
+through village after village. We saw the villagers with frightened
+faces hurrying to church, carrying prayer-books. Notices from the
+Belgian Government were placarded on the houses, warning the people to
+avoid every kind of hostility towards the Germans."[109]
+
+[Footnote 109: Ibid., p. 31.]
+
+From the last sentence it is evident that the Belgian authorities did
+not incite the civilian population to resistance. Other German
+war-writers state that the Belgian and French Governments had organized
+a _franc-tireur_ warfare long before, and this accusation is one of the
+pillars of Germany's defence for the destruction of Louvain.
+
+"Soon after crossing the frontier we saw the first ruined house. Our
+route led us down the same road on which a few days before the violent
+and bitter struggles had taken place between German troops and Belgian
+soldiers, aided by the inhabitants. The Belgians have supported their
+troops in a manner which can only be described as bestial and cruel.
+From the houses they have shot at troops on the march, and of course
+their homes have been reduced to ashes.
+
+"The road from Aix-la-Chapelle to Liége is one long, sad line of
+desolation.[110] Otherwise the district is fertile; now, however,
+sadness and devastation reign supreme. Nearly every second house is a
+heap of ruins, while the houses which are still standing are empty and
+deserted.
+
+[Footnote 110: On September 8th, 1914, the Kaiser sent a long telegram
+to President Wilson, in which he defended the German armies against the
+charges of ruthless atrocities. He euphemistically stated that "a few
+villages have been destroyed."]
+
+"On every side signs of destruction; furniture and house utensils lie
+around; not a pane of glass but what is broken. Still the inhabitants
+themselves are to blame, for have they not shot at our poor, tired
+soldiers?"[111]
+
+[Footnote 111: "Mit den Königin-Fusilieren durch Belgien" ("With the
+Queen Fusiliers through Belgium"), by H. Knutz, p. 13.]
+
+That is the utmost sympathy which any German has expressed for Belgium.
+The German public is fully informed of all that has been done, and
+considers that _they_ have been brutally, wrongfully treated. Lord
+Bryce's report as well as the French and Belgian official reports have
+been dealt with at considerable length in the German Press, but receive
+no credence whatever; they are lies, all lies invented to blacken the
+character of poor, noble, generous Germany!
+
+Germans are well aware of the awful number of brutal crimes which their
+men-folk commit year by year at home. Yet they are absolutely convinced
+that these same men are immediately transformed into chivalrous knights
+so soon as they don the Kaiser's uniform. They seem incapable of
+conceiving that a race which debauches its own women, can hardly be
+expected to show the crudest forms of respect to the women of an enemy
+people.
+
+Herr Knutz--an elementary school-teacher in civilian attire, and a
+non-commissioned officer when in the German army--seems to possess some
+rays of human feeling. "Just as I was leaving the fort I saw seven or
+eight Belgian civilians guarded by our men with fixed bayonets. They
+were charged with firing on German soldiers. I must say that the
+lamentations of these men--aged from 20 to 50--made a deep impression on
+me. They had thrown themselves upon their knees, and with raised hands
+were weeping and beseeching that their lives might be spared.
+
+"The villagers are exceedingly ignorant, and when their land is in
+danger, believe themselves justified in seizing any old shot-gun or
+revolver which lies at hand. Probably some of the more prudent are aware
+that it is a mad enterprise, but the instinct of self-defence is so
+innate in the simple country people that advice does not help in the
+least." (Von Bethmann-Hollweg and von Tirpitz justify the use of gas,
+the sinking of merchant vessels containing women and children, the
+dropping of bombs on open towns, etc., etc., by the plea of
+self-defence.--Author.)
+
+"But it is otherwise with regard to the atrocities on our wounded; these
+are a stain on Belgium's national honour which will not easily be wiped
+out. A German would never perpetrate such monstrous crimes,[112] and
+that we can say without any overweening opinion of ourselves."[113]
+
+[Footnote 112: This is hypocrisy or ignorance.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 113: Ibid., pp. 18-19.]
+
+Herr Knutz offers no proof of the alleged atrocities; he has heard of
+them, believes and repeats the story. I have some fifty German books
+describing the war in Belgium, and in all of them similar legends are
+mentioned, but in no single instance is a case proved and nailed down.
+No victim is named, and the scene of the alleged atrocity is never
+given, hence it seems to be the usual German artifice to make
+_Stimmung_, _i.e._, to raise feeling.
+
+One thumb-nail picture from the teacher's diary shows that the Germans
+created only too well a _Stimmung_ of abject terror among the Belgians.
+
+"This morning, August 19th, we searched a small wood for Belgians, but
+found none. On leaving the wood a touching picture met our eyes. Several
+families were fleeing with their children, and the barest necessaries of
+life, into a neighbouring village. An old woman on crutches was trying
+in vain to keep up; a young mother with a sucking child was sobbing and
+pressing the babe to her bosom. The boys were weeping bitterly and
+holding their hands high to prove that they were harmless. We passed by
+the ruins of Roosbeck, where civilians had shot on the 20th Artillery
+Regiment, for which reason it was burnt down."[114]
+
+[Footnote 114: Ibid., p. 27.]
+
+Among the various interesting pictures of the Fatherland sketched by
+German authors perhaps the following is the most naïve: "English, French
+and Belgians, hand in hand; how nicely it was all thought out; Belgian
+neutrality--so solemnly pledged by all the Powers--was nothing but a
+screen behind which they wrought the most devilish plans against
+Germany. It was a neutrality which had long since been betrayed and sold
+by the Belgian Government.
+
+"But the German people--a pure fool-like Parsifal, who could not
+conceive such treachery and knavery because it was incapable of such
+things itself--toiled and worked day by day, enjoyed the blessings of
+peace, was happy in its existence and ignorant of the looming clouds
+gathering on its frontiers. All hail to our chosen leaders who kept
+watch and ward over a dreaming people, and did not allow themselves to
+be lulled into watchlessness by the lies of our enemies, who while
+talking of peace intrigued for our annihilation."[115]
+
+[Footnote 115: "Von Lüttich bis Flandern" ("From Liége to Flanders"), by
+Wilhelm Kotzde. Weimar, 1914; p. 5.]
+
+The same author's opinion of the Belgians coincides with that expressed
+by many of his fellow countrymen. "What did our troops find by the
+roadside? On all sides haversacks, straps, cartridges, caps, tunics and
+rifles. To our soldiers this was a remarkable sign of flight, for they
+are accustomed to military training of a different sort. In the forts,
+it is true, they found among the soldiers also civilians wearing
+patent-leather shoes. Indeed, the whole Belgian campaign has shown how
+badly the army was prepared and equipped.
+
+"The lack of discipline and order is evident, however, in every
+department of Belgium's national life, and these virtues they
+endeavoured to replace by cunning and cruelty--at least among the
+Walloons."[116]
+
+[Footnote 116: Ibid., pp. 61-2.]
+
+A Knight of the Order of St. John[117] is still more cynical in his
+condemnation of the conquered enemy: "The greatest misfortune in this
+land is unemployment; factories are inactive and shops closed. The
+horrors of famine draw nearer, and we, as well as some neutral
+countries, are endeavouring to relieve the tortures of want. But charity
+only encourages the laziness of the inhabitants. Just as the refugees in
+Holland, the Belgians who have remained in their land would like to put
+their hands in their pockets and be fed. Of course, that is not
+permissible, and the German Government does its best to rap these lazy
+wretches on the fingers."
+
+[Footnote 117: "Kriegsfahrten eines Johanniters," by Fedor von
+Zobeltitz, pp. 86-7.]
+
+"It was characteristic that the Belgians always placed their hopes on
+foreign help and never dared to rely on the strength of their own army.
+This alone is a serious symptom of national weakness. Still, the Belgian
+army has fought bravely. It is true they had not the discipline and
+preparation which distinguish the German troops, but everything which a
+badly equipped and trained army could achieve they have done."[118]
+
+[Footnote 118: Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von Lüttich bis Flandern," p. 71.]
+
+It is not necessary for the author of this work to write a song of
+glorification for Belgium; she has herself composed an epic of valour
+and self-sacrifice written in immortal deeds. At present her only reward
+seems to be a desolate land in the hands of the conqueror, and the
+graves of her fallen sons. Germany's evident intention is the annexation
+of that part of Belgium where Flemish is spoken. At the moment of
+writing, Goliath has vanquished David. France and England have a supreme
+duty to fulfil: they are called to avenge Belgium's wrongs, and thereby
+establish the principle that even necessity must recognize law.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ATROCITIES
+
+
+The question of Belgian atrocities is so important that no apology is
+required for giving the British public every possible opportunity to
+sift evidence, and above all, to hear the German side.
+
+In the interests of fair play we will allow a German lawyer[119] to
+state the case against the Belgians. Herr Grasshoff is armed with two
+doctorates and is in practice as an advocate in one of the higher courts
+of law (_Kammergericht_). Chapter III of his work is entitled: "The
+Belgian Outrages;" in the foregoing chapter he endeavours to show that
+the Belgian Press had worked upon public opinion and lashed it into such
+a state that atrocities and mutilations of Germans by Belgian men,
+women, boys and girls were the natural consequences.
+
+[Footnote 119: Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's
+Guilt").]
+
+"That the goaded rage of the lower classes found expression in nameless
+horrors is unfortunately a sorry truth. The proofs? We are not in a
+position to satisfy the desire for sensation with a cabinet of horrors.
+The equipment of the German army does not include either the jars or the
+chemical fluids for preserving hacked-off limbs, hence it is impossible
+to display exhibits as in a museum. Our hospitals do not admit the dead.
+
+"If Germany should be compelled to conduct a second campaign against the
+cultured peoples of Western Europe, then she will not forget to add the
+above articles to her equipment in any future war against such
+opponents. Pitying mother earth covers the murdered victims."
+
+This eloquent lawyer has overlooked the aid which the art of photography
+affords, and as the German army was well equipped with cameras, some
+tangible proofs could still have been procured--assuming there were any
+shred of truth in Germany's accusations. The Berlin Government has
+circulated photographs of dum-dum bullets, _i.e.,_ English and French
+bullets with the points cut off. It is true no statement is offered
+regarding the time and place of the points being cut off, which leaves
+us free to believe that captured ammunition was "doctored" in this
+manner by the Germans themselves. "Necessity knows no law" is a
+principle capable of the widest application.
+
+Grasshoff's work was only published a few months ago, so that he had
+ample time to collect facts and proofs--the result is, six detailed
+cases with the names of his German informants and their regiments. In
+each case the "evidence" is of an exceedingly doubtful character; in
+view of the gravity of the charges, the lack of corroboration (each case
+is "proved" by one witness alone), and the partisanship of all
+concerned, we may safely conclude that no court of justice would convict
+on it.
+
+The same criticism applies to the official White Book, published in June
+or July of the present year. Every witness had previously sworn an oath
+to protect the German flag (_der Fahneneid_) which precludes the
+probability of all impartiality in the witness and makes bias
+(_Befangenheit_) his simple duty. Another important factor to be borne
+in mind is the hysterical, morbid self-importance of the German nation
+in general, which causes police and members of the German army to shoot
+or cut down with the sword their own civilians for the most trivial
+offences, even in times of peace.
+
+The White Book in question contains a six-page introduction stating the
+charges against Belgian civilians, and three hundred and seventeen pages
+of sworn evidence of German officers and soldiers taken for the most
+part in Belgium and France. A few extracts from the introduction will
+suffice to make the German side clear.
+
+"Finally, there is not the slightest doubt that Belgian civilians robbed
+and killed German wounded; in short, mutilated them in a barbarous
+manner; even women and young girls participated in these atrocities.
+Hence German wounded have had their eyes gouged out, noses, ears,
+fingers and genitals cut off and their bodies cut open; in other cases
+German soldiers have been poisoned, hanged on trees, or had burning
+liquids poured on them, causing death in a most terrible form.
+
+"This bestial behaviour on the part of the civilian population is a
+breach of Article I., Convention of Geneva,[120] and the principles of
+military law, as well as the principles of humanity" (p. 4).
+
+[Footnote 120: Self-proclaimed outlaws cite the law when it suits their
+purpose!--Author.]
+
+"The guilt for these transgressions of international law lies largely at
+the door of the Belgian Government. The latter has made an attempt to
+rid itself of responsibility by ascribing the guilt to the rage for
+destruction in the German troops, who are accused of proceeding to deeds
+of violence without any reason or ground.[121]
+
+[Footnote 121: Certainly, just as in Germany in peace time.--Author.]
+
+"An examining commission has been appointed by the Belgian Government to
+inquire into the alleged cruelties of German soldiers, and the evidence
+thus obtained has been made the subject of diplomatic complaints. This
+attempt to pervert the truth has absolutely failed.
+
+"The German army is accustomed to wage war against hostile troops, but
+not against peaceful citizens.[122] Investigations conducted by any
+examining commission whatsoever, can never dispose of the irrefutable
+fact that German troops were forced by Belgium's native population to
+take defensive measures in the interests of self-preservation.
+
+[Footnote 122: German non-commissioned officers are accustomed to kick
+and beat German privates, and the behaviour of German soldiers to
+fellow-subjects is aptly illustrated by Lieutenant Förster fighting a
+pitched battle with a lame old cobbler in Zabern.--Author.]
+
+"The refugees' tales collected by the Belgian commission and declared by
+them to be the result of an impartial investigation bear a stamp which
+makes them unworthy of belief. According to the nature of things, the
+commission is not in a position to test the veracity of such rumours or
+to apprehend the association of events. Hence, their accusations against
+the German army are nothing other than base slanders which are
+completely invalidated by the accompanying documents" (pp. 5-6).
+
+It must be assumed that readers are acquainted with the official
+publications of the Belgian and French Governments accusing the German
+army with waging war in an atrocious manner, as well as the report of
+Lord Bryce's commission and Professor Morgan's report in the "Nineteenth
+Century" for June. In the above extract the Berlin Government rules them
+one and all out of court, which is the author's justification for making
+no use of their evidence.
+
+Fortunately the Roman Catholic Church of Germany has published a
+refutation of Germany's White Book, and surely this authority deserves
+credence. The work in question bears the title: "Der Lügengeist im
+Völkerkrieg," Kriegsmärchen gesammelt von Bernhard Duhr, S.J. ("The
+Spirit of Lying in the War of the Nations," War Legends collected by the
+Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J.).[123] The reverend gentleman castigates all
+the nations at war with the same offence--lying. His work should have
+permanent value in the literature of war psychology, but he only
+undertakes to expose German lies, and in his 72-paged booklet he proves
+to the hilt the charges made in this work.
+
+[Footnote 123: The author hopes to publish a complete translation
+shortly.]
+
+In his introduction the Rev. Duhr states that the office of the Priests'
+Society "Pax" in Cologne has taken great pains to expose and refute lies
+as fast as they have appeared. The original documents are preserved in
+the above office and may be seen by anyone who cares to apply.
+
+Probably one of the motives actuating the Society "Pax" and the Rev. B.
+Duhr was the intention to refute the accusations of cruel outrages by
+Belgian and French Catholic priests. Whatever their motives may have
+been, one thing is certain, they have produced most convincing proof of
+German mendacity. It is to be hoped that the "Pax" will give the world
+the benefit of all the documents in their possession.
+
+Even the Kaiser had the audacity to state in his telegram of September
+8th, 1914, to President Wilson that "women and priests have been guilty
+of atrocities in this guerilla warfare." For reasons easy to understand
+the reverend gentleman does not introduce the Kaiser's name into his
+booklet, but in the introduction he remarks: "Finally the refutation of
+such fairy-tales is a patriotic duty. Nothing is more essential for us
+Germans, especially in war time, than unity; but this harmony is
+necessarily endangered by religious bitterness and strife. Of a
+necessity it must cause deep pain and embitterment to our Catholic
+population when again and again ENTIRELY UNTRUE ACCUSATIONS are made
+against the priesthood of their Church."
+
+The Rev. Duhr's exposure of what he calls "erlogener Schauergeschichten"
+("lying horror tales") kills most of the "fairy-tales" accusing the
+Russians, French and Belgians of atrocities on German soldiers. A few
+illustrations will suffice to show the absence of all foundation for the
+charges against the Belgians; charges, we must remember, which the
+German soldiery believed, and which convinced them they were performing
+a holy task at Louvain, Tirlemont, Dinant, etc.
+
+"On October 1st, 1914, a telegraphic agency (Wolff's?) issued the
+following notice: 'A high Bavarian officer writing from the front has
+informed the _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_ of this incident. South
+of Cambrai a column of German motor-cars was attacked by a company of
+French cyclists. For the most part the guard was killed by rifle fire,
+while the cars were all burnt. Later a German patrol discovered the
+remains, and on investigation, found that the dead Germans had all had
+their eyes gouged out.'"
+
+The reverend Father comments as follows: "On following up this case, it
+was impossible to prove whether the patrol had seen rightly or whether
+they had really made the report at all. So much is certain, however,
+that in the matter of eyes being gouged out, an absolute mania of
+gruesomeness broke loose. An innumerable swarm of such horrible tales
+were told, passed on, and finally guaranteed as true--AND YET THEY WERE
+ALL FAIRY-TALES. A few cases will suffice.
+
+"In September, 1914, the following paragraph appeared in the papers:
+'Several ladies engaged in Red Cross work on Cologne Station were
+informed with every assurance of truth, that a hospital at
+Aix-la-Chapelle contained a whole ward full of wounded whose eyes had
+been gouged out on the battlefields of Belgium.'
+
+"On September 26th the editor of the Catholic _Kölnische Volkszeitung_
+wrote to Dr. Kaufmann, a high Roman Catholic dignitary in
+Aix-la-Chapelle, begging him to ascertain whether the report were true.
+Two days later that gentleman replied: 'As regards the rumour mentioned
+in your letter, I beg to inform you that I at once put myself in
+communication with the authorities. I inquired of the doctor in charge
+of a hospital here (he is, by the way, a famous specialist for the
+eyes), and he assures me that in all the local hospitals there is no
+ward for wounded whose eyes have been put out, AND SUCH A CASE HAS NEVER
+BEEN OBSERVED in the town, although the place is full of wounded.'
+
+"A second report which the same journal exposed dates from October,
+1914. Recently Dean A., who is the Superior in a military hospital in
+the Franciscan Nunnery at S., came to us and reported that a wounded
+soldier had told him that he had heard[124] that in the monastery Bl. by
+V., in Holland, there were twenty-two wounded German soldiers whose eyes
+had been gouged out by Belgians. The Dean begged us to write to the
+Mother Superior and ask for confirmation of the story. We did write, and
+the lady answered that there was no hospital at all in the cloister
+Bl."[125]
+
+[Footnote 124: The words "hear" and "heard" occur very frequently in
+these legends.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 125: The Rev. Duhr's book, pp. 11-12.]
+
+The same lie travelled to Bonn, Sigmaringen, Potsdam, Bremen, and was
+successively nailed down by the _Volkszeitung_. Inquiries were made in
+all directions wherever a case of gouged-out eyes was reported, the
+result being everywhere the same--a fairy-tale.
+
+Yet when the German Imperial Chancellor received a party of American
+journalists (representatives of the United Press and the Associated
+Press) on September 2nd, 1914, he communicated this statement: "The
+English will inform your countrymen that German troops have burnt down
+Belgian villages and towns, but they will conceal the fact that Belgian
+girls have gouged out the eyes of our helpless soldiers lying on the
+battlefields."
+
+"Berlin papers informed the public that 'a large number of Belgian
+civilians were prisoners in Münster. They are the same bestial creatures
+who shot from their houses on our unsuspecting troops, and who, before
+the arrival of our invading armies in Belgium, had perpetrated all sorts
+of cruelties on helpless German citizens. Indeed, when they were
+searched on their arrival at the prisoners' camp fingers with rings on
+them, which they had hacked off their victims, were found in their
+pockets. Justice will soon strike down these Belgians, among whom a very
+large number of priests are to be found. Twenty to thirty have already
+been condemned to death by a court-martial.'
+
+"The 'Pax' Society of Priests immediately wrote to the commander of the
+prisoners' camp, and received this reply: 'The ridiculous assertion of a
+Berlin paper that fingers had been found in the pockets of Belgian
+civilians in this camp is false. Neither has any priest or layman been
+condemned to death, but over one hundred Belgian women and children have
+been sent home again.'"[126]
+
+[Footnote 126: Ibid., p. 19.]
+
+The above extracts will suffice to show how these Roman Catholic
+gentlemen proceeded. Immediately an atrocity was reported they applied
+to the authorities, and in every case received an affirmation that the
+deed had never taken place. Among the monstrous lies exposed by these
+investigators, are reports that Belgian priests paid eight shillings for
+every German head brought to them; high treason charges against Catholic
+priests in Alsace; all kinds of monstrous crimes charged to the
+priesthood; that a Belgian boy was caught with a bucketful of dead
+Germans' eyes; espionage by priests etc., etc.
+
+Yet one other case deserves quotation: "On October 5th, 1914, a priest
+was travelling by rail to Mayence. In the same compartment there were
+four privates from Infantry Regiment No. 94. One of them named Rössner,
+related the following story to his comrades, and then, at the priest's
+request, again repeated it:
+
+"'In the Belgian village of Patsie the _curé_ welcomed a German major
+and his orderly into his house. Afterwards the priest promised a boy of
+thirteen that he should go straight to heaven if he would murder the two
+Germans. The lad perpetrated the murder, after which he and the _curé_
+were shot under martial law.'
+
+"When the priest pointed out how incredible the whole story was, the
+soldier swore to its truth, and became very impolite to his auditor. An
+inquiry was instituted and this was the result:
+
+  "'War Office, No. 1866. The investigations made, in especial the
+  hearing under oath of private Rössner and several officers in his
+  regiment, have resulted in the following particulars being obtained:
+  At the beginning of the campaign as the troops marched into a
+  village--name unknown--they saw by the roadside two or three dead
+  civilians. One was apparently a boy of about thirteen, while the other
+  was an adult with a dark coat. It was not established whether this was
+  the body of a priest. Furthermore, we have not been able to discover
+  by whom, or for what reason, these people were shot.
+
+  "'At that time the story quoted by you about a _curé_ and a boy, was
+  told as a "rumour" to all the troops marching through. It is
+  impossible after the lapse of time to test the truth of the narrative.
+
+  "'Signed by order,
+
+  "'BAUER AND WAGNER.'"[127]
+
+[Footnote 127: Ibid., pp. 54-5.]
+
+The above document may be said, without presumption, to possess historic
+importance. It is a frank admission by the German War Office that
+Belgian civilians were actually shot down without rhyme or reason.
+Apparently German soldiers (!) had a _carte blanche_ to shoot whom they
+liked, without rendering or being expected to render a report of their
+doings.
+
+The Rev. Duhr writes: "The incredible speed with which these lying tales
+of horror spread on all sides must be classed as a morbid phenomenon, a
+sort of blood-cult. Their consequences could only be to act upon the
+national soul as a stimulant, inspiring fear and brutality."[128]
+
+[Footnote 128: Ibid., p. 9.]
+
+The author of this work is prepared to go much farther than the Rev.
+Father, and maintain that the foul, diseased imaginations which could
+invent such monstrous horrors are also capable of perpetrating them.
+They did not spring from the imagination of an Edgar Allan Poe, but
+arose in the minds of Germany's brutal peasantry and bloodthirsty
+working classes, who together every year commit in times of peace 9,000
+acts of brutal, immoral bestiality, and maliciously wound 175,000 of
+their fellow German citizens.[129]
+
+[Footnote 129: _Vide_ Vol. 267 _Vierteljahrshefte_, published by the
+Berlin Government, 1914.]
+
+To-day Germany shouts in ecstasy that she is the chosen power of God;
+that her _Kultur_ will regenerate the world. Let it first regenerate the
+"Augean Stable" known to the world as Germany. Without further comment
+readers are left to form their own opinion of a Press which breeds such
+filth, and the cultural level of a people which consumes such garbage.
+But the world owes a debt of gratitude to the Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J.,
+and the "Pax" Society in Cologne.
+
+The accusations of plundering on the part of German soldiers is
+naturally denied _in toto_ by all parties in the Fatherland. Indeed, it
+has been discovered that the British army was guilty of wilful
+destruction in Belgium. A certain Major Krusemarck, commanding the 2nd
+battalion of the 12th Infantry Reserve Regiment, is responsible for the
+story. "On October 10th I entered Wilryk, near Antwerp, and took up my
+quarters in the Italian Consulate. All the houses had been deserted by
+the inhabitants. Immediately after entering the house I perceived that
+English soldiers had been here and behaved in a barbarous manner.
+Mirrors, valuable objects of art, etc., had been smashed in a way which
+betrayed purpose." The major's report continues: "The destruction which
+I have described had undoubtedly been perpetrated by members of the
+English army, and as proof of this I may state that in one of the rooms
+about a dozen visiting-cards were found with the name: Major E.L.
+Gerrard, Royal Marine Light Infantery (sic).
+
+"During the subsequent pursuit of the Belgian and English armies we
+heard repeated complaints from the inhabitants that especially the
+English troops had acted in the most inconsiderate manner, purposely
+destroying furniture, etc., in civilian houses."[130]
+
+[Footnote 130: Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld," p. 84.]
+
+Without doubt the story belongs to the group of legends exposed by the
+"Pax" Society, for which reason it is quoted here, as a fitting
+supplement to them. Yet it is psychologically interesting to note how
+difficult it is for Germans who burn, destroy and violate in their own
+country to believe that they behave otherwise than as lambs when playing
+the rôle of invaders.
+
+One quotation from a large number will illustrate sufficiently the
+respect which the German troops felt for civilian homes in the
+territories occupied by them: "We got into the house by a back-door.
+Orders had been issued that only food and shirts were to be taken. The
+cellar was full of wine and champagne. A corporal brought us some of the
+latter. After half an hour the rooms looked very different; all the
+cupboards had been emptied in order to get at the jams and jellies.
+Several pots of fruit preserved in wine were divided as honestly as the
+greed of the individual allowed.
+
+"All the underclothing was seized upon, obviously only the best being
+taken. Many a dirty Pole put on such a shirt as he had never dreamed of
+before. Even ladies' chemises were commandeered, and some of the men
+assured me that a French chemise is quite comfortable--in spite of the
+short sleeves.
+
+"If there is a sterner sex in France, which is exceedingly doubtful,
+they do not seem to possess pants; so the men resorted to the
+corresponding article worn by ladies."[131] (This writer refers in other
+parts of his book to "mementoes" which he carried home to the
+Fatherland, after being wounded at the Marne.)
+
+[Footnote 131: H. Knutz: "Mit den Königin-Fusilieren durch Belgien," p.
+42.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND GERMANY'S ANNEXATION PROPAGANDA
+
+
+"Afterthoughts" is the term which would perhaps designate most concisely
+the section of German war literature treating of Belgium's violated
+neutrality. Should that designation appear unfitting, then the author
+has only one other to suggest--"whitewash."
+
+In order to apprehend clearly the method and aims concealed beneath the
+"afterthoughts," readers must bear in mind that every attempt to protest
+against the annexation of Belgium by Germany is prohibited by the German
+censor. The Social Democratic organs emphasize the fact almost daily
+that they are not permitted to print anything contrary to the principle
+of annexation.
+
+On the other hand, numerous writers are allowed to make a most extensive
+propaganda by suggesting that annexation is necessary in the interests
+of their racial-brothers the Flemings. By order of the German Government
+a geographical description of the country has been published,[132] in
+which every detail of Belgium's wealth in minerals, agriculture, and so
+on, is described, with no other possible purpose than the desire to whet
+German Michael's appetite.
+
+[Footnote 132: "Belgien, Land und Leute," Berlin, 1915.]
+
+All at once Germany has become suspiciously interested in Belgian
+history, in the domestic quarrels between Walloons and Flemings, in the
+alleged oppression of the latter (Low Germans) by the former, and
+propose for themselves the part of liberator and saviour for Flemish
+culture. They have discovered, among other things, that Belgium was
+merely a paper State, a diplomatic invention, an experiment, and that no
+"Belgian" people has ever existed, but rather two hostile elements were
+packed under the same roof against their will by the Conference of
+London--the said roof bears the name Belgium!
+
+According to a good German-Swiss[133] the Belgians have no national
+feelings, no patriotism, and have never had a Fatherland. If a serious
+writer can make such statements after the Belgians have defended their
+native country so heroically, one naturally wonders whether Herr Blocher
+is sane, or merely a paid agent of the German authorities. In his work
+he denies every and any intention to justify or condemn either Germany
+or Belgium, and then proceeds to blacken the latter's character by
+quoting every Belgian utterance which may be interpreted as anti-German.
+These expressions lead him to the remarkable conclusion that Belgians
+had already violated their own neutrality!
+
+[Footnote 133: "Belgische Neutralität," by Eduard Blocher. Zurich,
+1915.]
+
+Blocher states that his work is only intended to prove that Switzerland
+has nothing to fear from Germany's precedent in invading Belgium. But he
+never mentions Belgium's maritime interests, Antwerp and the extensive
+seacoast on the North Sea. He is oblivious to the fact that Germany's
+desire to possess these was the sole motive for precipitating war and
+invading Belgium. To Germany the coast of Belgium is the door to the
+world and world domination. Switzerland does not possess such a door,
+and therefore had nothing to fear from her powerful neighbour; but if
+the Allies are unable to bar this door to Germany's aggressive schemes,
+then the time is not far distant when Germany would remember that she
+has "brothers" within Swiss frontiers and insist upon their entrance
+into the great Teutonic sheepfold--just as her most earnest desire at
+present is to drive the "lost" Flemings back to their parent race.
+
+Among the many phrases which Germans have coined to describe Belgium the
+following occur: bastard, eunuch and hermaphrodite. According to the
+German conception of a "State," Belgium is an unnatural monstrosity,
+from which one draws the natural conclusion that Germany intends to
+remove it from the domain of earthly affairs.
+
+On the whole, German writers admit the existence of Belgian neutrality,
+and also Germany's pledge to respect it. The three most serious writers
+on the subject are, Dr. Reinhard Frank,[134] professor of jurisprudence
+in Munich University; Dr. Karl Hampe,[135] professor in Heidelberg; and
+Dr. Walter Schoenborn,[136] also a professor in Heidelberg University.
+
+[Footnote 134: Reinhard Frank: "Die belgische Neutralität." Tubingen,
+1915.]
+
+[Footnote 135: Karl Hampe: "Belgien's Vergangenheit und Gegenwart."
+Berlin, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 136: Walther Schoenborn: "Die Neutralität Belgien's." This is
+an appendix to a large work written by twenty university professors,
+entitled "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," published by B.G. Teubner,
+Leipzig and Berlin, 1915.]
+
+The nearer examination of these three works must be premised by two
+important considerations. Firstly, the three professors ignore the fact
+that Germany was a menace to Belgium, and make no mention of German
+aspirations for a coastline on or near the English Channel. Holland and
+Belgium form a twentieth century "Naboth's vineyard," on which the
+German Ahab has cast avaricious glances for upwards of forty years.
+
+A casual acquaintance with Pan-German and German naval and military
+literature during the same period, affords overwhelming proof of this
+powerful current in German nationalism. If Naboth consulted strong
+neighbours as to necessary precautions against Ahab's plans for
+obtaining the vineyard, then Naboth acted as a wise man, and the only
+regret to-day is that the "strong neighbours" only offered Naboth
+assurances and words, instead of deeds. In other words Great Britain did
+nothing because, as Lord Haldane expressed it, the Liberal Cabinet was
+"afraid" (!) to offend Germany and precipitate a crisis.
+
+Secondly, the three professors, like all others of their class in the
+Fatherland, have sworn an oath on taking office not to do anything,
+either by word or deed, detrimental to the interests of the German State
+of which they are _official_ members. An ordinary German in writing on
+Germany may be under the subjective influences of his national feelings,
+but a German who has taken the "Staatseid" (oath to the State) cannot be
+objective in national questions and interests--his oath leaves only one
+course open to him, and any departure from that course may mean the loss
+of his daily bread.
+
+The author has the greatest respect for the achievements of German
+professors in the domains of science and abstract thought; by those
+achievements they have deservedly become famous, but in all judgments
+where Germany's interests are concerned they are bound hand and
+foot.[137]
+
+[Footnote 137: Towards the close of 1913 I had a conversation with half
+a dozen Germans (average age twenty-five) in Erlangen Gymnasium (State
+Secondary School); they were candidates in training for the teaching
+profession, all university men. I listened patiently to their diatribes
+concerning the perfidy of English Statesmen, and then pointed out,
+giving chapter and verse in German biographies, that Bismarck's record
+was exceedingly tortuous; the forgery of the Ems telegram was given as
+an instance.
+
+A few weeks later I met the vice-principal of the school at a private
+party; this gentleman was a good friend of mine. He reminded me of the
+above conversation, and gave me a friendly warning never again to make
+such statements to my pupils. The candidates had talked it over, and
+although they had provoked the discussion, proposed to have me reported
+to the Minister for Education for uttering such opinions. The
+vice-principal had intervened and prevented the _Denunziation_.
+
+If a professor of history in a German university expressed any opinion
+in his academic lectures unfavourable to modern Germany, he would be
+immediately _denunziert_ to the State authorities by his own students.
+Should he publish such opinions in book form, of course the process of
+cashiering him would be simpler. Germans do not desire the truth so far
+as their own country is concerned; they do not will the truth; they will
+_Deutschland über alles_, and all information, knowledge, or propaganda
+contrary to their will is prohibited. If space permitted I could mention
+numerous cases in which famous professors have been treated like
+schoolboys by the German State--their stern father and master.]
+
+When a German conscript enters the army he takes the _Fahneneid_ (oath
+on, and to, the flag), which binds him to defend the Fatherland with
+bayonet and bullet. In like manner it may be said that German professors
+are bound by the _Staatseid_ either to discreet silence, or to employ
+their intellectual pop-guns in defending Germany. That these pop-guns
+fire colossal untruths, innuendoes, word-twistings, and such like
+missiles, giving out gases calculated to stupefy and blind honest
+judgments, will become painfully evident in the course of our
+considerations.
+
+That any and every German obeys the impulse to defend his country is
+just and praiseworthy; but in our search for truth we are compelled to
+note the fact that German professors are merely intellectual soldiers
+fighting for Germany. Without departing from the truth by one jot or
+tittle, readers may even call them "outside clerks" of the German
+Foreign Office, or the "ink-slingers" under the command of the German
+State.
+
+These premises have been laid down _in extenso_ because some fifty books
+will be discussed in this work, which emanate from German universities.
+A neutral reader may retort: You also are not impartial, for you are an
+Englishman! Having anticipated the question, the author ventures to give
+an answer. If he could make a destructive attack on Britain's
+policy--the attack would be made without the least hesitation. Such an
+attack, if proved to the hilt, would bring any man renown, and in the
+worst case no harm. But if a German professor launched an attack, based
+upon incontrovertible facts, against Bethmann-Hollweg and Germany's
+policy, that professor would be ruined in time of peace and in all
+probability imprisoned, or sent to penal servitude in time of war.
+
+Nothing which the present author could write would ever tarnish the
+reputation of German professors as men of science, but in the narrower
+limits as historians of the Fatherland and propagandists of the
+_Deutschland-über-alles_ gospel they are tied with fetters for the like
+of which we should seek in vain at the universities of Great Britain or
+America. It would be in the interests of truth and impartiality if every
+German professor who writes on the "Causes of the World War," "England's
+Conspiracy against Germany," "The Non-Existence of Belgian Neutrality,"
+and similar themes, would print the German _Staatseid_ on the front page
+of his book. The text of that oath would materially assist his readers
+in forming an opinion regarding the trustworthiness and impartiality of
+the professor's conclusions.
+
+Professor Frank commences his historical sketch of Belgian neutrality
+with the year 1632, when Cardinal Richelieu proposed that Belgium should
+be converted into an independent republic. Doubtless the desire to found
+a buffer State inspired Richelieu, just as it did the representatives of
+Prussia, Russia, France, Austria and England when they drew up the
+treaty guaranteeing Belgium's neutrality in perpetuity, at the
+Conference of London, 1839.
+
+But an additional motive actuated the diplomatists of 1839, viz.,
+Belgium was henceforth to be the corner-stone supporting the structure
+commonly designated "the balance of power in Europe."
+
+An objection has been made to the validity of the treaty signed in
+London, viz., England herself did not consider it reliable and binding,
+or she would not have asked for, and obtained, pledges from both Prussia
+and France to respect Belgian neutrality in 1870. Another objection is
+the claim that the German Empire, founded in 1870, was not bound by the
+Prussian signature attached to a treaty in 1839. Other writers have
+endeavoured to show that the addition of African territory (Congo Free
+State) to Belgium changed the political status of that country, exposed
+it to colonial conflicts with two great colonial Powers, and thus
+tacitly ended the state of neutrality.
+
+Each of the professors in question overrides these objections, and Frank
+remarks, p. 13: "Lawyers and diplomatists refuse, and rightly so, to
+accept this view." Again, p. 14.: "There is no international document in
+existence which has cancelled Belgian neutrality."
+
+Germany's alleged violation of her promise to regard Belgium as a
+neutral country is justified on quite other grounds. Belgium had herself
+violated her neutrality by a secret alliance with France and England.
+Frank argues that a neutral State has certain duties imposed upon it in
+peace time, and in support of his contention quotes Professor Arendt
+(Louvain University, 1845), who wrote: "A neutral State may not conclude
+an alliance of defence and offence, by which in case of war between two
+other States it is pledged to help one of them. Yet it is free and
+possesses the right to form alliances to protect its neutrality and in
+its own defence, but such defensive alliances can only be concluded
+after the outbreak of war."
+
+Another authority quoted to support his point is Professor Hilty
+(University of Bern, 1889). "A neutral State may not conclude a treaty
+_in advance_ to protect its own neutrality, because by this means a
+protectorate relationship would be created."
+
+Frank continues (p. 21): "Hence Belgian neutrality was guaranteed in the
+interests of the balance of power in Europe, and I have already pointed
+out that the same idea prevailed when the barrier-systems of 1815 and
+1818 were established.
+
+"Considering the matter from this point of view, the falsity of modern
+Belgium's interpretation at once becomes apparent. According to Belgian
+official opinion her neutrality obligations only came into force in the
+event of war, and therefore could not be violated during peace. But this
+balance of power was to be maintained, above all in time of peace, and
+might not be disturbed by any peaceful negotiations whatever, especially
+if these were calculated to manifest themselves in either advantageous
+or prejudicial form, in the event of war.
+
+"In this category we may place the surrender of territory. No impartial
+thinker can deny that the cession of Antwerp to England would have been
+a breach of neutrality on the part of Belgium, even if it had occurred
+in peace time. The same is true for the granting of occupation rights,
+and landing places for troops, or for the establishment of a harbour
+which might serve as a basis for the military or naval operations of
+another State.
+
+"Moreover, it is unnecessary to exert one's imagination in order to
+discover 'peaceful negotiations' which are incompatible with permanent
+neutrality, for history offers us two exceedingly instructive examples.
+When a tariff union between France and Belgium was proposed in 1840,
+England objected because the plan was not in accord with Belgian
+neutrality. Again in 1868, when the Eastern Railway Company of France
+sought to obtain railway concessions in Belgium, it was the latter
+country which refused its consent, and in the subsequent parliamentary
+debate the step was designated an act of neutrality."
+
+From this extract it is evident that Professor Frank has undermined his
+own case. Belgian neutrality was intended by the great powers to be the
+corner-stone of the European balance of power. During the last forty
+years Germany's carefully meditated increase of armaments on land and
+sea threatened to dislodge the corner-stone. When the Conference of
+London declared Belgium to be a permanently neutral country, there was
+apparent equality of power on each side of the stone. In 1870 the
+Franco-German war showed that the balance of power was already disturbed
+at this corner of the European edifice. Still Germany's pledged word was
+considered sufficient guarantee of the _status quo_.
+
+Since 1870 the potential energy on the German side of the corner-stone
+has increased in an unprecedented degree, and this huge energy has been
+consistently converted into concrete military and naval forces. This
+alteration in the potential _status quo ante_ has been partly the result
+of natural growth, but in a still greater degree, to Germany's doctrine
+that it is only might which counts.
+
+Another German professor[138] had defined the position in a sentence:
+"Germany is a boiler charged to danger-point with potential energy. In
+such a case is it a sound policy to try to avert the possibility of an
+explosion by screwing down all its safety-valves?" Recognizing that
+Belgian neutrality has existed for many years past solely on Germany's
+good-will, it became the right and urgent duty of the other signatory
+powers to endeavour to strengthen the corner-stone. Germany absolutely
+refused to relax in any way the pressure which her "potential energy"
+was exercising at this point, therefore it was necessary above all for
+France and Great Britain to bolster up the threatened corner.
+
+[Footnote 138: Hermann Oncken (Heidelberg), in the _Quarterly Review_,
+October, 1913. The author of the article charges Great Britain with
+screwing down the valves, which is a deliberate distortion of the truth.
+Britain has always opened her markets free to German goods and admitted
+the same privileges to her rival--so far as these did not run contrary
+to established rights--in all parts of the world. With regard to
+territorial expansion a treaty had been drawn up between the two Powers
+and was ready to be signed just when war broke out. That treaty would
+have afforded Germany immense opportunities for expansion, but not at
+the expense of Europe. Germany, however, desired European expansion, and
+according to her accepted teaching, the fate of extra-European
+territories will be decided on the battlefields of Europe.]
+
+The former Power could have achieved this purpose by building a chain of
+huge fortresses along her Belgian frontier. Why this precautionary
+measure was never taken is difficult to surmise, but had it been taken,
+Germany would have ascribed to her neighbour plans of aggression--and
+declared war.
+
+Great Britain could have restored the balance by creating an army of
+several millions. Lord Haldane has announced that the late Liberal
+Government was "afraid" to do this, although the fear of losing office
+may have been greater than their fear for Germany.
+
+The measures which England did take were merely non-binding
+conversations with the military authorities of France and Belgium; the
+making of plans for putting a British garrison of defence on Belgian
+territory in the event of the latter's neutrality being violated or
+threatened; and the printing of books describing the means of
+communication in Belgium.[139]
+
+[Footnote 139: "Belgium, Road and River Reports," prepared by the
+General Staff, Vol. I., 1912; II., 1913; III. & IV., 1914. Copies of
+this work have been seized by the Germans in Belgium, and capital is
+being made of the incident to prove a violation of Belgian neutrality.
+If the British General Staff had nothing better to do than to compile
+guide-books to Belgium for a non-existent British army, it appears
+merely amusing. But if the late Liberal Government believed that
+Germany's potential energy could be prevented from breaking through into
+Belgian territory by a barricade of guide-books--it was a lamentable
+error of judgment. On the whole we are forced to call it a tragical
+irony, that the only defences which Belgium possessed against the _furor
+teutonicus_--excepting the Belgian army--were a "scrap of paper" and a
+barricade of the same material.]
+
+As a result of these measures, Belgium stands charged by Germany with
+having broken her own neutrality, and German writers are naively asking
+why Belgium did not give the same confidence to Germany which she gave
+to England. The German mind knows quite well, that in building strategic
+railways to the Belgian frontier she betrayed the line of direction
+which the potential energy was intended to take, when the burst came.
+Unofficially Germany has long since proclaimed her intention to invade
+Belgium; it was an "open secret."
+
+The _denouement_ of August 4th, 1914, when Belgian neutrality was
+declared a "scrap of paper,"[140] was not the inspiration of a moment,
+nor a decision arrived at under the pressure of necessity, but the
+result of years of military preparation and planning. It had been
+carefully arranged that the boiler should pour forth its energy through
+the Belgian valve.
+
+[Footnote 140: This famous phrase was employed as far back as 1855 by a
+Belgian Minister in the House of Deputies, Brussels. M. Lebeau in
+pleading for greater military preparation used these words: "History has
+shown what becomes of neutralities which were guaranteed, by what may be
+termed a 'scrap of paper.'"]
+
+Or to draw another comparison, it is a modern variety of the wolf and
+the lamb fable, with this difference: the wolf has first of all
+swallowed the lamb, and now excuses himself by asserting that the
+traitorous wretch had muddied the stream.
+
+Belgians were painfully aware of the danger threatening them, and would
+have made greater efforts to protect themselves, had not their own
+Social Democrats resisted every military proposal. As the matter stands
+to-day, however, all the efforts which Belgium did make, are classed by
+Germany as intrigues of the Triple Entente, threatening her (Germany's)
+existence, and all the horrors which have fallen upon this gallant
+"neutral" country the German Pecksniff designates "Belgium's
+Atonement."[141] It is to be feared that sooner or later, unless
+Germany's military pride and unbounded greed of her neighbour's goods
+can be checked, German professors will be engaged in the scientific task
+of proving that the waters of the upper Rhine are unpalatable because
+the lamb residing in Holland has stirred up mud in the lower reaches of
+the same river!
+
+[Footnote 141: _Belgien's Sübne_, the title of a chapter describing the
+desolation and havoc of war, in a book entitled "Mit dem Hauptquartier
+nach Westen," by Heinrich Binder. Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Belgium knew that England and France had no other interest than the
+maintenance of her neutrality. Belgium saw and felt, where the storm
+clouds lowered, and probably sought or accepted advice from those Powers
+who wished to perpetuate both the territorial integrity and neutrality
+of Belgium. Germany's afterthought on the point is: "It was Belgium's
+duty to protect her neutrality, and she owed this duty to all States
+alike in the interests of the balance of power--a conception to which
+she owes her existence.
+
+"She was bound to treat all the signatory Powers in the same manner, but
+she failed to do so, in that she permitted one or two of them to gain an
+insight into her system of defence. By this means she afforded the
+States admitted to her confidence, certain advantages which they could
+employ for their own ends at any moment.
+
+"By allowing certain of the great Powers to see her cards, Belgium was
+not supporting the European balance, but seriously disturbing it. Even
+Belgium's Legation Secretary in Berlin had warned his Government
+concerning the political dangers arising out of intimacy with England.
+By revealing her system of defence to England, Belgium destroyed its
+intrinsic value and still more--she violated her international
+obligations."[142]
+
+[Footnote 142: Professor Frank's work, pp. 29-30.]
+
+Considering that the British army at that time was small, that Britain
+had no idea of annexing Belgian territory, one naturally wonders how the
+value of Belgium's defence system had been depreciated by conversations
+with British officers. In effect, Germany maintains that Belgium should
+have behaved as a nonentity, which is contrary to all reason.
+
+The Berlin Government has always treated her small neighbour as a
+sovereign State, equal in quality, though not in power, to any State in
+the world. If Germany recognized Belgium's sovereignty, why should not
+England do the same, and, above all, why had Belgium no right to think
+of her self-preservation, when she knew the danger on her eastern
+frontier grew more menacing month by month?
+
+Frank concludes his dissertation with his opinion of England and quotes
+Thucydides, V., 105, as the best applicable characterization of the
+British with which he is acquainted. "Among themselves, indeed, and out
+of respect for their traditional constitution, they prove to be quite
+decent. As regards their treatment of foreigners, a great deal might be
+said, yet we will try to express it in brief. Among all whom we know
+they are the most brazen in declaring what is good to be agreeable, and
+what is profitable to be just."
+
+The very offence which Germany accuses England of having premeditated,
+she committed herself many years before. When France seemed to threaten
+Belgium's existence, King Leopold I. concluded a secret treaty[143] with
+the king of Prussia, whereby the latter was empowered to enter Belgium
+and occupy fortresses in case of France becoming dangerous. The French
+danger passed away, and its place was taken by a more awful menace--the
+pressure of German potential energy; and when Belgium in turn opened her
+heart (this is the unproved accusation which Germany makes
+to-day--Author) to England, then she has violated her neutrality and
+undermined the balance of power.[144] There is even a suspicion that
+Leopold II. renewed this treaty with Germany in 1890, in spite of the
+fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince de Chimay, in an
+official speech denied its existence.
+
+[Footnote 143: Germans love anything which is "secret."
+"Geheimniskrämerei" ("affectation of mysteriousness and secrecy") is a
+national and individual characteristic of the German people.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 144: Karl Hampe: "Belgiens Vergangenheit und Gegenwart"
+("Belgium Past and Present"), p. 49.]
+
+Professor Schoenborn's essay on Belgian neutrality is the least
+satisfactory exposition of the three professorial effusions; it is no
+credit to a man of learning, and is merely the work of an incapable
+partisan trying to make a bad cause into a good one. Schoenborn
+commences[145] with the customary German tactics by stating that
+Bethmann-Hollweg's "scrap-of-paper" speech, and von Jagow's (German
+Secretary of State) explanations to the Belgian representative in Berlin
+on August 3rd, 1914, are of no importance in deciding the justice of
+Germany's violation of her pledged word. One is led to inquire, When is
+a German utterance--whether given in the Reichstag by the Chancellor or
+on paper in the form of a treaty--final and binding?
+
+[Footnote 145: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War"), pp. 566-8.]
+
+Subterfuges, insinuations, distortions, even brazen falsehoods, are
+scattered throughout German war literature, thicker "than Autumnal
+leaves in Vallombrosa's brook." It is to be feared that just as Germans
+have lied for a century to prove that the English were annihilated at
+the battle of Waterloo, and for over forty years to show that Bismarck
+was not a forger, so they will lie for centuries to come in order to
+prove that the invasion of Belgium was not what Bethmann-Hollweg called
+it, a "breach of international law."
+
+Like his _confrères_, Herr Schoenborn admits that Germany was pledged to
+respect the neutrality of Belgium, but the said neutrality was
+non-existent, which appears somewhat paradoxical. Yet this is not the
+least logical part of his case. "The passage of German troops through
+Belgium was indispensable in the interests of the preservation of the
+German Empire. A successful resistance to the annihilation-plans which
+our enemies had wrought for our downfall seemed possible only by this
+means. The Government regretted that, by so doing, we should commit a
+formal infringement of the rights of a third State (Belgium), and
+promised to make all possible compensation for the transgression.
+
+"The judicial point of view which influenced the decision of the German
+Government is perhaps, best illustrated by a parallel taken from the
+ordinary laws of the country: A forester (game-keeper) is attacked by a
+poacher, and in that same moment perceives a second poacher bearing a
+gun at full-cock, creeping into a strange house in order to obtain a
+better shot at the forester. Just as he is about to enter the house the
+forester breaks the door open and thus forestalls him--in order to
+surprise and overcome him. The forester is justified in taking this
+step, but must make good all damage resulting to the householder."[146]
+
+[Footnote 146: Ibid., p. 575.]
+
+The instance holds good in the land of _Kultur_, where law and order
+affords so little protection to a civilian and his property; but in
+countries where laws are based upon culture the author believes that the
+forester would receive condign punishment for breaking into another
+man's house, no matter under what pretext. Unconsciously the learned
+professor is humorous when he compares Germany to a gamekeeper and
+Russia and France to poachers; but he is naïve to a degree of stupidity,
+when he makes France carry a weapon fully prepared to shoot the
+forester.
+
+We will consult another German authority to show that France's weapons
+were not at full-cock.
+
+"During the last ten years France has given special attention to the
+fortresses on the German frontier. But those facing Belgium have been so
+carelessly equipped that we see clearly to what a degree she relied upon
+her neighbour. The forts are in the same condition as they were twenty
+or thirty years ago. As some of these fortifications were built fifty
+years ago, various points on the frontier are strategically, absolutely
+useless.
+
+"A typical example of this, is Fort les Ayvelles, which is intended to
+protect the bridges and Meuse crossings south of Mézières-Charleville;
+the fort was levelled to the ground by 300 shots from our 21-centimetre
+howitzers. It was built in 1878 and armed with forty cannon; of these
+the principal weapons consisted of two batteries each containing six
+9-centimetre cannon, which, however, were cast in the years 1878-1880,
+and in the best case could only carry 4,000 yards. Then there were some
+12-centimetre bronze pieces cast in 1884, and a few five-barrelled
+revolver cannon.
+
+"Besides these there were old howitzers from the year 1842;
+muzzle-loaders with the characteristic pyramids of cannon ball by the
+side, such as are often used in Germany at village festivals or to fire
+a salute. The fort itself was a perfect picture of the obsolete and
+out-of-date. Apart from the crude, primitive equipment, the organization
+must have been faulty indeed.
+
+"On the road leading up to the fort we saw some tree-branches which had
+been hurriedly placed as obstacles, and higher up wire entanglements had
+been commenced at the last moment. At least one battery was useless, for
+the field of fire was cut off by high trees, and at the last minute the
+garrison had tried to place the guns in a better position.
+
+"Our artillery which fired from a north-westerly position displayed a
+precision of aim which is rare. One battery had had nearly every gun put
+out of action by clean hits. In several cases we saw the barrel of the
+gun yards away from its carriage, and only a heap of wheels, earth,
+stones, etc., marked the place where it had stood.
+
+"Another proof of the excellent work done by the artillery, was the fact
+that hardly a shell had struck the earth in the 500 yards from the
+battery to the fort. After the former had been disposed of, the
+artillery fire was concentrated on the fort, which was reduced to a heap
+of rubbish. The stonework and the high walls--yards thick--had tumbled
+to pieces like a child's box of bricks.
+
+"A garrison of 900 men had been placed in this useless cage, and they
+had fled almost at the first shot. Instead of putting these men in
+trenches, their superiors had put them at this 'lost post' and allowed
+them to suffer the moral effects of a complete, inevitable defeat.
+
+"Near the fort I saw the grave of its commander, the unfortunate man who
+had witnessed the hopeless struggle. He lived to see his men save their
+lives in wild flight--and then ended his own."[147]
+
+[Footnote 147: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," pp.
+107-9.]
+
+Here we have a sorry picture of the poacher whom Germany feared so much.
+The world knows now that neither Britain, France nor Russia were
+prepared for war, which excludes the probability that they desired or
+provoked a conflict. But Germany knew that, and much more, in the month
+of July, 1914. Bethmann-Hollweg when addressing the Reichstag drew a
+terrifying picture of French armies[148] standing ready to invade
+Belgium, but he knew full well that the necessary base-fortresses were
+lacking on the Franco-Belgian frontier.
+
+[Footnote 148: Richard Grasshoff in his work "Belgien's Schuld"
+("Belgium's Guilt"), p. 14 _et seq_., reproduces several confessions
+alleged to have been made by French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, stating that they entered Belgian territory on July 31st, 1914.
+At present it is impossible to test the value of this evidence. Cf. p.
+151.]
+
+As regards the alleged plans which Germany's enemies had made to
+annihilate Germany, it will be necessary for Professor Schoenborn to
+prove that the Entente Powers had: (1.) Caused the murder in Serajewo;
+(2.) Despatched the ultimatum to Serbia; (3.) Prepared themselves for
+war. Until he proves these three points the world will continue to
+believe that it was Germany alone who cherished "annihilation-plans."
+
+Schoenborn mentions too, Britain's refusal to promise her neutrality
+even if Germany respected the neutrality of Belgium. This offer was made
+to Sir Edward Grey, who declined it. According to Professor Schoenborn
+Germany's final decision to invade Belgium was only taken after that
+refusal. It is a striking example of the immorality which prevails both
+in Germany's business and political life. She gave her solemn pledge in
+1839, yet endeavoured to sell the same pledge in 1914--for Britain's
+neutrality!
+
+The author once made an agreement with a German, but soon found that the
+arrangement was ignored and wrote to the person in question: "You have
+employed our arrangement merely as a means for making further incursions
+into my rights."
+
+That summarizes the Teutonic conception of a treaty, either private or
+national. It is only a wedge with which to broaden the way for a further
+advance. Usually a man signs an agreement with an idea of finality, and
+looks forward to freedom from further worry in the matter. Not so the
+German; with him it is an instrument to obtain, or blackmail, further
+concessions; and as individuals, instead of occupying their thoughts and
+energies in the faithful fulfilment of its terms, they plot and plan in
+the pursuit of ulterior advantages.
+
+Heidelberg's great scholar seems to have had doubts concerning his
+simile of the gamekeeper; hence in his last footnote he makes the
+innocuous remark: "Because the house-breaking gamekeeper fired the first
+shot, it is not usual to draw the conclusion that the poacher had only
+defensive intentions" (p. 590).
+
+All in all, Professor Schoenborn's attempt at partisanship is a
+miserable failure, and as an academic thesis it is doubtful whether the
+faculty of law in any German university would grant a student a degree
+for such a crude effort.
+
+Various facts indicate Germany's intention to annex Belgium, if not the
+entire country, then those districts in which Flemish is spoken. Germany
+has suddenly remembered that the Flemings are a Low German people and
+that they have been "oppressed" by the Walloons. The hypocrisy of the
+plea becomes evident when we recall German (including Austrian)
+oppression of the Poles, Slavs and Hungarians.
+
+One writer[149] has even endeavoured to prove that the House of Hesse
+has a legitimate historical claim to the province of Brabant. But as the
+following extracts will show, there is method in this madness. No pains
+are being spared to stir up racial feeling between the two peoples
+(Flemings and Walloons) who form King Albert's subjects. All the
+internal differences are being dished up to convince the inhabitants of
+Flanders that they will be much better off under the German heel.[150]
+
+[Footnote 149: Dr. Karl Knetsch: "Des Hauses Hessen Ansprüche auf
+Brabant" ("The House of Hesse's Claims to Brabant"). Marburg, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 150: The _Münchner Neueste Nachrichten_ for September 19th,
+1915, contains a long account of a petition which was presented to Herr
+von Hissing, General Governor of Belgium, by a branch of the General
+Union of the Netherlands. The branch society is in Lierre (a town
+occupied by the Germans), and the petition is a statement of Flemish
+national and language aspirations. Unfortunately the document in
+question "makes a bitter attack on Franco-Belgian endeavours to rob the
+Flemings of their rights." It is superfluous to quote more; this
+sentence alone shows the origin of the petition to be German.]
+
+Forgetting their tyrannous efforts to stamp out the Polish language and
+Polish national feelings, the Germans are now sorrowing over the alleged
+attempts of the Walloons to suffocate the Flemish dialect. German war
+books breathe hate and contempt for the Walloons, but bestow clumsy
+bear-like caresses (no doubt unwelcome to their recipients) on the
+Flemings.
+
+In a work[151] already cited the following passages occur, in addition
+to three whole chapters intended to supply historical proof that
+Flanders is by the very nature of things a part of the German Empire.
+
+[Footnote 151: Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von Lüttich bis Flandern" ("From Liége
+into Flanders"). Weimar, 1914.]
+
+"The German people committed a grave crime, when they fought among
+themselves and left their race-brothers on the frontier, defenceless and
+at the mercy of a foreign Power. Therefore we have no right to scold
+these brothers (the Flemings), but should rather fetch them back into
+the German fold" (p. 40).
+
+Kotzde reports a conversation which he had with an educated Fleming last
+autumn. "'We do not like the French and English,' said the Fleming. 'But
+what about Brussels?' I remarked. 'They are a people for themselves. The
+Flemish capital is Antwerp' he answered.
+
+"Our paths led in different directions, but we parted with the
+consciousness that we are tribal brothers. So much seems certain, that
+when the Flemings are freed from the embittering influence of the
+Walloons and French, then this Low German tribe will again learn to love
+everything German--because they are German. Furthermore, that will make
+an end of the French language in Flemish districts" (p. 84).
+
+"German infantry marched with us into Antwerp. How deeply it touched me
+to hear them sing the 'Wacht am Rhein' and then 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland über alles,' in the very city which was to serve as an
+English base for operations against our dear Fatherland. And my Flemish
+companion softly hummed this splendid German song of faith.
+
+"In that moment a spasm of pain went through my heart, that the Flemings
+should have to fight against us in this great struggle for the existence
+of Germany: these, our lost brothers, of whom so many yearn to be with
+us again" (p. 86).
+
+"With the fall of Antwerp, Flanders--the land of the German Hanse
+period, of Ghent, Ypres and Bruges--became German once more" (p. 147).
+
+Kotzde concludes his work as follows:--
+
+"Holland was compelled to bow before the might of France and consent to
+Belgium becoming an independent State. From that moment the Flemings,
+cut off in every way from their German brothers, were delivered up to
+the Walloons, behind whom stood the French.
+
+"The Germans at that time lacked a Bismarck to unite them and interest
+them in the fate of their outlying brother tribe. This war has freed our
+hands, which hitherto had been bound by the dictates of conscience. Of
+himself the German would never have kindled this world conflagration,
+but others have hurled the torch into our abode--and our hands are free!
+
+"We do not yet know what Belgium's fate will be, but we can be perfectly
+sure that the Flemings will never again be left to the mercy of the
+Walloons and French. They have had a wild and chequered history; and
+although they have often shown signs of barbarism in the fight, they
+have not waged this war with the devilish cruelty of the Walloons.
+
+"They lack the discipline which alone a well-ordered State can bestow.
+The training and education of the German military system and German
+administration, will be a blessing to them. Even to-day many Flemings
+bless the hour of their return into the German paternal home" (p. 190).
+
+"In a struggle which has lasted for nearly a century, the Flemings have
+displayed their unconquerable will to maintain their national
+peculiarities. Without outside aid, and with little or no deterioration,
+they have maintained their nationalism. Now the horrors of war have
+swept over the lands of the Flemings and Walloons. The Belgian army,
+consisting of 65 per cent. Flemings, has been decimated by German arms.
+North and south of the Meuse a wicked harvest of hate has sprung up. But
+the most remarkable point is that this hate is not directed against the
+Germans alone; the mutual dislike of Flemings and Walloons has turned
+into hatred. The Walloons cherish bitter suspicions of the Flemings;
+they scent the racial German, and are promising that after the war they
+will wage a life and death feud against the German part of the Flemish
+nature."[152]
+
+[Footnote 152: Ulrich Rauscher: "Belgien heute und morgen" ("Belgium
+to-day and to-morrow"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 35.]
+
+The same writer claims that the Germans had conquered Antwerp before its
+fall, by peaceful penetration. "In 1880 the British share of Antwerp's
+trade was 56 per cent., Germany's 9 per cent.; in 1900, British 48 per
+cent., German 23-1/2 per cent. Not only had the British flag been beaten
+in percentages but also in absolute figures; in the year 1912-1913
+German trade to Antwerp increased by 400,000 tons, while that of Great
+Britain decreased by 200,000 tons. The commercial future of Antwerp will
+be German!"[153]
+
+[Footnote 153: Ibid., p. 64.]
+
+"To-day Antwerp is the second largest port on the Continent, with over
+400,000 inhabitants, and now Germany's war banner waves above its
+cathedral. Germany's maritime flag has waved during the last twenty
+years above Antwerp's commercial progress. Antwerp's progress was German
+progress."[154]
+
+[Footnote 154: Ibid., p. 68.]
+
+After which follows a glowing account of Belgium's mineral wealth. "It
+is Belgium's mission to be a gigantic factory for the rest of the
+world," and of course this mission will be directed by--Germany!
+
+"Those who had warned us for years past that England is our greatest
+enemy were right. To-day every German recognizes who is our principal
+opponent in this world war. Against Russia and France we fight, as the
+poet expresses it, 'with steel and bronze, and conclude a peace some
+time or other.' But against England we wage war with the greatest
+bitterness and such an awful rage, as only an entire and great people in
+their holy wrath can feel. The words of Lissauer's 'Hymn of Hate' were
+spoken out of the innermost depths of every German soul.
+
+"When Hindenburg announces a new victory we are happy; when our front in
+the Argonne advances we are satisfied; when our faithful Landsturm beats
+back a French attack in the Vosges, it awakes a pleasurable pride in our
+breasts. But when progress is announced in Flanders, when a single
+square yard of earth is captured by our brave troops in the Ypres
+district, then all Germany is beside herself with pure joy. The seventy
+millions know only too well, that everything depends upon the
+development of events in Flanders, as to when and how, we shall force
+England to her knees.
+
+"Hence of all the fields of war, Belgium is the most familiar to us, and
+we love best of all to hear news from that quarter. May God grant that
+in the peace negotiations we shall hear much more and good tidings about
+Flanders."[155]
+
+[Footnote 155: Dr. Fritz Mittelmann: "Kreuz und Quer durch Belgien"
+("Round and about Belgium"). Stettin, 1915: p. 8. Dr. Mittelmann is a
+personal friend of the Liberal leader, Herr Bassermann, who accompanied
+him on some of his journeys.]
+
+Dr. Mittelmann's book is a prose-poem in praise of Germany's ineffable
+greatness. He sees in the present war, "a holy struggle for Germany's
+might and future," and like all his compatriots, makes no mention of
+Austria. If the Central Powers should be victorious, there is no doubt
+that Germany would seize the booty. In justifying the destruction of
+churches, cathedrals, etc., Herr Mittelmann asserts that "one single
+German soldier is of more worth than all the art treasures of our
+enemies" (p. 12).
+
+His book deserves to be read by all Britishers who imagine that we can
+win Germany's love and respect--by weakness and compromise. "In this war
+Germans and English soldiers are opposed to each other for the first
+time. All the scorn and hate which had accumulated for years past in the
+German nation has now broken loose with volcanic force. Whoever assumes
+that the English were ever other than what they are--is wrong. They have
+never had ideals, and seek singly and alone their own profit. Whenever
+they have fought side by side with another nation against a common foe,
+they have done their best to weaken their ally and reap all the glory
+and advantage for themselves."[156]
+
+[Footnote 156: Ibid., p. 29.]
+
+Pity for the Belgians suffering through Germany's brutal war of
+aggression does not appear to be one of Dr. Mittelmann's weaknesses.
+"The principal industrial occupation of the inhabitants seems at present
+to be begging. In spite of their hostile glances the crowd did not
+hesitate to gather round as we entered our car, and quite a hundred
+greedy hands were stretched towards us for alms. But in Liége, without
+the shadow of a doubt the best of all was the magnificent Burgundy which
+we drank there; perhaps we had never relished wine so much in our
+lives."[157] One wonders whether these pioneers of _Kultur_ relished the
+wine so much because they knew themselves to be surrounded by thousands
+of hungry, "greedy" Belgians.
+
+[Footnote 157: Ibid., p. 44.]
+
+On page 93, Mittelmann relates at length his genuine Prussian joy at
+humiliating a Belgian policeman before the latter's compatriots. None
+enjoy having their boots licked, so much as those who are accustomed to
+perform that service for others.
+
+Our author pays the customary compliments to the Flemings. It must be
+remembered that the above incident took place in Liége among the
+Walloons, but it would seem that the Germans try to behave with decency
+when among their Low German brothers.
+
+"One feels at home in the house of a Flemish peasant; the racial
+relationship tends to homeliness. The painful cleanliness of the
+white-washed cottages makes a pleasant contrast to the homes of the
+Walloons. War and politics are never mentioned, as these delicate
+subjects would prevent a friendly understanding."[158]
+
+[Footnote 158: Ibid., p. 90.]
+
+"A dream. An old German dream. A land full of quaintness which the rush
+of modern life has left untouched. On all sides cleanliness and order
+which makes the heart beat gladly. And this joyful impression is doubly
+strong when one comes direct from the dirty, disorderly villages of the
+Walloons.
+
+"Just as a mother may give birth to two children with entirely different
+natures, so Belgium affords hearth and home to two peoples in whose
+language, culture and customs there is neither similarity nor harmony.
+The Flemings are absolutely German, and in this war they treat us with
+friendly confidence. Their eyes do not glitter with fanatical hate like
+those of the Walloons."[159]
+
+[Footnote 159: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+102.]
+
+Herr Binder's meditations on the slaughter in the valley of the Meuse
+are not without interest. "A vale which has been won by German blood! In
+recent days the waters of the Meuse have often flowed blood-red. Many a
+warrior has sunk into these depths. Longing and hope rise in our hearts:
+May destiny determine that all these dead, after a triumphant war, shall
+sleep at rest in a German valley!"[160]
+
+[Footnote 160: Ibid., p. 122.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+SAIGNER À BLANC.[161]
+
+
+[Footnote 161: "To bleed white." Bismarck employed this phrase on two
+occasions in addressing the Reichstag; his purpose could have been no
+other than to bully France.--Author.]
+
+It would be superfluous to review here the history of Franco-German
+relations during the last half century; other writers have already
+performed the task. Yet the whole trend of development in the relations
+between the two powerful neighbours may be defined by two watch-words:
+_saigner à blanc_ in Germany, and the _revanche idée_ in France. But
+there is this difference: the former has become ever more and more, and
+the latter less and less, a factor in European politics.
+
+While the German nation has been gradually and systematically leavened
+with the teaching that might alone is right, the French revenge party
+has been weakened year by year by national prosperity, colonial
+expansion and the growth of a powerful anti-military party. Whatever may
+be said of French chauvinists, this much remains an immovable fact--the
+party was incapable of providing adequate national defences against the
+Germanic neighbour, while plans of reconquest can only be assigned to
+the domain of myths.
+
+On every occasion that the _revanche_ cry has been resuscitated, the
+direct cause is to be sought in Germany. Having displaced France in 1870
+from her position of the first military power in Europe, Germany has
+endeavoured by fair and foul means to prevent her neighbour from again
+raising her head, and that policy alone is to blame for the suspicion
+and hatred which have marked Franco-German relations during the whole
+period and plunged Europe into an era of armaments, ending in a world
+war. England and Russia prevented Bismarck from annihilating France in
+1875, an incident which aroused justified fear throughout France and
+gave an impulse to the revenge party.
+
+In 1881 the Iron Chancellor told the French Ambassador: "Outside Europe
+you can do what you like." Bismarck's intention was to divert reviving
+French energies to colonial work, and if possible involve her in
+conflicts with the other Colonizing Powers. In both of these plans he
+succeeded, but the common sense and loyalty of Great Britain and Italy
+prevented the conflicts from assuming a dangerous form--war--as desired
+by the Government in Berlin.
+
+As soon as the latter perceived that French genius and persistency were
+bearing fruit in a magnificent colonial empire, the innate jealousy and
+greed of the German nation led to a policy of colonial pinpricks on the
+part of the Kaiser's Government. This seems the most probable
+explanation of Germany's attitude during the last decade before 1914.
+The natural consequence was that those powers which had most to fear
+through German ill-will were welded together more firmly in a policy of
+self-protection.
+
+Germany cannot, or will not, recognize that the causes of the
+above-mentioned development are to be found solely and alone in her own
+actions. On the contrary, she designates the "consequences" a world-wide
+conspiracy against German interests. In naval affairs she adopts the
+same naïve line of argument. First and foremost Germany committed
+herself to a policy of unlimited--even provocative--naval expansion.
+When the Power most concerned--Great Britain--took precautionary
+measures to guarantee British interests in view of Germany's "peaceful"
+development, then the latter Power declared the consequences of her own
+actions to be a hostile initiative directed against her.
+
+A defence of this kind may be convincing for those who observe events in
+the German perspective, but it will be unable to withstand impartial
+historical criticism. Boxers expect a rebound when they "punch the
+ball," but none of them would be so foolish as to deny having delivered
+a blow when the rebound takes place. Yet that is the unscientific
+defence which Germany has adopted in her endeavours to explain away her
+aggressive attitude to Belgium, France, and Great Britain.
+
+In a word, the principles underlying _saigner à blanc_ have grown during
+the past four decades into a possible avalanche possessing huge
+potential energy; the momentum was given to it in August, 1914.
+
+If it were necessary, a picture of German popular opinion might be
+projected, showing how that opinion was influenced and formed during the
+critical days at the close of July last year. But from considerations of
+space only the outlines of the picture can be given. Before the war
+German newspapers abounded in reports of French unpreparedness and
+chaos. The German public was informed that France dreaded and feared war
+with Germany.
+
+"Without any exaggeration it may be said that a state of nerves has
+seized the French nation, such as we should seek for in vain at the time
+of Tangiers and Agadir. There is tremendous excitement, which in many
+reports suggests absolute panic."[162]
+
+[Footnote 162: _Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten_, August 1st.]
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Kölnische Zeitung_ (August 4th) on
+returning to Cologne wrote: "Conditions in France afford a striking
+picture of bad organization. War rage possesses the people; but such an
+enthusiasm as I found in Germany on my return is unknown to them."
+
+On the same day the _Hamburger Nachrichten_ reported: "A German refugee
+who has returned from the French capital says that there is no
+enthusiasm in Paris. Men and women may be seen weeping in the streets,
+while the crowds are shouting: 'Down with war!' 'We desire no war!'"
+
+Probably there is no better way to incite a ferocious bully than to tell
+him that his opponent is weak, unprepared and afraid. Almost
+simultaneously false reports of French troops crossing the frontier and
+of French airmen dropping bombs on Nuremberg were spread by the Berlin
+General Staff, and thus an excuse found for a declaration of war on
+France.
+
+From the French point of view events appeared quite different. "This
+morning German troops have violated French territory at three different
+points: in the direction of Longwy by Lunéville, at Cirey and by
+Belfort. War has thus been declared, and the endeavours for peace as
+described in the President's proclamation have been in vain. For the
+last eight days Herr von Schoen (German Ambassador in Paris) has lulled
+us to sleep with endearing protestations of peace. Meanwhile Germany has
+mobilized troops in a secret and malevolent manner.
+
+"The war upon which we must enter is for civilization against barbarism.
+All Frenchmen must be united not merely by the feeling of duty, but also
+in hatred for an enemy who seeks no other goal than our
+annihilation--the destruction of a nation which has always been a
+pioneer of justice and liberty in the world.
+
+"To-night our five covering-corps will take up their positions and face
+the enemy till our plan of concentration is completed. Russia is with
+us.
+
+"MESSIMY,
+
+"Minister for War."
+
+From the moment that Germany declared war on France, new tactics were
+adopted in the Press. A campaign of calumny began which is the exact
+counterpart of that against Belgium and the Belgians. Uncorroborated
+tales of Germans having been ill treated in all parts of France were
+spread broadcast. According to one journal[163] sixty to eighty Germans
+had been murdered on the platforms of the Gare de l'Est in Paris.
+
+[Footnote 163: _Kölnische Volkszeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+Still there is one accusation which even German newspapers have never
+dared to make, viz., that Frenchmen murdered and ill-treated Frenchmen,
+or that war delirium led them to destroy property on a wholesale scale.
+On the other hand, the picture obtainable of Germany during August,
+1914, proves that similar peaceful conditions did not prevail in the
+great nation of "drill and discipline."
+
+France was even "convicted" of having caused the war; instead of being
+unprepared, she had laid the fuse and was the guilty power in causing
+the European explosion. "The German Government has now obtained absolute
+proof that France has been standing at arms, ready to fall upon Germany,
+for many weeks past."[164]
+
+[Footnote 164: _Hamburger Fremdenblatt_, August 13th.]
+
+Above all, President Poincaré has been marked down in Germany's
+senseless, unnecessary hunt for a scapegoat upon whom to fix her own
+guilt. Even in the year 1915 there is a section of the German
+public[165] which believes that the French President--a native of
+Lorraine--has worked for years past in building up a _revanche_
+conspiracy ending in the European war.
+
+[Footnote 165: Dr. Max Beer: "Tzar Poincarew, die Schuld am Kriege"
+("Czar Poincarew, the War-guilty"). Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Germany despised France and has tried in vain to patronize her. For many
+years past the average German has held that the French are a nation of
+"degenerate weaklings." Inspired by these sentiments, with a mixture of
+hate, the German troops invaded France, and it is a promising symptom
+that during twelve months of war respect for French valour has taken the
+place of contempt.
+
+The first engagements are described in the official telegrams from the
+German army head-quarters. "August 11th. Enemies' troops, apparently the
+7th French army corps and an infantry division from the Belfort
+garrison, were driven out of a fortified position by Mülhausen. Our
+losses were inconsiderable, those of the French heavy.
+
+"August 12th. Our troops attacked a French brigade by Lagarde. The enemy
+suffered heavy losses and was thrown back into the Paroy forest. We
+captured a flag, two batteries, four machine guns and about seven
+hundred prisoners. A French general was among the killed.
+
+"August 18th. The fight by Mülhausen was little more than a skirmish.
+One and a half enemy corps had invaded Upper Alsace before our troops
+could be collected and placed on a war-footing. In spite of their
+numerical inferiority they attacked the enemy without hesitation and
+hurled him back in the direction of Belfort.
+
+"Meanwhile an artillery contingent from Strasbourg has suffered a check.
+Two battalions with cannon and machine guns advanced from Shirmeck on
+the 14th. They were attacked by hostile artillery fire while passing
+through a narrow pass. The cannon, etc., were badly damaged and
+therefore left. No doubt they were captured by the enemy.
+
+"The incident is of no importance and will have no influence on our
+operations, but it should serve as a warning to our soldiers against
+over-confidence and carelessness. The men mustered again and reached the
+fortress in safety: they had lost their guns but not their courage.
+Whether treachery on the part of the inhabitants had any part in the
+affair has not yet been ascertained.
+
+"August 22nd. Our troops are in pursuit of the French army defeated
+between Metz and the Vosges. The enemies' retreat became a flight. Up
+till now more than ten thousand prisoners have been taken and at least
+fifty cannon captured. The French had eight army corps in the field.
+
+"August 24th. Yesterday the German Crown Prince, advancing on both sides
+of Longwy, achieved a victory over the opposing forces and hurled them
+back.
+
+"The troops under the leadership of the Bavarian Crown Prince have also
+been victorious and crossed the line Lunéville-Blamont-Tirey. To-day the
+21st army corps occupied Lunéville.
+
+"The pursuit has brought rich booty. Besides numerous prisoners and
+standards the left wing of the Vosges army has already captured 150
+cannon.
+
+"To-day the German Crown Prince's army has continued the pursuit beyond
+Longwy.
+
+"The army under Duke Albrecht of Württemberg has advanced on both sides
+of Neufchâteau and completely defeated the French army which had crossed
+the Semois. Numerous cannon, standards and prisoners--among the latter
+several generals--were captured.
+
+"West of the Meuse our troops are advancing on Maubeuge. An English
+cavalry brigade which appeared on their front was defeated.
+
+"August 27th. Nine days after the conclusion of our concentration the
+armies in the West have gained victory after victory and penetrated the
+enemy's territory from Cambrai to the Southern Vosges. At all points the
+enemy has been driven out of his positions and is now in full retreat.
+
+"It is not yet possible to estimate, even approximately, his losses in
+killed, prisoners and booty; the explanation for this is the enormous
+extent of the battlefields, broken by thick forests and mountainous
+country.
+
+"General von Kluck's army defeated the English at Maubeuge and to-day
+has attacked them in an encircling move south-west of that place.
+
+"After several days' fighting about eight army corps of French and
+Belgian troops between the Sambre, Namur and the Meuse were completely
+defeated by the German armies under Generals von Bülow and von Hausen.
+
+"Namur has fallen after two days' cannonade. The attack on Maubeuge has
+commenced. Duke Albrecht's army pursued the defeated enemy over the
+Semois and has now crossed the Meuse.
+
+"On the other side of Longwy the German Crown Prince has captured a
+fortified enemy position, and thrown back a heavy attack from the
+direction of Verdun. His army is advancing towards the Meuse. Longwy has
+fallen.
+
+"New hostile forces from Nancy attacked the Bavarian Crown Prince's army
+during its pursuit of the French army before it. The attack failed.
+
+"General von Heeringen's army is pursuing the enemy in the Vosges, and
+driving him southwards. Alsace has been cleared of enemy forces.
+
+"Up till the present the lines of communication have been guarded by the
+various armies; now the troops left behind for that purpose are urgently
+required for our further advance. Hence His Majesty has ordered the
+mobilization of the Landsturm.
+
+"The Landsturm will be employed in protecting the lines of communication
+and for the occupation of Belgium. This land which now comes under
+German administration will be utilized for supplying all kinds of
+necessities for our armies, in order that Germany may be spared as much
+as possible."
+
+During the first month of hostilities on the Western front, the Germans
+claimed that their captures amounted to 233 pieces of heavy artillery,
+116 field guns, 79 machine guns, 166 wagons and 12,934 prisoners. On
+September 8th General Quartermaster von Stein announced: "Maubeuge
+capitulated yesterday; 40,000 prisoners of war, including four generals,
+400 cannon and immense quantities of war materials fell into our hands."
+
+A German war correspondent, who was present at the fall of Maubeuge,
+wrote:[166] "The march out of the prisoners began on the same day at
+2.30 p.m. and lasted over six hours. They were conducted to trains and
+despatched to Germany. Some of the infantry made a good impression,
+while the pioneers and artillery can only be classed as passable.
+
+[Footnote 166: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+96.]
+
+"To the great disappointment of our troops there were only a hundred and
+twenty English among the prisoners who had been cut off from the main
+army; young fellows about eighteen to twenty years of age. When marching
+out these English youths were so stupid as to offer the hand to their
+German victors in token of the gentlemanlike manner in which they
+accepted defeat. In accordance with Albion's ancient boxing custom, they
+desired to show the absence of any bitter feeling by a handshake; just
+as one does after a football match.
+
+"Our men returned a few cuffs for this warlike behaviour, whereupon the
+English--richer in experience--drew back astonished at German
+unfriendliness."
+
+Germany's rush for Paris reached as far as the Marne; they claim that
+patrols penetrated to within seven kilometres of the French capital. The
+report announcing the turn of the tide is worthy of quotation.
+
+"Chief Headquarters, September 10th. Our army in their pursuit of the
+enemy in the direction east of Paris had passed beyond the Marne. There
+they were attacked by superior forces between Meaux and Montmirail. In
+two days' heavy fighting they have kept the enemy back and even made
+progress.
+
+"When the approach of new, stronger hostile forces was announced our
+wing was withdrawn; the enemy made no attempt at pursuit. Up till now
+the booty captured in this battle includes fifty cannon and some
+thousands of prisoners.
+
+"West of Verdun the army is engaged in an advancing battle. In Lorraine
+and the Vosges district the situation is unchanged."
+
+This seems to be all that the German nation has heard from official
+sources of the German defeat on the Marne and the hurried retreat to the
+Aisne. Almost every report issued by the German headquarters during the
+succeeding three weeks informed the world that a "decision had not yet
+fallen."
+
+Evidently the nation awaited and hoped for a decision which would leave
+Paris at the mercy of the invading army. They are still awaiting that
+decision, but whether the waiting is seasoned by hope cannot easily be
+determined.
+
+A soldier present at the battle of the Marne has chronicled his
+experiences.[167] "We passed over long, undulating hills and valleys,
+and towards 1 p.m. obtained our first glimpse down the beautiful vale of
+the Marne. Standing on the heights of Château Thierry, we beheld the
+town nestling on both sides of the river in the valley below.
+
+[Footnote 167: H. Knutz: "Mit den Königin-Fusilieren durch Belgien und
+Frankreich,", p. 49 _et seq_.]
+
+"Then we entered the town and saw on all sides the tokens of street
+fighting. All the windows were smashed by shell fire; some houses had
+been entirely gutted. Dead Frenchmen lay around in heaps, some corpses
+so mutilated by shrapnel as to appear hardly human. With a shudder we
+turned our eyes from this horrible scene.
+
+"Crossing the Marne by a sand-stone bridge, we climbed the opposing
+heights under a burning sun. At the top we deployed, but for that day
+our artillery sufficed to drive the enemy in headlong flight to the
+south; the night we spent under the open sky.
+
+"Sunday, September 6th. Before breakfast we intended to bathe in a
+stream, when our dreams of a rest-day were dispelled by an order to hold
+ourselves ready for the march. 'The 17th division is under heavy rifle
+fire and the 18th must advance to their support.' Meanwhile, the chicken
+soup was almost ready, but the order 'form ranks' resounded, and with
+empty stomachs we marched through Neuvy up a hill and dug ourselves in
+behind a wood.
+
+"The thunder of the enemies' artillery is terrible; shrapnel is bursting
+on our left. Captain von Liliencron discusses the situation with the
+major and then turns to us. 'Our regiment attacks! go for the dogs,
+children!' he exclaims with gleaming eyes.
+
+"Next we advance round the wood and lie down behind a hedge; axes are
+held in readiness to hack a way through the latter. Five steps from me a
+machine gun hammers away at full speed; it is now impossible to hear
+commands, so they are roared from man to man--it could not be termed
+shouting. 'Ambulance to the right!' somebody is severely wounded, but
+the ambulance men have more than they can do on the left.
+
+"The hell-music is at its loudest; shrapnel is bursting in the wood
+behind us; suddenly there is an awful explosion half a dozen yards away;
+I hear the screams of my comrades, then we rush forwards. The rush
+across the field was awful--flank fire from the right. Here and there a
+comrade bites the grass.
+
+"At last I throw myself down, but there is no cover; the wounded crouch
+there too. None of my company are there; it seems that the two last
+shells have played havoc with them. The enemies' (French) main position
+is nearly a mile away in a forest.
+
+"Up the next slope our dead lie thick around, and here too a deadly
+bullet had found the breast of our heroic captain. But in the strip of
+forest French and Turko bodies are still thicker. The cat-like Turkos
+have climbed into the trees and are shot down like crows. A maddening
+infantry and artillery fire greets us as we reach the top. Every ten to
+twenty yards shells strike, and shrapnel bursts, filling the air with
+earth, dust, smoke and smell.
+
+"Forward! till almost exhausted I throw myself down again; a hundred to
+a hundred and fifty Fusiliers form a firing-line. Columns of infantry
+pour a murderous fire on to us from the forest. It cannot go on thus;
+one after the other is wounded or killed. We have advanced nearly eight
+hundred yards over open ground. On the right there is a small thicket of
+reeds. Some of the company have already sought shelter there, and I make
+a rush there with the same hope.
+
+"'For heaven's sake, lie down, corporal,' screamed a man as I came up.
+In fact, the reeds afford no cover whatever. Wounded and dead lie there
+and bullets keep hitting them. In front of me lay a man from the fourth
+company; a bullet had entered his chest and passed out of his back; the
+blood was oozing out of a wound about the size of a shilling. The horror
+was too much for me, and I crept to the other end of the strip.
+
+"There I found everything far worse, but I cannot describe the terrors
+which I saw. One poor fellow begs for a drop of water; there is just
+another draught in my bottle. With grateful eyes he hands it back to me,
+and in the same moment I feel a stinging pain in the shoulder. My arm is
+numbed and helpless; hardly one of us who is not wounded.
+
+"We can offer no resistance to the enemy; but the awful way back! At
+last the run back over eight hundred yards of open field begins. Now and
+again a comrade sinks to the ground, never to rise again. My breath is
+nearly gone; one last effort, and in truth I have escaped from the hail
+of bullets."
+
+It is remarkable and noteworthy that German writers charge the French
+armies with looting and destruction in their own country. Probably this
+is merely a device to get rid of unpleasant accusations raised against
+the German army. Furthermore, the most reckless charges of uncleanliness
+are made. In commenting on the lot of the Landsturm troops quartered in
+the villages of Northern France, one author[168] writes: "The Landsturm
+men pass their time as best they can in these holes, whose most
+conspicuous quality is their filth."
+
+[Footnote 168: Erich Köhrer: "Zwischen Aisne und Argonnen" ("Between the
+Aisne and the Argonnes"), p. 25.]
+
+The same author gives his impressions of a visit to Sedan. "Only one
+house has been completely and another partly destroyed, otherwise
+appearances are peaceful, and as far as possible, life goes on as usual.
+Here, too, many of the inhabitants have left their homes and fled. The
+stupidity of this flight becomes evident at every step. In numerous
+small hotels whose proprietors have remained, one sees German soldiers
+buying bottles of splendid Burgundy wine at a shilling a bottle.
+
+"But in another hotel whose proprietor had fled, is it a matter for
+surprise that the men caroused on discovering a cellar containing three
+thousand bottles of wine? On the route I have myself purchased some of
+the oldest and best wines from our men at a price of three cigars a
+bottle, and the recollection of them belongs to the pleasantest memories
+of my sojourn at the front.
+
+"Certainly the owner of Château Frenois, situated a few minutes' walk
+from the town, will be more unpleasantly surprised on his return than
+the hotel proprietor. In his home, French marauders and plunderers have
+destroyed and devastated the entire contents. It is impossible to
+comprehend the senselessness of this conduct, for which no reasons of
+military necessity can be advanced.
+
+"Ancient family pictures which could not be taken out of their frames
+have been ruined by bayonet stabs, and from the shape of the cuts they
+were certainly the work of French bayonets. Even the library, which
+contained a valuable collection of old prints, had been robbed.
+
+"Not far from this scene of desolation stands Château Bellevue, where
+King William met Napoleon in 1870. There, too, the traces of French
+plunderers are painfully evident; it was left to the 'Hun-Kaiser' to
+save this historic spot from complete annihilation. In September Wilhelm
+II. visited the château and seeing the signs of rapacity, ordered the
+place to be strictly guarded to prevent further desecration."[169]
+
+[Footnote 169: Ibid., pp. 22-3.]
+
+It did not occur to Herr Köhrer to connect the carousals with the
+plundering; in one sentence he admits that French soldiers respected the
+wine-cellars and in the next accuses them of stealing books, etc. Every
+German writer, in describing the German advance, comments on the immense
+number of haversacks, weapons and equipment thrown away by the French in
+their "wild flight." Yet they desire their readers to believe that the
+same soldiers had time to rob and destroy, indeed, carry their plunder
+with them!
+
+Since September no French troops have been in the district, yet the
+Kaiser found it necessary to place guards round Château Bellevue. Is it
+not more reasonable to assume that the precaution was taken against the
+predatory instincts of his own soldiery, who, admittedly, are in
+occupation of the province?
+
+Herr Köhrer finds it almost beneath his dignity to reply to charges of
+barbarism and Hunnism; yet he devotes several pages to the art of
+white-washing. "The inhabitants who remained in their homes, and those
+who have returned since the flight--unfortunately it is only a small
+part of the entirety--have recognized long ago that the German soldier
+is not a barbarian. The terrible distress which prevails among the
+French is often enough relieved by the generosity of the German troops.
+Throngs of women and children from the filthy villages of the Argonne
+and the Ardennes gather round our field-kitchens and regularly receive
+the remains of the meals; while many a German Landsturm man,
+recollecting his own wife and children, fills the mouths of dirty French
+children instead of completely satisfying his own hunger."[170]
+
+[Footnote 170: Ibid., p. 34. Herr Köhrer has evidently never visited
+many Bavarian villages: otherwise he would be more careful with his
+adjectives when describing the villages of France.--Author.]
+
+No one disputes the presence of kindly Germans in the Kaiser's armies,
+and it is pleasing to read about these acts of generosity in relieving
+distress which is entirely the result of Germany's guilt. But the point
+which all German writers miss is the explanation of positive evidence of
+brutal deeds. Their kindly incidents and proofs of German chivalry are
+all of a negative character, and do not overthrow one jot or tittle of
+the opposing positive evidence.
+
+Iron crosses have fallen in thick showers on the German armies; during
+the month of July, 1915, no fewer than 3,400 of these decorations were
+awarded to the Bavarian army alone. Still, as far back as November of
+last year, Herr Köhrer wrote: "In the villages on the slopes of the
+Argonnes and on the banks of the Aisne, nearly every second soldier is
+wearing an iron cross. One has the certain conviction that it is not an
+army of fifty or sixty thousand, but a nation of heroes which occupies
+the plains of France and fights for us.
+
+"They are all heroes at the front, including those who do not wear the
+outward symbol of personal bravery. When we see how our men live, it
+would seem that the earliest days of the human race have returned. They
+have become cave-dwellers, troglodytes in the worst form. Our heavy
+batteries are placed on the slopes of the Argonne forest, while the
+light field-howitzers occupy the summits.
+
+"Near them holes have been dug in the wet clay or chalk, and meagrely
+lined with straw; these dark, damp caves are the dwellings of our
+officers and men for weeks at a time, while the shells from the enemy's
+artillery whiz and burst around. In them the differences of rank
+disappear, except that one sometimes sees a couple of chairs provided
+for officers. When duty does not call them to the guns, they are free to
+remain in the open exposed to a sudden and awful death, or to spend
+their time in the womb of mother earth. Yet one never hears a word of
+complaint; rather the hardships of this strange existence are borne with
+rough good-humour."[171]
+
+[Footnote 171: Ibid., p. 28.]
+
+Contrary to the expectations of other nations, the war seems only to
+have increased the popularity of the military Moloch. Writers who look
+upon the Allies as deliverers who will free Germany from the degrading
+slavery imposed upon that country, will be disappointed to learn that
+Germans worship the _bunte Rock_ (gay uniform) more than ever.
+
+At a meeting of the National Liberal leaders held in Dortmund, July,
+1915, a resolution was passed calling upon the Government to pursue a
+still greater naval and army programme. Both the Liberals and
+Conservatives have adopted the motto: _Deutsche Machtpolitik frei von
+Sentimentalität_ (A German policy of might free from sentimentalism).
+
+"This war of the nations, which has overthrown so many accepted
+standards and created new ones, will also give a new basis to the
+privileged position of German officers in public life. Millions of
+German men have seen how in this war the German lieutenant has again
+merited his special position for some generations to come. I wish to
+emphasize this point over and over again.
+
+"During the first two months of hostilities nearly forty thousand iron
+crosses were awarded. To many of those at home this appeared to be
+overdoing it, like the many exaggerations in the domain of orders and
+honours with which we have become familiar during the last decade.[172]
+As a matter of fact, the number of crosses given was too small.
+
+[Footnote 172: _Vide_ "The Soul of Germany," Chapter XIII.]
+
+"Not forty thousand heroes are at the front, but a nation of heroes. In
+emphasizing why the work of our officers is so splendid I must lay down
+these premises. The bravery and joyous spirit of self-sacrifice in our
+men is above all praise, but the officers have higher and more
+responsible duties. They have not only to set an example of physical
+courage, but they must possess the mental capacity to lead and spur on
+their men--and that under conditions so hard and rude that the man at
+home has no conception of them.
+
+"I have been in the trenches on the slopes of the Argonnes, where
+officers lie side by side with the men in clay and chalk, unwashed and
+filthy cut off from the outside world, exposed to continuous fire and
+thrown entirely upon themselves. I have seen them in the artillery
+positions on the Aisne, in the mud-caves of the heavy batteries, where
+they sit in the dark on empty packing-cases, listening to the music of
+exploding shells and whistling bullets. And everywhere I received the
+same impression: the men are enthusiastic in praise of their leaders.
+
+"Many a one who has never voted for any other party than the Social
+Democrats has exclaimed: 'Lieutenants! _Donnerwetter_, yes! Hats off to
+them!' For the lieutenant is not only the first in the fight, but he is
+the soul of the company; untiring in his efforts to keep up their
+spirits in the intervals between the fighting.
+
+"And when we again witness the scenes which often disgusted us before
+the war--the monocled young gentlemen in gay uniform, walking through
+the streets, nose in the air--when we see all this again, and perhaps a
+bit of iron pinned on the breast, then we must remember that for their
+life of danger and hardship in Argonnes clay, and Russian mud, no
+earthly compensation can be too great.
+
+"No nation can ever imitate our lieutenant, and in this war of masses
+and technical perfection it is still the value of individual personality
+which will decide the issue. We may affirm that this value stands very
+high in our army--both as regards officers and men.
+
+"Only he who has seen for himself the burnt villages, devastated towns
+and desolate land of France can comprehend the full meaning of the awful
+word _Krieg_ (war). Mere words cannot express what it means to Germans
+and Germany that the horrors of war have been carried almost alone into
+the enemy's territory.
+
+"But then a spirit of irresistible ardour goes through the ranks of our
+warriors. From every eye, in every word, burns the deepest, most
+unbounded faith in victory. In the trenches, batteries and hospitals
+there is no doubt, no fear. One great thought hovers victoriously above
+all hardships, distress and suffering: Germany to the front in the
+world!
+
+"And from out the blood which flows--and that is shed plenteously, very
+plenteously--(this is the sacred faith which I brought back from the
+battlefields) out of this blood the proud harvest will grow, whose
+blessings we shall all feel--the world dominion of the German
+idea!"[173]
+
+[Footnote 173: Ibid., p. 50 _et seq_.]
+
+In spite of Köhrer's assurances that the relationship between officers
+and men in the German army is an ideal one, there is evidence that such
+is not always the case. The Social Democratic paper _Karlsruhe
+Volksfreund_ (July 23rd, 1915) contained a long article by "comrade"
+Wilhelm Kolb, attacking the anti-annexation fraction of his party. Kolb
+accused the opposition with "speculating on the question of food-prices
+and the ill-treatment of soldiers at and behind the front. The power of
+the censor makes it exceedingly difficult, or even impossible, to
+ventilate this matter."
+
+German writers are careful to impress their readers that the losses of
+the French were appalling, but here and there a stray word or sentence
+lifts the veil and discovers their own.
+
+"Just before me are the graves of some German officers adorned with
+wooden crosses and helmets, and a little farther on a _Massengrab_
+(large common grave) containing several hundred German soldiers. At this
+point (Sedan) the battle raged with awful fury, and the Germans had to
+make heavy sacrifices. It seems almost incredible that the Germans could
+have forced the position.
+
+"The country is hilly; not a tree or bush offered cover from the French
+bullets. French trenches at distances of from thirty to fifty yards,
+stretched across the land, and between them were wire entanglements and
+other obstacles. Besides which they had an open firing-range of over a
+mile in extent, with their artillery to cover them from a steep hill on
+the other side of the Meuse.
+
+"At 5 a.m. the attack commenced, and by the afternoon the French had
+been hurled across the river. Then came the most difficult part of the
+operations. From the Meuse the ground rises gradually to a steep hill,
+on which the French artillery and machine guns were placed. The only
+bridge over the river, at Donchery, had been blown up at the last moment
+by the enemy, and although our pioneers had hastily constructed a bridge
+of tree-trunks--what was this for so many regiments!
+
+"Many tried to ford or swim the stream. The French fire was murderous in
+its effect. Several times the ranks wavered, but again and again they
+pressed forward, till the heights were stormed and the enemy in flight.
+The battle raged on into the night and then the remains of the regiments
+gathered at the foot of the hill. They had won a costly but glorious
+victory. Those who have seen the successes which our troops have gained,
+even under the most difficult conditions, need have no fear as to the
+ultimate result of this war.
+
+"I stood long at this spot on the blood-drenched soil of France, just
+where the regiments from Trier[174] had fought so bravely and suffered
+so heavily. Serious thoughts arose in me as I gazed at the battlefield.
+What a dispensation! Two gigantic battles on the same spot in such a
+short space of time; two great victories over the French. And most
+remarkable of all, the nation which for forty-four years had desired
+_revanche_ for Sedan, was again completely defeated at the same
+place--almost on the anniversary of the first battle.
+
+[Footnote 174: The writer, Dr. W. Kriege, is a Roman Catholic priest
+from Trier (Trèves). His book "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz" (Pictures
+from the Seat of War"), published in 1915, is both interesting and
+illuminating.]
+
+"Twilight shadows fall deep upon the quiet fields where the dead rest.
+Squadrons of white clouds drift down the valley, as if to cover the
+sleeping heroes with a shroud of white. Above Sedan's heights appears
+the shining crescent of the moon and sheds a ghostly light over the wide
+field of death--the battlefield of Sedan."[175]
+
+[Footnote 175: Dr. W. Kriege: "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz," p. 45 _et
+seq_.]
+
+"At last we arrive at our destination--Somme-Py. But what a sight!
+Nothing remains of the once beautiful, spacious village but a heap of
+rubbish. A few black-burnt walls are still standing and about three
+houses; among them, fortunately, the house occupied by Kaiser Wilhelm I.
+in 1870-71, when the victorious German army was marching on Paris. At
+present it serves as a field-hospital. Yes, this is the second time that
+a German army has marched this way; but the battles were never so bloody
+as this time.
+
+"Somme-Py and the country round has a special meaning for us folk in
+Trier. For here our Trier regiments--above all the 29th and 69th--have
+fought with splendid valour, and here they have buried many a dear
+friend and comrade. Immediately before Somme-Py one of the largest
+mass-graves of the whole campaign may be seen.
+
+"A simple iron railing surrounds the spot where hundreds of those rest
+who lived so happily in our midst, who marched so gaily and to whom we
+waved farewell greetings as they tramped through our streets.
+
+"The fight for the village had been particularly fierce and bloody; the
+inhabitants had no time to flee. Half-burnt men and animals, soldiers
+and civilians, filled the houses and streets, or lay buried under the
+ruins--awful sacrifices to the war Fury! We must thank God and our brave
+soldiers that they have preserved our hearths and homes from such horror
+and misery."[176]
+
+[Footnote 176: Ibid., pp. 78-80.]
+
+It is cheering to find a growing feeling of respect for the French in
+German war literature. One of many such expressions will be sufficient
+to quote here. The writer of it is a German author who enjoys much
+esteem in his own country, and was a guest at the German Crown Prince's
+headquarters in May, 1915.
+
+"In conversations with numerous French prisoners I have found no traces
+of hate and rage either in their looks or words. The most are glad to
+have escaped in an honourable manner from the nerve-racking, trench
+warfare. In an honourable manner? Yes, for I have heard on all
+sides--from the highest officers and the simplest soldiers--that the
+French have fought well. For the most part they are well led--and always
+filled up with lies."[177]
+
+[Footnote 177: Rudolf Presber: "An die Front zum deutschen Kronprinzen"
+("At the Front with the German Crown Prince"), p. 33.]
+
+"Then we dined with the Crown Prince; soup, roast goose, fresh beans and
+dessert. The conversation was lively. In our small company--although the
+bravery of the enemy and his excellent leadership receives full
+recognition--there is not one who does not reckon with absolute
+conviction on complete victory on both fronts."[178]
+
+[Footnote 178: Ibid., p. 61.]
+
+Herr Presber's book is free, neither from adulation nor hero-worship. He
+is a poet, sentimentalist, and evangelist for Greater Germany. His book
+is a collection of incidents, reflections, and conversations, carefully
+assorted and arranged, so as to allow the limelight to glare on the
+statuesque figure of a mighty Germanic hero, fresh from
+Walhalla--incarnated in the Crown Prince.
+
+The Crown Prince's birthday dinner-party affords an excellent
+opportunity for the German nation to see the mighty one replying to the
+toast of his health. Presber affirms that the moment when his royal host
+raised his glass and uttered the words: "Ein stilles Glas den Toten!"
+("A glass in silence to the memory of the fallen") will for ever be
+"most solemn and sacred" in his memory.
+
+With genuine German inquisitiveness Herr Presber hunted through the
+various cupboards and drawers in his room and found a map of France as
+it was before the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. "The map is wrong and
+useless, and so I use it to line a drawer before placing my linen
+therein. This makes me think of the many changes which will be marked in
+the atlases which German children are now carrying to school in their
+satchels--after the cannon have ceased to roar. How the colouring of the
+maps has changed since I went to school, and yet once more a great
+'unrest of colour' is about to change the map of Europe. And as far as I
+can see, large notes of interrogation must be placed not alone round the
+Poles and in Central Africa!"[179]
+
+[Footnote 179: Ibid., p. 101.]
+
+"I spoke of the good understanding between the natives and our soldiers.
+Probably that is not so easy to attain everywhere. We drove long
+distances from the Prince's headquarters and once passed through a
+famous town which sees the German conquerors for a second time. (No
+doubt Sedan is meant.--Author.)
+
+"Most of the inhabitants know it is the Crown Prince by the signs of
+reverence shown him on all sides, by officers and men alike. But the
+citizens of the twice-conquered town bite their lips, turn their heads
+aside, and pretend indifference. The women too--many of them in deep
+mourning--turn away, or sometimes stand and stare as if with suddenly
+aroused interest. Here the ancient hate glowers in silence.
+
+"It seems as if a parole of mute non-respect has been passed round. This
+town, which has become world-famous on account of the _débâcle_ of the
+Third Empire, lives to see with gnashing of teeth the downfall of the
+Republic. But they do not believe it yet."[180]
+
+[Footnote 180: Ibid., p. 108.]
+
+"French and Russian prisoners are working on the roads, wheeling barrows
+of stone and filling the holes made by shell fire. Some of them, without
+thinking, touch their caps when their guards stand stiffly at the
+salute. (And how few guards are necessary to watch this tame herd!)
+Others gaze at our car as it rushes past without giving any salute;
+their faces express astonishment, curiosity, but no excitement."[181]
+
+[Footnote 181: Ibid., pp. 107-110.]
+
+Another illuminating page tells of the Crown Prince's anger on hearing
+that Italy had joined the Allies, and how they went for a motor-ride as
+an antidote to the royal rage.
+
+German humour is generally unconscious and mostly unintentional. After a
+policy of bullying towards France for forty-four years, Germany has
+discovered during the course of the war that France is the cat's-paw of
+Russia and Great Britain--principally the latter.
+
+One writer,[182] in some fifty pages of venom, endeavours to show that
+England is France's executioner. Another[183] gives our ally the advice
+"awake!" After Germany has played the _saigner-à-blanc_ game in Northern
+France for more than a year, the advice seems rather belated.
+
+[Footnote 182: Walter Unus: "England als Henker Frankreichs."
+Braunschweig, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 183: Ernst Heinemann: "Frankreich, erwache!" Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Herr Heinemann writes, p. 33: "France is not fighting for herself, but
+for England and Russia.
+
+"Poor deceived France! She has given fifteen milliards of francs to
+Russia so that she may at last draw the sword in defence of
+Russo-Serbian and British commercial interests. She has placed her money
+and her beautiful land at the disposal of her so-called friends--for the
+sake of a mad idea which these friends have cleverly exploited
+(_revanche idée_).
+
+"England has declared that she will continue the war for twenty years,
+twenty years--on French soil. If under these circumstances the French
+broke with their allies--who have exploited France for the last
+twenty-five years, and who have plunged her into this war---in order to
+arrive at a reasonable understanding with Germany; then they would only
+show that they do not intend to accept the final consequences of the
+mistakes committed by the French Government.
+
+"No one is compelled to eat the last drop of a soup prepared by false
+friends. In this sense, to seduce France to a direct breach of faith
+with her allies, would in truth, only mean the protection of France's
+best interests" (pp. 51-2).
+
+One other writer deserves mention--a lecturer in history, Bonn
+University--because he presents an opinion the exact contrary to the one
+last quoted. According to Dr. Platzhoff, France herself is the guilty
+party, who has tricked Russia and Great Britain into the service of
+revenge for 1870.
+
+"Therefore France found it necessary to extract herself from isolation,
+and acquire allies against her neighbour (Germany). In several decades
+of painful effort, French diplomacy has solved the problem in brilliant
+fashion. _Revanche_--and alliance policy are inseparable
+conceptions."[184]
+
+[Footnote 184: Dr. Walter Platzhoff; "Deutschland und Frankreich," p.
+18.]
+
+In contrast to most German authors, Platzhoff admits that the _Entente
+Cordiale_ was called into being by Germany herself. "This development
+caused great anxiety in Germany. But it seems certain that Germany could
+have prevented it by one means alone--an open agreement with England.
+And Berlin, after considering the matter carefully, had declined the
+latter."[185]
+
+[Footnote 185: Ibid., p. 22.]
+
+"That France would enter the field on Russia's behalf is a logical
+consequence not only of the Dual Alliance treaty, but also of the policy
+pursued during recent decades. In vain French ministers have protested
+their love of peace and their innocence in causing this war. The policy
+of alliances and revenge was certain to end in a world conflagration.
+
+"Already voices make themselves heard which prophesy a revolution in
+French policy and a later _entente_ with Germany."[186]
+
+[Footnote 186: Ibid., pp. 26-8.]
+
+Many such passages might be cited to prove that Germany would like to
+see a split among the allies. But France's honour and welfare are in her
+own hands, and it appears a futile hope that Germany, after failing to
+bring France to submission and self-effacement by threats of _saigner à
+blanc_, will succeed in her purpose by the reality.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR
+
+
+Mention has already been made that a large number of Germany's war books
+has emanated from the universities. Not the least important of these
+efforts is "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War.")[187] Twenty well-known university professors have contributed to
+the work; the fact being emphasized that special facilities have been
+accorded to them by the German foreign office. For British readers the
+chapters by Professors Marcks and Oncken are the most interesting, viz.,
+"England's Policy of Might" by the former, and "Events leading up to the
+War" and "The Outbreak of War" by the latter. They take up a fifth of
+the 686 pages of which the entire work consists.
+
+[Footnote 187: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," herausgegeben von Otto
+Hintze, Friedrich Meinecke, Hermann Oncken und Hermann Schumacher.
+Leipzig und Berlin, 1915.]
+
+The purpose of Professor Marcks' essay is to prove on historical and
+scientific lines the lessons which have been taught in German schools
+for nearly half a century, _i.e._, England is an astute but ruthless
+robber who respects no right, and no nation which stands in her way.
+
+"England's modern history begins with the Tudors and her world policy
+with Elizabeth. First of all, England had to liberate herself,
+economically and politically, from a position of dependence on the other
+Powers; then she took up her particular attitude to the world. Her
+separation from the Roman Catholic Church was exceedingly rich in
+consequences; this step assigned to her a peculiar place in the camp of
+the nations, and exercised a deep influence upon her intellectual
+development. It gave her an impetus towards internal and external
+independence.
+
+"But the determining factor for England's future was her insular
+position; this has been the case from the time Europe entered the
+ocean-period. Since the year 1600 England, by her commerce and politics,
+has influenced Europe from without, while she has maintained for herself
+a position of independence, and directed her energies across the ocean
+into the wide world. Successively she seized upon the Baltic, North Sea,
+and Atlantic Ocean; gradually she became the merchant and shipbuilder
+for most of the European nations.
+
+"The sea has given her everything--independence, security and
+prosperity--both in treasure and lands. The sea protected her and spared
+her the unpleasantness of mighty neighbours. It was the ocean which
+permitted free development to her internal life, parliament, government
+and administration, and saved her from the continental form of
+Government--a strong, armed monarchy.
+
+"The sea has allowed the English to develop, undisturbed, the
+peculiarities of their race--personal energy, trained by contact with
+the ocean; personal freedom, favoured but not oppressed by the living
+organism of the State. The sea afforded them liberty of action in every
+direction without fear of attack from behind. Freed from the chains
+which bound Europe, England went out into the wide world.
+
+"Yet she remained constantly associated with the continent, not only
+because Europe was her field of action. English statesmen have always
+seized upon every opportunity to influence European policy; at first
+this was from motives of defence, but afterwards from an ever-increasing
+spirit of aggression. The balance of power on the continent has always
+been one of the premises for England's security and existence.
+
+"She is indebted to her insular position for the supreme advantage of
+being able to exercise her influence in Europe without allowing her
+forces to be tied to the continent; European countries were bound by
+their own conflicts and differences, enabling England to exert her
+influence upon them without active participation. England has become
+thoroughly accustomed to a state of affairs under which she has no
+neighbours and never permits any--not even on the sea. She has come to
+consider this her God-given prerogative.
+
+"The barriers of geographical position which hampered other lands,
+nature did not impose upon England; the security afforded by her girdle
+of waves seemed as it were to impel her to strike out into the
+unbounded, and to look upon every obstacle as a wrong. There is a thread
+of daring lawlessness running through all England's world-struggles,
+through all periods of her history, right down to the present day.
+
+"When England speaks of humanity she means herself; her cosmopolitan
+utterances refer to her own nationality. She forgets too easily that
+other nations have arisen on the earth who esteem their own
+distinguishing traits and are inspired by the ardent desire to uphold
+their own institutions, forms of Government and culture. England
+believes all too easily that the world's map should be all one colour.
+But the soul of the modern world demands variety."[188]
+
+[Footnote 188: Ibid., 297 _et seq_.]
+
+There is no important objection to raise against Professor Marcks'
+statement of English history and Britain's favoured position on the
+surface of the globe. Germany did not choose her own geographical
+situation in the world--it is hers by nature and the right of historical
+succession. Britain has never envied her or endeavoured to deprive her
+of the advantages consequent upon her "place in the sun."
+
+Neither did the British select their island home; destiny and history
+were again the determining factors. But it would be a travesty of the
+truth to assert that Germany has not envied her that position, together
+with the advantages arising from it. Yet in the same degree as the
+inhabitants of these islands have used the "talents" entrusted to them
+through their favourable position, Germany's jealousy seems to have
+become more bitterly angry. By right of birth and national necessity
+Germany demands the domination of the Rhine, but she fails to recognize
+that right of birth and the demands of national existence compel Britain
+to claim the domination of the seas.
+
+The remainder of Professor Marcks' essay is devoted to proving that "the
+freedom of our world requires that it shall not be so in future."
+Whatever motives actuated Germany in precipitating the war, this much is
+now evident--it is her supreme desire and the aim of her highest
+endeavour to destroy Britain's favoured situation and every advantage
+accruing to her from it.
+
+To-day the issue is clear and simple for Germany--the annihilation of
+British power and influence in the world. Literally hundreds of German
+war books echo that cry, and, above all else, it is the hope of
+attaining this aim which has aroused the bitterest war fury in the
+entire German nation--man, woman and child. Reduced to first principles,
+this difference of geographical position and the varying advantages
+arising therefrom are the prime causes--if not _the_ cause--of the
+present world-struggle.
+
+It was solely the fear of perpetuating British supremacy[189] which has
+led Germany consistently to reject the extended hand of friendship.
+Standing side by side with Great Britain, either in friendship or
+alliance, Germany would have given her approval to Britain's historical
+position in the world. When this country departed from the policy of
+"splendid isolation" repeated attempts were made to establish more
+intimate relations with Germany (1898-1902).
+
+[Footnote 189: Graf Ernst zu Reventlow: "Der Vampir des Festlandes
+("England, the Vampire of the Continent"). Berlin, 1915, p. 117.
+"England's withdrawal from the policy which sought to establish a mutual
+plan of procedure in world politics between Germany and Britain dates
+from the time when Britain recognized that Germany would not allow
+herself to be employed against Russia. In Germany to-day, voices may be
+heard proclaiming that von Bülow chose wrongly in refusing England's
+offer, especially as Russia has repaid our loyalty and friendship with
+iniquitous ingratitude. The latter represents the truth.
+
+"But in judging the policy of that period two factors must be borne in
+mind. The acceptance of Great Britain's offer would have placed a tie
+upon the German Empire which would have been unendurable. Germany would
+have become the strong but stupid Power, whose duty would have been to
+fight British battles on the continent. Besides which the choice
+concerned Germany's world future, above all the development of the
+German war fleet."]
+
+But as Professor Marcks (p. 315) observes: "Germany refused the hand
+extended to her." Count Reventlow and a host of other writers have
+chronicled the fact too, yet on September 2nd, 1914, the German
+Chancellor dared to say to representative American journalists: "When
+the archives are opened then the world will learn how often Germany has
+offered the hand of friendship to England."
+
+It is only one more confirmation that the "law of necessity" is
+incompatible with the truth. The truth is that Germany preferred to
+drive Britain into another and hostile camp rather than have her
+friendship. Germany preferred British hostility rather than relinquish
+her plans for unlimited naval expansion--which she believed to be the
+only means of destroying Britain's position, and with that resolution
+already taken the Kaiser presented his photograph to a distinguished
+Englishman with this significant remark written on it with his own hand:
+"I bide my time!"
+
+Although Britain drew the sword to defend Belgium, the supreme
+issue--and the only one which occupies the German mind to-day--is
+whether this country shall continue to hold the position allotted to her
+by destiny and confirmed by history, or whether she is to be supplanted
+by Germany. That is the one political thought which permeates German
+intelligence at this moment, and no other considerations must be allowed
+to darken this issue.
+
+Professor Oncken reviews the events of the period 1900-1914 in
+considerable detail, and to him the policy of _ententes_ appears to be
+the main cause leading up to the world war. From this alone it is
+obvious that, consciously or unconsciously, he is wrong; the _ententes_
+in themselves are results, not prime causes. The prime causes leading to
+these political agreements are to be found in Germany's attitude to the
+rest of Europe. In a word they were defensive actions taken by the
+Powers concerned, as a precaution against German aggression.
+
+German aggression consisted in committing herself to unlimited
+armaments, cherishing the irreconcilable determination to be the
+strongest European power. According to her doctrine of might, everything
+can be attained by the mightiest. British advances she answered with
+battleships, simultaneously provoking France and Russia by increasing
+her army corps. The balance of power in Europe, Germany declares to be
+an out-of-date British fad, invented solely in the interests of these
+islands.
+
+In secret Germany has long been an apostate to the balance-of-power
+theory; the war has caused her to drop the mask, and it was without
+doubt her resolve never to submit to the chains of the balance in
+Europe, which forced three other States to waive their differences and
+form the Triple Entente. Simply stated this is cause and result. But
+Professor Oncken maintains--and in doing so he voices German national
+opinion--that the entire _entente_ policy was a huge scheme to bring
+about Germany's downfall.
+
+He goes further and proclaims that the Hague Conference (1907) was a
+British trick to place the guilt of armaments on Germany's shoulders.
+"England filled the world with disarmament projects so that afterwards,
+full of unction, she could denounce Germany as the disturber of the
+peace. At that time the Imperial Chancellor answered justly: 'Pressure
+cannot be brought to bear on Germany, not even moral pressure!'"[190]
+And in that sentence German obstinacy and sullen irreconcilability is
+most admirably expressed.
+
+[Footnote 190: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 495.]
+
+Having seen that Professor Oncken has failed to recognize the prime
+causes which provoked the _entente_ policy, it is not surprising to find
+him equally in error when discussing the diplomatic clashes between the
+rival camps. The professor calls them _Machtproben_ ("tests of power");
+but how he can dare to state that these diplomatic trials of strength
+were engineered by Great Britain--remains his own secret.
+
+"King Edward's meeting with the Czar at Reval in June, 1908, was
+followed by a far-reaching Macedonian reform programme, the commencement
+of the division of European Turkey. What Britain had failed to induce
+Germany to help her in executing, was to be attained with the sword's
+point directed against Germany. And Britain proceeded in cold blood to
+conjure up an era of might-struggles, which, in the island language, is
+called preserving the balance of power."[191]
+
+[Footnote 191: Ibid., p. 297.]
+
+The trials of strength recounted by Oncken are the Bosnian crisis, the
+Morocco question, and the Austro-Serbian quarrel which led to the
+present war. It seems banal to have to point out that Bosnia was
+unlawfully annexed by Germany's vassal--Austria; that Germany, herself,
+brought Europe to the verge of war by sending the _Panther_ to Agadir;
+and that the final catastrophic _Machtprobe_ was likewise provoked by
+Germany's eastern vassal.
+
+For good or evil Germany has been convinced for nearly two decades that
+the balance of power in Europe was an obstacle to her world future.
+Furthermore, she believed that the balance imposed fetters upon her
+which only mighty armaments could break. All Germany's energies in the
+domain of diplomacy have been set in motion to make the balance of power
+a mere figment of the imagination.
+
+In pursuing this end it has suited her purpose to declare all attempts
+at maintaining the outward appearances of equality between the Powers of
+Europe to be Machiavellian schemes against her existence; or to cite the
+Kaiser's own words, "to deprive Germany of her place in the sun."
+
+Britain's _entente_ policy was the only one calculated to preserve our
+own existence, and to restrain Germany from establishing a hegemony in
+Europe. She was completely convinced that the domination of Europe
+belonged to her by right of mental, moral and military superiority over
+her neighbours. Not in vain have Germany's educational institutions
+inculcated the belief in her population that the British Empire is an
+effete monstrosity with feet of clay; France a rotten, decaying empire,
+and Russia a barbarian Power with no new _Kultur_ to offer Europe except
+the knout.
+
+Inspired by such conceptions, together with an astoundingly exaggerated
+idea of Germany's peerlessness in order, discipline, obedience,
+morality, genius and other ethical values, as well as an unshaken belief
+in Germany's invincibility by land and sea--the entire nation, from
+Kaiser to cobbler, has long since held that by right of these
+virtues--by right of her absolute superiority over all other
+nations--Germany could and must claim other rights and powers than those
+which fell to her under an antiquated balance of European power.
+
+In few words that is the gospel of _Deutschland, Deutschland, über
+alles_. These are the motives which inspired Germany's naval expansion
+and forbade her to accept a compromise. The same ideals led to her
+endeavours to shatter the _ententes_, and it is alone the general
+acceptance of this gospel, which explains the remarkable unanimity with
+which the German nation has stood behind the Kaiser's Government in each
+trial of strength. They have learned to consider all attempts of the
+lesser peoples (Britain, France and Russia included) to maintain
+themselves against the Teutonic onset as impudent attacks on sacred
+Germany, which also illuminates the fact that Germans call the present
+struggle--"Germany's holy, sacred war."
+
+German statesmen were quite clear as to the national course at least
+fifteen years ago. Hence they have persistently pursued a policy of no
+compromise and no agreements. A compromise recognizes and perpetuates,
+in part at least, the very thing which stands in the way. An agreement
+with Britain in regard to naval armaments would have perpetuated British
+naval supremacy, as well as recognized its necessity. Likewise an
+agreement, or the shadow of an understanding with France on the question
+of Alsace-Lorraine would have been a recognition of French claims. Hence
+on these two questions--which are merely given as examples illustrative
+of German mentality--every attempt at an agreement has been a failure.
+
+A cardinal point in Germany's programme has been the consistent manner
+in which she has tried to separate her European neighbours from Britain
+in order to deal with them separately or alone. That her endeavours
+ended in failure is due to the instinct of self-preservation which has
+drawn Germany's opponents closer together, in exact proportion to the
+increasing force of her efforts. Both in peace and war, Germany desired
+and endeavoured to switch off Britain's influence in Europe.
+
+The diplomatic battles of 1905, 1908 and 1911 were a few of the efforts
+to dislodge Great Britain from her _ententes_, while her repeated
+attempts to buy this country's neutrality, down to the eve of war, are
+proof that Germany wanted a free hand in Europe.[192] If she had
+succeeded in her purpose, it is exceedingly doubtful whether any Power
+could have prevented her from exercising a free hand in the whole world.
+
+[Footnote 192: Professor Schiemann: "Wie England eine Verständigung mit
+Deutschland verhinderte" ("How England prevented an Understanding with
+Germany"). Berlin, 1915; pp. 20-21: "From the very commencement Berlin
+was convinced that the probability of a combined Franco-Russian attack
+was exceedingly small, if England's entrance to this Germanophobe
+combination could be prevented. Therefore we endeavoured to secure
+England's neutrality in case of war (1909), that is, if an Anglo-German
+alliance could not be achieved--an alliance which would have guaranteed
+the world's peace." (Schiemann's insinuation that Germany desired an
+alliance is an instance of _suggestio falsi_. Germany had decided in
+1902 never to conclude an alliance with this country.--Author.)]
+
+Coming down to the last trial of diplomatic power, we are confronted by
+the immovable fact, that it too was a challenge on the part of the
+Central Empires. The conditions seemed peculiarly favourable to them,
+for the British Ambassador declared to the Russian Government on July
+24th, 1914, that Britain would never draw the sword on a purely Serbian
+question. Moreover, in the preceding year, a British minister, says
+Professor Schiemann, had given what we may style a remarkable
+semi-official promise that Great Britain would never go to war with
+Germany.
+
+"On February 18th, 1913, Mr. Charles Trevelyan, M.P., paid me a visit,
+and assured me with the greatest certainty that England would under no
+circumstances wage war on Germany. A ministry which made preparations
+for war, would be immediately overthrown."[193]
+
+[Footnote 193: Ibid., p. 27. In the light of this revelation it would be
+interesting to know what was the real motive which induced Mr. Trevelyan
+to resign his office when war broke out. Either he was conscious of
+having seriously compromised his position as a Minister of the Crown, or
+he conscientiously believed that Britain was drawing the sword in an
+unjust cause. Unfortunately a section of the British public accepted the
+latter interpretation. In any case, Mr. Trevelyan's indiscretion affords
+overwhelming proof that he had an utterly false conception of
+Germany.--Author.]
+
+Professor Schiemann affirms that his good impression was strengthened by
+a visit to London during March and April, 1914, and reports a
+conversation which he had with Lord Haldane when dining privately with
+the latter in London. After returning to Berlin, he says he received a
+letter from Lord Haldane dated April 17th, 1914, but from Schiemann's
+quotation it is not evident whether the following is an extract or the
+entire letter:
+
+"It was a great pleasure to see you and to have had the full and
+unreserved talk we had together. My ambition is like yours, to bring
+Germany and Great Britain into relations of ever-closer intimacy and
+friendship. Our two countries have a common work to do for the world as
+well as for themselves, and each of them can bring to bear on this work
+special endowments and qualities. May the co-operation which I believe
+is now beginning become closer and closer.[194]
+
+[Footnote 194: Lord Haldane has stated during the war that his visit to
+Berlin in 1912 had filled his mind with doubt and suspicion in regard to
+Germany.--Author.]
+
+"Of this I am sure, the more wide and unselfish the nations and the
+groups questions make her supreme purposes of their policies, the more
+will frictions disappear, and the sooner will the relations that are
+normal and healthy reappear.[195] Something of this good work has now
+come into existence between our two peoples. We must see to it that the
+chance of growth is given."[196]
+
+[Footnote 195: A word or phrase appears to have been dropped in this
+sentence.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 196: Professor Schiemann's book, pp. 27-8.]
+
+It is not difficult to conceive that such utterances, on the part of two
+British ministers, would raise hopes in the German mind, for it would be
+useless to imagine that Professor Schiemann would keep them secret for
+his own private edification. And it is possible that they led the German
+Government into a false reckoning as to what this country would do under
+certain circumstances, and so encouraged Germany into taking up an
+irreconcilable attitude in the crisis of July, 1914.
+
+Whatever Germany expected must, however, for the present, remain a
+matter of conjecture. Schiemann's comment on the above letter leaves no
+doubt that he expected Lord Haldane[197] to resign. "When one remembers
+that Lord Haldane belonged to the inner circle of the Cabinet, and was
+therefore privy to all the secret moves of Sir Edward Grey, it is hard
+to believe in the sincerity of the sentiments expressed in this letter.
+Besides, he did not resign like three other members of the Cabinet (Lord
+Morley, Burns and Charles Trevelyan) when Sir Edward's foul play lay
+open to the world on August 4th."
+
+[Footnote 197: Lord Haldane seems to have injured his reputation both in
+Great Britain and Germany. Professor Oncken designates him: "the
+one-time friend of Germany, the decoy-bird of the British cabinet."
+_Vide_ "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 561.]
+
+The most regrettable side of the whole incident is that the resignation
+of the above gentlemen has been proclaimed by innumerable German writers
+as proof of Sir Edward Grey's double dealing, and proof that Britain is
+waging an unjust war. Still, it may console these gentlemen to know that
+the nation which wages war on women and children acclaims them to-day
+"all honourable men," and doubtless without the Shakespearian
+intonation.
+
+By reason of the above incidents, and more of a similar nature, Germans
+accuse the late Liberal Government with perfidy of the basest kind. The
+author is not in the least inclined to admit the charge, but thinks,
+rather, that the Government in question--individually and
+collectively--was astonishingly ignorant of European conditions and
+problems, especially those prevailing in the Germanic Empires.
+
+To what a degree Germany was obsessed by the idea that Britain was
+trying to strangle her by an encircling policy, is apparent in a
+diplomatic document quoted by Professor Oncken. Its author's name is not
+given, and it was doubtless a secret report sent to the German Foreign
+Office in 1912; its freedom from bias is also questionable. Moreover, it
+is probable that it belongs to the same category of documents as those
+quoted in the French Yellow Book--reports intended to exercise due
+influence on the mind of the Emperor.
+
+"French diplomacy is succeeding more and more in entangling England in
+the meshes of her net. The encouragement which England gives, directly
+or indirectly, to French chauvinism may one day end in a catastrophe in
+which English and French soldiers must pay with their blood on French
+battlefields for England's encircling policy. The seeds sown by King
+Edward are springing up."
+
+Another link in the chain of proof of Britain's guilt, is found in the
+documents seized by the Germans in Brussels. The enemy seems to attach
+great importance to them, for they are being employed in much the same
+way that parliamentary candidates use pamphlets during an election. Yet
+they do not contain a particle of proof that Britain had hostile
+intentions against Germany, but only confirm the presence of the German
+menace.
+
+The documents[198] in question are reports sent by the Belgian Legation
+Secretaries in London, Paris and Berlin to the Minister for Foreign
+Affairs in Brussels. These gentlemen held opinions identical with those
+expressed again and again in German newspapers, and even in some British
+and French organs. Messieurs Comte de Lalaing (London), Greindl
+(Berlin), Leghait (Paris), evidently believed that the activities of the
+Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente endangered the peace of Europe.
+
+[Footnote 198: Published by the Berlin Government as supplements to the
+_Nord-deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_, July 29th and 31st; August 4th, 8th
+and 12th, 1915.]
+
+Further they believed the latter constellation to be the more aggressive
+of the two, and formally reported these convictions to the Belgian
+Government. If read as a modern edition of "Pepys' Diary" they form
+entertaining literature, but by no stretch of the imagination could they
+be classed as historical sources. A gentleman who reports to his
+Government that King Edward took breakfast in company with M. Delcassé
+and that the Press had neglected to chronicle the incident, can hardly
+rank as an historian.
+
+Moreover, it is by no means clear why the German Press should laud M.
+Greindl as a gentleman of German origin. If this be true it would
+probably explain everything which deserves explanation in the said
+documents, and would probably account for the intimate, confidential
+treatment which M. Greindl received at the hands of German officials.
+
+German newspapers are gloating over the fact that the British Government
+has not deigned to reply to these "revelations." There is really nothing
+to which it can reply; three observers expressed their opinion on
+contemporaneous happenings during the years 1905-1911. But a brutal
+sequence of events in 1914 showed them--if they had not been convinced
+during the preceding three years--that they had drawn false conclusions
+from their observations.
+
+To return to the last trial of strength between the two groups of
+European Powers, it is interesting to note that Professor Oncken denies
+German participation in formulating the ultimatum to Serbia, or that
+Germany was aware of its contents. Germany merely left Austria a free
+hand in the matter. Oncken endeavours to show that Austria's demands
+were not excessive, and expresses astonishment that the opposing Powers
+found them exorbitant. He does not mention the fact that a large section
+of the German nation held the same opinion on July 25th, 1914.
+
+His comment on Sir Edward Grey's efforts for peace is characteristic:
+"England claims that she did everything possible to preserve the peace.
+It cannot be denied that Grey made a series of mediation proposals. But
+mere good-will is not everything. It is much more important to weigh
+their practical importance, and the goal at which they aimed: Whether
+they were intended to preserve the world's peace under conditions
+honourable for all parties, or calculated to obtain for the _Entente_ a
+one-sided diplomatic victory which would have established its future
+predominance."[199]
+
+[Footnote 199: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 544.]
+
+"Grey considered the moment suitable for a mediation proposal. On the
+evening of July 26th, after obtaining Russia's consent, he proposed to
+the Governments of France, Germany and Italy that their London
+ambassadors should meet in London to confer on a peaceful solution of
+the conflict.
+
+"The proposal was unacceptable to Austria, because it would have been an
+indirect recognition on her part of Russia's interest in the conflict.
+
+"Only those who had followed the growing intimacy of the mutual
+obligations between the Entente Powers, and their organization to a
+'London Centre' during the summer of 1914, are able to estimate the
+role--to say nothing of Italy--which Russia's two comrades would have
+played in the conference. During its course Russia would have continued
+her military preparations, while Germany would have had to pledge
+herself not to mobilize.
+
+"Finally, no unprejudiced observer would dare assert that the man (Sir
+Edward Grey) who was ready to transform himself at a suitable
+opportunity into an ally of Russia, would have been an impartial
+chairman in a conference held under the pressure of a Russian
+mobilization. The more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more
+convinced one becomes, that it would at least have worked for a
+diplomatic victory for the Entente Powers.
+
+"Grey put the whole machinery of the Triple Entente in motion in order
+to force back Germany and Austria-Hungary along the whole line."[200]
+
+[Footnote 200: Ibid., p. 545 _et seq_.]
+
+An analysis of Professor Oncken's theses gives the following results:
+First, Britain's efforts to preserve peace are admitted, but he fails to
+mention any friendly advances to meet them. Secondly, the fundamental
+principle underlying the Germanic attitude is again exposed, viz., that
+Russia had no right to intervene in a question affecting the balance of
+power in the Balkans and in Europe (_vide_, p. 63). Thirdly, a
+diplomatic struggle was in progress along the whole line, between the
+two groups of Powers.
+
+In weighing the second point it would be wrong to assume that the
+Central Empires were not fully aware of the presence of a far more vital
+question behind the Austro-Serbian conflict. They knew it from the very
+beginning and had already expressed threats in St. Petersburg, hoping to
+achieve the same effect as in the Bosnian crisis. If Austria had been
+allowed to destroy Serbia's military power the material forces of Europe
+would have been seriously disturbed; the ineffectiveness of the Triple
+Entente finally established, and its dissolution the inevitable
+consequence.
+
+If these considerations are correct then the statement attributed by M.
+de L'Escaille (see p. 281) to Sir George Buchanan that Britain would
+never draw the sword could only have served to strengthen the resolution
+of the Germanic Powers in enforcing their point Germany above all
+desired that the balance of power theory should be finally smashed, and
+it may be safely assumed that an Austro-Serbian conflict seemed to her a
+most fitting opportunity to realize her purpose.
+
+The third point suggests two questions. Who provoked the diplomatic
+conflict, and who would have benefited most by a diplomatic victory? A
+reply to the first question is superfluous, and the answer to the second
+is obvious from the preceding line of reasoning. Germany would have
+reached the goal towards which she had striven for more than a
+decade--the removal of all diplomatic hindrances to the unlimited
+assertion of her will in Europe. It may even be doubted whether the Dual
+Alliance would have survived the shock.
+
+Another phase of Professor Oncken's work is the open attack on Sir
+Edward Grey. Only three years ago this statesman was acclaimed in
+Germany as a man of peace--_the_ man who had prevented the Balkan War
+from becoming a European conflagration. To-day he is accused by the same
+nation of being the originator of the world war.
+
+Oncken[201] goes back to the year 1905 and states that Sir Edward Grey
+initiated only two members of the Cabinet--Mr. Asquith and Lord
+Haldane--into the details of the agreement with France, and these three
+gentlemen he refers to as the "inner circle." King Edward, and
+afterwards Sir Edward Grey in continuing the late King's policy,
+succeeded in harnessing the _revanche idée_ and the spirit of Russian
+aggression to the chariot of British Imperialism. All offers of
+friendship made by this country were insincere. (The professorial
+pleader does not say so, but he leaves his readers to infer that
+sincerity is a German monopoly.) Concerning the British Minister's
+declaration in Parliament that no secret treaty existed with France,
+Oncken remarks: "The declaration was just as true formally as it was a
+lie in essentials."
+
+[Footnote 201: The authorities (?) most frequently cited by Professor
+Oncken in making out his case are Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Hardie, G.
+B. Shaw and the _Labour Leader_.--Author.]
+
+Following the development of events after the conference proposal had
+been dropped, Oncken writes: "Meanwhile the Russian Government
+endeavoured to persuade England's leading statesman that the opinion
+prevailed in Germany and Austria, that England would remain neutral in
+every case, in consequence of this delusion the Central Powers were
+obdurate. England could only dispel the danger of war by destroying this
+false conception, _i.e._, openly joining Russia and France.
+
+"It is noteworthy how quickly Grey assimilated this train of thought.
+Disregarding the suggestions of the British Ambassador in St.
+Petersburg, he did nothing to exercise a moderating influence upon
+Russia and thereby further the success of the conversations between
+Vienna and St. Petersburg. On the other hand, he proceeded to take steps
+which probably in his opinion, were calculated to damp the supposed
+desire for war on the part of Germany. Practically, the result of all
+his actions was to exercise one-sided pressure upon Germany and Austria
+and simultaneously, through unmistakable declarations concerning
+England's eventual attitude, to encourage Paris and St. Petersburg to
+energetic measures.
+
+"But all hopes for peace were destroyed at a single blow by Russia. On
+the evening of July 30th after the conversations with Austria-Hungary
+had been resumed, Sasonow increased his demands--and in truth with
+England's co-operation--to such a degree that their acceptance would
+have meant the complete submission of the Dual Monarchy.
+
+"And as if this were insufficient, a few hours later, before a reply had
+been received and while negotiations were proceeding in Vienna, Russia
+suddenly broke off the communications with a momentous decision
+(mobilization). The certainty which she had gained from the moves of
+English diplomacy, that in case of war she was sure of France's support
+and with it England's, turned the scale--against peace.
+
+"That this calculation was decisive for Russia's change of front is
+confirmed by a witness whose impartiality even our opponents will
+admit."[202]
+
+[Footnote 202: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp. 553-4.]
+
+Professor Oncken then supports his argument with quotations from a
+letter written by the Belgian Legation Secretary in St. Petersburg to
+his Government. The letter was doubtless stolen while in transit by the
+Berlin postal authorities. Monsieur B. de l'Escaille wrote the letter on
+July 30th, despatched it by courier to Berlin, where it was posted on
+the following day. The outside envelope was addressed to Madame
+Costermans, 107 Rue Froissard, Bruxelles; inside was a letter addressed
+to M. Darignon, Minister for Foreign Affairs. German writers state that
+no letters were forwarded to foreign countries after martial law was
+proclaimed on July 31st (a statement which is untrue), thus it fell into
+their hands.
+
+Overwhelming importance is attached to this document by German war
+writers. The more important passages of the despatch run as follows:
+"The last two days have passed in the expectation of events which are
+bound to follow[203] upon Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against
+Serbia. The most contradictory reports were in circulation, without any
+possibility of confirming their truth or falsity.
+
+[Footnote 203: Thus the impartial witness whom Germans quote to prove
+their innocence definitely states that Russia had no other course left
+open to her by Austria's actions.--Author.]
+
+"One thing is, however, indisputable, viz., that Germany has done
+everything possible both here and in Vienna[204] to find a means of
+avoiding a general conflict, but has only been met with the
+determination of the Vienna cabinet, on the one hand, not to yield a
+single step, and on the other hand Russian distrust of Vienna's
+declaration that they merely intend a punitive expedition against
+Serbia.
+
+[Footnote 204: How could M. de l'Escaille know what had passed in
+Vienna?--Author.]
+
+"One must really believe that everybody wants war, and is only anxious
+to postpone the declaration in order to gain time. At first England gave
+out, that she would not allow herself to be drawn into a conflict. Sir
+George Buchanan said that definitely. But to-day they are firmly
+convinced in St. Petersburg, indeed they have received an assurance,
+that England will stand by France. This support is of extraordinary
+importance, and has contributed not a little to the war-party gaining
+the upper hand.
+
+"In the cabinet sitting held yesterday, there were differences of
+opinion, and the mobilization order was postponed. This morning at four
+o'clock mobilization was ordered.
+
+"The Russian army feels itself strong, and is full of enthusiasm. The
+reorganization of the navy is still so incomplete that it would be out
+of the count in case of war. For that reason England's assurance of help
+was of the greatest consequence."[205]
+
+[Footnote 205: "Kriegs-Depeschen, 1914" ("German War-Telegrams, 1914").
+Berlin, 1914; p. 96 _et seq_.]
+
+If Professor Oncken is correct in stating that Sir Edward Grey's
+measures were calculated to exercise a pressure on Germany and Austria,
+then he merely confirms what this country has hitherto believed--Sir
+Edward Grey acted rightly. Where else should he have exerted pressure
+except in the quarter from whence a provocative, insolent challenge had
+proceeded?
+
+With regard to the assertion that Russia--stiffened by England--took a
+"momentous decision" on the evening of July 30th, Professor Oncken is
+guilty of distortion. The decision to mobilize had been taken earlier,
+and as M. de l'Escaille wrote, was made public at four o'clock on the
+morning of July 30th.
+
+Whether Russia had increased her demands ("peremptorily sharpened" are
+Oncken's words) the reader can judge for himself by comparing the two
+texts.
+
+              I                            II
+  "If Austria, recognizing      "If Austria agrees to
+  that the Austro-Serbian        stay the advance of her
+  question has                   troops on Serbian territory,
+  assumed the character          and if, recognizing
+  of a European question,        that the Austro-Serbian
+  declares herself ready to      dispute has assumed the
+  eliminate from her ultimatum   character of a question
+  the points which               of European interest, she
+  infringe the sovereign         admits that the Great
+  rights of Serbia, Russia       Powers shall examine
+  engages to stop her            the satisfaction which
+  military preparations."        Serbia might give to
+  (Russian Orange Book,          the Austro--Hungarian
+  No. 60.)                       Government without
+                                 affecting her sovereign
+                                 rights and independence,
+                                 Russia undertakes
+                                 to maintain her waiting
+                                 attitude." (French
+                                 Yellow Book, No. 113.)
+
+Oncken, in making this comparison, comments: "It is most remarkable that
+the original formula chosen by Sasonow had been peremptorily sharpened
+(_einschneidend verschärft_) on July 31st at the request of the British
+Ambassador. This interference by England in the formulation of the
+proposal must arouse the gravest doubt regarding the peaceful tendencies
+of England's policy. Sasonow had every reason to thank Grey 'for the
+firm, amicable tone which he has employed in his pourparlers with
+Germany and Austria.'"[206]
+
+[Footnote 206: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 553. Oncken's
+quotation in the last lines taken from the Russian Orange Book, No. 69.]
+
+Sir Edward Grey had proposed five days earlier (July 26th) that all
+military measures should cease pending a settlement. Hence the
+introduction of this clause is not a new demand. Moreover, in the
+meantime Russia and Germany--in spite of the latter's denial--had
+commenced to mobilize; Austria had mobilized and commenced hostilities
+against Serbia. Thus there were far more urgent reasons to include the
+cessation of military measures on July 31st than before. Lastly, it was
+the only acceptable pledge of Austrian sincerity which Russia could
+accept. Whether the formula would have met with Austria's approval
+cannot be determined, for Austria was saved from what Oncken terms
+"complete submission" by Germany's ultimatum to Russia, despatched on
+the same day, July 31st.
+
+It is impossible to get rid of the suspicion that Germany thought
+Austria might accept the proposal; in any case, Germany deliberately
+shattered the last chance of a settlement by her demand that Russia
+should demobilize.
+
+If Germany outwardly worked for peace in St. Petersburg, as M. de
+l'Escaille states, it would be quite in harmony with the methods of
+German diplomacy. But, as the same gentleman testifies: "Austria would
+not yield a step"--the conclusion must be drawn that Germany had ordered
+her to stand firm. Austria did not yield a single inch, and so it is a
+matter of indifference as to the sincerity or otherwise of Germany's
+peace endeavours.
+
+Oncken further mentions Britain's refusal to remain neutral in return
+for a promise that French territory should not be annexed, but he omits
+the question of French colonies. His analysis of the Belgian question
+deserves quotation: "Grey was seeking an excuse for war, and he found
+one in the question of Belgian neutrality. It was just such a reason as
+he required in order to carry away the Cabinet, Parliament and public
+opinion. And since then that reason has been much discussed, accompanied
+by appeals to international law and humanity, by England's and the
+world's Press.
+
+"But there is more than one irrefutable proof at hand, to show that this
+reason for war, was merely a veil covering the real ones. Anticipating
+Grey's intentions, before the German Government had finally declared
+themselves on the subject,[207] Prince Lichnowsky put the question to
+Sir Edward Grey on August 1st, as to whether England would remain
+neutral if Germany undertook to respect the neutrality of Belgium.
+
+[Footnote 207: Britain had asked Germany a day or two before, whether
+she would respect Belgium's neutrality.--Author.]
+
+"Grey, however, refused to give the pledge with which he could--if he
+was really concerned about Belgium--have spared that unhappy land its
+terrible fate. But by these means the trump card of Belgian neutrality
+had been taken from our opponent's hand in advance. Yet Grey actually
+considered it permissible to conceal this offer from the British
+Cabinet. Yes, he dared even more.
+
+"After the matter had been mentioned by Ramsay Macdonald in the _Labour
+Leader_, Keir Hardie asked a question in the House of Commons on August
+27th, as to whether Lichnowsky's proposal had been submitted to the
+Cabinet, and why the same had not been made the basis of peaceful
+negotiations with Germany. Grey made a weak attempt to discriminate
+between official proposals made by a government, and a private question
+asked by an ambassador.
+
+"When the inconvenient questioner asked for further information, he was
+cried down. The Oxford theologian Conybeare gained the impression from
+this Parliamentary incident: 'That all Sir Edward Grey's answers to Mr.
+Keir Hardie's questions are examples of _suppressio veri_ and _suggestio
+falsi_.' His later revocation of this judgment does not alter its value
+as objective evidence.
+
+"After Grey's refusal, Prince Lichnowsky pressed him to formulate
+England's conditions for her neutrality. At the same time the Ambassador
+increased his offer of July 29th by proposing to guarantee the integrity
+of France and her colonies in return for England's neutrality. Grey
+suppressed this proposal too before the Cabinet, as any negotiation on
+this basis would have thwarted his pre-conceived plans. Only an
+immovable determination for war can explain this behaviour.
+
+"Even before he could assume that Belgian neutrality was in danger, he
+pledged English policy to the wishes of France. On the afternoon of the
+same August 1st, he gave the French Ambassador--who was anxiously
+pressing for a decision--reason to believe that he would be able to give
+a formal promise on the following day. At the Cabinet meeting on August
+2nd--the same in which he suppressed Germany's offer!--he got a motion
+accepted empowering him to assure Cambon that if Germany attacked the
+French coast, England would intervene."
+
+It is necessary to return to Germany's proposal in regard to Belgian
+neutrality. In simple language it means that Germany wanted to sell her
+pledged word, given in 1839, for British neutrality in 1914. In view of
+the fact that Professor Oncken looked upon this as a legitimate bargain,
+one wonders in silence at his standard of morality and honour. Is he not
+a scoundrel who first gives his word of honour and afterwards tries to
+strike a bargain with the same? Stripped of all verbiage that is
+Germany's proposal in its naked immorality, and the author chronicles
+with pleasure that the House of Commons cried down even its discussion.
+It recalls to his memory the fact, that the Reichstag--Germany's highest
+legislative assembly--cheered to the echo Bethmann-Hollweg's
+announcement that German armies, in violating the dictates of moral and
+international law, by breaking Germany's word of honour, had occupied
+Luxembourg and entered Belgium. The two incidents are drastic, concrete
+illustrations of the gulf which separates British and German conceptions
+of right and wrong.
+
+Furthermore, there are two questions of a disciplinary nature arising
+out of this incident which "the man in the street" has a perfect right
+to raise. Assuming that Sir Edward Grey exercised his discretion and
+concealed the "infamous proposal" from the Cabinet, which of his
+colleagues afterwards betrayed the fact and from what source--German or
+English--did he obtain his information?
+
+Full knowledge on these points would probably be of great assistance in
+destroying the "trail of the serpent" (_i.e._, German influence and
+intrigues) in the political and national life of Great Britain.
+
+Professor Oncken praises German disinterestedness in offering to
+guarantee the integrity of French continental and colonial territories
+in case Germany gained a victory in the war. Sir Edward Grey's refusal
+to guarantee British neutrality in return for this promise, the
+professor considers supreme and final proof that Britain was bent on
+war. The nation has rightly approved of this policy and the point need
+not be argued in this place; but Professor Oncken in the seclusion of
+his German study would do well to weigh two problems:
+
+If Germany had gained a victory--and in August, 1914, she was absolutely
+convinced that France and Russia would succumb if they faced her
+alone--then Germany would have obtained the long sought upper and "free
+hand" in Europe. What earthly powers could have compelled her in that
+moment to respect her promise in regard to French territories? Certainly
+Germany's sense of honour could not be counted upon to do so.
+
+The second problem refers to the bull and the china-shop. Presuming that
+the bull could talk, would Professor Oncken advise the guardian of the
+proverbial china-shop to accept the bull's promise to respect the
+_status quo ante_ of his property, before letting him (the bull) run
+amock amongst the china?
+
+Lastly, readers are advised when studying the German "case" to remember
+that Germany never offered to respect the integrity of French
+territories _and_, the neutrality of Belgium. Although German
+writers--with malice aforethought--seek to give that impression. Yet,
+had this combined offer been made, the author submits that in spite of
+such a promise, it would still have been ruinous to British interests to
+stand aside and see Germany gain the upper and "free hand" in Europe.
+Having obtained that, all else would have followed to the desire of
+Germany's heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE LITERATURE OF HATE
+
+
+"The English are wretched scoundrels."--_Frederick the Great_.
+
+"It must come to this, that not even a German dog will accept a piece of
+bread from an Englishman."--_Heinrich von Treitschke_.
+
+"England, the Vampire of Europe," by Count Reventlow.
+
+"Down with England," by Admiral Valois.
+
+"England, our Enemy in the Past, Present and Future," by Erich von
+Kabler.
+
+"A German Victory, Ireland's Hope," by Dr. Hans Rost.
+
+"England, the Scourge of Humanity," by Germanicus.
+
+"The Poisonous Press," by Germanicus.
+
+"England against England," by Mathieu Schwann.
+
+"A Woman's War Letters," by L. Niessen-Deiters.
+
+"Albion's Death Struggle," by Eugen Detmolder.[208]
+
+[Footnote 208: Written by Detmolder (a Belgian) during the Boer
+War.--Author.]
+
+"How John Bull recruits his Hirelings," by Dr. Herbert Hirschberg.
+
+"Advance on England! The Destruction of Britain's World Power,"
+Anonymous.
+
+"In English Captivity," by Heinrich Norden, late missionary.
+
+"British _versus_ German Imperium," by an Irish-American. Introduction
+by Sir Roger Casement.
+
+"Lousyhead goes on Lying." The latest war news of Messrs. Grandebouche
+(France), Lousyhead (Russia), and Plumpudding (England), by Karl
+Ettlinger.
+
+"England and Germany," by Houston Stewart Chamberlain.
+
+"Cable Warfare and the Campaign of Lies," by Dr. Meister, Professor in
+Münster University.
+
+"England and Continental Interests," by Captain H. Schubart.
+
+"The Annihilation of England's World Power," Essays by twenty-three
+different authors, including Professors Haeckel, Eucken and Lamprecht;
+State Secretary Dr. Dernburg; Dr. Sven Hedin, etc.
+
+"German Misery in London," by Carl Peters.
+
+"The English Face," by six university professors; Frischeisen-Köhler
+(Berlin); Jastrow (Berlin); von der Goltz (Greifswald); Roloff
+(Giessen); Valentin (Freiburg); von Liszt (Berlin).
+
+"Starvation, England's Latest Ally," by Friedrich Simon.
+
+"England and the War," by Professor Lujo Brentano.
+
+"Against France and Albion," by A. Fendrich.
+
+"The Land of Unlimited Hypocrisy," by Spiridion Gopevi.[209]
+
+[Footnote 209: Probably the most scurrilous and vulgar work of its type;
+but the writer of it is not a German.--Author.]
+
+"England"; "England and America," _Süddeutsche Monatshefte_ (South
+German Review) for January and May, 1915.
+
+"England's Tyranny and former Supremacy of the Seas," by Admiral
+Kirchoff.
+
+"England's Blood-Guilt against the White Peoples," by Woldemar Schütze.
+
+"The Greatest Criminal against Humanity; King Edward VII. of England. A
+Curse-pamphlet," by Lieut.-Col. R. Wagner.
+
+"England, tremble!" by J. Bermbach.
+
+"England as Sea-Pirate State," by Dr. Ernst Schultze.
+
+"In the Pillory! Our Enemies' Campaign of Lies," by Reinhold Anton.
+
+"London's Lie Factory: Renter's Office," by A. Brand.
+
+"England's Wicked Deeds in the World's History," by A. Kuhn.
+
+"Our Settlement with England," by Professor Hermann Oncken.
+
+"England's Betrayal of Germany," by M. Wildgrube.
+
+"England's Guilt," by Gaston von Mallmann.
+
+"English Character," by Professor Arnold Schröer.
+
+"England and We," by Dr. J. Riessner, President of the Hanseatic League.
+
+"How England prevented an Understanding with Germany," by Professor Th.
+Schiemann.
+
+"God Punish England," published by _Simplicissimus_.
+
+"Perfidious Albion," by Alfred Geiser.
+
+"Our Enemies among Themselves," Caricatures from 1792-1900 collected by
+Dr. Paul Weiglin.
+
+"Words in Season," Poems, including the "Hymn of Hate," by Ernst
+Lissauer.
+
+About sixty-five other titles might be added to those given above, but
+the author has restricted the list to books in his possession. Some of
+them are scurrilous and obscene, deserving no further attention than a
+record of their existence. Yet the fundamental idea running through
+these works is identical, differing only in the mode of expression.
+
+Hate in itself is a confession of weakness, to a certain extent an
+admission of defeat. The presence of hate in a nation or an individual
+may be explained as resulting from the desire to remove or destroy an
+obstacle, which has proved to be immovable and indestructible. A
+healthy, well-balanced mind admits defeat and endeavours to make a
+compromise--to adjust itself to the inevitable.
+
+But assuming other conditions--a false sense of honour, a morbid
+conception of self-importance--then hate seems to be a natural, although
+unhealthy result. Unfortunately there is evidence that these factors
+influence modern Germany. One of the roots of tragedy is to be found in
+the inequality between the will and power to perform. In its
+helplessness the will recoils upon itself, turning to gall and
+bitterness, or seeks a solution in self-destruction.
+
+It is noteworthy that some thirteen thousand individuals commit suicide
+every year in Germany. Unwilling or unable to adjust themselves to the
+phenomena of life, they choose death in preference to the
+compromise--life. A leaning towards the tragic characterizes the German
+of to-day; an inclination not to compromise, not to admit defeat,
+thereby admitting the "will" to be incapable of transformance into
+actuality.
+
+Between Germany and Britain fate has placed such a rock of destiny,
+_i.e._, this country's position in the world, above all, her naval
+supremacy. Germany has held that this rock hinders, even endangers, her
+just and historical development in the world. With wonderful energy,
+perseverance, self-sacrifice and heroism, Germany has endeavoured to
+surmount or destroy the obstacle. The united will of the nation was
+expressed in the momentum of the onslaught--in vain. And as no
+reconciling influences are at work, no tendency to accept the
+inevitable--Germany hates.
+
+Outside Germany there is, probably, no one who doubts the invincibility
+of the British Navy and the unchangeable will of the British
+(strengthened by the danger of the past year) to maintain its supremacy.
+Yet even to-day responsible Germans are appealing to their nation to
+fight till "modern Carthage" is finally destroyed.
+
+"In spite of the publications of our enemies, we in Germany, from the
+highest to the lowest, will believe unto all eternity that this war was
+caused by England alone. All Germany replied to England's declaration of
+war with a cry of indignation. The hate for the hypocritical island
+kingdom was so bitter that it took the form of demonstrations against
+the British Embassy, while the representatives of the other enemy
+countries were able to depart unharmed.[210]
+
+[Footnote 210: Admiral Valois appears to be unaware that both ladies and
+gentlemen from the Russian Embassy were beaten with sticks, fists and
+umbrellas before leaving Berlin.--Author.]
+
+"Up till then political England was little known in Germany, but now the
+bitter hate which reigns throughout the land characterizes her as the
+incarnation of all that is base and vile. It brings back to our minds
+the saying of the old Hanseatic towns:
+
+  'England, thou land of shame,
+  Why hast thou, Satansland,
+  The name of Angel-land?'
+
+"No sacrifice and no effort will be too great, for us to drag her from
+her imagined height into the dust. By force of arms, starvation and the
+power of lies, they hoped to force us back to unimportance, and now the
+issue is: Whether the categoric imperative of the East Prussian Kant, or
+the hypocrisy of British cant, shall gain the victory.
+
+"We are unalterably convinced that England is our mortal enemy, and that
+all endeavours to find a _modus vivendi_ will be in vain. Still our
+present naval forces are unequal to the task of overthrowing her. This
+will make it easy for the German Government to obtain even the greatest
+sums from the Reichstag in order to increase our fleet. Every other
+aim--no matter what it is--must be laid aside, till this one is
+attained: Down with England!
+
+"It is to be hoped that this attempt on England's part to get rid of a
+competitor will be the last. We Germans anticipate the future with an
+unshakable belief in victory. Possibly sooner or later, England's
+present allies will see that in reality they are serving English
+interests. When this unnatural alliance has crumbled to pieces under the
+might of our blows, then we shall at last stand face to face with
+England--alone!
+
+"Our life-work will then begin--to settle up with the pioneers of
+hypocrisy so that they shall never again cross our path! If at any time
+this high endeavour seems to slacken, then think of East Prussia!
+Remember that a third of the province was laid waste; that men, women
+and children were murdered and violated; that the lists of the missing
+contained the names of nearly fifty thousand fellow-countrymen. And all
+this had to happen so that every Englishman might become a few pounds
+richer.
+
+"Think of it as long as you live, and pass it on to your descendants as
+an inheritance. Give all your strength and your last farthing to
+increase our fleet and any other necessary means to attain our goal:
+Down with England!"[211]
+
+[Footnote 211: Admiral Valois: "Nieder mit England!" ("Down with
+England!") p. 5 _et. seq_.]
+
+"Truly it is no longer necessary either in this assembly or in all
+Germany to create popular opinion for the cry 'Nieder mit England!' It
+re-echoes daily from the lips of every German. But still we must
+continue to point out its necessity--it is a commandment which must
+banish every weak inclination to yield, and make us strong to hold out
+to the bitter end.
+
+"To some it may appear 'one-sided,' but yet it is a moral duty to
+emphasize and strengthen our hate for England. Not only because we
+_will_ hate, but because we _must_. Hatred ennobles when it is directed
+with full force against the evil and bad. And what is the evil? For an
+answer consider how the English pedlar-spirit with cunning and lies, has
+subjugated the world and holds it in bondage.
+
+"Even in the upper classes (English), ignorance reigns supreme. In their
+famous schools, _e.g._, Eton College, the young people--besides sports
+and so-called gentlemanlike behaviour--learn exceedingly little. Except
+in regard to purely English affairs most Englishmen possess an almost
+inconceivable ignorance of history and geography. The view held by so
+many Germans that the majority of the English nation, especially the
+so-called 'upper ten,' have enjoyed a thorough education--is utterly
+false. But in spite of this, English conceit and unexampled pride leaves
+little to be desired."[212]
+
+[Footnote 212: Vice-Admiral Kirchhoff: "England's Willkur" ("England's
+Tyranny"), p. 1 _et seq_.]
+
+All German naval writers whine in unison concerning the "protection of
+private property in naval warfare." The shoe appears to pinch at that
+point, but the complaints sound hollow when made by a nation which has
+shown so little respect for private property in land warfare.
+
+"Turkey was compelled to hand over Cyprus; in return she received an
+assurance of protection from England. What the latter understands by
+'protection' we have learned from her recent actions. The behaviour of
+England's last naval commission in Constantinople speaks volumes. The
+very men who were in Turkey's pay, destroyed the weapons (ships, _i.e._,
+cannon, machinery, etc.) entrusted to their care."[213]
+
+[Footnote 213: Ibid., p. 31.]
+
+Besides Kirchhoff, several other writers charge the British naval
+officers who were in Turkey's service before the outbreak of war, with
+acts of _sabotage_. Another writer (Heinrich Norden, late missionary in
+Duala, German Cameroons) sinks a little lower and states that English
+officers were guilty of thieving when Duala was captured.
+
+"Indeed, it is not saying too much when I maintain that the true
+historical purpose of this war, is only half fulfilled if we do not
+bring England to her knees--cost what it may in blood and treasure. That
+much we owe to our children and their children. We will not only be
+victorious, victory is only half the work; we must annihilate the power
+of our enemy.
+
+"All our dearly-bought victories in East and West will be of no avail
+if, at the conclusion of peace, we have not conquered and compelled
+England to accept our terms. There can never be justice or morality on
+earth, or keeping of treaties, or recognition of moral international
+obligations, till the power of the most faithless, hypocritical nation
+which ever existed, has been finally broken and lies prostrate on the
+ground. So long ago as 1829 Goethe said to Förster: 'In no land are
+there so many hypocrites and sanctimonious dissemblers as in England.'
+
+"We must wait in patience and with confidence in our leaders for the
+final settlement which the future will bring. The men in our navy are
+burning to imitate the deeds of their comrades on land. Whenever an
+opportunity has arisen, they have shown themselves equal to the enemy.
+Our navy knows, and that is a consolation for the men during inactivity,
+that the lofty task of breaking England's power will fall to their
+share. The men know that the final purpose of this world war can only be
+attained with their help, they know what is before them, and that the
+enormous stake demands and deserves all they have to give.
+
+"In this time of trial we can best help by waiting in patience. The
+fleet's turn will come; the fleet created by our Kaiser will fulfil its
+mission. Everyone of us recognizes that a well-thought-out plan is
+behind all this; even the enemy has premonitions of it.
+
+"In regard to England's downfall there can, may, and must be only one
+opinion. It is the very highest mission of German _Kultur_. Our war,
+too, is a 'holy war.' For the first time England's despotic power is
+opposed by an enemy possessing power, intelligence and will."[214]
+
+[Footnote 214: Ibid., p. 37 _et seq_.]
+
+Another of the fundamental reasons for German hate must be sought in the
+different conceptions of life and its duties in the two nations. In its
+chief results this has found expression in two totally different beings.
+Professor Engel (Berlin) once wrote that from the cradle to the grave,
+the German is "on the line," or, in other words, the State directs his
+every action.
+
+Probably it would be more correct to look upon the German State as a
+Teutonic Nirvana--with this distinction, that it is a negation of
+personal individuality, but at the same time a huge, collective
+positive. The individual German fulfils his life's mission by absorption
+into Nirvana and by having all his activities transformed in the
+collective whole for the benefit of the State. The will of the State is
+supreme; individuals exist in, through, and for, the whole. And, above
+all, the State's motto has been thoroughness and efficiency in every
+department of its manifold life; knowledge and power its aims.
+
+Britain's development has been along other lines; the widest possible
+room has been left to the individual, and the ties binding him to the
+whole have been loose in the extreme. German discipline is replaced by
+British liberty, with its advantages to the individual and corresponding
+disadvantages for the State. Liberty implies the right to rise by honest
+endeavour, but does not exclude the possibility of a wilful surrender to
+slothful inactivity, _e.g._, the human flotsam and jetsam of British
+cities, the casual ward and similar institutions. These and other
+phenomena of life in our islands have aroused bitter contempt among
+Germans. Contempt has been succeeded by envy and hatred. Rightly or
+wrongly the German has argued that the people who prefer sport to
+knowledge, self-will to a sense of duty to the community, selfishness to
+sacrifice,[215] wire-pulling and patronage to efficiency--this people is
+no longer worthy of the first place among the nations. By right of
+merit, morality and efficient fitness--that place belongs to Germany.
+
+[Footnote 215: An article by the present writer on "Some German Schools"
+in the _Times_ Educational Supplement, October 5th, 1915, gives some
+faint idea of the unprecedented sacrifices made by German schools.
+During the war all classes of the population have voluntarily renounced
+a part of their earnings for war charities. In the _Fränkischer Kurier_
+for October 13th, 1915, the Burgomaster of Nuremberg announced that the
+voluntary reduction of salaries agreed to by the municipal officials of
+that city had resulted in 264,000 marks (£13,000) going to charitable
+funds. The author could cite dozens of similar instances, but it would
+interest him most of all to know whether any town in the British Isles
+can show a better record than Nuremberg, with a population of 350,000.]
+
+Unfortunately the present war has brought many proofs that there is no
+small amount of truth in this indictment, and most unfortunate of all,
+neutral countries too accept Germany's version that Britain is
+unorganized, self-interested, inefficient and effete. And to just the
+same degree they are convinced that Germany is thorough. They love
+Britain's humanitarian idea, but admire German efficiency--although they
+fear the latter's militarism.
+
+Still when they are driven to choose to whom they shall confide their
+vital interests, _i.e._, future existence, they prefer to lean on
+successful German thoroughness, than on Britain's humanitarianism
+unsupported by the strong arm. At the moment of writing there is wailing
+and gnashing of teeth throughout the British Empire at the diplomatic
+failure in Bulgaria and the previous fiasco in Turkey. Sir Edward Grey
+has dealt with the question in Parliament, but he has not mentioned the
+true reason.
+
+The true reason is that this country has fallen into the habit of
+sending diplomatic representatives abroad who have not been keen enough
+to obtain a mastery of the language, or a full knowledge of the feelings
+and national aspirations of the peoples to whom they were accredited.
+Instead of being living ambassadors of the British idea, they have often
+been concrete examples before foreign eyes of British inefficiency. An
+example of the language question which came under the author's personal
+notice, deserves mention.
+
+In the spring of 1914 there seemed to be a danger that a German would be
+appointed British Consul in Nuremberg, and in order to prevent this the
+author wrote to a British Minister stationed in Munich. He was greatly
+surprised to receive a reply--the latter, of course, was in
+English--addressed on the outside to:
+
+  "Dr. T. Smith,
+  "_On the top_ of the University of Erlangen."
+
+That is to say, the German preposition _auf_ was employed instead of
+_an_. A mistake which even an elementary knowledge of German should have
+made impossible. In the British Legation at Munich there was a
+German-British Consul--a Munich timber-merchant. If readers imagine that
+Munich was an unimportant city in the diplomatic sense, then they are
+recommended to study the French Yellow Book, which contains final proof
+that an efficient French Minister was able to make important discoveries
+at the Bavarian Court.
+
+British prestige, confidence in British efficiency and power among
+neutrals has gravitated dangerously in the direction of zero, while
+admiration for Germany has correspondingly risen. That there is only too
+much reason for the change, the course of the war has given ample proof,
+and therein lies the hope of Britain's future. The war will reveal to
+the British both their strength and weakness, and if the war does not
+destroy the dry rot in the land, then it is merely the precursor of
+Britain's final downfall.
+
+There can be no greater mistake than closing one's eyes to the good
+points in a resolute enemy. As far as this war is concerned they can be
+summarized under two heads: (1.) The German Board of Education, which
+has developed and mobilized the last ounce of German brains and directed
+them into the service of the Fatherland.[216] (2.) The German War
+Office, which has mobilized Germany's physical and technical forces.
+
+[Footnote 216: Five years ago the present author wrote in the September
+number, 1910, of Macmillan's _School World_:--"Educational reforms and
+plans must come from the schoolmen; they never spring of themselves from
+out of the people; and this is perhaps the most deplorable admission of
+all, that modern England has no great educationist or statesman capable
+of formulating a national system of schools which shall develop the
+intellectual material of the nation to its highest powers, and direct
+those powers into the best channels. For several decades school
+inspectors, etc., have visited continental countries to study their
+educational systems, and have returned home with innumerable fads--but
+no system. Everything of the fantastic has been copied, but no
+foundations have been laid; with the result that England's educational
+system to-day resembles a piece of patchwork containing a rich variety
+of colours and a still greater variety of stuff-quality. It were better
+for us to have done with educationists who preach about 'the rigid
+uniformity of system which is alien both to the English temperament and
+to the lines on which English public schools have developed.' The said
+public schools have hopelessly failed to meet the necessity of a
+national system of education, or to form the nucleus from which such a
+system could or can develop itself. That the Falls of Niagara, however,
+dissipate untold natural forces is just as true as that England wastes
+immeasurable intellectual force because her forces are allowed to
+dissipate through not being disciplined and bridled by a fitting
+educational mechanism. Therefore let England turn to the prosaic work of
+organising!"]
+
+No other State possesses institutions to compare with them. They are the
+foundation of Germany's strength, and the present author's only regret
+is, that the overwhelming forces obtained by bridling the Teutonic
+Niagara of brains and muscle, have been directed by a false patriotism
+into the wrong channels. Still that is what Britain is up against, and
+Britain can only secure an honourable victory by surpassing them. And
+this much may be admitted even at this stage of the struggle: one part
+of the "German idea" is certain of complete victory along the whole
+line--German thoroughness and self-sacrifice.
+
+Because only by adopting that ideal is it possible for Germany's enemies
+to beat her. Political intrigues, hunger caused by blockade, cant,
+wire-pulling, hiding the truth, etc., etc., will break down before the
+German onslaught like waves break upon a rock. Britain has got to hark
+back to Strafford's watchword "thorough" and season it with the spirit
+of Cromwell's Ironsides.
+
+To-day Germans are seriously discussing measures by which Britain's
+financial supremacy--and therewith her naval supremacy--can be
+overthrown, after the present war. One writer proposes a return to
+Napoleon's Continental system, and concludes his plea:
+
+"The British Empire can and must be overthrown, so that the Continent of
+Europe may flourish and develop according to the dictates of Europe's
+will. According to Herbert Spencer's view, Europe must exercise the
+highest ethics, viz., 'give the highest possible total of human beings,
+life, happiness and above all harmony of work.'
+
+"England has never comprehended what 'the harmony of work' means. Her
+entire heroism consisted in brutally suppressing the weaker, and
+avaricious exploitation of everything foreign by means of cunning
+treaties and business tricks. Even an Englishman, Sir J. Seeley, in his
+book, 'The Growth of British Policy,' has defied this characteristic
+with objective clearness.
+
+"For sixty years England struggled against Holland--after which the
+latter lay prostrate before her. Now England's battle against her
+greatest and mightiest rival has commenced--against Germany. This
+struggle will last sixty years and longer if Great Britain does not
+succumb before. Every peace will only mean preparation for new battles,
+till the final result is attained; English history affords proof of
+this.
+
+"Shall Germany, the latest rival, be broken too? Or shall it be her
+mission to awaken Europe to war against greed and avarice, hypocrisy and
+theft, robbery and violence? Lands which have slept and dreamed for
+centuries, do not easily awake. And a part of Europe still dreams deeply
+under the hypnotic influence of English cant and altruism, or at least
+of her God-ordained hegemony.
+
+"This must be the goal of German statecraft and German diplomacy. The
+dream must be dispelled, and the mask torn from the hypocrite's face. If
+Germany desires to exist, then the weak, faltering expediency-policy of
+the German Empire must be at an end. Our one and only aim must be: Down
+with England!
+
+"Germany, however, may not strive to enter into England's heritage--that
+must fall to the Continent. England's heir shall be Europe, which will
+then be able to progress and develop as history intended."[217]
+
+[Footnote 217: Captain H. Schubart: "England und die Interessen des
+Kontinents" ("England and Continental Interests"), p. 50.]
+
+German hate has been fed by stories of British atrocities, ill-treatment
+of German civilians, the alleged use of dum-dum bullets by British
+soldiers, and the employment of coloured troops from India etc. A book
+has been published under the style of "The Black Book of Atrocities
+committed by our Enemies."[218] The charges concerning the use of
+dum-dum bullets by the British are dealt with on pp. 39-43.
+
+[Footnote 218: "Das Schwarzbuch der Schandtaten unserer Feinde." Berlin,
+1915.]
+
+In spite of the fact that von Treitschke advocates the employment of all
+available troops, irrespective of colour, by a State at war, and in
+spite of the fact that Germany has herself employed native troops in
+this war (Cameroons, etc.), their employment by Britain has aroused a
+wave of bitter hatred in Germany. As a justification for this
+indignation the Black Book quotes Earl Chatham's speech against the
+employment of Red Indians in the war with the American colonies.
+
+It is impossible to suppose that some of the charges of ill-treatment of
+Germans by the British are more than the squeals of the bully on feeling
+the pinch. Carl Peters' book "Das deutsche Elend in London" ("German
+Misery in London") must certainly be dismissed as belonging to the
+squeals. Another booklet[219] may perhaps be quoted, though with all
+reserve, because it involves the charge of endangering the white
+man--above all, the honour of white women--in Africa.
+
+[Footnote 219: "In Englischer Gefangenschaft" ("In English Captivity"),
+by Heinrich Norden, late missionary in Duala, Cameroons.]
+
+"In declaring my willingness to relate our experiences during the
+defence and surrender of Duala and my experiences in English captivity,
+my motive was not to add fuel to the fires of hate against England. But
+it would be an injustice if we were silent concerning English outrages.
+Thousands of our brother Germans lie in English prisoners' camps; their
+hands are tied and their mouths closed by the force of circumstances.
+But with inward wrath they endure in silence. Yet their position demands
+that we, who have suffered with them and have luckily escaped, should
+speak for them.
+
+"It is our bounden duty to the Fatherland to reveal the truth about
+English atrocities, and I am all the more conscious of that duty because
+some circles betray a certain amount of mistrust concerning the reports
+of English horrors.
+
+"On Sunday, September 27th, after all the necessary preparations had
+been made, the white flag was hoisted. In a few hours the town was
+teeming with black and white English and French landing parties, who
+were received with indescribable joy by the natives. The latter followed
+the soldiers about like dogs, and in real dog-manner began to show their
+teeth (against the Germans).
+
+"Everything remained quiet on Sunday, but on the following day robbery
+and plundering began in a way which we had never believed possible.
+Still less were we prepared for the brutal treatment which the English
+practised on us defenceless Germans. At first they made sure of those
+who had borne arms; with lies and deceit they were enticed into a trap.
+They were requested to give in their names, whereupon they would be set
+at liberty. However, when the English thought that the majority had been
+collected, the victims were driven on to a steamer which took them to
+French Dahomey.
+
+"During the months of our imprisonment I had ample opportunity to
+observe how the Germans have been ill-treated by the blacks. The English
+incited them like a pack of hounds to worry their own race--and looked
+on with a laugh. Yet the Germans bore all this degradation with proud
+calm, and with the consolation that a day will come when all this shame
+will be wiped out.
+
+"On the way to the harbour I met about twenty Germans; our company
+increased from hour to hour. Women were weeping who did not know the
+fate of their husbands, but this had not the faintest effect on the
+brutal hearts of the English. At last night fell; we were tortured by
+hunger and burning thirst. We were in anguish as to what would become of
+us. Why were our enemies so inconceivably bitter?[220] Why did they tell
+us no word of truth? They declared openly that everything German was to
+be destroyed, German thrones overthrown and the German devils driven
+out.
+
+[Footnote 220: Norden has had ample opportunities to learn the story of
+Belgium, but he and all other Germans writers, in apparently holy
+innocence, look upon all bitterness against their nation as a cruel
+injustice.--Author.]
+
+"Albion's heroic sons were only able to capture the Cameroons with the
+aid of native treachery. The blacks showed them the ways, betrayed the
+German positions, and murdered Germans in cold blood wherever
+opportunity occurred. The English even paid a Judas reward of twenty to
+fifty shillings for every German, living or half-dead, who was brought
+in by the natives.
+
+"Later I met various prisoners whose evidence corroborated the inhuman
+tortures which they had endured. Herr Schlechtling related how he was
+attacked at Sanaga by natives with bush-knives, just as he was aiming at
+an English patrol. Herr Nickolai was captured by blacks and his clothes
+torn from his body and numerous knife wounds inflicted on his body. The
+natives took him to an English steamer whose captain paid them twenty
+shillings.
+
+"Another German, Herr Student,[221] was compelled to look on while the
+natives drowned his comrade (Herr Nickstadt) in a river, while he
+himself was afterwards delivered up to the English. Yet another, Herr
+Fischer, was surprised while taking a meal, bound hand and foot, beaten
+and then handed over to the English."[222]
+
+[Footnote 221: Four of these men are still in British captivity. Another
+Teuton who has sent blood-curdling tales to Germany may be found in the
+person of Martin Trojans, prisoner on Rottnest Island. It would be good
+to give these men an opportunity of making statements in London before a
+commission of neutral diplomatists.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 222: "In englischer Gefangenschaft," pp. 1-30.]
+
+After all, the picture does not seem so terrible as this good missionary
+would make out. In any case he has failed to make out a case which will
+bear comparison with that already proved against the German army in
+Europe, or even so bad as the treatment dealt out by German civilians to
+their fellow-countrymen during August, 1914. Furthermore it may be
+safely assumed that the bitterness of the natives is to be ascribed to
+German tyranny, which culminated, as Norden relates on p.16 of his book,
+in the strangling of a number of natives, including chiefs of tribes
+just before the advent of the British.
+
+Still his book has had due influence on German public opinion. A German
+lady in a book full of hysterical hate[223] has based a foul charge upon
+Norden's statements (besides publishing his experiences the missionary
+has delivered many public lectures), that the English and French left
+German women to the mercies of the natives!
+
+[Footnote 223: Louise Niessen-Deiters: "Kriegsbriefe einer Frau" ("The
+War Letters of a Woman"), p. 56.]
+
+"In the hearts of all those Germans who in this great time, are banished
+from the Fatherland and who do not know how things really stand, there
+burns a great hate, hate for England and the ardent desire to fight
+against her--the basest and most hated of all our enemies.
+
+"I have come to the end of my report, which contains only a fraction of
+the outrages committed by Albion. And this nation talks of German
+atrocities! If all the lies spread by the English Press were true, even
+then England would have every reason to be dumb. Only he who has felt
+the effects of English hate upon his own person can understand the
+brutal deeds perpetrated recently on Germans in London and Liverpool.
+There, England's moral depth is revealed only too clearly, and before
+the world she seeks to drag us down to the same level."[224]
+
+[Footnote 224: Norden's book, p. 43 _et seq_.]
+
+Considering that the total number of Germans captured in the Cameroons
+is only equal to the number of civilians murdered or wounded in British
+towns by Zeppelin bombs, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds to
+the German Government, one begins to wonder whether Norden and his
+countrymen possess any sense of proportion. Germans are assiduous
+students of Shakespeare, but have seemingly overlooked the comedy: _Much
+ado about Nothing_.
+
+Ireland is another text for long and windy sermons of German hate, but
+the conclusion of one of these tirades[225] will suffice to show
+Germany's real motive.
+
+[Footnote 225: Dr. Hans Rost: "Deutschland's Sieg, Irland's Hoffnung"
+("Germany's Victory, Ireland's Hope"), p. 25 _et seq_.]
+
+"At present the direction of the Irish revolutionary movement is in the
+hands of Professor Evin MacNeill, Mac O'Rahilly and, above all, Sir
+Roger Casement. The final acceptance of the 'Constitution of Irish
+Volunteers' was carried on Sunday, October 25th, 1914, in Dublin. At
+that congress of Irish volunteers--who to-day number more than 300,000
+well-armed men--special stress was laid on the fact that the volunteers
+are Irish soldiers and not imperialistic hirelings.
+
+"Further the members of the organization have engaged not to submit
+under any circumstances to the Militia Ballot Act, a kind of national
+service law which, remarkable to say, is only enforced in Ireland.
+
+"The Irishmen are thronging to join the movement, and pamphlets are
+being distributed, and appeals made on all sides. Besides which, weapons
+are being gathered and money collected. The entire episcopacy of Ireland
+has warned the young men against enlisting in English regiments on the
+ground that they will be placed in regiments to which no Catholic priest
+is attached. The warning has been most successful in hindering
+recruiting. In order to break the opposition of the bishops, England has
+appointed a special representative to the Vatican.
+
+"When the German Emperor took steps to appoint Catholic priests in the
+prisoners' camps where Irish soldiers are interned, the English at once
+appointed forty-five Catholic priests with officer's rank, to the
+British army in France. Even this measure, as well as the sudden
+diplomatic activity at the Vatican, is little calculated to extinguish
+the hate for England in the Irish mind.
+
+"On November 24th (1914) James Larkin began a propaganda in America. He
+appealed to all Irishmen to send gold, weapons, and ammunition to
+Ireland, for the day of reckoning with England. 'We will fight,' said
+Larkin, 'for the destruction of the British Empire and the foundation of
+an Irish republic; we will fight to deliver Ireland from that foul heap
+of ruins called England.' The assembly broke into enthusiastic applause.
+
+"At that moment the curtain was raised, and on the stage a company of
+Irish volunteers and a number of German uhlans were revealed. The
+officers commanding the companies crossed swords and shook hands while
+the assembly sang the 'Wacht am Rhein' and 'God save Ireland.'
+
+"Sir Roger Casement has long been a thorn in the side of the English
+Government, therefore the latter has not shrunk from making a murderous
+conspiracy against the life of this distinguished Irish leader. In
+agreement with Sir Edward Grey, the British Minister in Christiania, Mr.
+Findlay, tried to bribe Casement's companion--named Christensen--to
+murder Sir Roger. The attempted murder did not succeed, but the original
+documents are in the possession of the German Foreign Office, so that
+all doubt is excluded as to the English Government's participation--with
+their most honourable Grey at the head--in this Machiavellian plan."
+
+This colossal Germanism concerning a plan to murder Sir Roger Casement
+has been assiduously spread throughout the German Press. The Berlin
+Government allows the German people to believe that incriminating
+documents are in their possession, and the vilest statements to blacken
+Mr. Findlay's character were printed in German newspapers when that
+gentleman was appointed to the Bulgarian Court in Sofia.
+
+There are so few utterances in German war literature, which display
+reason or even moderation, that the author feels glad to be in a
+position to cite two. In the May number of the
+_Süddeutsche-Monatshefte_, Professor Wilhelm Franz (Tübingen) reviewed
+one of the hate-books, viz., a work entitled "Pedlars and Heroes" by a
+German named Sombart. A few passages will suffice to show that Germany
+is not quite devoid of straight-forward men, who dare to castigate hate.
+
+"Towards the end of his book, Sombart solemnly assures the English that
+'they need not fear us as a colonizing power; we (the Germans) have not
+the least ambition to conquer half-civilized and barbarian peoples in
+order to fill them with German spirit (_Geist_). But the English can
+colonize and fill such peoples with their spirit--for they have none, or
+at least only a pedlar's.'
+
+"It would never occur to any sane man to refute effusions of this kind,
+for they cannot be taken seriously. Still I cannot but wish that an
+angry English journalist with his clever and fiery pen, would fall upon
+Sombart's book and give its author a sample of English spirit. The work
+teems with unjust, incorrect opinions; is full of crass ignorance and
+grotesque exaggerations, which lead the unlearned astray, injure
+Germany's cause, and annoy those who know better--so far as they do not
+excite ridicule.
+
+"What is one to think when Sombart asks his readers: 'What single
+cultural work has emerged from the great shop, England, since
+Shakespeare--except that political abortion the English State?'
+
+"If I had to answer Sombart I should say, the great shop has given the
+English State practically everything which makes for internal peace,
+solidarity and national health. It has enabled the nation to exercise
+tolerance within, and develop splendour and power without, which in
+their turn have made Britannia the mistress of the world's waterways,
+and the British the first colonial nation in the world.
+
+"England's cultural development has brought all these since
+Shakespeare's time; energy, willpower, united with high endeavour to
+realize great aims and overcome mighty resistance. And the basis of this
+splendid progress which compels the admiration of all other States, was
+what Sombart presumes to call an 'abortion.'"
+
+The other is taken from "Der englische Gedanke in Deutschland" ("The
+English Idea in Germany,") by Ernst Müller-Holm, p. 72. "It is not true
+that all Englishmen are scoundrels. It is not true that there is nothing
+but pedlar's spirit in England, and because it is not true it should not
+be said, not even in these times when war passions run high.
+
+"The fatherland of Shakespeare, Byron and Thackeray; the home of Newton,
+Adam Smith, Darwin and Lyell will ever remain a land of honour to
+educated Germans. Where would it end if I were to count up the heroes of
+English intellect whose names are written in letters of gold in
+humanity's great book?"
+
+It is well to conclude this chapter of hate with two quotations which
+breathe respect. The author does not believe that German hate will be so
+long-enduring as the hate-mongers would have us think. Rather, he is
+convinced that mutual interest will force the two nations together
+within one or two decades. Preparatory for that day, it is Britain's
+duty to compel Germany's respect.
+
+There are good, even magnificent forces in the German nation; there are
+still noble-minded, high-thinking Germans who yearn to work in the great
+civilizing world enterprises. But--and therein lies the tragedy--"the
+good, the true, the pure, the just" are not to-day the predominating
+powers. They must work out their own salvation; but if the time ever
+comes when the finest and best German thought directs Germany's
+destinies, then there will be no lack of sympathizers in this country,
+who will hail the day as the advent of a new world era. For the present,
+all mutual jealousies, all the burning ambitions, all quarrels and hate,
+are submitted to the arbitrament of the sword. If Britain only wields
+her sword so well and honourably, as to gain unstinted victory, that
+will prove to be the firmest basis for future respect and enduring
+peace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"
+_Scott_.
+
+
+Mention has already been made of German disrespect, even contempt for
+England and the English. One of the reasons for this contempt was the
+smallness of the British army, and the fact that our soldiers are paid
+servants of the country. Germans apparently never could comprehend why a
+man should receive payment for serving his country by bearing arms, and
+that fact appeared to them to afford overwhelming evidence of the
+pedlar-soul (_Krämergeist_). The second conclusion drawn, has generally
+been that the Britisher is devoid of all sense of duty and
+self-sacrificing patriotism. Probably the flocking of several million
+men to arms in defence of the Empire, and in defence of British
+conceptions of right and wrong has done something to convince Germans
+that the premises of the syllogism, were not so self-evident as they had
+imagined.
+
+"Among all the great European Powers, England is the only one which has
+not introduced national service and remained true to the principle of
+keeping an army of paid soldiers. Hence, when in all other lands at the
+outbreak of war, the entire people stands ready to defend the national
+honour, England is compelled to beat the recruiting drums before she can
+wage war."[226]
+
+[Footnote 226: Dr. H. Hirschberg: "Wie John Bull seine Söldner wirbt"
+("How John Bull recruits his Mercenaries"), p. 3. Hirschberg reproduces
+in facsimile a large number of the recruiting placards which have
+decorated the British Isles since the outbreak of war. "Your King and
+Country need you" is also given (English and German) with music.]
+
+"England wages war on business lines. It is not the sons of the land who
+bleed for Britannia's honour; mercenaries from the four corners of the
+world--including blacks--carry on the war as a trade for England's
+business world and nobility. England might well smirk as she uttered
+blessings on the Triple Entente, for has she not borne the brand of
+perfidy for centuries? Her breast conceals the meanest pedlar's spirit
+in the, world.
+
+"Every battle which Russia loses is a victory for England, and every
+defeat which France suffers means profit for England. She can afford to
+wait till her allies are beaten and then take over their business.
+'First come, first served' does not hold good in England's case; for her
+motto is, the last to come gets the prize.
+
+"Twelve Powers declared war on Germany. Then Japan, the thirteenth,
+poked out her yellow face and demanded Kiau Chou. A hyena had smelt
+corpses, but the blackmailing Mongol received no reply to his ultimatum.
+Grim laughter was heard in Germany--booming, bitter laughter at the band
+of thieves who hoped to plunder us. And in the wantonness of their
+righteous wrath, German soldiers scribbled on the barrack walls an
+immortal sentence: 'Declarations of war thankfully received!'"[227]
+
+[Footnote 227: A. Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion" ("Against
+France and Albion"). Stuttgart, 1915; pp. 11-12.]
+
+"How wickedly the war was forced upon Germany! A ring of enemies
+surrounded her. Envy and ill-will were their motives, but they lacked
+the right measure for Germany's greatness. Our people stand invincible,
+united, staking life and everything they have--till the last enemy lies
+in the dust.
+
+"Not much longer and the goal will be attained; the many-sided attack
+has been smashed and the war carried into enemy lands. Shining glory has
+been won by Germany's armies. The passionate _élan_ of our soldiers,
+their death-despising bravery and one-minded strength, have gained
+victory after victory.
+
+"Revenge begins to glow against the originator of the
+world-conflagration--against false England! Mute and astonished the
+world saw her baseness--wondering at her greatness and her sin. Envy and
+ill-will inspired her to cast the lives of millions into the scales, to
+open the flood-gates of blood, to spread pain and unspeakable
+misery--herself coldly smiling.
+
+"What are men's lives to England? She pays for them. Her army of
+mercenaries which was to force her yoke on Europe, is paid with the gold
+of blackmailers. She sends hirelings into the field to defend the
+inheritance of her ancestors; paid mercenaries fight for her most sacred
+possessions, while those who pay the blood-money throng to see the
+masterly exponents of football. And England is proud of her splendid
+sons who prefer this intellectual game to stern battle with the enemy.
+
+"How different it is with our men! With shouts of joy they march forth
+to meet the foe, offering their lives in a spirit of glad sacrifice for
+the highest and best which the world has to offer humanity. Storming
+forwards with the song, 'Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,' our
+youthful hosts, greeting death with a smile, hurl themselves upon the
+enemy. Truly, wherever and so long as men are men, the glory of our
+warriors will find remembrance in brave hearts."[228]
+
+[Footnote 228: J. Bermbach: "Zittere, England!" ("England, tremble!").
+Weimar, 1915; p. 5 _et seq_.]
+
+"It would be neither right nor just to accuse English soldiers of a want
+of courage. They have fought everywhere, by land and sea, with
+respect-inspiring gallantry--for mercenaries! But the warlike virtues of
+England's armies cannot atone for the cowardice with which she has
+conducted the struggle for naval supremacy. Albion means England's
+rulers. And this England of Messrs. Grey and Churchill, has covered
+herself with shame for all time by the manner of her warfare on sea.
+
+"Albion has not changed. She has hidden her battleships in the bays of
+northern Ireland, and conducts war on sea--not against our ships and
+soldiers, but against those at home, German women and children! 'The
+pinch of hunger makes the heart weak,' said the noble-minded
+Churchill."[229]
+
+[Footnote 229: Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion," p. 152 _et
+seq_.]
+
+"According to its composition the English army is an army of
+mercenaries. On that account, however, it would be a great mistake to
+despise the quality of the soldiers or to cherish contempt for them. The
+standard of physical fitness demanded of the recruits was--at least up
+till a short time ago--more severe than that imposed in other lands.
+There is no doubt, our German brothers who have met the English on the
+field of battle, admit that they fight not only with valour but with
+unyielding stubbornness.
+
+"This results not so much from barrack-yard drill and field manoeuvres,
+as from the practical experience of warfare gained in many campaigns.
+England is occupied almost uninterruptedly, in warlike enterprises in
+some part of the world or other. Further, the officers--belonging mostly
+to the upper circles--have distinguished themselves in the field by a
+rash bravery which was marked perhaps, not so much by military as
+sportsmanlike behaviour.
+
+"All in all the strategic value of the English army in regard to
+leadership, training, discipline and the spirit of the troops, cannot
+compare with the conscript armies of other lands--especially the German
+army. Yet the contempt which has been expressed for it in the Press as
+an army of hirelings, is just as little merited to-day as it was in the
+past when it added many a glorious page to England's history.
+
+"These remarks are intended as a refutation to the reproaches made
+against the English army. It is true, those unjust criticisms did not
+originate with experts, or they would imply a dangerous under-estimation
+of the enemy. But in consequence of the widespread acceptance among the
+masses they unjustly feed the fires of hate."[230]
+
+[Footnote 230: Dr. G. Landauer: "England." Vienna; 1915, pp. 74-5.]
+
+"For the last ten days we have been resting to the west of Lille not far
+from Armentières; an English army is opposed to us. My battery is one of
+the links in the long chain of growlers[231] which daily pour fire and
+iron on to the enemy. We gave up counting the days and fights, for every
+day has its battle. Besides the English there are Indian troops, and a
+few French batteries in front of us.
+
+[Footnote 231: The Germans call their big guns "Brummer," _i.e._,
+growler.--Author.]
+
+"Every day confirms our experience that we are faced by an enemy with
+incomparable powers of resistance and endurance. An enemy who can hardly
+be shaken by the sharpest rifle-fire or the most awful rain of shell and
+shrapnel. We gain ground slowly, exceedingly slowly, and every step of
+soil has to be paid for dearly.
+
+"In the trenches taken by storm the English dead lie in rows, just like
+men who had not winced or yielded before the bayonets of the stormers.
+From the military point of view it must be admitted that such an enemy
+deserves the greatest respect. The English have adapted the experiences
+gained in their colonial wars to European conditions in a particularly
+clever manner.
+
+"Every attempt to cross the canal was thwarted by artillery fire and in
+many places the enemy was more advantageously situated than our men. His
+trenches were at least dry while ours were flooded with water. I went
+into the front trenches by Dixmude and found them lined half a yard deep
+with faggots and wood, yet at every step our feet sank into the water
+and slush.
+
+"On the other bank of the Yser lay the enemy and fired continuously.
+Anyone who saw our soldiers under these conditions and heard their jokes
+will never forget the sight. All the folk at home who grumbled at the
+slow progress ought to have been sent for a single day and night into
+that mud-swamp!
+
+"In those fields and canals, in this endless morass--made impassable by
+flooding--many, many brave German soldiers have sacrificed their lives.
+During the autumn and winter months of 1914 the whole Yser domain was
+transformed into a vast graveyard.
+
+"The battle-front was determined by the nature of the land. It stretched
+from the sea through Ramscapelle, Dixmude, Roulers, Paschendaal to Ypres
+and the rage of battle swayed like a tossing ship in ocean storm. Even
+now Germany does not know the greatness and terror of the battles fought
+there. Only names are known, such as Middelkerke, Zonnebeeke, Warneton,
+etc.
+
+"The Belgians fought with the courage of despair. Their battle-cry was
+'Louvain!' and 'Termonde!' Highlanders, Indians, Sikhs, Ghurkas,
+Zouaves, Turkos, Canadians, Belgians, French and English were thrown
+into the line, and ever-new regiments landed at Calais. Houses and
+villages were taken and re-taken at the point of the bayonet, as many as
+seven times. Towns and bridges were conquered and lost often eight times
+in succession, accompanied by heavy artillery duels and incredible
+losses."[232]
+
+[Footnote 232: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+123 _et seq_.]
+
+"We[233] have just gone into billets. Not far off are the positions of
+_the_ enemy--the English. There will be a battle to-morrow and everybody
+is serious. Mostly by the evening, we are too tired to think, but it is
+not so to-day.
+
+[Footnote 233: Extracts from the diary of a German soldier, published in
+"Der Weltkrieg" ("The World War"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 632 _et seq_.]
+
+"Again and again I arrive at the same conclusion--war is too great a
+thing to comprehend. Now we are going into battle with the
+black-white-gold band on our breasts. Greetings to you all at home,
+above all to you, father. I have your blessing, haven't I?
+
+"October 24th.--We are lying before the road from Ypres to Paschendaal.
+The Lt. Colonel has just told us that 'the losses cannot go on at this
+rate.' By the side of the brook, on this side the road, English
+sharpshooters are in hiding. They shoot damned straight. Our artillery
+is not yet up; the reason for our heavy losses yesterday.
+
+"The infantry advance with a rush towards the windmill, but we no sooner
+top the hill than the English machine guns begin to rattle. Our front
+ranks are mown down. Every attempt to advance fails. The order was given
+to lie down and there we remained for four hours. Then we rush one after
+the other through a hedge. When darkness fell we had nearly reached the
+English trenches, but were recalled and spent the night in our trench.
+
+"The next morning passed quietly, except for rifle-fire. Captain von K.
+was hit, and rolled over in front of the trench. Three comrades crept
+out one after the other to fetch him--all three fell. At last our
+wounded captain was still too--killed by a second bullet. Being
+compelled to watch this scene without power to help, was the beginning
+of our day.
+
+"Just after mid-day the music began. Crash! a shell lands in our trench
+on the right. A short pause, and crash follows crash as the shells are
+dropped into our trench at distances of four yards. Death walks slowly
+up the trench towards us. We know that he is coming, we see him.
+Everybody is lying flat on the ground. We are waiting for 'our' shell.
+
+"If we had a communication trench we could escape--but there isn't one.
+We reckon the distance: twenty-five yards away another direct hit.
+Crash! only twenty yards. Fifteen yards! We have only five minutes to
+live. Thoughts of God and home and parents rush through the mind; yet
+they are only numb feelings. Crash! ten yards; one more and then comes
+'ours.' But no, the next boom was in the trench behind, and in the same
+manner that trench was cleared from end to end.
+
+"'Lieutenant T. killed, Lieutenant K. takes command' was passed along.
+We have hardly left the trench when bullets begin to whistle round our
+heads. Man after man remains behind. At last night sinks and hides the
+horrors of the day. I have lost my company and spend the night in the
+open with a few others.
+
+"The next morning the sun shone brightly; the morning wind blows coldly
+over the furrows and over the dead. I have no words to describe what I
+saw--but my heart bled! Near Paschendaal I found my company. Altogether
+there are thirty of us--out of two hundred and fifty."
+
+German war literature affords a complete picture of the transformation
+of German contempt for the British army into profound respect. As
+witness the following:
+
+"It cannot be denied that the English have supported Joffre's offensive
+with valour, strength and vigour. The battles which have raged since the
+end of September on the front between Givenchy la Gobelle and
+Armentières, have confirmed the deadly seriousness of the English. And
+if they have not obtained great successes, still, in this gigantic
+grapple, they have displayed desperate courage which compels the
+admiration of their opponents.
+
+"The Commander of a division, with whom I spent the last few days, said
+to me in a tone of deep conviction: 'Nobody must talk lightly of English
+soldiers in my presence. Their bravery and the extraordinary courage of
+English officers compels my admiration. Regimental commanders and staff
+officers advanced in the first line of their troops. They fight and fall
+by the side of their men. I saw several high officers killed myself.'
+Besides, I have heard his Excellency's words confirmed by many of his
+officers."[234]
+
+[Footnote 234: Julius Hirsch; War Correspondent with the German Army, in
+the _Fränkischer Kurier_, October 22nd, 1915.]
+
+In a previous work the author has expressed the opinion that Great
+Britain must employ all her strength in this, the greatest of all wars,
+and in concluding this work he repeats that warning still more
+emphatically. Only a true realization of the inevitable fact that
+British democracy is on trial by battle--"man to man and steel to
+steel"--will give the necessary courage, endurance, faith and hope to
+bring the issue to a victorious end.
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+Alleged Ill-Treatment of Germans in Belgium
+Appreciation, a German, of England
+Atrocities
+Attack on Liége by a Zeppelin
+Attitude of Germany and Austria
+Austrian mobilization
+
+Battle of the Marne
+Belgian kindness to Germans
+Belgrade during the crisis
+Bethmann-Hollweg falsely accuses Russia of causing the war
+Bismarck
+Britain's position in the world
+British
+  accused of plundering
+  Army
+  General Staff's guide-books to Belgium
+  inefficiency
+  Navy
+  Socialists
+Brutal treatment of foreigners in Germany
+
+Courage of British Army
+
+Demonstrations in Favour of War
+Diplomatic battles
+
+England's Attitude
+  heir
+  neutrality, German offers for
+Excitement in Germany
+
+French Airmen, Alleged Attack near Nuremberg
+  alleged attack on Frankfort
+
+German Brutality towards Germans
+  Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag
+  comment on the conference proposal
+  Crown Prince
+  frontiers, alleged violation by the French
+  General Staff, did it conspire to bring about war?
+German efficiency
+  invasion of France
+  losses
+  methods
+  mobilization
+  nerves
+  opinion of England
+  plundering
+  Press plays Germany a foul trick
+  provocation to Belgians before the war
+  State, a Nirvana
+German Socialists
+  and conscription
+  and universal peace
+  cheer the announcement that Germany had invaded two neutral countries
+  help Kaiser's government
+  support the war
+  vote for a war of aggression
+  why they supported the war
+German Socialists' attitude to England
+  campaign against Russia
+  class-war
+  peace programme
+  proclamation on August 1st, 1914,
+German troops enter Belgium and Luxembourg
+  unity
+  war against civilians
+German White Book on atrocities by the Belgians
+Germans charge French with looting
+  enter Brussels
+  invade Belgium
+Germany declares war on France
+  declares war on Russia
+  made peace impossible
+  rejects British friendship
+Germany's alleged efforts  for peace
+  case
+  case against Belgian civilians
+  hunt for phantom gold
+  hunt for spies
+  re-birth
+  ultimatum to Russia
+Grey, Sir Edward
+Grey's, Sir Edward, conference proposal
+
+Haldane Lord
+Hate literature
+Heligoland prepared for war
+
+Ill-treatment, alleged, of Germans by British
+Ireland and Germany
+Iron Crosses
+Italian Socialists condemn their German comrades
+
+Japan
+
+Kaiser's return to Berlin
+  threat
+  threat to England
+_Königin Luise_ starts to lay mines round the English coast
+
+Lassalle's opinion of Austria
+Last protest against war
+Legend of gouged-out eyes
+Letter of Belgian Legation Secretary
+Louvain
+Lying, a foundation-stone of German policy
+
+Macdonald, Mr. Ramsay
+Martial law proclaimed in Germany
+Militarism, spirit of
+
+Necessity knows no law
+Neutrality of Belgium
+"Now there are only Germans"
+
+Oncken, Professor Hermann
+Opinion in France at the outbreak of war
+
+Peace, did Germany work for?
+Poisoned water-supply scare
+Press, German, condemns the Austrian ultimatum
+Prince Heinrich's telegram to King George
+Proclamation of the Social Democrats, July 25th, 1914
+Propaganda for the annexation of Belgium
+
+Reconciliation with Germany
+Roman Catholic Church refutes German atrocity legends
+Russia ignores the German ultimatum
+Russia's attitude during the crisis
+  military measures
+  right to intervene
+
+Secret Belgian documents seized in Brussels
+Social Democratic demonstrations against war
+Social Democrats' report on Belgium
+Socialists, German, vote for war
+Spy scare and its results
+Status of German professors
+Swiss Neutral on Belgian neutrality
+
+Terms of Triple Alliance
+Treatment of Belgian civilians
+Trevelyan's, Mr. Charles, remarkable promise
+Tricks of the German Press
+
+Unprepared Condition of the Franco-Belgian Frontier
+
+Violation of Belgian Neutrality
+_Volksstaat_ (People's State)
+
+War Delirium
+Warsaw citadel blown up
+Wolff's News Agency
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10166 ***
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+Thomas F.A. Smith, Ph.D..</title>
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10166 ***</div>
+
+<h1>What Germany Thinks</h1>
+<center>or the War as Germans see it</center>
+<br>
+<center><b>By Thomas F.A. Smith, Ph.D.</b></center>
+<br>
+<center>Late English Lecturer in the University of
+Erlangen</center>
+<center>Author of "The Soul of Germany: A Twelve Years' Study of
+the People from Within, 1902-1914"</center>
+<center>1915</center>
+<hr>
+<a name="TOC"><!-- TOC --></a>
+<p>CONTENTS</p>
+<p><a href="#CH1">CHAPTER I&mdash;The Causes of the War</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH2">CHAPTER II&mdash;On The Leash</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH3">CHAPTER III&mdash;The Dogs Let Loose</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH4">CHAPTER IV&mdash;Mobilization</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH5">CHAPTER V&mdash;Wars and Rumours of Wars</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH6">CHAPTER VI&mdash;The D&eacute;b&acirc;cle of the
+Social Democrats</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH7">CHAPTER VII&mdash;"Necessity Knows No
+Law"</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH8">CHAPTER VIII&mdash;Atrocities</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH9">CHAPTER IX&mdash;The Neutrality of Belgium and
+Germany's Annexation Propaganda</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH10">CHAPTER X&mdash;Saigner &Agrave; Blanc</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH11">CHAPTER XI&mdash;The Intellectuals and the
+War</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH12">CHAPTER XII&mdash;The Literature of Hate</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH13">CHAPTER XIII&mdash;"Man to Man and Steel to
+Steel"</a></p>
+<p><a href="#IDX">INDEX</a></p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH1"><!-- CH1 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+<center>THE CAUSES OF THE WAR</center>
+<p>In many quarters of the world, especially in certain sections of
+the British public, people believed that the German nation was led
+blindly into the World War by an unscrupulous military clique. Now,
+however, there is ample evidence to prove that the entire nation
+was thoroughly well informed of the course which events were
+taking, and also warned as to the catastrophe to which the national
+course was certainly leading.</p>
+<p>Even to-day, after more than twelve months of devastating
+warfare, there is no unity of opinion in Germany as to who caused
+the war. Some writers accuse France, others England, while many lay
+the guilt at Russia's door. They are only unanimous in charging one
+or other, or all the powers, of the Triple Entente. We shall see
+that every power now at war, with the exception of Germany and
+Italy, has been held responsible for Armageddon, but apparently it
+has not yet occurred to Germans that the bearer of guilt for this
+year's bloodshed&mdash;is Germany alone!</p>
+<p>It is true that the conflict between Austria and Serbia forms
+the starting point. Whether or not Serbia was seriously in the
+wrong is a matter of opinion, but it is generally held that Austria
+dealt with her neighbour with too much heat and too little
+discretion. Austria kindled the flames of war, but it was Germany's
+mission to seize a blazing torch and set Europe alight.</p>
+<p>When the text of Austria's ultimatum became known, a very
+serious mood came over Germany. There was not a man who did not
+realize that a great European War loomed on the horizon. A
+well-organized, healthy public opinion could at that period have
+brought the governments of the Germanic Powers to recognize their
+responsibility. Had the German Press been unanimous, it might have
+stopped the avalanche. But there were two currents of opinion, the
+one approving, the other condemning Austria for having thrown down
+the gauntlet to Serbia and above all to Russia.</p>
+<p>One paper exulted over the statement that every sentence in
+Austria's ultimatum "was a whip-lash across Serbia's face;" a
+phrase expressing so aptly the great mass of popular opinion. This
+expression met with unstinted approval, for it corresponded with
+German ideals and standards in dealing with an opponent. Yet there
+was no lack of warnings, and very grave ones too. A glance at
+German newspapers will suffice to prove this statement.</p>
+<p>On July 24th, 1914, Krupp's organ, the
+<i>Rheinisch-Westf&auml;lische Zeitung</i>, contained the
+following: "The Austro-Hungarian ultimatum is nothing but a pretext
+for war, but this time a dangerous one. It seems that we are
+standing on the verge of an Austro-Serbian war. It is possible,
+very possible, that we shall have to extinguish East-European
+conflagrations with our arms, either because of our treaties or
+from the compulsion of events. But it is a scandal if the Imperial
+Government (Berlin) has not required that such a final offer should
+be submitted to it for approval before its presentation to Serbia.
+To-day nothing remains for us but to declare: 'We are not bound by
+any alliance to support wars let loose by the Hapsburg policy of
+conquest.'"</p>
+<p>The <i>Post</i> wrote on the same date: "Is that a note? No! it
+is an ultimatum of the sharpest kind. Within twenty-four hours
+Austria demands an answer. A reply? No! but an absolute submission,
+the utter and complete humiliation of Serbia. On former occasions
+we have (and with justice) made fun of Austria's lack of energy.
+Now we have a proof of energy which terrifies us. This 'note'
+represents about the very uttermost which can be said to any
+government, and such things are only said when the sender of the
+'note' has absolutely determined upon war."</p>
+<p>The principal organ of Germany's largest political party, the
+Social Democrats, contained a still more emphatic protest on July
+25th. A telegram from the Belgrade correspondent of the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> runs: "Since the presentation of Austria's
+note, public opinion has become exceedingly serious, although the
+city is still very calm. The general view held is that Austria's
+ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign State. In Belgrade no one
+doubts that Russia will stand by Serbia. Everyone is certain that
+in consequence of Austria's excessively sharp tone, Russia will not
+remain inactive should Austria resort to armed force. The populace
+is prepared for war."</p>
+<p>In view of the subsequent attitude of Germany's Social
+Democrats, an official proclamation, published in all their
+seventy-seven daily papers on July 25th, is of supreme importance.
+At that date they had apparently no doubt whatever as to the guilty
+party. The change of front in the Reichstag on August 4th would
+seem in the light of this proclamation, as nothing other than a
+betrayal of conscience. Further, the split which has arisen in
+their ranks during the war leads to the supposition that
+Liebknecht, Kautsky and Bernstein have been troubled by the inward
+voice.</p>
+<p>This is the full text of the proclamation as it appeared in the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i>:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"An Appeal! The Balkan plains are still
+steaming with the blood of thousands of murdered; the ruins of
+desolate towns and devastated villages are still smoking after the
+Balkan War; hungry, workless men, widowed women and orphan children
+are still wandering through the land, and yet again Austria's
+Imperialism unchains the War Fury to bring death and destruction
+over all Europe.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Even if we condemn the doings of the
+Greater-Serbian Nationalists, still the wicked war-provocation of
+the Austro-Hungarian Government calls forth the most stinging
+protest. The demands made by this government are so brutal, that in
+the history of the world their like has never been presented to an
+independent State, and they can only be calculated to provoke
+war.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Germany's proletariat, conscious of its
+mission, raises herewith, in the name of humanity and civilization,
+the most fervent protest against this criminal action of the war
+party (<i>Kriegshetzer</i>). It (the Social Democratic Party)
+demands imperatively that the German Government should exercise all
+its influence on the Austrian Government to preserve peace, and in
+case this infamous war cannot be prevented then to abstain from any
+warlike interference. No single drop of blood of a single German
+soldier may be sacrificed to gratify the lust for power of the
+Austrian autocracy, the Imperial profit-interests.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Comrades! we call upon you to give
+expression to the working-classes' unshakable will for peace in
+mass meetings. This is a serious moment, more solemn than any in
+the last few decades. There is danger in delay. A world war
+threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave, despise and exploit
+you in times of peace desire now to misuse you as cannon-fodder.
+From all sides the cry must ring in the ears of those in authority:
+We don't want war! Down with war!</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Long live international brotherhood!</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Berlin, July 25th, 1914.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"<i>The Leaders of the Party</i>."</p>
+<p>Two days later the <i>Leipziger Tageblatt</i> announced that the
+Public Prosecutor had commenced proceedings against the editors of
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> for having distributed the above appeal in
+pamphlet form in the streets of Berlin. From this fact we may
+conclude that the charges thrown out by the Social Democratic Party
+were by no means congenial to the plans of the German
+Government.</p>
+<p>The Liberal <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> (July 24th), gave its
+unreserved support to Austria's action. "The Austrian Government
+has voiced its demands in a calm and serious tone which contains
+nothing offensive to the Serbian monarchy. Everyone who has
+considered the results of the inquiry into the tragedy of Serajewo,
+and the burrowing of Serbian propagandists in Austria, must give
+his absolute sanction to the latter's demands. Much as every
+right-thinking man must desire that peace should be preserved,
+still he must admit that Austria could not have acted
+otherwise."</p>
+<p>Even the <i>Vossische Zeitung</i>, the organ of army circles,
+was more conservative in its judgment. In the issue for July 24th a
+leading article runs: "It cannot be denied that nearly every point
+raised by Austria in her note is an encroachment on Serbia's
+sovereign rights. Austria appears as the policeman, who undertakes
+to create order in Serbia, because the Serbian Government,
+according to Austria's claim, is unable to hold in check those
+'subversive elements' within its frontiers, which disturb Austria's
+peace. But only in this manner can Austria protect herself against
+the criminals who are sent from Serbia to the territories of the
+Hapsburg monarchy. No consideration whatever can be shown to
+Serbia, as Austria's first duty is self-defence."</p>
+<p>In the German Press two widely-differing opinions found
+expression with regard to the equity of Austria's demands, but the
+Press and people were unanimous in believing that if these demands
+were ruthlessly pressed home they could only lead to a European
+conflagration.</p>
+<p>In view of this latter danger, national opinion was again
+divided into two camps: the first against war, the second
+determined to support Austria and pursue the path chosen by the
+Berlin Government, no matter what the consequences might be. The
+latter party included the vast bulk of the nation; and Chauvinism
+dominated in the Press, theatres, concert-halls, churches and
+music-halls. "Patriotic" demonstrations were held before Austrian
+consulates, in restaurants and coffee-houses. The Berlin Government
+was overwhelmed with telegrams from all kinds of
+bodies&mdash;especially those with a military colouring, such as
+veterans' clubs, societies of one-year volunteers, university
+societies, etc.&mdash;calling upon it to defend Germany's honour
+against Slavonic murder and intrigue. In short, all Germany gave
+itself up to a veritable <i>Kriegsrausch</i> (war intoxication)
+which found expression in the wildest attacks on Russia and a
+perfervid determination to see the matter through, should Russia
+venture to intervene in any way to protect Serbia from whatever
+measures Austria thought proper to take.</p>
+<p>It is little to be wondered at that Russia in face of this
+spontaneous outbreak did take military precautions, for all Germany
+made it perfectly clear that no kind of intervention on Russia's
+part in the Austro-Serbian dispute would be tolerated by Germany.
+It is true that, late in the day, Austria avowed that she had no
+intention of annexing Serbian territory, a declaration which
+Germans did not believe, and certainly one which Russia had no
+reason to accept after Austria's annexion of Bosnia and Herzegowina
+in 1908.</p>
+<p>Furthermore, Austria gave Russia every reason to cherish
+suspicion as to her intentions. On July 25th Austria issued
+official orders for the mobilization of eight of her sixteen army
+corps, in addition to which a part of the <i>Landsturm</i> was
+called up. The corps mobilized were: one each in Upper and Lower
+Austria, Dalmatia, Buda-Pest, Croatia and Bosnia and two Bohemian
+corps. Three-eighths of the forces called up were thus placed very
+near to the Russian frontier.</p>
+<p>Vienna was wild with war-enthusiasm which found expression in
+demonstrations lasting all through the night, July 25-26th.
+Austrian officers, who have always been hated by the populace, were
+cheered, embraced and carried shoulder-high wherever they were met.
+The effect which this had in Berlin may be seen from the
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> of July 26th: "An enormous mass of people
+gathered before the Russian Embassy last night between the hours of
+twelve and one. The crowd howled and hissed, and cries were raised:
+'Down with Russia! Long live Austria! Down with Serbia!' Gradually
+the police cleared the masses away."</p>
+<p>Russia ignored the incident, but when about a hundred Frenchmen
+demonstrated before the Austrian Embassy in Paris at exactly the
+same time, the Ambassador at once protested at the Quai d'Orsay and
+the Director of the French Foreign Office immediately
+apologized.</p>
+<p>On the whole the reports of excesses in various parts of Germany
+against any and all who dared to show any anti-war sympathies
+proves clearly that the blood-lust aroused by the German
+Government's policy had already passed beyond the control of the
+authorities. In Munich one of the most modern coffee-houses
+(Caf&eacute; Fahrig) was completely gutted because the proprietor
+endeavoured to keep the demonstrants within reasonable bounds.
+Serbs and Russians were attacked and ill-treated. One such incident
+occurred at mid-day, Sunday, July 26th, in Munich, of which a full
+description is given in the <i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung</i> for the following day.</p>
+<p>A few days later (August 2nd) the Princess Caf&eacute;, Berlin,
+was demolished because the guests believed that there were Russians
+in the band. In Hamburg on the following day a newly-opened
+restaurant was completely destroyed because a young Dane had failed
+to stand up when the national hymn was being played. "Yesterday a
+young Dane remained sitting during the singing of the national
+hymn, for which reason the persons in the hall became greatly
+excited. 'Russian, stand up!' was shouted to him. In the same
+moment blows began to rain down upon him, so that, streaming with
+blood, he was carried out." (<i>Berliner Zeitung am Mittag</i>,
+August 4th.)</p>
+<p>These are only a selection of many such incidents which show
+that the national brutishness was appearing through the veneer. In
+the light of such events where, on German soil, Germans murderously
+attacked their fellow-countrymen on such ridiculous pretexts, it
+requires little imagination to explain the outburst of brutality
+against Belgians who dared to defend hearth and home.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile the smaller party which desired peace had not been
+entirely idle. On July 28th the Social Democrats held thirty-two
+mass meetings in Berlin to protest against war. "The attendance was
+in every case enormous, but the meetings were all orderly and calm.
+The police had taken extensive precautionary measures. The speakers
+were mostly members of the Reichstag or the Berlin Town Council.
+Throughout they were guilty of the most fiery and tactless attacks
+on Austria, <i>to whom alone they ascribed the guilt for the
+warlike developments</i>. Each meeting adopted a resolution against
+war. The chief of police had forbidden all processions or
+demonstrations to take place after the day before. In spite of
+this, many of the Socialists who had attended these meetings tried
+to form processions, especially in Unter den Linden. As large
+bodies of troops had closed the streets, small parties of the
+Socialists managed to reach the Linden by means of trams and
+omnibuses. At about 10 p.m. hisses and cries of 'Down with the war
+party!' were heard before the Caf&eacute; Kranzler. In a moment the
+number of Democrats swelled to large proportions and the workmen's
+Marseillaise was struck up, followed by a short, sharp order. The
+mounted police advanced with drawn swords against the rioters; the
+air was filled with shouts and cries of <i>Pfui</i>! (Shame!). On
+the other side of the road the crowd sang the national hymn. The
+masses clashed together, and the police advanced again and again
+till the street was cleared. At the corner, however, the Socialists
+formed up again, and began to demonstrate anew, so that the police
+were compelled to attack them without any consideration in order to
+preserve the peace. They cleared the pavements and galloped up the
+promenade. Again the cry echoed 'Down with war!' and as answer came
+'die Wacht am Rhein.' But it was some considerable time before the
+struggle ceased to surge to and fro." (<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung</i>, July 29th.)</p>
+<p>Thus the great Socialist-International-Pacifist movement, with
+four and a quarter million German voters behind it, fizzled out on
+the pavements of Unter den Linden. Probably there were
+demonstrations in other parts of Germany, but this much is certain,
+that the members of Catholic and Protestant
+<i>Arbeiterverb&auml;nde</i> (Workmen's Societies) held meetings
+and demonstrated in favour of war. On the other hand the Women's
+Union of the German Peace Society in Stuttgart sent a telegram to
+the Kaiser, begging him in the name of "millions of German mothers"
+to preserve the peace.</p>
+<p>The most interesting protest against the war movement is
+undoubtedly the following: "This, then, is the cultural height to
+which we have attained. Hundreds of thousands of the healthiest,
+finest, most valuable forces in the nation are trembling from
+anxiety that chance, or a nod of Europe's rulers, malevolence, or a
+fit of Sadism, a Caesar-madness or a business speculation, an empty
+word or a vague conception of honour, will drive them to-morrow out
+of their homes, from wife and child, from all that which they
+treasure and have built up with so much pain and trouble&mdash;into
+death. The mad coincidence may arise to-day, may call them
+to-morrow, or at any minute, and all, all of them will
+go&mdash;obeying damnable necessity, but still obeying. At first
+they will whine on seeing their bit of earthly happiness snatched
+away, but soon, however&mdash;although their consciences may not be
+quite clean&mdash;they will be possessed by the general frenzy to
+murder and be murdered." Franz Pfemfert in <i>die Aktion</i>.</p>
+<p>Although this article appeared on August 1st, it had evidently
+been written before the proclamation of martial law. It was one of
+the last political articles which the paper published, for the next
+number but one contains the announcement that "the <i>Aktion</i>
+will in future only publish articles on art and literature." The
+reasons are not far to seek.</p>
+<p>In justice to the pacifist elements it must be stated that they
+were up against bayonets. The only pity is that British public
+opinion, or any section of it, had been led to believe that it
+could ever have been otherwise. Austria had committed an
+unpardonable act of provocation, which at first reasonable opinion
+in Germany openly condemned. Simultaneously the German Government
+set in motion an avalanche of racial feeling to play off against
+the just and moderate measures taken by other powers to checkmate
+Austrian aggression. In addition to the racial hostility, which had
+been lashed into bitterness during the spring of 1914, came
+Germany's morbid conception of national and personal honour. Lastly
+the fear of a Russian invasion was astutely inoculated into the
+nation.</p>
+<p>It is the author's firm conviction, and the military events in
+Poland and Galicia have only strengthened this opinion, that from
+the very beginning Germany could have prevented any Russian
+invasion of her territory, but she did not desire that end, but
+rather that the fear of Russia should complete the "Kriegsrausch"
+of the German nation. After frightening the people the Berlin
+Government struck its blow in the direction of their political
+ambitions&mdash;to the West, and after the Russians had been
+allowed to penetrate German territories they were hurled over the
+Eastern frontiers at the end of August. While the Kaiser was
+sending peaceful telegrams to Petrograd and Vienna, the Press was
+full of horrible pictures of Cossack barbarism and the dread
+terrors of the Russian knout, both of which&mdash;the public was
+led to believe&mdash;were about to strike Germany.</p>
+<p>In this manner the Kaiser and his advisers created a national
+psychology which left open only two alternatives: the absolute
+humiliation of Russia and the consequent hegemony of Germany in
+Europe&mdash;or war.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH2"><!-- CH2 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+<center>ON THE LEASH</center>
+<p>Russia gave the world to understand by an official declaration,
+issued on Friday, July 24th, 1914, that she was not an indifferent,
+but a keenly interested spectator to the Austro-Serbian conflict.
+On the following day Russia's declaration was published in almost
+the entire German Press, and from that moment the same Press was
+flooded with all kinds of attacks directed against the Eastern
+neighbour. Russia was frankly told to mind her own
+business&mdash;the quarrel did not concern her.</p>
+<p>The German public immediately accepted this point of view, so
+that every subsequent move on Russia's part appeared in the light
+of an unwarrantable offensive. Undoubtedly the Bismarckian tactics
+of publishing inspired articles in all parts of Germany were
+employed, and their colouring left no doubt on the public mind that
+the much-talked-of Slavonic danger had assumed an acute form.</p>
+<p>A request on Russia's part, made on July 25th, that the space of
+time (forty-eight hours) allowed to Serbia for an answer should be
+extended, only increased popular irritation in the Germanic
+Empires. This irritation was accompanied by an unmistakable
+bellicose spirit which called forth its natural counterpart in
+Petrograd.</p>
+<p>Nevertheless the fact remains that up till July 25th Russia had
+only asked for time, and the reply given by the Berlin mob (?)
+during the following night, was echoed throughout Germany. The view
+that Russia had no right to interest herself on behalf of Serbia
+(passing over Russia's right to preserve the newly-established
+balance of power in the Balkans) is untenable. If Canada had a
+quarrel&mdash;just or unjust&mdash;with the United States, it would
+be ridiculous to assert that England had no right to intervene.</p>
+<p>This was, however, not the first occasion on which Germany had
+advanced so preposterous a claim. During the tariff conflict
+between Germany and Canada some years ago, a wave of indignant
+anger went over the whole Fatherland, because England ventured to
+interfere.</p>
+<p>In any case, during the last week before war broke out, the
+German Government succeeded in imposing upon public opinion the
+feeling that the quarrel was a racial one; together with the
+conviction that Russia was interfering in order to protect a band
+of murderers from just punishment, and had neither rights nor
+interests at stake in the quarrel. This conspiracy succeeded, but
+the whole German nation must still be held responsible for the
+outbreak of war, because, as has been shown in the preceding
+chapter, the nation had already been warned by newspapers of
+various political parties. They had been plainly told that Austria
+had exceeded the limits of all diplomatic dealings between two
+sovereign States, and that Austria's provocation could easily
+kindle a world war.</p>
+<p>Warnings and truths were alike forgotten, and the voices which
+uttered them were now raising another hue and cry.[<a href=
+"#note-1">1</a>] Racial hatred was ablaze; the warlike instincts of
+a military people were calling for action, and a diseased
+conception of national honour was asking why Berlin did not act
+against the Russian barbarians. In one paper the author remembers
+reading a violent demand for action against Russia before the
+national ardour had time to cool down.</p>
+<p><a name="note-1"><!-- Note Anchor 1 --></a>[Footnote 1: The last
+mention of Austria as the guilty party is the account of the Social
+Democratic demonstrations in Berlin on July 28th; reported in the
+papers of the following day.]</p>
+<p>On July 26th Austrian mobilization was in full swing, and Russia
+admittedly took precautions of a similar nature soon after that
+date. We may be sure that Russia understands her neighbours better
+than the inhabitants of the British Isles understand them. In 1909
+she had suffered a severe diplomatic defeat and corresponding loss
+of prestige, because she could only use words in dealing with
+Germany and Austria.[<a href="#note-2">2</a>] Now she was faced
+with the alternative of withdrawing from her declared attitude
+(July 24th) or taking measures of a military character. In order
+not to sacrifice her position as a European power and her special
+position as the leader of the Slavonic peoples, Russia chose the
+latter course, the only honourable one open to her. German papers
+and public speakers retorted that Russia is the patron and
+protector of assassins&mdash;a calculated distortion of the facts
+intended to have due effect on public opinion. On all sides it was
+said that Russia had given Serbia secret assurances of help which
+caused her to become stiff-backed and unrepentant. Fortunately, it
+is possible to refute the accusation through the pen of a German
+journalist, who described Belgrade's desperate position on July
+25th, the day when the ultimatum expired.</p>
+<p><a name="note-2"><!-- Note Anchor 2 --></a>[Footnote 2: "The
+interests of Russian and German imperialism have continually
+clashed during the last ten years, and more than once Russia has
+had to beat a retreat before Germany's threats." Dr. Paul Lensch,
+member of the Reichstag, in his "German Social Democracy and the
+World War," p. 35. Published by "Vorw&auml;rts Co." Berlin,
+1915.]</p>
+<p>"At last the inhabitants of Belgrade have become aware of their
+serious situation. 'We are lost! Russia has left us in the lurch!'
+is being shouted in the streets. Journalists, who at 2.30 p.m. had
+assured me that Russia had intervened in Vienna with success,
+succumbed now to the general depression. The people believe that
+they have been betrayed and sold; rumours of assassination pass
+from mouth to mouth. The ministerial council has been characterized
+by violent recriminations, ending in blows. Others asserted that
+the Crown Prince Alexander had been stabbed by a leader of the
+war-party. Another whispers that King Peter is dying from an
+apoplectic fit or as the result of an <i>attentat</i>. The reports
+become wilder, and each increases the dread of some unutterable,
+imminent catastrophe.</p>
+<p>"The streets are crowded with terror-stricken citizens. Curses
+resound on all sides. Certainly a most unusual struggle is going on
+between the two parties for peace and war. Shortly after three
+o'clock it seems to be settled that Austria's demands will be
+fulfilled. It is true the mobilization decree has been posted up on
+all public buildings, but that means nothing. We still have nearly
+three hours in which all can be righted. How will this
+gallows-respite be employed?</p>
+<p>"It is four o'clock. Messengers rush from one Embassy to the
+other. In the coffee-houses the rumour goes round: 'Italy is our
+saviour in distress.' Cries of 'shame!' against Russia are raised,
+while the '<i>vivas</i>!' for Italy sound louder and louder. The
+crowd marches to the Italian Embassy, but are received with long
+and astonished faces. No! there is nothing to hope for from Italy.
+Next they go to the French Embassy; now there are about two
+thousand of us. Another disappointment! A young diplomat receives
+the thronging masses and talks empty nothings, including a great
+deal about France's sympathy for Serbia. But in this dark hour
+sympathy is of no avail. Downcast and silent, the people go next to
+the representative of Albion&mdash;who declines to appear.</p>
+<p>"The confusion in the minds of the masses caused by the
+Government's indecision increases from minute to minute;
+indescribable scenes are witnessed before the General Post Office.
+It is alleged that thousands and thousands of telegrams have
+arrived from Russia, begging the members of Serbia's royal family
+not to give way to Austria. It may easily be possible that the
+Russian telegrams all emanate from one person and have been forged,
+in order to counteract the disposition to yield on the part of the
+royal family. Without doubt both the King and Crown Prince have
+lost all personal influence on the final decision. They are being
+slowly carried along by the conflagration-party which obtained the
+upper hand soon after four o'clock."[<a href="#note-3">3</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-3"><!-- Note Anchor 3 --></a>[Footnote 3:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, July 28th.]</p>
+<p>This picture gives no support to Germany's accusation that
+Russia had stiffened Serbia into resisting Austria's unacceptable
+demands. It rather leads one to consider that an action which
+drives a weak nation to arrive at a decision on so awful an issue
+in so short a time, is an action discreditable to a stronger, and
+impossible on the part of a morally great, power. If Serbia chose
+wrongly in refusing to bite the dust, then the guilt is still
+chargeable to Austria for forcing her little neighbour to take a
+choice in haste. Sir Edward Grey emphasized in his speech of July
+27th the shortness of the time which all the Powers had had at
+their disposal to formulate a plan, by which the conflict could be
+restricted to the East, or amicably settled.</p>
+<p>The leaders of the Germanic States had purposely willed it so.
+Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to break up the Triple
+Entente, the only barrier to the Germanization, <i>i.e.</i>,
+Prussianization, of Europe, and in the tragedy of Serajewo the
+Central Powers (or, at least, the dominating factor of the two)
+believed they had found a lever with which to break down the
+opposition by diplomacy. If that failed an immediate appeal to the
+sword should follow. The diplomatic forty-eight hours'
+<i>coup-de-main</i> failed, and the programme contained no other
+item except war. In a few words this means that the dastardly crime
+of Princip and his fellow conspirators was exploited by Germany,
+acting through Austria, to disturb the European balance of power
+under the guise of a just vengeance.</p>
+<p>Sir Edward Grey formulated and circulated his conference
+proposal on the next day, July 26th. Some persons to whom I spoke
+at the time welcomed the idea; they belonged principally to the
+lower middle classes. One well-known Pan-Germanist (Dr. Beckmann,
+professor of history in Erlangen University) said that the proposal
+was an admission of a diplomatic defeat and a sign that the Entente
+Powers were afraid to draw the sword. If the three Powers in
+question were prepared to pocket this smack in the face, then
+Germany would be satisfied, because such a defeat would mean that
+the Triple Entente would never be able to work together again.</p>
+<p>It is interesting to compare with this opinion those of two
+leading newspapers:</p>
+<p>(1.) "We understand that the German Government is not absolutely
+hostile to England's endeavours to bring about a mediation between
+the contending Powers by those not directly interested in the
+conflict. But the German Government makes its participation in the
+mediation dependent upon whether Austria-Hungary would accept this
+procedure, and in which respect Austria wishes the mediation to
+follow. The German Government cannot support any action which
+Austria-Hungary does not desire, as that would mean exercising
+pressure.</p>
+<p>"From Sir Edward Grey's declaration in the House of Commons it
+is clear that he was not thinking of mediation between Austria and
+Serbia, but between Austria and Russia. This shade of meaning
+requires attention. We think that any attempt at mediation between
+Austria and Serbia would have no prospect of success, because in
+Vienna they do not seem inclined to accept such an action.
+Diplomatic relations have not been broken off; the Russian Minister
+for Foreign Affairs confers still with the Austrian Ambassador, and
+it is not easy to see why the other Powers Should not further this
+discussion in a mediative sense.</p>
+<p>"But then Sir Edward Grey gave his idea more exact form and
+proposed a conference between the German, Italian and French
+ambassadors and himself. This conference of ambassadors is to seek
+a basis for an agreement and then submit the result to the cabinets
+in Vienna and St. Petersburg. In his yesterday's speech he
+emphasized the point that no hostilities may take place till the
+conference has concluded its work.</p>
+<p>"Here, of course, is the difficulty which mars his plan, for it
+is questionable whether Austria will consent to a postponement of
+her military operations. Negotiations concerning Sir Edward Grey's
+proposal are at present occupying the cabinets, and it is to be
+hoped that a means will be found to make it acceptable to the
+Powers most interested in the conflict."[<a href=
+"#note-4">4</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-4"><!-- Note Anchor 4 --></a>[Footnote 4:
+<i>Berliner Tagtblatt</i>, July 28th.]</p>
+<p>(2.) "Germany not only cherishes, in a platonic manner, the
+desire of the Western Powers to prevent the conflict between
+Austria and Serbia spreading to the great Powers, but the Berlin
+cabinet has already been active in more than one European capital
+in favour of a mediation which will secure European peace. In this
+respect we are pleased (<i>Man begr&uuml;sst es hier</i>) that, in
+consequence of Sir Edward Grey's initiative, the mediation idea has
+assumed an official form and is open for public discussion. There
+is, however, reason to doubt whether a conference between four
+great Powers as an organ for the mediation is the most suitable way
+out of the difficulty. Everyone is quite agreed that the details of
+the Austro-Serbian conflict, which concerns these two States alone,
+cannot be brought before the forum of a conference; but as regards
+the removal in good time of any difficulties which may arise
+between Austria and Russia, the question must be raised as to
+whether the Governments of these States are willing to entrust an
+official mediation to a conference of four other great Powers. For
+the success of the mediation proposal it would be more practical if
+the means to this end were made as simple as possible, and that use
+was made of the current diplomatic discussions, in immediate
+communication with the capitals of the Empires in question, in
+order to carry through a mediatory action to the result desired on
+all sides.</p>
+<p>"In the employment of these means Germany would not fail to
+support the Western Powers as she has already done up to the
+present."[<a href="#note-5">5</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-5"><!-- Note Anchor 5 --></a>[Footnote 5:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>, July 28th.]</p>
+<p>I have carefully searched the official publications of the
+Central Powers (Germany's White Book; Austria's Orange Book), and
+can find no record in them of any pacific action on Germany's part
+in either of the European capitals; hence the claims made in the
+above article seem to be an exaggeration.</p>
+<p>It appears incredible that these Powers should have omitted to
+give proof of such action when making their case public for the
+sole purpose of proving their innocence before the world. On the
+other hand, the impression given by these books is that Germany and
+Austria's attitude was:</p>
+<p>To SERBIA: The conditions must be accepted <i>ad hoc</i> to the
+smallest tittle and comma. Alternative, war.</p>
+<p>To RUSSIA: What we have determined upon is unalterable and
+inevitable, and you must submit to this decision. Alternative,
+war.</p>
+<p>The <i>G&ouml;rlitzer Nachrichten</i> published the following
+paragraph on July 30th: "Vienna, July 29th. After having made
+inquiries in official circles, the morning papers make this
+announcement: Count Berchtold has informed the English Ambassador
+that the Austro-Hungarian Government is grateful for Grey's
+mediation proposal, and appreciates the good intentions of the
+British Government. A peaceful solution of the conflict with Serbia
+is, however, no longer possible, as the declaration of war had
+already been signed."</p>
+<p>Before leaving this all-important episode, it is instructive to
+compare three other versions of the reason for refusing a
+conference. Sir Edward Grey mooted the proposal for a conference to
+the ambassadors in London on Friday, July 24th. On the afternoon he
+requested the British Ambassador in Berlin to propose the
+conference to the German Government.</p>
+<p>In spite of this, document No. 12 in the German White Book, a
+telegram from the German Chancellor to Prince Lichnowsky in London
+runs: "We know nothing here of a proposal from Sir Edward Grey to
+hold a conference of four in London, etc." Another telegram,
+document No. 15, bearing the same date and likewise from
+Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky is as follows: "We have immediately
+commenced the mediatory action in Vienna in the sense desired by
+Sir Edward Grey. Furthermore, we have informed Count Berchtold of
+M. Sasonow's desire to communicate with him direct."[<a href=
+"#note-6">6</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-6"><!-- Note Anchor 6 --></a>[Footnote 6: This
+message leads to the assumption that direct communications between
+Vienna and Petrograd had already ceased, although the
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i> told the German public on the
+following day that they had not.]</p>
+<p>The next document in the German White Book is dated July 28th.
+It is a telegram from the German Ambassador in Vienna to the German
+Chancellor in Berlin. "Count Berchtold begs me to express his
+thanks to you for communicating the English mediation proposal. He
+replies, however, that in consequence of the commencement of
+hostilities by Serbia and after the declaration of war which has
+meanwhile been made he must look upon England's step as being too
+late."</p>
+<p>In the Austrian Orange Book, p. 122, we find this passage in a
+telegram from Count Berchtold to the Austrian representative in
+London: "When Sir Edward Grey speaks of the possibility of avoiding
+an outbreak of hostilities he is too late, for yesterday Serbians
+shot at our frontier guards, and to-day we have declared war on
+Serbia."</p>
+<p>There are two points in these telegrams which require
+explanation. Firstly, why should Sir Edward Grey's proposal take so
+long to reach Vienna. Apparently it took from Monday to Wednesday
+to go by telegram from London via Berlin to Vienna. Two German
+newspapers (already quoted) knew of this conference idea on the
+27th of July and commented upon it in their morning editions of the
+following day.</p>
+<p>The other point is the Austrian statement that Serbia commenced
+hostilities. If this were the case, one would expect that
+Austria-Hungary, in declaring war subsequently to the alleged
+shooting by Serbians at frontier guards, would make mention of the
+acts as a <i>casus belli</i>. On p. 117 of the Red Book the text of
+the declaration of war is given in full, but there is no mention of
+any resort to arms on the part of Serbia.</p>
+<p>We are forced to the conclusion that Germany and Austria are
+mutually responsible for preventing the conference; they desired
+war, and a conference might have preserved peace. During the
+present summer (1915) an important work has been published in
+Germany from which the following passage is taken:</p>
+<p>"Grey thought the time had now arrived to formulate a mediation
+proposal. This idea was from the very beginning unacceptable to
+Austria, because that would indirectly be a recognition of Russia
+as an interested Power in the Austro-Serbian conflict. Only those
+who have followed the development of mutual obligations between the
+Entente Powers are able to understand the role which Russia's two
+comrades (France and England)&mdash;to say nothing at all of
+Italy&mdash;would have played in this conference. During its
+sittings Russia would have continued her military preparations,
+while Germany would have been pledged not to mobilize. Finally,
+nobody could assert that the man (Sir Edward Grey) who would have
+presided over these negotiations, could have been impartial. The
+more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more clearly one
+recognizes that it would have made for a diplomatic victory of the
+Triple Entente."[<a href="#note-7">7</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-7"><!-- Note Anchor 7 --></a>[Footnote 7:
+Professor Hermann Oncken: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp.
+545-6.]</p>
+<p>Even the claim that Austria showed some inclination to permit
+mediation on the points in her ultimatum to Serbia which were
+incompatible with Serbia's sovereignty, has been categorically
+denied. The Vienna <i>Fremdenblatt</i> for September 24th, 1914,
+contains this official announcement:</p>
+<p>"Vienna, September 24th. In a report of the late British
+Ambassador published by the British Government, there is a passage
+which maintains that Austria-Hungary's Ambassador, Count Szapary,
+in St. Petersburg had informed Monsieur Sasonow, Russia's Minister
+for Foreign Affairs, that Austria-Hungary 'was willing to submit
+the points in her Note to Serbia which seemed incompatible with
+Serbian independence, to mediation.'</p>
+<p>"We have been informed officially that this statement is
+absolutely untrue; according to the nature of the step taken by the
+monarchy in Belgrade, it would have been absolutely unthinkable.
+The passage cited from the British Ambassador's report, as well as
+some other phrases in the same, are evidently inspired by a certain
+bias. They are intended to prove, by asserting that Austria-Hungary
+was prepared to yield on some points at issue, that German
+diplomacy was really responsible for the outbreak of war.</p>
+<p>"Such attempts cannot obscure the truth, that Austria-Hungary
+and Germany concurred in the wish to preserve European peace. If
+this wish has not been fulfilled, and a European conflict has
+arisen out of a local settlement, it can only be ascribed to the
+circumstance that Russia first threatened Austria-Hungary and then
+Germany by an unjustifiable mobilization. By this she forced war
+upon the Central Powers and thus kindled a general
+conflagration."</p>
+<p>In dealing with Germany's endeavours for peace Professor Oncken
+writes on p. 546 of "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and
+the World War"): "The work of German diplomacy took the form of
+giving warnings and peaceful explanations." On July 26th she
+pointed out to the Russian Government that "preparatory military
+measures on Russia's part would compel Germany to take
+corresponding steps, viz., the mobilization of the army.
+Mobilization means war." Oncken does not quote any of the "peaceful
+explanations" (<i>friedliche Erkl&auml;rungen</i>), and much as the
+present writer would like to fill up this gap in his work, he must
+admit his utter inability, because in the diplomatic correspondence
+he can only find exasperating threats, thrown out to Russia by the
+two Germanic Empires.</p>
+<p>The whole problem allows of a very simple digest: On July 23rd,
+Austria-Hungary handed her ultimatum to Serbia, therein stating her
+demands, and on the following day informed all the European powers
+of her attitude. The neutral Press of the world and an unusually
+large section of the German Press, immediately pronounced Austria's
+position to be indefensible and untenable. The German Government,
+in spite of these facts, gave its official and unreserved support
+to Austria's attitude on July 26th. After eight weeks of war (on
+September 25th), Austria officially declared that she had never
+swerved from her original claims, nor ever felt any inclination to
+do so.</p>
+<p>It is true that the usages of everyday life do not always hold
+good in diplomatic dealings, but it is instructive to state the
+case in the terms of everyday affairs. Mr. A. (Austria) informs Mr.
+B. (Serbia) that he has a quarrel to settle with him and states his
+demands. Mr. C. (Russia) who is a relation, patron and friend of
+B.'s, interferes to see fair play. Whereupon Mr. D. (Germany), a
+friend and relation of A.'s, informs C. in unmistakable fashion
+that he must neither speak nor act in the affair or he will be
+immediately thrashed. Messrs. A. and D. are unanimous in this view
+and repeat the threat in mutual form. Meanwhile A. attacks B. Mr.
+C, seeing that they will not accord him a hearing, takes steps to
+compel them to hear him, at which point Mr. D. fulfils his threat
+and falls upon C.</p>
+<p>It is not yet clear whether Austria would have permitted Russia
+to take over the r&ocirc;le of adviser and second to Serbia in her
+unequal struggle with Austria. But from the moment Germany appeared
+on the scene the situation becomes perfectly simple: Russia has
+absolutely no right either to speak or move in the matter. On this
+rock of immovable Germanic obstinacy the Russian ship of State, was
+intended to meet with diplomatic shipwreck. Should Russia attempt
+to avoid this fate, then the German sword could be trusted to
+arrange matters in the way desired by Germany.</p>
+<p>The German language contains a very expressive phrase,
+<i>Stimmungsmacherei</i>, which means creating or preparing a
+certain frame of mind. How Germany's public opinion was tuned to
+the war melody is seen by a study of the German newspapers
+published between July 25th and August 1st. A great part of the
+German nation had welcomed Austria's expressed determination to
+compel Serbia "to lick her shoes," as a London paper put it at the
+time. Only the Social Democratic Party persisted in asserting that
+Austria was the provocative and guilty party down to the evening of
+July 28th.</p>
+<p>But three days earlier the process of educating public opinion
+against Russia commenced. In fact, it required little tuning to
+arouse a national chorus, which was swelled subsequently by the
+Social Democratic voices, demanding that Russia too must bite the
+dust.</p>
+<p>At the psychological moment the terms of the alliance between
+Germany and Austria were launched in the Press. One paper[<a href=
+"#note-8">8</a>] wrote: "It is interesting at the present moment to
+call to mind how the treaty existing between Germany and Austria
+regulates the question of mutual support." Then the various
+paragraphs are cited, and the article concludes: "That is to say:
+(1.) Assuming Austria attacks Serbia, and Russia as a precautionary
+measure sends troops to the Austrian frontier without commencing
+hostilities against the latter, then Germany is under no obligation
+to intervene. (2.) Assuming that Serbia is the attacking party, and
+Russia gives her support by military measures which threaten
+Austria, then the German Empire must immediately assist the
+Hapsburg monarchy with the whole of her military forces.</p>
+<p><a name="note-8"><!-- Note Anchor 8 --></a>[Footnote 8:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, July 27th.]</p>
+<p>"Hence it all depends upon who attacks; the interpretation of
+'attack,' however, is debatable both in politics and international
+law. Again and again it has been asserted that that Power which
+declares war is not the attacker, but the one which makes a
+continuance of peaceful relations impossible."</p>
+<p>Innumerable notices of Russia's alleged mobilization appeared
+and, probably with a view to encouraging Germans to stand fast,
+ghastly pictures of the weakness and unpreparedness of the Russian
+army, in a word Russian rottenness and corruption. Persistent
+rumours of revolutions in Russia were current.</p>
+<p>A Vienna telegram published in Berlin[<a href="#note-9">9</a>]
+informed the German public that: "News received from Warsaw deny
+the rumours that a revolution has broken out in Russian-Poland, but
+it is true that yesterday the entire citadel in Warsaw was blown
+up. Official Russian reports endeavour to prove that the explosion
+was caused by lightning. The extent of the damage is not yet known,
+but in any case it amounts to hundreds of thousands of roubles. It
+is also not certain whether any or how many lives were lost."</p>
+<p><a name="note-9"><!-- Note Anchor 9 --></a>[Footnote 9:
+<i>Vossische Zeitung</i>, July 29th.]</p>
+<p>A few days later the German official organ <i>Norddeutsche
+Allgemeine Zeitung</i> and the semi-official <i>K&ouml;lnische
+Zeitung</i> published the following report of the explosion.
+"According to the statement of the Governor of Warsaw it was caused
+by revolutionaries. No proof of this was forthcoming, therefore it
+was ascribed to lightning, and as nobody believed this
+explanation&mdash;there was not a cloud on the sky at the
+time&mdash;the guilt remained finally with the revolutionaries.</p>
+<p>"Now it has been proved, not to the satisfaction of the Russian
+authorities of course, that Russian officers of high rank blew the
+magazine up, because they would have to supply the troops with
+ammunition after the mobilization&mdash;and the ammunition was not
+there. The money for the same had found its way into the officers'
+pockets."</p>
+<p>On July 30th the <i>Vossische Zeitung</i> announced: "To-day
+even more alarming news has been in the air than in the last few
+days. The <i>Lokal Anzeiger</i> stated during the afternoon that an
+order for the mobilization of the army and navy had been signed by
+the Kaiser. On making inquiries in official quarters, we were
+informed that the 'news' is false. At three o'clock Wolff's Bureau
+issued an official <i>dementi</i>: 'We have received an official
+statement to the effect that the news published in an extra edition
+of the <i>Berliner Lokal Anzeiger</i> that the Kaiser had ordered
+the general mobilization is untrue.' Great excitement was caused by
+the <i>Lokal Anzeiger's</i> announcement, and the public visibly
+disquieted."</p>
+<p>The above report refers, of course, to incidents which happened
+on the preceding day. The 30th of July was marked by the
+suppression of three Berlin papers, including the <i>Berliner
+Neuester Nachrichten</i>, for divulging the fact that the 1st, 5th
+and 17th Army Corps had been mobilized. An account of this <i>faux
+pas</i> appeared on July 31st in the <i>Kreuz Zeitung</i> and
+concluded, after denying the truth of the mobilization, with the
+following paragraph: "If bodies of troops have been moved to
+various points of our Eastern frontier, then it only means the
+so-called frontier protection (<i>Grenzschutz</i>), which has been
+made necessary by our Eastern neighbour strengthening his customary
+frontier guards by troops of the line. Frontier protection is not
+generally intended to prevent a serious attack, but means rather a
+kind of police action."</p>
+<p>Two other passages will suffice to illuminate the mobilization
+question. "Yesterday Russia gave official notification in Vienna
+and Berlin of mobilization against Austria. Is it to be wondered at
+that a feeling of disquietude is spreading throughout all classes
+of the nation. By delay on our side, valuable military advantages
+may be lost if the people once suspect that there is an absence of
+that firmness and joy of responsibility
+(<i>Verantwortungsfreudigkeit</i>) which marked the action of the
+Austrian Government and was hailed with jubilation by the German
+nation.</p>
+<p>"<i>Summa summarum</i>: The German Government has taken honest
+pains during the last week in showing its peace-loving disposition
+and in seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis. Nevertheless the
+political situation on all sides and in every respect, has become
+worse from day to day through the fault and according to the
+intention of the Triple Entente."[<a href="#note-10">10</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-10"><!-- Note Anchor 10 --></a>[Footnote 10:
+<i>Kreuz Zeitung</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>"The others are mobilizing. We&mdash;issue denials. We deny
+everything which might mean mobilization or look like preparation
+for that step. It is done for the sake of 'peace,' so that Russia,
+who is gathering her national strength together in masses, may not
+be offended. Are we being led? We look to the Kaiser. The Peace
+Societies and some of Germany's enemies are looking to him.</p>
+<p>"Can we remain indifferent in our hour of dread need, when the
+gleaming promise of a bright future appears in the distance, if the
+inability to resolve and dare has made Berlin its headquarters. All
+efforts are for 'peace' with honour. But in politics one must be
+able to recognize when it is impossible to continue at peace; when
+peace is at the cost of our friends, our own security, and the
+future of European peace. In view of this one must be able to
+act."[<a href="#note-11">11</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-11"><!-- Note Anchor 11 --></a>[Footnote 11:
+<i>Deutsche Zeitung</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>The internal tactics of the German Government had been
+successful all along the line. Insignificant Serbia had dropped out
+of the reckoning. Russia must be humbled. The German nation,
+believing itself entirely peaceful, and convinced that its leaders
+had done everything possible for peace, now demanded in no
+unmistakable voice&mdash;action! mobilization! war!</p>
+<p>Announcements of mobilization on all sides (Switzerland,
+Holland, Belgium) doubtless added to the popular belief that
+Germany desired above all things&mdash;peace. Still, in spite of
+the warlike spirit of the nation and the burning desire to settle
+off Russia once and for all, there was an undercurrent of
+overstrained nervousness. A Dresden paper of July 30th relates that
+between the hours of two and four on the preceding afternoon a
+Berlin newspaper had been asked thirty-seven different questions on
+the telephone relating to rumours of assassinations, mobilization,
+etc.</p>
+<p>The process of inspiring national confidence, however, had by no
+means suffered through neglect. France was represented as being
+unprepared and, together with England, desiring only peace. As
+early as July 27th in the <i>T&auml;gliche Rundschau</i> the public
+had been told that Italy, had officially declared herself ready and
+willing to stand by the Central Powers as an ally.</p>
+<p>Even Japan was used to stiffen Teutonic courage. The
+<i>Deutscher Kurier</i> told its readers in a telegram from New
+York (?) that Americans fully expected Japan to attack Russia in
+the back and Japanese ministers were holding conferences all day
+and night. According to the <i>Weser Zeitung</i>, August 1st, Japan
+was arming for war, while the <i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger
+Zeitung</i> published details of an alliance concluded between
+Austria and Japan in Vienna on the afternoon of July 30th.
+According to this source Japan had pledged herself to support
+Austria in case the latter was attacked by Russia, while Austria
+declared her absolute disinterestedness in the Far East. On August
+1st the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> repeated this legend; but advised
+its readers to exercise reserve in accepting it.</p>
+<p>"During the evening (August 2nd) the news spread in the streets
+of Berlin that Japan was mobilizing and had already declared war on
+Russia. Huge crowds flocked to the Japanese Embassy and spent hours
+in cheering Japan, Germany, and the Triple Alliance."[<a href=
+"#note-12">12</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-12"><!-- Note Anchor 12 --></a>[Footnote 12:
+<i>Der Montag</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>Meanwhile Russia, having failed to get her simple rights
+recognized and knowing that Germany had made extensive military
+preparations, decided on July 31st to mobilize her entire forces.
+The German Ambassador immediately informed his Government of this
+step, and the Kaiser placed Germany under martial law. On the same
+day the Emperor proceeded from Potsdam to the Imperial Palace in
+Berlin.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH3"><!-- CH3 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+<center>THE DOGS LET LOOSE</center>
+<p>"Just after three o'clock a company, at war strength, from the
+'Alexander' regiment marched under the command of a young
+lieutenant, down Unter den Linden. Drums were beaten; a huge crowd
+listened in solemn silence as the lieutenant read the articles
+placing the German Empire under martial law. The crowd was fully
+alive to the awful sternness of this historic moment.</p>
+<p>"After the proclamation was ended a deep silence ensued, then a
+loud voice cried: 'The Kaiser! Hurrah!' Three times the shout rang
+to the heavens. 'The German army! Hurrah!' Once more the caps were
+swung three times. The boy-like lieutenant, with head erect, sword
+in hand, commands: 'Attention! Slope arms!' The regular beat of
+marching men follows as they proceed in the direction of the
+Imperial Residence. Berlin is under martial law!"[<a href=
+"#note-13">13</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-13"><!-- Note Anchor 13 --></a>[Footnote 13:
+<i>Deutscher Kurier</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>"During the afternoon enormous masses of people collected in the
+streets and open spaces of Berlin. Unter den Linden, in expectation
+of the Kaiser's return, was overfilled with excited, waiting
+throngs. Just before a quarter to four a great movement was seen
+from the direction of the Brandenburger Tor, which spread like a
+wave along the street. Everybody rushed on to the road, and the
+police were pushed aside. Then the suppressed excitement of the
+last few days gave vent to a hurricane of hurrahs as the populace
+greeted their monarch. The Emperor was wearing the uniform of the
+<i>Garde-K&uuml;rassiere</i>; beside him sat the Empress. His
+countenance was overshadowed by deep gravity as he returned the
+welcome of his subjects. At a quarter to four the Kaiser was in the
+royal castle, and immediately the Imperial Standard was fluttering
+aloft."[<a href="#note-14">14</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-14"><!-- Note Anchor 14 --></a>[Footnote 14:
+<i>Vossische Zeitung</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>The next twenty-four hours are so full of fateful events that
+they seem one big blur on the memory. Although everyone was
+convinced that an appeal to the sword was inevitable, there was
+still a tense feeling of dread expectation hanging like a cloud
+over the land. During the whole of that long night the author was
+an observer from an overcrowded train which left Nuremberg at 9
+p.m. and rumbled dismally into Cologne the next morning at ten
+o'clock. Every station, great and small, was crowded with anxious,
+expectant crowds; the smaller stations full of spectators and
+relatives bidding farewell to departing soldiers, and the greater
+ones crowded with fleeing tourists.</p>
+<p>On the platforms at Frankfort and Cologne many tons of luggage
+were stacked in huge piles. It would be interesting to know what
+became of them.[<a href="#note-15">15</a>] Few Germans could have
+slept that night; the anxiety was too great. The whole railway line
+was guarded by patrols, many of whom were in civilian attire. Here
+and there a "field-grey" uniform was visible. On many stations
+armed guards awaited the arrival of reservists and gave them
+conduct to the barracks.</p>
+<p><a name="note-15"><!-- Note Anchor 15 --></a>[Footnote 15: The
+<i>K&ouml;nigsberger Hartungsche Zeitung</i> contained a paragraph
+on August 7th to the effect that 120,000 trunks and portmanteaux
+had been collected on Berlin stations alone.]</p>
+<p>The Kaiser spoke words of cheer from a window of the royal
+palace on Friday evening, after which the restless crowd thronged
+to the official residence of the Chancellor to receive as a
+watchword the words which Prince Friedrich Karl had spoken on a
+memorable occasion to his Brandenburger troops: "Let your hearts
+beat to God, and your blows on the enemy."</p>
+<p>An ultimatum was despatched to St. Petersburg and presented at
+midnight to the Russian Government. The latter was requested to
+cancel all mobilization orders within twelve hours, or war would
+ensue. Simultaneously the French Government was asked what its
+attitude would be in case of a Russo-German war. In these measures
+it is safe to conclude that the German nation was heart and soul
+behind the Government, otherwise the tremendous outbreak of
+national enthusiasm throughout the length and breadth of the land
+would be entirely inexplicable.</p>
+<p>Throughout the day the nation awaited, under tense strain, an
+answer from Russia. "At five o'clock the excitement of the masses
+in Unter den Linden had increased to a degree almost beyond
+endurance. The crowd surged from side to side when a court carriage
+or an officer drove by in a motor-car. Everyone felt that the
+fateful decision might fall at any minute, when the German nation
+would know its fate.</p>
+<p>"Suddenly motor-cars full of officers appeared from the gates of
+the royal residence. They shouted to the excited crowd that the
+general mobilization had been ordered. One officer waved his drawn
+sword, another his handkerchief, while others stood up and waved
+their caps. Then an indescribable scene of jubilation followed; the
+parole 'mobilization' was passed on by the police, and in less time
+than it takes to write, the hundreds of thousands of human beings
+surging to and fro between the monument to 'Old Fritz' and the
+Lustgarten, knew that Germany would now speak with her
+sword."[<a href="#note-16">16</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-16"><!-- Note Anchor 16 --></a>[Footnote 16:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 2nd.]</p>
+<p>"Our hour of destiny has struck! Germany, the strongest and most
+peaceful nation on earth, appeals to the sword. The last call which
+we sent across the Eastern frontier has remained unanswered. The
+enemy is mute. Now Germany speaks!</p>
+<p>"The Kaiser calls the Empire to arms! Our King will lead
+Bavaria's armies to him. The nation is ready, armed to the teeth.
+Challenged by a dishonest opponent who envies us the fruit of our
+peaceful toil, the hands of German men leave their work and grasp
+the sword. Our enemy shall learn to his terrible cost, what it
+means to summon a nation in arms to the battlefield. The German
+army goes out to fight for our country, in a cause which is more
+stainless and pure than the light of the sun. The disgraceful
+Muscovite conspiracy, creeping in the footsteps of Serbian
+murderers, believes the moment has arrived in which they will be
+able to fall upon, overthrow and plunder us; Russia desires to
+kindle a world war.</p>
+<p>"We believe that he will not succeed; but should it thus fall
+out, we Germans will defend not only our land and ourselves; but,
+in this war which has been forced upon us in the basest manner
+possible, we shall defend the civilization of the world, the
+culture of the earth, against debased 'unculture' and the spreading
+roots of decay. This is a lofty and tremendous task. If we are
+victorious, as we confidently trust, then the ever-increasing
+number of civilized peoples honestly toiling in the blessings of
+peace, will thank us for centuries to come.</p>
+<p>"Brothers! Sisters! such an hour has come that the history of
+the world has never witnessed before. In the struggle which now
+begins&mdash;a deadly grapple frivolously conjured up by Russia's
+monarch&mdash;the whole earth will groan. The German people,
+however, will prove that it is worthy to retain and develop its
+leading place in the intellectual and cultural progress of the
+world. Our enemy envies us this position because in his land,
+stupidity and confusion reign supreme; his own uncivilization and
+barbarism cannot be rooted out.</p>
+<p>"We will prevent him from throwing Europe back to the conditions
+in which he and his likes dwell. May God grant that the civilized
+peoples of Europe may have true understanding for this historic
+hour, just as their heroic ancestors understood the danger when
+they hurled themselves against the invasions of the Mongols.</p>
+<p>"First of all the German nation will march against the armies of
+the East, and, hand in hand with our ally, we hope will so grip the
+enemy that he will lose all desire ever to attack us
+again."[<a href="#note-17">17</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-17"><!-- Note Anchor 17 --></a>[Footnote 17:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 2nd.]</p>
+<p>The last lines of this perfervid article, give an instructive
+clue. A mere quibble had arisen between the Central Powers and
+Russia. The former immediately adopted an arrogant, even
+threatening, attitude which thoughtful Germans condemned. Russia's
+willingness to submit the question to an arbitration conference
+consisting of four neutral ambassadors seems only to have
+intensified Teutonic lust to humiliate the opponent. In any case,
+it is interesting to note that between July 24th and 31st the whole
+German nation had been converted to the uncompromising attitude of
+the Government.</p>
+<p>Further, it is evident that the German people believed they were
+about to march against Russia. The very last remark which I heard
+from German lips as we entered the train to leave Erlangen on July
+31st was: "Jetzt werden die Russen abgekl&ouml;pft." ("Now the
+Russians will get a whacking.")[<a href="#note-18">18</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-18"><!-- Note Anchor 18 --></a>[Footnote 18: We
+left Erlangen at 3.30 p.m. Martial law had been proclaimed some
+time previous to that. But the proclamation in Berlin occurred at
+3.30 p.m. on the same day. The <i>Berliner Abendblatt</i> published
+on the same evening states that the Kaiser had been waiting and
+hoping for a peaceful answer from Russia. The Bavarian authorities
+could not have taken so serious a step without an order from the
+Highest War Lord, which leads to the conclusion that it was a
+device to get military preparation well under way.]</p>
+<p>The Berlin cabinet mobilized Germany's armed strength, as they
+alleged, against Russia, and the Government succeeded in arousing
+and enlisting national enthusiasm against the Eastern neighbour.
+Yet when the time came to strike, Germany's might was hurled
+against neutral Belgium and unwilling France, while Russia was left
+free to overrun the Eastern part of Germany. The blood-guilt rests
+in the first place with the Kaiser and his Government, and in the
+second place (although in no less a degree) with the German people,
+because they condoned the crime and acquiesced in the
+duplicity.</p>
+<p>While the war fury seethed through the nation the cry echoed on
+all sides: "We want peace! We have worked for a peaceful solution!"
+Yet a study of the workings of the national mind as revealed in the
+German Press, and of diplomatic doings as shown in the German White
+Book, affords not a single instance&mdash;excepting the Socialists'
+demonstrations&mdash;of any tangible, concrete effort made either
+by the German people or its representative diplomacy to avoid a
+catastrophe. On the other hand it must be said that the latter
+(German diplomacy) deliberately baulked the only practical proposal
+(Sir Edward Grey's) which could have brought about a solution. The
+German nation <i>did</i> desire peace, but only on the condition
+that their opponents granted Germany and Austria's arrogant claims
+down to the smallest tittle.</p>
+<p>Exactly at six minutes to one (midday) on August 1st, a telegram
+left Berlin instructing the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg to
+declare war on Russia at 5 p.m. if the latter State had not given a
+satisfactory answer to Germany's ultimatum by that time. Count
+Pourtal&egrave;s performed this duty, and therewith the sands of
+fate ran out.</p>
+<p>On the previous day summonses had been issued calling a meeting
+of the Reichstag for Tuesday, August 4th. The opening ceremony took
+place at 1 p.m. and all the political parties were present, except
+the Social Democrats, who, according to their traditions, did not
+appear, and thus escaped the famous hand-shaking scene. The Kaiser
+and two of his sons appeared in field-grey uniform. His theatrical
+appeal for the leaders of each party to swear fidelity to the
+national cause by shaking hands with him, as well as his saying
+that "Now there are only Germans," may have been spontaneous; but
+it is far more probable that they were meant to be a diplomatic
+appeal to the sentimental vanity of the German nation.</p>
+<p>It would be superfluous to deal with the speech from the throne
+in this place, but at the close of the ceremony an incident
+occurred which deserves mention. "After taking leave of the
+Reichstag's representatives the Kaiser stretched out his hand to
+the famous professor of jurisprudence in Strasbourg University, Dr.
+van Calker. The Kaiser looked steadily at Professor van Calker for
+a moment, then, after the handshake, clenched his fist and struck
+downwards uttering these words: 'Nun aber wollen wir sie
+dreschen!'[<a href="#note-19">19</a>] ('Now we will jolly well
+thrash them!'); nodded to the professor and walked away."[<a href=
+"#note-20">20</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-19"><!-- Note Anchor 19 --></a>[Footnote 19: This
+utterance has since become a common theme for composition exercises
+in German schools.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-20"><!-- Note Anchor 20 --></a>[Footnote 20:
+<i>T&auml;gliche Rundschau</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>The sitting in the Reichstag was a solemn event. On that
+occasion the Chancellor expressed himself at length in defining
+Germany's position.</p>
+<p>"A tremendous fate has fallen upon Europe. While we have
+endeavoured to maintain the prestige of the German Empire in the
+eyes of the world, we have lived for forty-four years in peace and
+protected European peace. In this work of peace we have become
+strong and mighty&mdash;therefore we are envied. We have suffered
+with long-enduring patience; while in the East and West, under the
+excuse that Germany is lusting for war, hatred for us has been
+nourished and fetters wrought where-with to bind us. The wind which
+blows there has now become a storm.</p>
+<p>"We desired nothing but to live on in peaceful toil, content
+with an unspoken oath that was echoed from the Emperor down to the
+youngest recruit. Our sword shall only leap from its sheath in
+defence of a just cause. (Loud applause.) The day on which we must
+draw it, has dawned against our will and contrary to our honest
+endeavours. Russia has set a burning torch to the house of peace.
+(Loud cries of 'Quite true.') We stand to-day in a forced war with
+Russia and France.</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, a number of documents, collected in the haste caused
+by these overwhelming events, have been laid before you. Permit me
+to emphasize the facts which characterize our attitude.</p>
+<p>"From the moment that the Austrian conflict broke out we have
+striven and worked to limit the quarrel to Austria-Hungary and
+Serbia. All the cabinets, in particular England, accept this view;
+only Russia has declared that in the settlement of this conflict,
+she must be allowed to express her wishes. Therewith the danger of
+European complications raised its threatening countenance.</p>
+<p>"As soon as the first certain news of Russian military
+preparations reached us, we caused it to be made known in St.
+Petersburg, in a friendly but unmistakable manner, that warlike
+measures and military preparations would compel us also to take
+corresponding steps. But mobilization is next to war. Russia
+assured us in a friendly tone (cries of indignation) that she was
+making no military preparations against us.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile England tried to mediate between Vienna and St.
+Petersburg and was warmly supported by us. On July 28th the Kaiser
+telegraphed to the Czar begging him to remember that it was
+Austria-Hungary's right and duty to stop the Greater-Serbian
+agitation, as this threatened to undermine Austria's existence.
+(Cries of indignation.) The Kaiser pointed out to the Czar the gulf
+between monarchical interests and the outrage at Serajewo; he
+begged him to give his personal support to the Kaiser's endeavour
+to smooth out the antithesis between Vienna and St. Petersburg.</p>
+<p>"Just before this telegram came into the Czar's hands, the Czar,
+on his side, begged the Kaiser for his help: the Kaiser should
+advise Vienna to be more moderate. The Kaiser undertook the task of
+mediator, but the action ordered by him was hardly in motion, when
+Russia began to mobilize all her forces against Austria-Hungary.
+(Excited shouts of indignation and disgust.) But Austria had only
+mobilized certain army corps against Serbia, besides which she had
+only two corps, and these were far from the Russian frontier.</p>
+<p>"At this juncture the Kaiser informed the Czar that the
+mobilization of his armies against Austria would increase the
+difficulties of mediation, a task which he had undertaken at the
+Czar's express wish, and perhaps render it impossible.
+Nevertheless, we continued our mediatory action in Berlin, and
+indeed in a form which went to the limits permitted by our
+alliance. (Great excitement.) During this time Russia renewed her
+assurances that she was taking no military measures against us.</p>
+<p>"We come to July 3ist. In Vienna a decision was to be arrived at
+on that day. By our representations we had already brought it about
+that Vienna, which for a time was not in direct communication with
+St. Petersburg, had commenced direct discussion again. But before
+Vienna could come to a final decision, the news came that Russia
+was mobilizing&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>, against us too&mdash;her whole
+forces. (Cries of indignation.) The Russian Government, although
+fully aware from our repeated representations what a mobilization
+on our frontiers means, did not notify this step to us, and gave us
+no explanations concerning it.</p>
+<p>"As late as the afternoon of July 31st a telegram came from the
+Czar to the Kaiser in which the former pledged himself that his
+army should take up no provocative attitude against us. (Great
+excitement.) But the hostile mobilization on the Russian frontier
+was in full swing during the night July 30th-31st. While we were
+mediating in Berlin the Russian armies appeared on our long and
+almost entirely open frontier. France was not yet mobilizing, but,
+as she admits, was already taking precautionary measures.</p>
+<p>"And we? Up till then we had not&mdash;the Imperial Chancellor
+spoke with great emotion and repeatedly struck the table while
+uttering these words&mdash;called up a single reservist, out of a
+loving regard for the peace of Europe. (Loud cries of 'Bravo!')
+Were we then to wait on in patience till the Powers between which
+we are wedged should choose their moment to strike? (A hurricane of
+voices, 'No!') To expose Germany to this danger would be a crime.
+(Stormy, general and long continued cries of 'Quite true!' and
+'Bravo!' in which the Social Democrats joined too.)</p>
+<p>"Therefore on July 31st we requested Russia to demobilize as the
+only measure which could save the European peace. (Loud applause.)
+The Imperial Ambassador in St. Petersburg further received
+instructions to inform the Russian Government, that in case our
+demand was rejected, we should consider ourselves in a state of war
+with Russia. The Imperial Ambassador has carried out these
+instructions.</p>
+<p>"What answer Russia accorded to our demand for demobilization we
+do not know even to-day. Telegraphic announcements on this point
+have not reached us, although matters of far less importance have
+been sent over the wires. Hence, long after the expiration of the
+stated time, the Kaiser saw himself compelled to mobilize our
+forces at 5 o'clock on August 1st.</p>
+<p>"Simultaneously, it was necessary for us to inquire regarding
+France's attitude. In answer to our definite question whether, in
+case of a Russo-German war, France would remain neutral, the French
+Government has replied that they will act as their interests
+dictate. (Laughter.) This was at least an evasion, if not a
+negative answer to our question.</p>
+<p>"In spite of this, the Kaiser ordered that the French frontier
+should be respected. This order was strictly obeyed with one single
+exception. France, who mobilized at the same time as ourselves,
+declared that she would respect a ten-kilometre zone along her
+frontiers. (Cries of indignation.) And what happened in reality?
+Their airmen have thrown bombs, cavalry patrols have violated our
+territory, and companies have broken into Alsace-Lorraine.
+(Indignation.) Therewith, France, although war has not yet been
+declared, has attacked our territories.</p>
+<p>"As regards the single exception which I have referred, I have
+received the following report from the Chief of the General Staff:
+In respect to French complaints of violations of her frontiers,
+only one case is admitted. Against express orders an officer with a
+patrol from the 14th Army Corps crossed the French frontier on
+August 2nd. Apparently they were shot down; only one man has
+returned. But long before this single instance occurred, French
+airmen had penetrated into Southern Germany and dropped bombs, and
+French troops had attacked our frontier-protection-troops in the
+Schlucht Pass. Up till now our soldiers have confined themselves
+entirely to protecting the frontier.</p>
+<p>"So far the report from the Chief of the General Staff.</p>
+<p>"We are now in a position of self-defence, and necessity knows
+no law![<a href="#note-21">21</a>] (Cries of 'Quite right!') Our
+troops have occupied Luxembourg, perhaps they have already entered
+Belgium. (Loud applause.) That is a breach of international law.
+The French Government, it is true, had declared in Brussels that
+they would respect Belgian neutrality so long as their opponent
+respected it. But we knew that France stood ready to invade it.
+(Cries of indignation.)</p>
+<p><a name="note-21"><!-- Note Anchor 21 --></a>[Footnote 21: This
+sentence seems so important that I give the original: "Wir sind
+jetzt in der Notwehr, und Not kennt kein Gebot!"]</p>
+<p>"France could wait, we could not; and a French attack in our
+flank on the Lower Rhine might have been disastrous for us. Thus we
+were compelled to ignore the protests of the Luxembourg and Belgian
+Governments.</p>
+<p>"The injustice which we commit thereby, we shall try to make
+good again as soon as our military goal is attained. Anyone who
+fights for the highest, as we do now, may only think of how he may
+hack his way through. (Hurricanes of applause; long continued
+hand-clapping in the whole house and on the tribune.)</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with
+Austria-Hungary. Concerning England's attitude, the declaration
+made by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons yesterday has made
+the standpoint which the English Government takes up quite
+clear.</p>
+<p>"We have declared to the English Government that as long as
+England remains neutral, our fleet shall not attack the North Coast
+of France. Further, that we shall not disturb the integrity and
+independence of Belgium. I repeat this declaration before the whole
+world and I may add that if England will remain neutral, we are
+prepared&mdash;assuming mutual treatment&mdash;to undertake no
+hostile operations against France's commercial marine.
+(Applause.)</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, so much for events up till now! I repeat the words
+of the Kaiser: 'We enter the struggle with a clear conscience!'
+(Great enthusiasm.) We are fighting for the fruits of our labours
+in peace, for the heritage of a great past, and for our future. The
+fifty years are not yet ended within which Moltke said we should
+stand at arms to defend the heritage and the achievements of 1870.
+The hour of great trial has struck for our nation. But we look
+forward to it with absolute confidence. (Tremendous applause.)</p>
+<p>"Our army is in the field, our fleet is ready, and behind them
+the entire German nation (roars of never-ending applause and
+hand-clapping in the whole house)&mdash;the whole German nation!
+(These words were accompanied by a gesture towards the Social
+Democrats.&mdash;Renewed outburst of applause, in which the Social
+Democrats also joined.)</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, you know your duty in its entirety. The vote of
+credit requires no further argument, I beg you to pass it quickly.
+(Loud applause.)"[<a href="#note-22">22</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-22"><!-- Note Anchor 22 --></a>[Footnote 22:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>Unfortunately this eloquent exposition of Germany's case
+contains inaccuracies which can only be described as conscious
+untruths. I have already made myself responsible for the statement:
+"Lying has always been the foundation stone of German
+policy."[<a href="#note-23">23</a>] Earl Cromer, in commenting on
+this, gives additional evidence of its veracity.[<a href=
+"#note-24">24</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-23"><!-- Note Anchor 23 --></a>[Footnote 23: "Soul
+of Germany," p. 192.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-24"><!-- Note Anchor 24 --></a>[Footnote 24:
+<i>The Spectator</i>, August 7th, 1915, p. 169.]</p>
+<p>The German Chancellor, when he justified his policy by the
+dictum: "Necessity knows no law," evidently meant that necessity
+also recognizes no law of truth. In any case, he remained faithful
+to the traditions of his country. Although the German Press is both
+venal and supine, we shall see that it has done the world a service
+and played its own Government a foul trick. (Der deutschen
+Regierung einen b&ouml;sen Streich gespielt.)</p>
+<p>When Bethmann-Hollweg was thumping the table before him, and
+assuring his immediate hearers and the world in general that the
+Berlin cabinet had not called up a single reservist before five
+o'clock on Saturday, August 1st, he was guilty of a deliberate
+falsehood. On July 31st, I left Erlangen by the 3.31 train for
+Nuremberg; travelling in the same train was Dr. Haack, professor of
+the history of art in Erlangen University. He was accompanied by
+his wife and various colleagues, including Professor Busch, who
+bade him farewell on the platform. Dr. Haack is an artillery
+reserve officer, and he was then going to join his regiment. At
+8.30 p.m. on the same day, we spoke to Frau Haack on Nuremberg
+station. The lady's face was very tear-stained and she was about to
+return to Erlangen alone. She told us in a broken voice that her
+husband had been called up.</p>
+<p>In "The Soul of Germany" I have given names and dates of other
+cases. I do not propose to disgrace my word of honour by playing it
+off against the German Chancellor. But acting on the principle of
+"Set a thief to catch a thief," I shall adduce some instances from
+German newspapers.</p>
+<p>The Paris correspondent of the <i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>
+travelled home via Brussels; his adventures are related at length
+in the <i>K.Z.</i> for August 4th. On August 1st he was in Brussels
+and complained bitterly, in his article, about the hotel service,
+and excuses it by writing: "The German waiters had all left
+Brussels the day before (July 31st) to join the army."</p>
+<p>An article dated Strasbourg, August 3rd, was published in the
+<i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i> on the 6th of the same month. The writer
+describes the martial scenes which he had witnessed during the
+preceding week, and mentions that the officers in the garrison had
+received a special order to send their wives and children away from
+the city several days before martial law was proclaimed. Friday,
+presumably, the order came for the garrison to march to the French
+frontier, for on Saturday the regiments were entrained and left
+Strasbourg. Our good German friend describes the scene in the
+streets: "Alongside the ranks were the wives and children of the
+called-up reservists, trying to keep step with the quickly moving
+troops. Before sunset the regiments, all on a war-footing, had left
+the city."</p>
+<p>Every layman knows that a reservist cannot enter a barracks in
+civilian attire, and emerge five minutes later in full war-kit
+ready for the march. The German Imperial Chancellor affirms that
+not one of them had been called up before five o'clock in the
+afternoon of that day. It is true that neither the age of miracles
+nor the age of lies has passed away. Perhaps Herr Bethmann-Hollweg
+could explain why it was impossible to send trunk-messages on
+Germany's telephone system during the last three days of July,
+1914. At least, the local papers in Bavaria asserted that that was
+the case.</p>
+<p>The <i>Elbinger Zeitung</i>, August 13th, contained a
+reservist's letter with this illuminating passage: "During the last
+few days everybody was in readiness; our linen, etc., had been
+packed and sent off in advance. On Friday, July 31st, the order
+arrived that I should present myself; mobilization had begun. With
+feelings of joy I changed into my uniform and rushed to join my
+company. The streets were full of frightened people with tears in
+their eyes. We officers pressed each others' hands and with ardent
+glances exclaimed: 'At last it has come!'"</p>
+<p>The Chancellor based his assertion that French troops had
+crossed the German frontier, on the report from the Chief of the
+General Staff. This authority admitted that German soldiers on
+August 2nd (Sunday) had violated the French frontier and continues
+with these words: "But long before that French airmen had dropped
+bombs in Southern Germany, and French soldiers had attacked our
+frontier-guards in the Schlucht Pass."</p>
+<p>The <i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i>, July 31st, gives
+Bethmann-Hollweg and the Chief of the General Staff the lie direct.
+The paragraph is dated July 30th, Kolmar, and runs: "The Schlucht
+Pass has just been barricaded by German frontier guards. This is to
+prevent motor-lorries and such-like vehicles from entering French
+territory without our permission. Several papers have announced the
+alleged occupation of the Schlucht (gorge) by French troops. The
+report is an absolute invention. (Die Meldung ist v&ouml;llig aus
+der Luft gegriffen.) I have taken the trouble to look round, and
+may say that the usual tourist traffic is going on as usual."</p>
+<p>The remainder of the charge is that "long before August 2nd,"
+French airmen had dropped bombs on South German towns. The towns in
+question are Frankfort and Nuremberg. The <i>K&ouml;lnische
+Zeitung</i> contained this paragraph on August 2nd: "A military
+report has just come in, stating that French airmen dropped bombs
+in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg this morning. As war has not yet
+been declared between France and Germany, this is a breach of
+international law."</p>
+<p>Two remarks are necessary to supplement the above "news."
+Firstly, in the Reichstag, the Chancellor said this attack had
+occurred "long before August 2nd." Secondly, the <i>Cologne
+Gazette</i> received the report from the <i>military
+authorities</i>. That betrays the source from which all these lies
+emanated.</p>
+<p>The author has in his possession a Nuremberg paper
+(<i>Fr&auml;nkische Tagepost</i>) for the whole of August, 1914. It
+contains absolutely no mention of any air raid on or near
+Nuremberg. If bombs had been dropped in the vicinity, it is quite
+unthinkable that the local papers should contain no report of the
+affair.</p>
+<p>President Poincar&eacute;, on July 15th, 1915, declared the
+Nuremberg flight to be a fable. The <i>Fr&auml;nkischer Kurier</i>
+(a Nuremberg newspaper) on August 1st, 1915, contains an article
+which states that the news of these alleged airmen, whom nobody
+saw, was spread throughout the length and breadth of the German
+Empire. This same paper ridicules the whole affair.</p>
+<p>Another extract gives the key to the whole mystery. "Yesterday
+(Monday, August 3rd), at 8 p.m., the following official
+announcement was given out for publication.</p>
+<p>"Up till now, the German troops, in obedience to orders given,
+have not crossed the French frontier. In contrast to this
+<i>since</i> yesterday (August 2nd) French troops have attacked our
+frontier posts without any declaration of war. They have crossed
+the German frontier at several points, although only a few days ago
+the French Government assured us that they would keep a zone ten
+kilometres wide free from their troops. <i>Since</i> last night
+French troops hold German places in occupation. <i>Since</i>
+yesterday bomb-dropping airmen have come into Baden and Bavaria;
+further, by violating Belgian neutrality, they have fled over
+Belgian territory into the Rhine province and tried to destroy our
+railways. Thus France has begun an attack upon us, and thereby
+created a state of war. The safety of the Empire compels us to take
+defensive measures. The Kaiser has given the necessary orders. The
+German Ambassador in Paris has been instructed to demand his
+passports."[<a href="#note-25">25</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-25"><!-- Note Anchor 25 --></a>[Footnote 25: From
+the <i>Berliner Lokal Anzeiger</i> of August 4th.]</p>
+<p>Germany had no earthly excuse to begin war on France, and
+imitating the noble example of Bismarck in forging the notorious
+Ems telegram which precipitated the 1870 war, the German military
+authorities forged the "news" of alleged attacks by French airmen
+and French troops. The German Official Press Bureau completed this
+vile, criminal work.</p>
+<p>Although the point is proved, a few more examples of the
+"airmen" legend will be of interest. "Berlin, August 2nd. <i>Last
+night</i> a hostile airship was observed flying from Kerprich to
+Andernach. Hostile aeroplanes were observed flying from D&uuml;ren
+to Cologne. A French aeroplane was shot down by Wesel." (From the
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 3rd.)</p>
+<p>The <i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i>, August 4th, contains three
+separate detailed accounts of French airmen dropping bombs on
+Frankfort railway station during the previous night. The third
+account will suffice.</p>
+<p>"The military authorities in Frankfort were informed last night
+that a hostile airman was flying in the direction from Darmstadt to
+Frankfort. At ten minutes past one the noise of the propellers as
+well as bursting bombs was heard by those standing on the
+command-bridge of the Central Station. In the dark night it was
+impossible to see the flying-machine. As it approached the station,
+where all lights were out, fifty to sixty soldiers stationed on the
+command-bridge fired at the aeroplane, which soon moved off in the
+direction of the Southern Station. There, too, it came under a
+heavy fire from soldiers and policemen. Nothing whatever has been
+found on the ground or at the station, not even parts of the bombs.
+It is assumed that the hand-bombs exploded in the air."[<a href=
+"#note-26">26</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-26"><!-- Note Anchor 26 --></a>[Footnote 26: Yes,
+they burst in the air, <i>aus der sie gegriffen worden sind!</i>
+Author.]</p>
+<p>In peace times no German editor would dare to refuse any
+contribution sent to him by the military authorities. The above
+airman-story sufficiently illustrates the state of affairs in war
+time.</p>
+<p>"Chemnitz, August 4th. During the past night, between 3 and 4
+a.m., a French airman dropped bombs on Chemnitz. Bombs exploded in
+the streets without, however, doing any damage. Apparently the
+shots fired at the aeroplane were unfortunately without result."
+<i>Magdeburgische Zeitung</i>, August 5th.</p>
+<p>This is an excellent example of how the Press trick is worked. A
+lying report is published in a city hundreds of miles away from the
+scene of the alleged occurrence. The extract where it was alleged
+that a French airman was shot down at Wesel, on the Dutch frontier,
+was published in a Munich paper, four hundred miles away.</p>
+<p>The last and supreme lie in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech is the
+most insidious of all. The Chancellor sketched a truly moving
+picture of Germany beseeching Austria to find a <i>modus
+vivendi</i> between herself and Russia. Germany claims that up to
+the last minute of the last fatal week she was working for peace.
+Bethmann-Hollweg insinuates that on July 31st a last decision was
+to have fallen in Vienna; he does not tell us what that decision
+would have been, but he maintains that Russia's military
+preparations forestalled it and so the decision was never arrived
+at. Thus Russia destroyed the last hope of peace; the Chancellor
+falsely led his hearers to believe that it was a certain hope and
+that the European peace would have been saved.</p>
+<p>It is useless to choose one's words in writing of German
+diplomacy. This is a base lie. Austria arrived at her decision
+previous to sending her ultimatum to Serbia. This momentous
+decision was, that Russia had no right to intervene in the quarrel,
+which means, in other words, that Russia had absolutely no right to
+speak or use her influence in a crisis affecting the destiny of the
+Slavonic peoples, neither had Russia any right to move in a crisis
+which would disturb the balance of power in the Balkans and in
+Europe. It was merely these rights which Russia throughout the
+crisis endeavoured to establish; if they had been recognized there
+would have been no war.</p>
+<a name="redbook"></a>
+<p>In order to prove what the Austro-German standpoint was, and
+that from first to last never changed, reference must be made to
+the Austrian Red Book.[<a href="#note-27">27</a>] On page 24: Sir
+Edward Grey was informed by Count Mensdorf on July 24th, "and I
+(Mensdorf) repeated to him (Grey) many times, that we should stick
+to that view."</p>
+<p><a name="note-27"><!-- Note Anchor 27 --></a>[Footnote 27:
+Oesterreichisch-ungarisches Rotbuch. Vienna, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Page 25. Count Cz&eacute;csen in Paris informed French Minister:
+"It is a question which can only be settled between Serbia and
+ourselves," on July 24th.</p>
+<p>On the same day the Austrian Ambassador emphasized the same
+point in an interview with the Russian Foreign Minister&mdash;pp.
+27-8.</p>
+<p>During the evening Monsieur Sasonow had interviews with both the
+German and Austrian Ambassadors. The latter telegraphed to Vienna:
+"My German colleague at once pointed out to M. Sasonow that Austria
+would not accept any interference in her differences with Serbia
+and that Germany would also not permit it."&mdash;p. 29.</p>
+<p>That gives the situation in its simplest form, and without
+making further quotations, it will suffice to cite the dates on
+which it was re-emphasized:</p>
+<pre>
+  July 25th  in St. Petersburg,   p. 89
+    "  27th  "  "       "         p. 101
+    "  28th  " Berlin by Germany, p. 116
+    "   "    " London by Austria, p. 123
+    "  29th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 128
+    "  30th  " Berlin,         "  p. 130
+    "  30th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 131
+    "  31st  " Vienna,         "  p. 133
+  August 1st " St. Petersburg, "  p. 136
+</pre>
+<p>Moreover, no less a personage than the Kaiser's brother
+confirmed this view. In Prince Heinrich's telegram to the King of
+England, July 30th, the following passage occurs: "If you really
+and sincerely wish to prevent this terrible misfortune (a European
+war), may I propose that you should exercise your influence on
+France and Russia to keep them both neutral (in the Austro-Serbian
+quarrel). In my opinion this would be of the greatest service. I
+consider this a certain means and perhaps <i>the only possibility
+of preserving European peace</i>."</p>
+<p>Prince Heinrich expressed no hope that Austria could be
+persuaded to make any concession, but merely requested King George
+to exercise his influence to get Russia to accept a position
+impossible to herself and incompatible with the balance of power in
+Europe.</p>
+<p>The rock of Germanic obstinacy was seated in Vienna, whether
+Germany was the prime mover in erecting it remains to be proved.
+Germany knew full well that European peace would be shattered on
+that rock, yet there is no fragment of evidence to show that she
+tried to remove it; but there is overwhelming proof that she
+encouraged Austria to stand by it, thus causing a European
+conflagration.</p>
+<p>And as if the above were insufficient to prove that the German
+Imperial Chancellor was guilty of conscious falsification, Austria
+put one more nail in the coffin of European peace on September
+24th, 1914, when it issued an official communication to the Press,
+reiterating that Austria had never dreamed of departing from the
+attitude which she first took up.[<a href="#note-28">28</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-28"><!-- Note Anchor 28 --></a>[Footnote 28: "Die
+Schuld am Weltkriege" ("The Guilt for the World War"), by an
+Austrian. Vienna, 1915, p. 59.]</p>
+<p>Germany's aim was to employ the Serajewo crime as a lever to put
+Russia, as a vital force, out of the domain of European politics.
+In spite of denials, there is reason to believe that Austria was
+inclined to listen to reason, but Germany forestalled and prevented
+this by despatching an ultimatum to Russia and then declaring
+war.</p>
+<p>A few other points in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech deserve brief
+notice. He quotes Germany's threats, but not one word from the
+peaceful overtures which were so often mentioned. He fails to cite
+any single point which Austria had yielded at Germany's advice.
+Further, no proof of Germany's vaunted "mediatory action" is
+discoverable either in the speech or the diplomatic documents
+published by the Central Powers.</p>
+<p>In regard to his justification of the violation of Belgian
+neutrality, the civilized world has already passed judgment, and in
+this place it only remains to point out that the four hundred
+members of the Reichstag cheered the Chancellor's announcement.
+This alone is a sufficiently severe comment on the conceptions of
+right and justice which direct the proceedings of Germany's highest
+legislative body.</p>
+<p>It evidently did not occur to the Reichstag or Germany's
+Imperial Chancellor that, if necessity knows no law which respects
+a neutrality guaranteed by Germany, then at a later date necessity
+would also recognize no law which protected Belgian territory after
+Germany had conquered it. A lamb in the jaws of a lion is in a
+truly dangerous position, and although the outlook may be black, it
+is still wiser for the lamb to try and avoid the lion's jaws.</p>
+<p>Bethmann-Hollweg saw the mote of Greater-Serbianism in Serbia's
+eye, but he was peculiarly anxious not to perceive the beam of
+Pan-Germanism which has blinded Germany's vision for a generation,
+and is the one and only cause for the rapid increase in European
+armaments.</p>
+<p>Before consigning the German Chancellor's Pecksniffian oration
+to well-deserved oblivion, there is one other fact to state,
+because it is of immediate interest to Great Britain. In the person
+of Bethmann-Hollweg the German Government stood before the world on
+August 4th, 1914, and endeavoured to prove that Germany was
+attacked, and that her conscience was clear. There are even Britons
+who have got stuck in Bethmann-Hollweg's peace-lime. Yet it would
+be interesting if the German Government would explain why the
+civilian population was ordered to leave Heligoland on the
+afternoon of Friday, July 31st. They were allowed twenty-four hours
+within which to leave the island, and one who was in the exodus
+describes the scene in the <i>Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten</i> for
+August 12th. Early on Saturday morning the civilians proceeded on
+to the landing-stage, where several steamers were waiting.
+"Suddenly the <i>K&ouml;nigin Luise</i> started off without taking
+any passengers on board, and soon disappeared under full
+steam."</p>
+<p>This was the boat which laid mines round the mouth of the
+Thames. Although the German Chancellor protested his desire for
+peace with England as late as August 4th, it seems quite evident
+from the events in Heligoland that war with this country had been
+decided upon on July 31st.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH4"><!-- CH4 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+<center>MOBILIZATION</center>
+<p>"Munich.&mdash;Evening after evening masses of people thronged
+the streets. The heavy, oppressive atmosphere weighed upon the
+spirit&mdash;a leaden pressure which increased with every hour.
+Then came the stirring events on the evening of July 3ist, when the
+drums beat 'general march' on the Marienplatz, and a commissioner
+read the articles of war to a crowd numbered by thousands. Thirty
+drummers and commissioners in motors rushed through the streets of
+the city.</p>
+<p>"On Saturday evening, August 1st, the general order for
+mobilization was proclaimed from the offices of the
+<i>M&uuml;nchener Neuesten Nachrichten</i>. A deep solemnity fell
+upon the masses of spectators and the crowd fell into rank to march
+to the Royal Palace, from a window of which King Ludwig spoke words
+of comfort and inspiration. Still singing the 'Wacht am Rhein,'
+this river of humanity flowed on to the 'Englischen Garten,' at the
+corner of which stands the Austrian Legation. A gentleman addressed
+the representative of our beloved ally, who sounded in his reply
+the note of 'faithfulness unto death.'</p>
+<p>"And now from out the stifling depression of the leaden weight
+of the previous days there arose a terrible, united will, a single
+mighty thought. The whole of a great and powerful people was
+aroused, fired by one solemn resolve&mdash;to act; advance on the
+enemy, and smash him to the earth!</p>
+<p>"Dresden.&mdash;I was sitting in the garden of a suburban
+restaurant; above me were the dark masses of chestnut trees, while
+before us, above the railway, was a long strip of bright,
+summer-night sky. There seemed to be something gloomy and uncanny
+in the air; the lamps blinked maliciously; a spirit of still
+expectation rested on the people; furtive glances were cast from
+time to time at the near embankment. Military trains were expected,
+and we listened nervously to the noises of the night. The first
+troop-transports; where were they going&mdash;against Russia or to
+the French frontier? It was whispered that the troops would only be
+transported by night.</p>
+<p>"At last a pounding thud came through the stillness of the
+night, and soon two colossal engines were silhouetted against the
+sky, like fire-spitting monsters. Their roar seemed more sinister
+than usual. Heavy forebodings rumbled out in the rocking and
+rolling of the endless coaches&mdash;the clang of a future,
+pregnant with death and pain. Suddenly the tables were empty;
+everyone rushed towards the lighted compartments of the train, and
+a scene of indescribable jubilation followed as train after train
+of armed men rushed by into the night.</p>
+<p>"Sometimes a troubled father was heard to exclaim: 'If only the
+first battles were fought and won!' Yet calm confidence prevailed
+from the very beginning. But the sight of the quiet, machine-like
+completion of the mobilization strengthened our trust, even though
+a justifiable indignation and rage filled our hearts at Europe's
+dastardly attack on the Central States. Hate flamed highest,
+however, when England declared war against us.</p>
+<p>"There are several reasons for this. In the north of Germany,
+the Englishman is looked upon as the European who stands nearest
+the German, and with whom we have the most sympathy. His personal
+reliability and the manly firmness of his bearing, the culture of
+English social life, English art and style, have given Imperial
+Germany many points of contact and grounds for sympathy. Our
+historical interests have never collided. Then we suddenly became
+aware that this country, under the mask of friendship, had egged on
+the whole of Europe to attack us. Not because we had injured
+English feelings or interests, but solely to destroy a competitor
+and divide his coat of many colours.</p>
+<p>"No political necessity compelled modern Carthage to declare war
+on us, but merely the avowed aim to do a good piece of business by
+the war. Without England's intrigues Europe would never have dared
+to attack us. In our case, therefore, hate has sprung out of
+disappointed love. England has become our mortal enemy, just as
+Russia is Austria's. In a word, the two Central Powers are inspired
+by moral superiority over their enemies, and are determined to wage
+war on them to the last drop of blood, and if fate permits it, to
+settle them off and settle up with them once for all.</p>
+<p>"At the commencement of the mobilization the railway time-tables
+in force were cancelled; railway traffic ceased, and only slow
+local-trains ran, stopping at every station to pick up the men.
+During the nights a gigantic transport of troops went on to the
+frontiers. From that moment the sale of alcohol on the stations was
+prohibited. The publication of news concerning troop movements was
+suppressed, in order to veil our objective and to keep secret our
+strength on the various frontiers.</p>
+<p>"The trains in the Tyrol were decked with wreaths and flowers.
+They bore Germans from the most southerly corners of our neutral
+ally&mdash;Italy. Members of the <i>Wehrkraftverein</i> (Boy
+Scouts) inspected the trains at every station, and it is said that
+a Serb was found bound fast underneath one of the carriages.
+Serbian scoundrels were found on all sides; if one of them had
+succeeded in destroying the Brenner line the whole plan of
+mobilization would have been disturbed. Therefore sentinels were
+placed along the whole line and strong guards protected every
+tunnel. At night all lights were put out and those on the engines
+covered up; even the stations were not illuminated&mdash;everywhere
+darkness.</p>
+<p>"Slowly feeling its way, the train crept over the
+Brenner&mdash;it took twelve hours; in Innsbruck the station was
+crowded with Germans to welcome the warriors, and the ancient hills
+echoed again and again the 'Wacht am Rhein.' The solemnity which
+had marked the first days in Munich had given place to boisterous
+joy. Thousands of men in mountain costume had flocked into Munich
+to offer themselves as volunteers, and the streets and station rang
+with their <i>jodeln</i>! (the peculiar cry of Alpine
+herdsmen).</p>
+<p>"Outside the station lay vast quantities of materials for the
+Flying Corps, and innumerable motor-cars. A regiment of artillery
+was just leaving, while a band was in the centre of the station;
+the rhythm of the kettle-drums rolled mightily, and the music
+clashed in the huge central hall; thousands of voices joined in,
+then helmets, hats, caps, rifles and swords were waved and the
+train moved off amid shouts: 'Go for them! Cut them down!' ('Drauf
+auf die Kerle! Haut sie zusammen!')"[<a href="#note-29">29</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-29"><!-- Note Anchor 29 --></a>[Footnote 29:
+Colonel Frobenius: "Durch Not und Tod" ("Through Distress and
+Death"). Leipzig, 1915, p. 12 et seq.]</p>
+<p>"If I live to be a hundred I shall never forget these days. They
+are the greatest in our history. We never dreamed that anything so
+overwhelming could be experienced on earth. Only three weeks ago
+and we should have been quite incapable of imagining its like. The
+feeling that we have experienced something overpowering, something
+which we cannot utter, overwhelms us all. We see it in each other's
+faces and feel it in the pressure of a hand. Words are too weak, so
+each is silent about what he feels. We are conscious of one thing
+alone: Germany's heart has appeared to us!</p>
+<p>"At last we see each other as we are, and that is the
+indescribable something&mdash;the birth of this great time. Never
+have we been so earnest and never so glad. Every other thought,
+every other feeling has gone. What we have thought and felt before
+was all unreality, mere ghosts; day has dawned and they have fled.
+The whole land bristles with arms and every German heart is filled
+with trust. If we were always as we are to-day&mdash;one heart and
+one voice&mdash;then the whole world would have to bow before us.
+But we no longer knew ourselves, we had forgotten our real nature.
+We were so many and so divided, and each wanted only to be himself.
+How was it that such madness could have blinded us, and discord
+weakened us?</p>
+<p>"Now we realize our strength and see what we can achieve, for in
+spite of all we have retained our integrity; we have suffered no
+injury to the soul. Germany's soul had slept awhile and now awakes
+like a giant refreshed, and we can hardly recollect what it was all
+like only three weeks ago, when each lived for himself, when we
+were at best only parties, not a people. Each knew not the other,
+because he knew not himself. In unholy egoism everyone had
+forgotten his highest will. Now each has found his true will again,
+and that is proved&mdash;for we have only one.</p>
+<p>"In all German hearts flames the same holy wrath. A sacred wrath
+which sanctifies and heals. Every wound heals; we are again healthy
+and whole. Praise be to God for this war which delivered us on the
+first day from German quarrelsomeness! When the days of peace
+return we must prove that we deserve to have lived through this
+holy German war. Then no word must be spoken, no deed done on
+German soil which would be unworthy of these sublime days.</p>
+<p>"Groups stand at the street corners reading the latest news. One
+counts aloud how many enemies we have: there are already six. A
+silence ensues, <a name="note-says">
+<!-- Note Anchor says --></a>till someone says: 'Many enemies,
+great honour, and we shall win, for our cause is just!' Such
+utterances can be heard every day. That is German faith; human
+might does not decide, but God's justice! That is the Supreme
+blessing of this great time; we put our trust in the spirit. Modern
+Germans have never breathed before so pure an atmosphere, for
+Germany's soul has appeared to us.</p>
+<hr>
+<p>"I am going to pronounce a blessing on this war, the blessing
+which is on all lips, for we Germans, no matter in what part of the
+world we are, all bless, bless and bless again this world war. I do
+not intend to become lyrical. Lyric is so far from me that in all
+these three months I have not composed a single war poem. No, I
+shall endeavour to count up quite calmly, unlyrically, what we have
+seen during these three months: point for point, the whole list of
+surprises, for they have all been surprises, one after the
+other.</p>
+<p>"Only a few days ago a high State official said to me: 'Let us
+confess at once that in all Europe nobody believed in this war;
+everybody had prepared for it, but nobody thought it
+possible&mdash;not even those who wanted war.'</p>
+<p>"All thinking men considered that the interwoven economic
+dependence on each other among the nations, was so strong that none
+dare commit suicide by commencing a war. Thus we spoke to each
+other, and that seemed an axiom. Further, it seemed to be true that
+even if a madman let loose the dogs of war, then it would be all
+over in a fortnight. The man in the street imagined that it would
+be a kind of parade (<i>Aufmarsch</i>), a mobilization test, and
+the power which succeeded best would be the victor, for no country
+in the world was strong enough to stand the enormous cost for
+longer than three weeks.</p>
+<p>"Now three months have gone, and we have stood the strain, and
+we can bear it for another three, six months, a year, or as many
+years as it must be. The calculation was wrong, all the
+calculations were wrong: the reality of this war surpasses
+everything which we had imagined, and it has been glorious to
+experience on so grand a scale that reality always surpasses the
+conception. Even that is not true which we learned in all the
+schools and read in all the books&mdash;that every war is an awful
+misfortune. Even this war is horrible; yes, but our salvation. It
+seems so to us, and so it has appeared to us from the very first
+day onwards.</p>
+<p>"That first day will remain in our memories for ever; never in
+all our lives had we experienced anything so grand, and we had
+never believed it possible to experience anything so magnificent.
+Word for word Bismarck's prophecy (1888) has come true: 'It must be
+a war to which the whole nation gives its assent; it must be a
+national war, conducted with an enthusiasm like that of 1870, when
+we were ruthlessly attacked. Then all Germany from the Memel to
+Lake Constance will blaze up like a powder-mine and the whole land
+bristle with bayonets.' The war which Bismarck prophesied was this
+war, and what he foretold came to pass, and we saw it with our
+eyes. We saw the German mobilization with eyes which since then
+have been consecrate.</p>
+<p>"All enthusiasm is splendid, even in an individual, be he who he
+may and for whatever cause you like. In enthusiasm everything good
+in a man appears, while the common and vulgar in him sinks away.
+Any enthusiasm either of groups or societies in which the
+individual ego loses itself is grand, but the mighty enthusiasm of
+a powerful people is overwhelming. This was, however, an enthusiasm
+of a peculiar sort&mdash;it was well disciplined, an enthusiasm
+combined with and controlled by the highest order.</p>
+<p>"In this the fundamental secret of German power was revealed: to
+remain calm in enthusiasm, cold amidst fire and still obedient to
+duty in a tornado of passion. Then we were all inspired by the
+thought and feeling: 'Nobody can achieve that, for in order to be
+able to do it we have had to perform a huge intellectual and
+spiritual task. It is not alone the result of the last century and
+a half; no, that work has been going on for nearly a thousand
+years.'</p>
+<p>"What is the spirit of our German mysticism, the spirit of
+Eckhart and Tauler, except: Drunkenness of the soul in a waking
+condition? The accepted law on which all great German deeds rest,
+is: to dovetail enthusiasm with discipline and order. From our
+Gothic, through German <i>barock</i> to Frederick the Great and
+Kant, on to the classical period&mdash;what does all that mean if
+it is not the architecture of one huge feeling? The soul runs riot
+in its imaginings and therewith the intellect builds. The ravings
+of the soul provide the materials with which the mind builds.</p>
+<p>"What is German music from Bach to Beethoven and from Beethoven
+to Wagner&mdash;yes, even to Richard Strauss&mdash;but enthusiasm
+with discipline? German music has been our mobilization; it has
+gone on just as in a <i>partitur</i> by Richard
+Wagner&mdash;absolute rapture with perfect precision!</p>
+<p>"Hence when we saw the miracle of this mobilization&mdash;all
+Germany's military manhood packed in railway trains, rolling
+through the land, day by day and night after night, never a minute
+late and never a question for which the right answer was not ready
+and waiting&mdash;when we saw all this, we were not astonished,
+because it was no miracle; it was nothing other than a natural
+result of a thousand years of work and preparation; it was the net
+profit of the whole of German history.</p>
+<p>"At the German mobilization not only our brave soldiers,
+reserves and militia (<i>Landwehrm&auml;nner und
+Landst&uuml;rmler</i>) entered the field, but the whole of
+Germany's historic past marched with them. It was this which
+inspired the unshakable confidence which has endured from the first
+day of war. In truth, the dear Fatherland has every reason to be
+calm.</p>
+<p>"In the meantime something more has happened: all in a moment we
+became Germans! We held our breaths when the Kaiser uttered these
+words. This too arose out of the deepest depths of Germany's
+yearnings; it sounded like an eagle-cry of our most ancient
+longings. Germany's soul has long pined to tear itself from its
+narrow confines (<i>verwerden</i>, as Eckhart, or <i>sich
+entselbsten</i>, as Goethe put it), to lay aside self-will and
+sacrifice itself, to be absorbed in the whole, and yet still to
+serve (Wagner). And this eternal German yearning had never reached
+fulfilment, but self-interest and egoism have always been stronger;
+every German has been at war with all the others. 'For every man to
+go his own way,' said Goethe, 'is the peculiar characteristic of
+the German race. I have never seen them united except in their hate
+for Napoleon. I am curious to see what they will do when he is
+banished to the other side of the Rhine.' And Goethe was right: no
+sooner was the land freed from the oppressor, than each began again
+to think and act only for himself. Hence, when we first learned of
+the Kaiser's words we felt almost a joyous fear. If it were only
+true that now there were only Germans! But on the very next day our
+eyes saw and our ears heard that at last there were only Germans,
+and with that, all pain and fear was forgotten. If war is awful,
+even a just war, a holy war&mdash;even for the victor too, we will
+endure all that, for it is as nothing; no sacrifice is too great
+for this prize&mdash;that we are all only Germans.</p>
+<p>"Since the Emperor spoke those words three months have passed,
+and there have only been Germans in the land. These three months
+have brought much sorrow to German hearts, for there is hardly a
+home which does not lament a father, a son, or a brother.
+Nevertheless, one may say that since our existence as a nation,
+Germany has never been more joyous, in the best sense of the word,
+than in this time of suffering. Through our tears the noblest joy
+has shone; not alone at the success of our arms; it is not from
+pride at fighting against a world of enemies; it is not the fact
+that we are now assured of a future which in July last we could not
+have imagined; it is not the feeling of power, of which even we
+ourselves did not know. That shining joy springs from deeper
+reasons. We are glad because we have found each other; we did not
+know each other before. Indeed, no one knew himself. Now we know
+each other, and above all, each knows himself.</p>
+<p>"It was Bismarck who uttered these terrible words: 'When the
+unoccupied German must give up the struggle and strife which has
+become dear to him, and offer the hand of reconciliation, then he
+loses all joy in life. Civil war is always the most terrible thing
+which any land can have. But with us Germans it is still more
+terrible, because it is fought out by us with more love for the
+strife than any other war.'</p>
+<p>"Does it not sound truly horrible for the greatest benefactor of
+a nation, which has to thank him for having realized its
+century-old dream of unity, to say in all calm and as something
+quite obvious, that his own nation engages in a civil war 'with
+more love' than any other war? And wherever we look in Bismarck's
+speeches, the same complaint is found which had been the eternal
+lamentation of Goethe&mdash;the lament over the lack of faith and
+will of the Germans.</p>
+<p>"How will it be this time? Will it be as after the Seven Years'
+War, after the War of Liberation, after 1870? Will it be again all
+in vain? As soon as the Fatherland is secure, will every German
+once again cease to be a German in order to become some kind of
+-crat or -ist or -er? This time it will be more difficult, for from
+this war he will return no more into the same Fatherland. It will
+have expanded; the German Fatherland will be greater. Arndt's poems
+must be written over again: no longer merely 'as far as the German
+tongue is spoken.' Germany will stretch beyond that limit, and in
+it the German will have work to do.</p>
+<p>"In his speech Bismarck spoke of the 'unoccupied'; but in all
+probability after this war, for years to come, there will be no
+'unoccupied' Germans. They will be fully occupied with the new
+organization. What the sword has won, we shall keep. 'The pike in
+the European carp-pond,' said Bismarck once, 'prevent us from
+becoming carp. They compel us to exertions which voluntarily we
+should hardly be willing to make. They compel us to hold together,
+which is in direct contradiction to our innermost nature.'</p>
+<p>"As we cannot change our nature, it will be good if we take over
+for good and all a number&mdash;a very considerable
+number,&mdash;of these European pike. That will occupy the German
+peasant and give an outlet to his superfluous energies. There will
+be no leisure-energy to discharge itself in party strife. Further,
+we must build Europe up again. It stood on rotten foundations, and
+now it has fallen to pieces. We shall erect it again on a German
+basis, and there will be work enough."[<a href=
+"#note-30">30</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-30"><!-- Note Anchor 30 --></a>[Footnote 30:
+Hermann Bahr: "Kriegssegen" ("The Blessings of War"). Published in
+Munich, 1915, p. 5 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH5"><!-- CH5 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+<center>WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS</center>
+<p>It would be more than human if the German nation had actually
+realized the lyrical picture painted by two well-known writers in
+the preceding chapter. German newspapers, it is true, prove that
+the national unity so loudly acclaimed was no empty word; moreover,
+they show conclusively that grumblers and half-hearted enthusiasts
+were not lacking. It would probably be more correct to describe
+them as "sober-minded patriots." These elements had, however, to
+use a colloquialism, an "exceedingly rough time."</p>
+<p>The author has already contended that the German is innately
+brutal, and in proof thereof quoted the awful statistics of brutal
+crimes published by the Imperial Statistic Office, Berlin. The
+present work will contain a picture of the natural unfolding of
+this "innate brutality" in Germany itself during war time, and on
+the battlefields of Belgium and France.</p>
+<p>There is no doubt whatever that a systematic,
+officially-organized press campaign was carried on to madden the
+people and arouse blood-lust, successively against Russians,
+Belgians, French and English. One is almost inclined to exclaim:
+Providence caused some of the fruits of this blood-lashing to be
+reaped in Germany!</p>
+<p>"Yesterday evening in the Riebeckbr&auml;u another free fight
+took place, and quieter guests who refused to take part in the
+patriotic screaming of the students and other mob elements were
+badly ill-treated. Beer-glasses, ash-trays, chairs and other
+missiles were thrown about freely. One man was struck on the back
+of the head with a beer-glass, causing the blood to flow in
+streams. Helpless women, too, were beaten and threatened."[<a href=
+"#note-31">31</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-31"><!-- Note Anchor 31 --></a>[Footnote 31:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 1st, 1914.]</p>
+<p>Three days later the same journal contained a public appeal from
+the Mayor of Leipzig, begging the inhabitants to preserve public
+order: "If the disturbances in the streets, public houses, etc.,
+should&mdash;contrary to our expectations&mdash;continue, then we
+shall be compelled to take severe steps to suppress them."</p>
+<p>On the same page there is another report of similar scenes, in
+one of which a workman was "horribly ill-treated" by eight others.
+The army authorities were compelled to issue a still more drastic
+warning on August 6th.</p>
+<p>A victim reported his adventures in another Leipzig
+paper[<a href="#note-32">32</a>]: "I have just read your article
+admonishing the 'hot-heads' to keep cool. The General commanding
+Leipzig has also warned members of the public not to allow
+excitement to lead them to 'deeds of brutality and crime.' I am a
+good German patriot, and yet nearly lost my life at the hands of my
+own countrymen."</p>
+<p><a name="note-32"><!-- Note Anchor 32 --></a>[Footnote 32:
+<i>Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p>The "good patriot" then relates that during the week he had
+spent an evening at a concert in a beer-garden. Patriotic music was
+the order of the day, and as each national song was sung he stood
+up with the rest of the company. Towards the close of the evening
+he felt unwell and remained sitting, an indiscretion which he
+truthfully says "nearly cost him his life." Three skull wounds
+several inches long, his body beaten black and blue, and ruined
+clothes, was the punishment for not joining in with the
+"hurrah-patriots."</p>
+<p>Dozens of similar instances might be cited, but for the sake of
+impartiality it is preferable to allow a German to generalize: "The
+rage of the populace has found vent not only against foreigners,
+but also against good German patriots, indeed even against German
+officers."[<a href="#note-33">33</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-33"><!-- Note Anchor 33 --></a>[Footnote 33:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 12th.]</p>
+<p>Probably one of the most glaring instances of German
+indifference to brutality is afforded by the following incident. A
+commercial traveller named L&uuml;deritz, aged twenty-three,
+murdered his sweetheart in a Leipzig hotel by strangling her with
+his necktie. He alleged that he had killed the girl at her wish,
+and the judge sentenced him to three years, six months'
+imprisonment&mdash;not even penal servitude! The report
+concludes[<a href="#note-34">34</a>]: "As the accused has been
+called up to serve in the army, he was allowed to go free for the
+present." Which means that if he survives the war he may be called
+upon to undergo his sentence.</p>
+<p><a name="note-34"><!-- Note Anchor 34 --></a>[Footnote 34:
+Ibid., August 28th.]</p>
+<p>A South German newspaper[<a href="#note-35">35</a>] advised
+"German wives and maidens to avoid wearing striking costumes,
+dresses and hats. Such restrictions are not only desirable in the
+serious time through which our dear Fatherland is passing, but such
+precautions are urgently necessary in the interests of personal
+safety. For amidst the excitement which has unfortunately taken
+possession of our people, ladies are not safe, either from insult
+or assault, in spite of the fact that the police do their best to
+protect them."</p>
+<p><a name="note-35"><!-- Note Anchor 35 --></a>[Footnote 35:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>These are the bare facts, in a very limited selection, as
+regards German brutality towards Germans. In the light of these
+events the question suggests itself: How did foreigners fare in the
+midst of this <i>Kulturvolk</i>? The answer is simple and
+expressive: "Not half has ever been told;" yet the German
+newspapers contain more than sufficient materials to prove that the
+floodgates of barbarism were opened wide.</p>
+<p>When martial law was proclaimed the Berlin Government caused
+official announcements to be issued throughout the whole country,
+requesting the public to assist in preventing tunnels, bridges,
+railways, etc., from being destroyed by foreign agents and spies.
+The whole country at once became a detective office of madmen!</p>
+<p>Ample proof is at hand to show that this lashing of the public
+mind into brutal fury was the calculated work of the German
+authorities. "We are now absolutely dependent upon reports issued
+by the authorities; we do not know whether they are correct or
+whether they are merely intended to inflame public opinion. Thus
+reports have been officially circulated of Russian patrols crossing
+our frontiers, and from Nuremberg of French airmen dropping bombs
+on the railways in that neighbourhood, whereupon diplomatic
+relations with both countries were broken off."[<a href=
+"#note-36">36</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-36"><!-- Note Anchor 36 --></a>[Footnote 36:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>The whole Press, with the exception of at least some Social
+Democratic organs, joined in a chorus of hatred and suspicion
+against Russians residing in Germany. In bitterness towards the
+Russian State the Socialist journals were solid in their hostility,
+but the author has only discovered expressions of abhorrence in
+their columns concerning the ill-treatment, even murder, of
+innocent foreigners in Germany. This fact must be recorded to their
+honour.</p>
+<p>"Certain circles of Leipzig's population are at present
+possessed by patriotic delirium and at the same time by a spy-mania
+which luxuriates like tropical vegetation. In reality, love of
+Fatherland is something quite other than those feelings which find
+expression in the present noisy and disgusting scenes. These mob
+patriots must remember that in their mad attacks on 'Serbs' and
+'Russians'&mdash;that is to say, everybody who has black hair and a
+beard, whom they at once conclude must belong to those
+nations&mdash;they are endangering the lives of hundreds of
+thousands of Germans in France and Russia."[<a href=
+"#note-37">37</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-37"><!-- Note Anchor 37 --></a>[Footnote 37:
+Ibid., August 4th.]</p>
+<p>On the following day the same journal contained another detailed
+report: "In spite of official appeals to the public to display
+self-possession in these serious times, the nationalist mob
+continues to behave in the most scandalous manner, both in the
+streets and public restaurants, etc. The wildest outbreaks of
+brutal passions occur, and no one with black hair and dark
+complexion is secure from outbursts of rage on the part of the
+fanatics. Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday a gentleman in the
+uniform of a German artillery officer was sitting with a lady in
+the Caf&eacute; Felsche; apparently somebody 'denounced' him for a
+Russian officer in disguise. The police accompanied by army
+officers arrested and led him into the street, where they were
+received by a yelling crowd. The enraged mob forced its way past
+the guards and beat the 'spy' with sticks, umbrellas, etc., till
+streams of blood ran down his face, his uniform being torn to
+shreds. The officers and police guarding him drew their weapons,
+but were unable to protect him from further brutal treatment;
+indeed, it was with the greatest difficulty that they succeeded in
+bringing him to a place of safety."[<a href="#note-38">38</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-38"><!-- Note Anchor 38 --></a>[Footnote 38: The
+unfortunate suspect was in truth a German officer.]</p>
+<p>On the last page of the same edition there is an advertisement
+which helps to explain why the appeals for cool blood were
+useless.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"APPEAL!"</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Among the foreigners in our country,
+especially Russians, there are a large number who, it is to be
+feared, are guilty of espionage and attempts to disturb our
+mobilization. While the Russians engaged in work on our farms may
+be allowed to continue their work in peace, it is necessary to
+watch carefully those who are studying here, or are permanent
+residents.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"I call upon the inhabitants to take part in
+the task of observation, and when strong suspicion is aroused to
+see to it that the suspects are arrested and handed over to the
+civil authorities.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The protection of our railway lines and
+stations, telegraph wires, etc., demands the most careful attention
+during the next few days.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="blockquote">     "VON LAFFERT,<br>
+"General in Command.<br>
+"Leipzig, August 4th."</p>
+<p>An interesting contrast to the above is a police order, issued
+by the Director of the Stuttgart police.[<a href=
+"#note-39">39</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-39"><!-- Note Anchor 39 --></a>[Footnote 39:
+<i>Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Policemen! The populace is going absolutely
+mad. The streets are crowded with old women of both sexes who have
+nothing else to do but disgrace themselves. Each sees in his
+neighbour a Russian or French spy, and imagines that it is his duty
+to thrash both him <i>and</i> the policeman who intervenes, till
+the blood flows; if not that, then at least to cause an enormous
+crowd to gather in giving the alleged spy over to the police.
+Clouds become hostile airmen, stars are mistaken for airships and
+the cross-bars of bicycles are thought to be bombs; bridges have
+been blown up, telegraph and telephone wires cut in the middle of
+Stuttgart; spies have been shot and water supplies poisoned! It is
+impossible to imagine what will happen when serious events really
+come.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"It has been proved that up till now there
+has not been the slightest reason for all this alarm; but yet,
+judging by appearances, we are living in a huge lunatic asylum.
+Everyone, if he is not a coward or a dangerous idler, should be
+quietly doing his duty, for the times are already serious
+enough.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Policemen! continue to keep your heads cool.
+Be men as you were formerly, and not women. Do not allow yourselves
+to be frightened at straws; keep your eyes open and do your
+duty!</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"BILLINGER,<br>
+<br>
+"Director of Police.<br>
+<br>
+"Stuttgart."</p>
+<p>It is not surprising that this humorous police commander
+expressed his indignation in the forceful Swabian manner. Here are
+a few telegrams which had been sent to Berlin from Stuttgart, or
+still more probable, manufactured by the official Press Bureau in
+Berlin.</p>
+<p>"A considerable number of Russians and French&mdash;including
+several women&mdash;have been arrested in Stuttgart to-day under
+the suspicion of practising espionage. One of these arrests was
+made in the top-floor of the Central Post Office, where the
+apparatus connected with the telegraph office are to be found.</p>
+<p>"More arrests are about to be made in the environs. It has been
+established that numerous attempts have been made during the last
+few days to blow up the railway bridges. In Freudenstadt a gypsy's
+wagon was seized which contained a quantity of
+explosives."[<a href="#note-40">40</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-40"><!-- Note Anchor 40 --></a>[Footnote 40:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>"Some of our contemporaries (Oh, shade of
+Pecksniff!&mdash;Author) announced yesterday that in Stuttgart
+eighty, according to other reports, ninety millions in French gold
+had been seized. In answer to our inquiry at the principal office
+of the W&uuml;rtemberg State Railways we were informed that the
+statements are pure inventions."[<a href="#note-41">41</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-41"><!-- Note Anchor 41 --></a>[Footnote 41:
+<i>Berliner Lokal-Anzeiger</i>, August 4th.]</p>
+<p>Another Socialist paper which denounced this campaign of lies in
+its columns deserves quotation. "The spy-mania luxuriates; every
+Russian is in danger of assault by over-heated patriots. The
+nation, however, ought to know that the Russians in our midst are
+labourers, students, travellers and business men; it is exceeding
+rare for one of this class, to sell himself to the scoundrels who
+follow the dirty practices of espionage.</p>
+<p>"Civilization and good-breeding demand that everyone should
+respect the dictates of international law, and treat the peaceful
+citizens of a land with which we are at war, with decency.</p>
+<p>"Especially those wretches deserve to have their knuckles rapped
+who circulate such infamous bear-baiting news as the alleged
+attempt on the Crown Prince's life by Russian students."[<a href=
+"#note-42">42</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-42"><!-- Note Anchor 42 --></a>[Footnote 42:
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i>, August 7th.]</p>
+<p>"The General commanding the Leipzig district has issued the
+following reply in answer to an inquiry by the civil authorities:
+We know nothing at all of an alleged attempt on the life of the
+Kaiser or the Crown Prince. The commanding General von Laffert has
+never uttered the words ascribed to him, that the Kaiser had been
+murdered. These reports must be contradicted with the greatest
+energy."[<a href="#note-43">43</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-43"><!-- Note Anchor 43 --></a>[Footnote 43:
+<i>Leipziger Tageblatt</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>The following extracts are of the greatest importance, for they
+prove beyond doubt the source of these lies, and the cold-blooded,
+calculated manner in which they were circulated by the German
+authorities:</p>
+<p>"The decision as to what may be published in newspapers, is now
+in the hands of the military commander in each district.</p>
+<p>"The regulations issued by the military authorities, force
+certain restrictions upon us and threaten the existence of our
+journals. As regards our principles and convictions no change has
+taken place."[<a href="#note-44">44</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-44"><!-- Note Anchor 44 --></a>[Footnote 44: The
+editor of the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> to his readers on August
+1st.]</p>
+<p>"Berlin, August 10th.&mdash;Major Nicolai, director of the Press
+department of the General Staff, received representatives of the
+Press to-day and communicated to them, <i>inter alia</i>, the
+following details: Our army commanders decline to enter into
+competition with the lie-factories abroad. They will convince the
+world that truth is on our side, and that we spread neither lies
+nor coloured reports. We hope in a short time to be able to prove
+how much our enemies have sinned against the truth.</p>
+<p>"What have we achieved up till now? The dreaded invasion of
+Russian cavalry was broken up by our frontier guards alone. Indeed,
+in many cases only the Landwehr was needed to throw back the
+invaders. What about the destruction of important buildings,
+railways, bridges and such like? Nothing at all has
+happened."[<a href="#note-45">45</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-45"><!-- Note Anchor 45 --></a>[Footnote 45:
+Condensed translation of the report in the <i>Leipziger
+Volkszeitung</i>, August 11th.]</p>
+<p>On another page of the same issue a long official army order to
+the Press is given in which this paragraph occurs: "All news given
+out by Wolff's Telegraph-Bureau may only be quoted literally as
+they stand and the source named by the initials W.T.-B."</p>
+<p>It is thus clear that the news-agency mentioned performs two
+separate functions, although the German army authorities do not
+draw this distinction. First, the circulation of reports issued by
+the Army Headquarters in the field, for the truth of which the
+Berlin General Staff guarantees. Secondly, the spreading of their
+own news, and information supplied to them by other German
+Government departments. All news published by the agency has thus
+received the stamp of official authority, and the German public is
+too ignorant to recognize the palpable fraud.</p>
+<p>"Metz, August 3rd.&mdash;A French doctor, accompanied by two
+officers in disguise, was caught yesterday while trying to infect
+the water supply with cholera bacilli. He was at once shot under
+military law."[<a href="#note-46">46</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-46"><!-- Note Anchor 46 --></a>[Footnote 46:
+<i>Deutsche Tageszeitung</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>"The report of the Metz water supply being infected, which was
+given out by Wolff's Bureau yesterday, proves to be a pure
+invention. The agency informs us that there is no ground for
+uneasiness, but the state of affairs at present makes it imperative
+to exercise great care."[<a href="#note-47">47</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-47"><!-- Note Anchor 47 --></a>[Footnote 47:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 4th.]</p>
+<p>"Coblence, August 2nd.&mdash;The Government-president in
+D&uuml;sseldorf reports that twelve motor-cars containing eighty
+French officers in Prussian uniforms tried this morning to cross
+the Prussian frontier by Walbeck, west of Geldern. The attempt
+failed."[<a href="#note-48">48</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-48"><!-- Note Anchor 48 --></a>[Footnote 48:
+Ibid., August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>Referring to this episode another paper wrote: "The alleged
+attempt of whole caravans of French officers, masquerading as
+German lieutenants, to enter the Rhine province as spies is too
+adventurous to be believed. Especially as it is known that the
+Dutch frontier is very strictly guarded.</p>
+<a name="agency"></a>
+<p>"But Wolff's Bureau, which at present takes every precaution,
+circulated the news. Hence we have here an instance of France
+violating Dutch neutrality."[<a href="#note-49">49</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-49"><!-- Note Anchor 49 --></a>[Footnote 49:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Volkszeitung</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>As far as the author is aware, the German Government has not yet
+protested to the Dutch authorities for this breach of their
+neutrality.</p>
+<p>The poisoned-water-supplies lie deserves further attention. It
+was scattered broadcast throughout the land, and millions of
+credulous Germans reduced to a state of absolute panic
+and&mdash;what was intended by those who spread the lie&mdash;blind
+hate against Germany's opponents. I have before me a number of
+descriptions of scares in various parts of the Fatherland. A few
+notices will suffice as illustrations.</p>
+<p>"A most terrifying report spread like wild-fire through the town
+last Monday morning, and reached to the farthest suburbs. The
+waters of the Mangfall had been poisoned by Russian spies, and
+everyone's life was in danger. It is hardly possible to conceive
+the effect of this terrible rumour. Messengers of despair rushed
+from house to house, knocking at strangers' doors in order to
+spread the warning. 'That is a devilish deed!' stammered the white
+lips of women. 'Only barbarians wage war in this manner!' hissed
+the men, trembling with rage and hate."[<a href=
+"#note-50">50</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-50"><!-- Note Anchor 50 --></a>[Footnote 50: The
+full report of this Munich scare occupies more than a column in the
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 10th.]</p>
+<p>The <i>Breslauer-Morgenzeitung</i> for August 10th contains an
+announcement from the Breslau municipality warning the inhabitants
+that the waters of the Oder have possibly been poisoned, and
+appealing for every precaution to be taken before drinking from the
+town supply, till a fresh supply can be provided.</p>
+<p>"The authorities in Danzig have declared the waters of the
+Weichsel to be under suspicion of having been infected with cholera
+bacilli. It is presumed that cholera is raging on the upper
+Weichsel in Russia, and that the Russians have not allowed this to
+become known. Water from the river must not be used for any
+purposes connected with human food or drink."[<a href=
+"#note-51">51</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-51"><!-- Note Anchor 51 --></a>[Footnote 51:
+<i>Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten</i>, August 20th. A lying report
+put in circulation hundreds of miles away from Danzig.]</p>
+<p>Finally the originator of these rumours piously contradicts them
+all and announces, "lieb Vaterland magst ruhig sein," in the
+following words:</p>
+<p>"Wolff's Bureau reports: There is absolutely no reason for
+anxiety on account of the alleged poisoning and infection of
+rivers, water supplies and springs which have been reported
+unauthoritatively from all parts of the country, and published in
+the Press. These rumours, which have caused grave anxiety, on
+closer investigation have all proved to be utterly
+unfounded."[<a href="#note-52">52</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-52"><!-- Note Anchor 52 --></a>[Footnote 52:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 27th.]</p>
+<p>The war had lasted for four weeks, and although no rivers had
+been poisoned, the same could not be said of the currents of
+popular opinion.</p>
+<p>"While I was walking down a street in Breslau a tram suddenly
+stopped, loud cries proceeding from within it. The occupants had
+discovered a Russian, dragged him out and handed him over to a
+policeman who led the man away. But the official was unable to
+protect him, and blows with fists and sticks literally rained on
+the defenceless fellow. The couple, surrounded by a howling crowd,
+had just moved away, when a nun attracted the attention of the
+crowd. On account of a report that a Russian spy disguised as a nun
+had been arrested the same morning, the people imagined the nun to
+be a man in disguise.</p>
+<p>"Smiling at the ridiculous supposition and the maddened howls of
+the ever-increasing throng, the lady endeavoured to enter a tram.
+Men placed themselves in front of the car, others dragged the
+frightened woman out again and with blows and kicks she was driven
+before them to the next police station. But the saddest part of
+these excesses&mdash;and I am only describing a few of which I was
+accidentally a witness&mdash;is that members of the so-called
+educated classes participated in them."[<a href=
+"#note-53">53</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-53"><!-- Note Anchor 53 --></a>[Footnote 53: A
+special correspondent in the <i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i>, August
+7th.]</p>
+<p>"On one of the most frequented open places in Breslau a soldier
+approached a lady and looked searchingly into her face. She
+understood him, and remarked with a smile: 'I am not a spy!' The
+man replied: 'But you have short hair. I am sorry, you must come
+with me.'</p>
+<p>"She at once recognized that the wisest plan was to accompany
+him, and turned to do so. The movement worked like a signal; the
+bystanders immediately threw themselves in blind rage upon the
+defenceless woman. In vain the single soldier tried to protect her,
+and equally in vain was the assistance of two policemen who had
+come up. Her cries to be taken into a neighbouring house for safety
+met with no response.</p>
+<p>"Her garments were literally torn from her body, a spectacle
+which finally proved to her persecutors that she actually was a
+woman, but that fact no longer protects her. Brutal instincts, once
+let loose, are mad and unrestrained. Blows continue to fall on her
+head and kicks rain against her body. She only tries to shield her
+eyes. 'Take her to the police station' was shouted, but that is
+some distance away. And any second may mean death&mdash;a horrible,
+disgraceful death.</p>
+<p>"Having arrived in the guard-room the officials are soon
+convinced that they have to do with an absolutely innocent woman.
+Outside the throngs yelled in triumph."[<a href=
+"#note-54">54</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-54"><!-- Note Anchor 54 --></a>[Footnote 54:
+<i>Breslauer Generalanzeiger</i>, August 6th.]</p>
+<p>A German officer wrote the following account to the <i>Berliner
+Zeitung am Mittag</i> (August 5th): "May I supplement your article
+'Spies and Spy-hunting' with a few facts from my own personal
+knowledge. On August 3rd no fewer than sixty-four spies (?) were
+brought into the police station at the Potsdamer Railway Station
+(Berlin). Not one was kept in arrest, for the simple fact that they
+were all innocent German citizens.</p>
+<p>"Among others who were 'captured' and threatened with death by
+the raging crowd on the Potsdamer Platz were: A pensioned Prussian
+major, who was waiting for his son; a surgeon in the Landwehr; a
+high official from the Courts of Justice; and lastly, a pensioned
+Bavarian army officer who, on account of his stature, was thought
+to be a Russian. A drunken shop-assistant egged on the crowd
+against this last suspect, so that his life was really in danger.
+He was rescued by four Prussian officers, who pretended to arrest
+their Bavarian colleague, and were in this way able to lead him
+into safety."</p>
+<p>This twentieth-century reign of terror is not, however, without
+a ray of humour. The semi-official <i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>
+(August 4th) contained a legend which set all Germany hunting for
+French motor-cars. "Several motor-cars with ladies in them, taking
+gold to Russia, are on their way across Germany. They must be
+stopped and a communication sent to the nearest military or police
+station."</p>
+<p>"The occupants of the motor-cars carrying gold to Russia are
+said to have transferred the precious metal to cyclists dressed as
+bricklayers."[<a href="#note-55">55</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-55"><!-- Note Anchor 55 --></a>[Footnote 55:
+<i>Das Kleine Journal</i> (Berlin), August 5th.]</p>
+<p>"The official announcement that French and Russian motor-cars
+had been seen on our country roads has aroused the otherwise
+leaden, heavy imaginations of the country people to the most
+incredible delirium. We will limit ourselves to a single instance.
+One of our cars met a peasant with a hand-waggon near Nerchau. As
+soon as he perceived the motor he bolted in mad fright into a
+neighbouring corn-field.</p>
+<p>"Our man called in a friendly voice: 'My good fellow, what are
+you running away for?' Then the hero answered in a trembling voice:
+'I thought it was a French motor!'"[<a href="#note-56">56</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-56"><!-- Note Anchor 56 --></a>[Footnote 56:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 6th.]</p>
+<p>On August 6th every important paper in the German Empire
+contained the following paragraph issued by the "Army Direction" in
+Berlin:</p>
+<p>"The hunt for alleged hostile motor-cars must stop. It endangers
+the motor-car communications so necessary to our armies."</p>
+<p>This warning was repeated in stronger terms on the following
+day, and the roll of murdered victims began to leak out.
+"Unfortunately through this hunt several persons have been
+wrongfully shot. In Leipzig a doctor and his chauffeur have been
+shot, while between Berlin and Koepenick a company of armed
+civilians on the look-out for Russian motor-cars tried to stop a
+car. The chauffeur was compelled to put the brakes on so suddenly
+that the motor dashed into a tree, with the result that the
+occupants&mdash;several persons connected with the army&mdash;were
+hurled on to the road and received dangerous injuries.</p>
+<p>"In Munich a chauffeur was shot dead by a sentinel because he
+did not stop soon enough. Even children are not spared in this
+degrading fear of spies.</p>
+<p>"Near B&uuml;ren (Westphalia) the twelve-year-old daughter of
+Town Councillor Buddeberg in Bielefeld was returning with her
+mother from Marburg in a motor. Somebody must have telephoned that
+the car was suspect, for the Landwehr Society placed armed
+sentinels at various points on the road. They cried 'Halt!' to the
+chauffeur; just as the car was stopping, shots were fired, and the
+girl sank dead in the arms of her mother.</p>
+<p>"Even the nationalist journals have expressed their astonishment
+that a civilian society is permitted to hold the public highways
+with armed guards. At Coblence a teacher and organist named Ritter
+was shot by a sentinel."[<a href="#note-57">57</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-57"><!-- Note Anchor 57 --></a>[Footnote 57:
+<i>Leifziger Volkszeitung</i>, Supplement I., August 7th. Here we
+have proof that Germany allowed armed civilians to murder supposed
+Frenchmen, a fact to be remembered when weighing Germany's
+accusations against Belgian civilians. The German Government has
+published a White Book (328 quarto pages) during the summer, 1915,
+indicting Belgian civilians with all kinds of atrocities. Waiving
+the point that if Germany first laid aside international law she
+had no right to expect Belgium to respect its dictates, it may be
+safely assumed that the evidence cited by the Germans is of little
+or no value. The oath which German soldiers are compelled to take
+precludes the possibility that they would or could give evidence
+which reflected on the conduct of the German army either in peace
+or war, even if the evidence is absolutely true. "In the interests
+of military discipline" the truth must be suppressed. The same oath
+is, however, proof that the German soldier must be prepared to lay
+down either his life <i>or his honour</i> in defence of the army,
+and in a later chapter irrefutable evidence from German sources
+will be adduced to show that the White Book in question contains
+"sworn lies" emanating from members of the German army.]</p>
+<p>In its issue for August 11th the same newspaper gave the names
+of four more victims who had been shot in Westphalia. Among them
+was a poor woman of weak intellect; she was near a bridge, and
+failing to comply with a sentry's challenge, was shot. The bullet
+passed through her leg and killed a little girl who was working
+near her.</p>
+<p>Wolff's Bureau in Berlin reports: "In spite of the most urgent
+appeals which the Army Direction has issued during the last few
+days, begging the public not to place hindrances in the way of
+motor-cars, blundering mistakes are still being made every hour in
+all parts of Germany, accompanied by the most serious
+consequences.</p>
+<p>"The morning papers again contain reports of gold-motors having
+been captured. There are neither gold-motors nor foreign motors in
+Germany. Anyone who interferes with motor traffic is committing a
+sin against the army."[<a href="#note-58">58</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-58"><!-- Note Anchor 58 --></a>[Footnote 58:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 10th.]</p>
+<p>Another warning appeared in all the papers of August 12th in a
+still more imperative form. Yet a section of the public seemed to
+find a source of humour in this tragic hunt. A correspondent of the
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> gave an interesting report of his
+motor-ride (joy-ride?) from Lindau to Munich.</p>
+<p>"We were hardly two kilometres out of Lindau when we were
+stopped by a barricade of hay-wagons. On each side peasants stood
+with threatening mien, armed with pitchforks, revolvers and ancient
+carbines at full-cock. 'Hands up!' First visitation; we show our
+papers, everything in order. Off again.</p>
+<p>"About every two kilometres this scene was repeated: road jammed
+with huge, long wagons, the same excitement, the same discussion,
+but now and then somewhat sharper. In some villages the duty to
+defend the Fatherland has turned into madness.</p>
+<p>"'Here, get out! Where was this paper stamped? Yes, it is
+possible to forge!' They refuse to believe anything; not even a
+passport from the Chief in Command, nor papers proving me to be a
+German and my companion a German officer. When I tell them that I
+am an author and journalist from Berlin, they parry with a 'What
+the devil is that?'</p>
+<p>"These brave peasants defend their Fatherland well. Once we had
+to wait half an hour till a <i>gendarme</i> came and ended the
+comedy with a few short words. Then we are allowed to get in again,
+and as I turn round a peasant shouts a last greeting: 'Really, I
+took you for a common hussy in disguise!'</p>
+<p>"They threaten us from the houses. Now and then the trigger of a
+gun clicks as it is levelled at us from a window. The roads are
+lined with peasants armed with all sorts of weapons, iron spikes,
+dung-forks, clubs, scythes, and old swords from the time of our
+great-grandfathers.</p>
+<p>"Up to the suburbs of Munich they stand at every village by day
+and by night to see that nothing happens to the Fatherland! And
+even if we were stopped twenty-eight times in this short distance;
+even if we did have to put up with hard words and black
+looks&mdash;we suffered all this gladly. We rejoiced to see with
+our own eyes how valiantly our peasants defend the frontiers of
+their Fatherland."[<a href="#note-59">59</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-59"><!-- Note Anchor 59 --></a>[Footnote 59:
+Edmund Edel in the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p>In due time the bloodthirsty Pecksniff who had set the avalanche
+in motion appeared to express his holy indignation.</p>
+<p>"Wolff's Bureau has circulated the following warning. Berlin,
+August 14th. This fatal hunt for motor-cars has claimed yet another
+victim. Recently an Austrian countess was shot while working for
+the Red Cross, and now a cavalry captain and his chauffeur have
+been killed by a forest-keeper on the look-out for Russian
+<i>automobile</i>.</p>
+<p>"The General Staff has again and again issued the most urgent
+demands that this unhappy hunt for foreign motorists&mdash;which
+has already caused the death of several good Germans&mdash;should
+cease.</p>
+<p>"It is unadulterated madness (<i>es ist heller Wahnsinn</i>) to
+search for enemy motors in our land. Neither enemy officers, nor
+cars loaded with gold, are driving around in Germany. Would that
+our people would stop this horrible murder of their own countrymen
+and lend an ear to the warning voice of our Army Direction. Our
+Fatherland needs every single man in this serious hour."[<a href=
+"#note-60">60</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-60"><!-- Note Anchor 60 --></a>[Footnote 60:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 15th.]</p>
+<p>Only one more nail requires to be driven home to prove the
+blood-guilt of the German authorities for the murder of their own
+citizens.</p>
+<p>"Innumerable reports are in circulation about the capture of
+spies and the prevention of plots against persons and buildings. In
+spite of the fact that the military authorities have repeatedly and
+urgently appealed for the exercise of the greatest discretion in
+publishing such reports, the nationalist Press exploits every
+opportunity to disquiet the masses and excite them to senseless
+delirium.</p>
+<p>"It is obvious that we shall not join in this game. We exercise
+our most careful judgment before publishing anything; in these
+serious times we must decline to speculate in the thirst for
+sensation which has been bred in the public. Rather, on the
+contrary, we must beg our readers always to accept all news, WHICH
+NOW EMANATE ALMOST ENTIRELY FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES,[<a href=
+"#note-61">61</a>] with the necessary reserve."[<a href=
+"#note-62">62</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-61"><!-- Note Anchor 61 --></a>[Footnote 61: The
+emphasis is mine. Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-62"><!-- Note Anchor 62 --></a>[Footnote 62:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 7th.]</p>
+<p>The author has ventured to lead his readers on a mad-brained
+chase after non-existent motor-cars and mythical French gold. He
+hopes that his readers' patience has not been exhausted, because
+the ride may prove an instructive education in German methods and
+the standards of truth accepted in a country where only might is
+right.</p>
+<p>The object in view, in submitting these modern fairy-tales to
+the British public, is to lay bare the pillars of truth which
+support the Fatherland. During the first month of the war there was
+an outbreak of brutality in Germany; contemporaneously with these
+horrors some million members of the same nation flooded Belgium
+with dread deeds of an indescribable nature. This is a noteworthy
+coincidence.</p>
+<p>We have seen how Germans treat Germans, which makes it easier to
+comprehend how Germans treated Belgians. The present chapter gives
+a picture of how the German Press is worked, how popular opinion is
+created and blood-lust awakened. When dealing with Germany's
+defence of her Belgian horrors, we shall find that her entire case
+rests alone upon the utterances of her oracles of truth: Wolff's
+Telegraphic Bureau and Germany's venal, lying newspapers.</p>
+<p>That was the reason for this mad joy-ride from end to end of the
+German Empire, and that is the only apology which the author has to
+make for introducing the latest contributions to Germanic mythology
+into an otherwise serious work.</p>
+<p>Incidentally we have observed that German civilians were
+permitted to bear arms and did not hesitate to use them "in defence
+of the Fatherland," as Edmund Edel put it. The civilians were
+doubtless inspired by the noble desire to grab French gold. Yet
+when Belgian civilians&mdash;as Wolff's Bureau alleges&mdash;dared
+to defend their homes, wives and children against the most
+treacherous and dastardly invasion in the world's
+history&mdash;then, of course, Germany was perfectly justified in
+murdering all and sundry, burning towns and hamlets and laying
+waste a fertile land.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH6"><!-- CH6 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+<center>THE D&Eacute;B&Acirc;CLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS</center>
+<p>In the second paragraph of the Social Democratic programme
+published after the Halle Congress in 1890, we read: "The German
+workmen's socialistic party, although working for the present on
+national lines, is aware of the international character of the
+workmen's movement, and is determined to fulfil all duties accruing
+thereby to the working classes, in order to make the brotherhood of
+all men a reality."</p>
+<p>At that meeting&mdash;the first to be held after the repeal of
+Bismarck's anti-socialist law&mdash;the president claimed that they
+had secured more votes at the Reichstag election than any other
+party; they were the strongest political party in Germany.</p>
+<p>Since that year they have consistently increased their power,
+till in the present Reichstag they have no fewer than one hundred
+and eleven members, giving them almost an absolute majority.</p>
+<p>It seems an irony of fate that at Halle in 1890 one of the
+speakers who dilated on international brotherhood and the
+inseparable bonds which bound Belgian and German workmen&mdash;was
+a Belgian delegate! Singer, in reporting on the doings of the
+representatives in the Reichstag, said: "We consider peace among
+the nations to be an indispensable preliminary for the improvement
+of social conditions. We vote against expenditure for military
+purposes, because we are convinced that this continuous arming,
+accompanied by the constant improvement of murderous weapons, must
+be ended. It is contradictory to the civilizing task of the nations
+for them to be armed to the teeth, lying in wait for the moment
+when they can devour each other.</p>
+<p>"Militarism is an evil for the nations; its burdens cannot be
+borne for ever, and even to-day the nations are collapsing under
+them. Modern conditions are unbearable; out of them spring
+ever-increasing armaments, and at last a time will come when war
+must break out, because the state of modern armed peace will one
+day have become impossible."</p>
+<p>Another authoritative pronouncement from the report[<a href=
+"#note-63">63</a>] of the Social Democratic Congress in Erfurt,
+1891, deserves mention. It is a passage from a speech delivered by
+the elder Liebknecht in the Reichstag: "As regards the defence of
+the Fatherland all parties will be united when it is necessary to
+meet an outside enemy. In that moment no party will shirk its
+duty."</p>
+<p><a name="note-63"><!-- Note Anchor 63 --></a>[Footnote 63:
+"Protokoll &uuml;ber die Verhandlungen des Parteitags der Soz. Dem.
+Partei Deutschlands zu Erfurt, 1891."]</p>
+<p>This is an instance of what Germans call
+<i>R&uuml;ckversicherung</i>, or a covering insurance. Having
+pledged themselves never to leave the Fatherland in the
+lurch&mdash;and the pledge was repeated on many
+occasions&mdash;they were free to babble to French, English and
+Italian Socialists about the blessings of internationalism, general
+strikes, and eternal peace. But there is no single instance on
+record to show that German Socialists considered any other benefits
+of internationalism, except those which served the purposes of
+their own nationalism.</p>
+<p>At Halle, 1890, Liebknecht said: "These ideas are indisputably
+correct. Nobody,[<a href="#note-64">64</a>] no matter how
+enthusiastic he may be for the international cause, will dare to
+maintain that we have no national duties. National and
+international are not opposing principles. The word 'national' must
+be rightly understood. It includes only a certain, limited portion
+of international humanity. The part belongs to the whole, and
+international merely means going beyond the boundary-posts of the
+nation, the narrower limits of the native land; to extend one's
+horizon to include the whole; to consider humanity as one family
+and the world as a home."</p>
+<p><a name="note-64"><!-- Note Anchor 64 --></a>[Footnote 64:
+Liebknecht was wrong. There are dupes who hold that their
+international obligations come before their national duties, and
+unfortunately in the ranks of these traitors, English M.P.'s may be
+found, who receive &pound;400 per annum from the British State,
+presumably to aid them in injuring the British cause.]</p>
+<p>The error into which British Socialists have fallen&mdash;or
+been led&mdash;is their attitude towards militarism. German
+Democrats have never denounced the bearing of arms; they have
+admitted that arms will always be necessary, pre-supposing that the
+world continues along the same lines of development as
+heretofore.</p>
+<p>They have only objected to the existing <i>form</i>[<a href=
+"#note-65">65</a>] of militarism, but otherwise they have always
+been unanimous that military training should be compulsory and
+universal. Their British <i>Genossen</i> (comrades) have either
+misunderstood or wilfully perverted these teachings. German
+Socialists have unswervingly insisted upon every man learning the
+use of arms, while their British followers have preached absolute
+disarmament and done their utmost to betray this country into
+weakening herself below the minimum necessary to guard the land,
+and to maintain the country's pledges to the world.</p>
+<p><a name="note-65"><!-- Note Anchor 65 --></a>[Footnote 65:
+Kautsky: "Die Internationalit&auml;t und der Krieg" (Vorw&auml;rts
+Publishing House, Berlin, 1915), p. 26. "We have fought against the
+military system not to make the land defenceless, but in order to
+introduce another system in its place, which will give us the
+necessary guarantees that the army will always be the tool of the
+civil authorities and never their master. When the latter is the
+case we call such a condition 'militarism,' and it is against that
+alone that we fight." Seeing that military power is absolutely
+subordinated to the civil authorities in the case of Great Britain
+(Mutiny Acts), then according to the principles of German
+Socialists their British colleagues were wrong in all the efforts
+which they have made against the armed powers of these
+islands.]</p>
+<p>In Halle, Herr Bebel made this statement: "I have already made
+it clear that I consider the efforts of the so-called peace friends
+towards disarmament to be useless (<i>aussichtslos</i>), because it
+is unthinkable that the rival States would agree to legal
+restrictions concerning disarmament. If such were made, each would
+endeavour by secret preparations to out-do the other. War and
+national enmity are necessary products of society, and the existing
+class distinctions."</p>
+<p>The Germans were quite logical in this matter; in effect they
+said&mdash;the existing States and forms of government make
+militarism necessary, and war inevitable. Therefore we declare war
+to the knife on every existing government, including Russian
+Czarism, British constitutionalism, German autocracy and American
+republicanism. They are one and all rotten, unjust and inhuman. Our
+programme includes their complete overthrow and the erection in
+their stead of a <i>Volksstaat</i> (People's State).</p>
+<p>The position is perfectly simple, and to those who are
+sufficiently ignorant and na&iuml;ve this programme promises an
+universal salvation, as delirious in its joy as that expected by
+African races when bending the knee before images of wood and
+stone. German Socialists are pledged just as irrevocably to the
+doctrines of brute force as are the Junker and military powers in
+the German Fatherland. What is their industrial and class warfare
+but an attempt to enforce the doctrine of might is right?</p>
+<p>In the official programme drawn up at Erfurt, 1891, there is a
+paragraph stating a claim for <i>uneingeschr&auml;nktes
+Koalitionsrecht</i> (absolute and unlimited right of coalition),
+which means that the masses may unite to enforce what they will,
+and annihilate whom they please. The same rights of coalition are
+denied to anyone else, and in the coal-strikes in South
+Wales[<a href="#note-66">66</a>] we have a lurid example&mdash;such
+instances could not be found in Germany&mdash;of the absolute and
+unlimited right of coalition at the risk of undoing any and every
+other right.</p>
+<p><a name="note-66"><!-- Note Anchor 66 --></a>[Footnote 66: The
+strikes during the present war.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>The point is this: German Socialists have declared their
+intention to give no allegiance to any existing form of government
+and to overthrow them at the earliest possible moment. Do British
+Socialists accept this part of the programme?</p>
+<p>Throughout German Social Democratic literature we find Mr.
+Ramsay Macdonald referred to as <i>Genosse</i> Ramsay Macdonald,
+which means that he is considered a full member of the brotherhood.
+If that is really the case, and if he accepts their programme as
+one to be followed here he would be favouring the substitution of
+the <i>volksstaat</i> for the British constitutional monarchy.</p>
+<p>In face of this it may be asked why do British members of the
+Socialist party take an oath on entering the House of Commons, and
+why do they accept &pound;400 per annum to support a national
+State, if they have pledged themselves internationally to overthrow
+it?</p>
+<p>The author admits his inability to solve the riddle, but during
+the years 1902-1914 he has heard members of all non-Socialist
+German parties assert that the German Socialists do not recognize
+any religious oath, and sections of the Socialists admit this
+position. As a party they are professedly atheistic; therefore when
+the might of the German State compels them to take an
+oath&mdash;they take it with an inward
+<i>R&uuml;ckversicherung</i>.</p>
+<p>In a word, false-swearing is permitted, when one is obliged by
+circumstances, to take an oath to authorities whose right and might
+the oath-taker does not admit. So long ago as 1892 the Social
+Democrats were publicly charged with condoning perjury in order to
+rescue fellow members from the results of breaches of the law.
+Judge Schmidt in a court at Breslau said in that year: "Social
+Democrats have never concealed the fact that they are hostile to
+any religious form of oath. For them the religious importance and
+responsibility of an oath has no meaning whatever." Numerous German
+judges and authors have expressed themselves in a similar
+strain.</p>
+<p>Readers who are interested in the point are referred to the
+report[<a href="#note-67">67</a>] of the Socialist Congress held in
+Berlin, October, 1892. The party leaders endeavoured to gloss the
+matter over with righteous indignation and ambiguous phrases, but
+it nevertheless remains a fact that the desire to counteract
+effectively, a tendency to perjury among Socialists led the German
+Government a few years later to make perjury punishable by penal
+servitude up to ten years.</p>
+<p><a name="note-67"><!-- Note Anchor 67 --></a>[Footnote 67: All
+these reports may be seen in the British Museum Reading Room. Press
+mark is: 08072d.]</p>
+<p>Before leaving the <i>Volksstaat</i> the author only wishes to
+state that it lays the axe on every conception of morality,
+religion and social order which we esteem. In the place of existing
+conditions, it would erect a mob tyranny more degrading to the
+individual than Czarism or Republicanism. The mines of Siberia and
+the tinned-meat factories of Chicago may enslave the body, but the
+<i>Volksstaat</i>, as portrayed by Socialist writers and speakers,
+promises an intellectual tyranny&mdash;hopeless alike to body and
+soul; and those who have had an opportunity to observe the brutal
+tyranny called "party discipline" which rules the German Social
+Democrats, will bear the present writer out in saying that its
+like, could only be found inside the German army.</p>
+<p>The strongest, best organized and most thoroughly disciplined
+political party in the world has repeatedly expressed its
+unalterable determination to place national before international
+interests, whenever these two should seem to be at variance. In the
+light of these declarations, the action of German Socialists in
+giving unreserved support to the German Government in this war, is
+not altogether surprising.</p>
+<p>Furthermore, this foundation-stone in their policy ought never
+to have been left out of consideration when pondering over their
+ecstatic utterances on peace and internationalism.</p>
+<p>The communistic manifesto of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels,
+first published in London in the German language in 1847, contains
+the following: "Men say that we Communists wish to destroy the
+nationality of the native land. Workmen have no Fatherland. It is
+impossible to take away what they do not possess. The Communists
+scorn to conceal their views and intentions. We declare openly,
+that their aims can only be attained by the violent overthrow of
+all existing social orders. Let the ruling classes tremble before a
+communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing but their
+chains to lose, while they have a world to gain."[<a href=
+"#note-68">68</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-68"><!-- Note Anchor 68 --></a>[Footnote 68: "Envy
+and greed are the two powerful levers by which the Social Democrats
+are endeavouring to lift the world off its hinges. They live by the
+destruction of every ideal." Treitschke in the "Preussische
+Jahrb&uuml;cher," vol. 34.]</p>
+<p>German Socialists have incorporated these principles <i>in
+theory</i> in their programme, but <i>in practice</i> they do not
+hold them, especially if their own skins are endangered, together
+with the Government which is threatened by "violent overthrow."
+That is the sum total of their extensive defence&mdash;literature
+published <i>since</i> the outbreak of the present war. In its
+naked reality that is what the guarantee-insurance policy covered.
+So long as no danger threatened their own lives, goods and
+chattels, such eloquence as the following extracts were shouted
+into the world; but when they personally stood face to face with
+the Moloch upon which for years they had heaped contemptuous abuse,
+then national (<i>i.e.</i>, personal) interests came first.</p>
+<p>Herr Fischer, in his capacity as president of the Socialist
+Congress in Berlin, 1892, said:</p>
+<p>"The reception of French delegates at Halle, and of Liebknecht
+at Marseilles, have proved incontrovertibly that the struggling
+French proletarians are of one mind and heart with German Social
+Democracy. Let the chauvinists, burning with hate on this and that
+side the Rhine, urge us on to war; let the diplomats and
+Governments of both countries sacrifice the well-being of the two
+nations to militarism and the war-bogey. The working-men in the two
+countries stretch out their hands to each other over the frontiers
+as pioneers of true culture and morality. They are convinced that
+there is only one enemy which separates them, and that it is their
+common task to fight against and annihilate this one
+enemy&mdash;capitalism."</p>
+<p>"Now as ever, we Social Democrats reply to the Government's
+military and economic policy this parole: Not a man and not a
+farthing will be voted for this system!"[<a href=
+"#note-69">69</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-69"><!-- Note Anchor 69 --></a>[Footnote 69:
+Social Democrat members of the Reichstag in their report to the
+annual congress held in Cologne, 1893.]</p>
+<p>These quotations have been intentionally taken from speeches,
+etc., published in the early nineties of the last century. If
+necessary, it would be an easy matter to fill several volumes of
+similar matter from the annual congress reports down to 1913; from
+the vast mass of German Social Democratic literature published
+between 1890 and 1914; and from the hundred party newspapers and
+reviews circulated in the Fatherland, Yet in the face of all these
+assurances it seemed to us that the German Socialists had
+shamefully betrayed their principles on August 4th, 1914, by giving
+their unreserved support to "Germany's Holy War."[<a href=
+"#note-70">70</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-70"><!-- Note Anchor 70 --></a>[Footnote 70: In
+all Germany, and among all classes, this has become the popular
+designation of the European war: "<i>Unser</i> heiliger
+Krieg."]</p>
+<p>Probably the betrayal was not so shameful as it seemed, because
+the fact was not made known in this country that the German
+Socialists had but imitated Bismarck's policy with Russia and
+Austria. (Bismarck concluded a treaty, with the one Power, then
+behind that Power's back he concluded a
+<i>R&uuml;ckversicherungsvertrag</i> with the other, <i>i.e.</i>, a
+covering insurance policy intended to protect him against all
+risks.)</p>
+<p>During a quarter of a century, German Social Democrats have been
+the most ardent and insistent pioneers of internationalism and
+anti-militarism. But it has not been so generally known that they
+too have protected their rear by a <i>R&uuml;ckversicherung:</i>
+(1.) They have consistently taught that every man must learn to
+bear arms, and that both man and woman must be prepared to make any
+sacrifice for their Fatherland. (2.) They have always held that
+national interests must be considered before international
+palaver.</p>
+<p>In Chapter I. we have seen that up till July 28th, 1914, the
+German Social Democratic Party considered Austria and Germany to be
+entirely responsible for the European crisis. They had then no
+shadow of doubt, that Austria alone was guilty for bringing the
+danger of a European war to their very doors; from that point we
+again take up the story.[<a href="#note-71">71</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-71"><!-- Note Anchor 71 --></a>[Footnote 71: In
+all the mass of literature published by German Socialists during
+the war I have found only one mention of their first attitude to
+the war danger. On the first anniversary of the ultimatum to Serbia
+(July 23rd, 1915) the <i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i> contains these
+lines in a leading article: "To-day we may not repeat that which we
+wrote about the ultimatum in our issue of July 24th, 1914. But
+there was no doubt in any section of the Press, that Europe stood
+on the brink of war from the moment that ultimatum was
+despatched."]</p>
+<p>Three days later they tacitly agreed that Russia was the guilty
+party and acquiesced in the mobilization of the German army. On
+August 1st this proclamation occupied the front page of their
+seventy-seven daily papers:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"PARTEIGENOSSEN! Military law has been
+proclaimed. Any hour may bring with it the outbreak of the world
+war. Thereby the severest trials will be imposed upon, not only our
+nation, but upon the whole of our continent.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Up till the last minute the
+internationalists have done their duty, and on the other side of
+our frontiers every nerve is being strained to preserve peace and
+to make war impossible.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"If our earnest protests, our repeated
+endeavours have been without success, it is because the conditions
+under which we live have once again proved stronger than our will,
+and the will of our workmen brothers. Hence, whatever comes, we
+must now face it with firmness.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The horrible self-laceration of the European
+peoples, is the cruel confirmation of our warnings to the ruling
+classes for more than a generation; we have spoken admonishingly
+and in vain.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"<i>Parteigenossen</i> (comrades), we shall
+not live through coming events in fatalistic indifference; we shall
+remain true to our cause; we shall hold firmly together, permeated
+by the sublime greatness of our cultural mission.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The women, on whom the burden of events
+presses two and threefold, have above all, in these serious times,
+the task of working in the spirit of Socialism for the high ideals
+of humanity, so that a repetition of this dreadful catastrophe may
+be averted, and this war may be the last.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The stern regulations of martial law strike
+the workmen's movement with terrible force. Imprudent actions,
+useless and falsely-conceived sacrifices, damage in this moment not
+only the individual, but also our cause.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Comrades, we appeal to you to persevere in
+the unshakable confidence that the future belongs, in spite of all,
+to nation-binding Socialism, to justice and humanity.</p>
+<p class="blockquote"><br>
+"DER PARTEIVORSTAND.<br>
+(The leaders of the party.)<br>
+<br>
+"Berlin, July 3ist, 1914."</p>
+<p>With these words, millions of German Socialists, represented by
+four and a quarter million voters and a hundred and eleven members
+of the Reichstag, tacitly denied their previous protestations, that
+Austrian Imperialism was letting loose the war-fury on Europe.
+There are rumours of a secret consultation with the German
+Chancellor, but that is of little import in this place. The leaders
+of this huge party proclaimed on July 25th that Austria was the
+blood-guilty power and maintained this attitude in spite of
+bloodshed till 11 p.m. on July 28th. By what lightning-change
+Austria's original guilt was transferred to Russia by July 31st is
+not recorded.</p>
+<p>With regard to the text of the above proclamation, there are
+variations to be noted. In the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> it runs "within
+and without our frontiers" in the second paragraph; the text as I
+have given it is taken from the <i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>. In
+the fifth paragraph the Nuremberg <i>Fr&auml;nkische Tagespost</i>
+gives "capitalistic" for "fatalistic."</p>
+<p>A few extracts from Socialist newspapers will suffice to
+illustrate the complete change of front which happened in three
+days:</p>
+<p>"We Social Democrats in this solemn hour are at one with the
+whole German nation, without distinction of party or creed, in
+accepting the fight forced upon us by Russian barbarism, and we are
+ready to fight till the last drop of blood for Germany's national
+independence, fame and greatness." <i>Der Folksfreund</i>
+(Karlsruhe), August 1st.</p>
+<p>"We desired peace and we have done everything humanly possible
+to secure that end. But when war is forced upon us by Russian
+Czarism, then, whatever the final decision may be, we must drop all
+class distinctions and differences of every kind, to form a single,
+determined people, prepared to defend Germany's independence and
+greatness against the enemy&mdash;even to the last drop of blood."
+<i>Volksstimme</i> (Mannheim), July 31st.</p>
+<p>"A defeat would mean collapse, annihilation and horrors most
+dreadful for all of us.[<a href="#note-72">72</a>] Our imaginations
+revolt at such a possibility. Our representatives in the Reichstag
+have unanimously declared on innumerable occasions that the Social
+Democrats could not leave their Fatherland in the lurch when the
+hour of destiny strikes; the workmen will now redeem the promise
+given by their representatives. The 'Fatherlandless
+fellows'[<a href="#note-73">73</a>] will do their duty, and in
+doing it, will allow themselves to be surpassed in no wise by the
+patriots," <i>M&uuml;nchener Post</i>, August 1st.</p>
+<p><a name="note-72"><!-- Note Anchor 72 --></a>[Footnote 72: These
+sentiments did not occur to this journalist when Germany began a
+ruthless war of invasion on Belgium.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-73"><!-- Note Anchor 73 --></a>[Footnote 73: A
+phrase of contempt employed by the Kaiser when speaking of the
+Social Democrats in 1889, and which became proverbial.]</p>
+<p>"Whatever our opponents have done to us, at this moment we all
+feel the duty to fight against Russian knout-rule. Our women and
+children shall not be sacrificed to Russian bestiality, nor the
+German people become a booty for the Cossacks." <i>Die
+Volksstimme</i> (Chemnitz), August 2nd.</p>
+<p>It is possible that even at the end of the war no explanation
+will be forthcoming for this astounding change of attitude. Some
+have suggested that the Russian or Slavonic danger caused it. Yet
+just these journals, and this party, had maintained, so long as any
+degree of free speech was permitted, that Austria had provoked the
+danger, and they were fully aware that the German Government had
+from first to last approved of and openly assisted in provoking,
+nay challenging, Russia on a question which involved the latter's
+prestige and diplomatic existence.</p>
+<p>Bethmann-Hollweg gave the alleged Russian mobilization as the
+immediate cause of the war, but doubtless the Social Democrats knew
+full well that for several days before Russia's mobilization was
+announced, Germany had been secretly mobilizing her army. From July
+26th till July 30th German papers contained many reports that
+Russia was mobilizing; they may have been true or not, but the
+diplomatic correspondence published by Austria and discussed on
+<a href="#redbook">page 63</a> shows conclusively that the Central
+Powers were baiting Russia into taking that step, and when the
+greatest Slavonic power had made the desired move, Germany replied
+with an ultimatum which brought about the war, so ardently desired
+by the great majority of Germany's warlike tribes.</p>
+<p>Britishers who sympathize with German Social Democracy may
+advance the plea: If Germany's military preparations were secret,
+how could the Social Democrats know of these proceedings? The
+answer is direct and simple: Every individual Social
+Democrat&mdash;and men, women, and children, they number some
+twenty millions&mdash;has for years past been a spy and informer in
+the interests of the <i>Umsturzpartei</i> (overthrow-party). All
+the happenings of the workshop, barracks, farmyard, shop and office
+have been systematically reported to the local Press, and local
+committees of the Democratic Party; the ammunitions thus obtained
+have been just as systematically employed to fire insidious
+paragraphs and Press articles at governments, local authorities,
+employers, officers, and even the employers of servant-girls. Of
+late years it has been dangerous to have a difference even with a
+maid-servant; a few days later the inevitable insidious, anonymous
+attack would certainly appear in one or other of the S.D.
+journals.</p>
+<p>One instance will suffice to illustrate the everyday routine of
+the class-war (<i>Klassenkampf</i>) in which the whole energies of
+the Social Democrats have been absorbed for a quarter of a century.
+An acquaintance of the author's, Major Schub, in the 19th Infantry
+Regiment, stationed in Erlangen, dared some years ago to send his
+orderly with a she-goat to a peasant in the district who kept the
+indispensable he-goat. Two days later he was pilloried in a Furth
+paper for calling upon a private soldier to fulfil such a degrading
+office. German workmen do not read the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> (its
+circulation is well under 100,000), but they read one or other of
+the seventy purveyors of filth and class hatred which form the
+stock-in-trade of the Social Democratic Party.</p>
+<p>The author of this work, knew as early as July 25th, that
+reserve officers had been warned to hold themselves in readiness;
+on succeeding days he saw tangible evidence that mobilization was
+proceeding stealthily, and it would be ridiculous for him to claim
+greater knowledge than the hundred and eleven S.D. members of the
+Reichstag, and the seventy-seven editors of their party
+papers&mdash;especially when these have an army of millions of
+spies at their command.</p>
+<p>In order to obtain a correct judgment of the motives which
+actuated German Social Democrats in their complete support of the
+German Government it is necessary to consult the works published by
+them during the war. Karl Kautsky writes:[<a href=
+"#note-74">74</a>] "That which under these circumstances, was most
+immediate and pressing in determining the attitude to war, not only
+for the masses, but also many of our leaders, was the fear of a
+hostile invasion, the urgent necessity to keep the enemy out of our
+territory, no matter what the causes, object or results of the war
+may be. This fear was never greater and more justified than on this
+occasion; never have the devastating results of invasion been more
+terrible. Belgium and East Prussia speak plainly.</p>
+<p><a name="note-74"><!-- Note Anchor 74 --></a>[Footnote 74: "Die
+Internationalit&auml;t und der Krieg." Berlin, 1915; p. 32.]</p>
+<p>"The increased size of the armies greatly extends the
+unavoidable desolation of war, and in addition to this a second
+strongly-working popular motive decides the attitude of a nation to
+war, viz., the interest of the entire people in the fate of an army
+in which every family is represented."</p>
+<p>It thus becomes evident that no motives of justice, right or
+wrong, or politics played any part in the decision arrived at, but
+merely a great fear which impelled the Social Democrats to consider
+first and foremost how to save their own skins.</p>
+<p>All protest meetings were cancelled on August 1st, and the Press
+restricted itself to chronicling rumours and events. The sitting of
+the Reichstag was awaited with impatience as that was expected to
+bring more light on the crisis. The effect which Bethmann-Hollweg
+produced upon his hearers was to convince them that Russia alone
+was to blame. "The question of supporting the war by voting a loan
+was all the easier for us to decide, because the provocation had
+come, not from France or England, but from Russia. I admit openly
+that while I was travelling to Berlin to the Reichstag I had very
+little time to hunt for precedents in the party's history to
+determine my vote. For me the force of circumstances alone was
+decisive; the material interests of the working classes and the
+entire nation; common sense and the realization of a practical
+policy."[<a href="#note-75">75</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-75"><!-- Note Anchor 75 --></a>[Footnote 75: "Die
+Kriegssitzung des deutschen Reichstags" ("The War Sitting of the
+Reichstag"), by Karl Hildenbrand, Member for Stuttgart. Published
+1915; p. 13.]</p>
+<p>"At the time of voting on August 4th, we were not in a position
+to take England into consideration, because at the moment she had
+not yet declared war. But by England's intervention our attitude on
+August 4th has been still more emphatically justified."[<a href=
+"#note-76">76</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-76"><!-- Note Anchor 76 --></a>[Footnote 76:
+Ibid., p. 16.]</p>
+<p>This statement is a gross distortion of the truth. It is true
+that England had not yet declared war, but Sir Edward Grey had made
+England's attitude quite clear on the previous day. His speech had
+been published in the Berlin papers. Furthermore, the Chancellor
+informed the Reichstag that England's position was perfectly clear,
+although he suppressed the fact that Germany had begun preparations
+for war with this country five days before, by ordering civilians
+to leave Heligoland, and despatching the <i>K&ouml;nigin Luise</i>
+to lay mines on our coasts.</p>
+<p>In any case, the action of the Social Democrats on that occasion
+is an example of unfaithfulness to principles. Accepting the
+invasion fear as a ground for voting a loan for a war of defence,
+there is still no evident reason why they should vote funds for a
+war of aggression against Belgium. On the surface, there is no
+explanation for their cheers when Bethmann-Hollweg announced the
+invasion of two neutral States by Germany's armies.</p>
+<p>Had they been tricked into supporting an alleged defensive war,
+there was still time to protest against German hordes overrunning
+two weak neighbouring countries. In spite of their terror that they
+personally might suffer through the horrors of war, their vaunted
+humanitarianism led to no outcry against those same horrors being
+wilfully and ruthlessly forced upon their Belgian
+<i>Genossen</i>.</p>
+<p>The only anxiety which the speech of their chosen spokesman,
+Herr Haase, betrays, is the anxiety to avoid responsibility. "In
+the name of my party I am empowered to make the following
+declaration: We are standing in an hour of solemn destiny. The
+consequences of the imperialistic policy&mdash;which brought about
+an era of armaments and made international difficulties more
+acute&mdash;have now fallen upon Europe like a storm-flood.</p>
+<p>"The responsibility for this recoils upon the leaders of that
+policy; we decline to accept it. Social Democracy has fought
+against this ominous development with all the forces at its
+command. Up to the very last hour we have worked for the
+maintenance of peace through mighty demonstrations in every land,
+especially in intimate cooperation with our French brothers.
+(Applause from the Social Democrats.) Our efforts have been in
+vain.</p>
+<p>"Now we are face to face with the stern reality of war. We are
+threatened by the terrors of a hostile invasion. To-day we have not
+to decide either for or against war, but only concerning the
+necessary means for the defence of our country. Now we have to
+think of the millions of our <i>Genossen</i> who are innocently
+swept into this fate. They will suffer most through the
+devastations of war. Our ardent wishes accompany also our brothers
+who are called to the flag without distinction of party. (Loud
+applause.)</p>
+<p>"We think, too, of the mothers who must give their sons and of
+the women and children who are robbed of their bread-winners, and
+to whose fear for their loved ones is added the dread of hunger.
+Tens of thousands of wounded and mutilated warriors will soon be
+added to these. We consider it our most compelling duty to help
+them, to lighten their burdens and relieve their distress.[<a href=
+"#note-77">77</a>] (Loud applause.)</p>
+<p><a name="note-77"><!-- Note Anchor 77 --></a>[Footnote 77: There
+is every reason to believe that the party has worked hard to keep
+this promise.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"In case of a victory for Russian despotism, which is already
+stained with the blood of Russia's best sons, much&mdash;if not
+everything&mdash;is at stake for our people and our free future. It
+is a question of averting this danger, and of securing the culture
+and independence of our own country. (Loud applause.)</p>
+<p>"Now we will redeem our oft repeated pledge: In the hour of
+danger we shall not leave our Fatherland in the lurch. (Loud
+applause.) Thereby, we feel ourselves in unison with the principles
+of internationalism which have always admitted the right of each
+single people to national independence and national defence. We
+condemn, as internationalism does, every war of conquest.</p>
+<p>"We demand, that, as soon as the goal of security has been
+attained and our enemies are inclined to make peace, the war shall
+end by a peace that will make friendship with neighbouring
+countries possible. We demand this, not only in the interests of
+the international solidarity for which we have uniformly fought,
+but also in the interests of the German nation.</p>
+<p>"We hope that the cruel school of war's sufferings will awaken a
+horror for war in new millions, and win them over to the
+socialistic ideal and international peace. Guided by these
+principles we vote in favour of the war loan. (Loud
+applause.)"[<a href="#note-78">78</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-78"><!-- Note Anchor 78 --></a>[Footnote 78:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>A short historical comparison will assist in making the Social
+Democratic action still clearer. In 1870, when Bismarck asked the
+Reichstag for a war credit to prosecute the campaign against
+France, the Socialists were few and helpless. Yet Liebknecht and
+Bebel refused to vote in its favour. "Their moral demonstration was
+in itself perfectly logical, for Bismarck's and Napoleon III.'s
+intrigues equally deserved condemnation."[<a href=
+"#note-79">79</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-79"><!-- Note Anchor 79 --></a>[Footnote 79:
+Kautsky: "Die Internationalitat und der Krieg," p. 19.]</p>
+<p>Apparently it did not occur to the Democrats in 1914, that
+probably Germany had again been guilty of intrigues. It is
+noteworthy, however, that the small party in 1870 protested when a
+national issue was at stake, while the mighty party of 1914 made no
+protest whatever, although, as they had previously announced and
+denounced, the issue had been raised by the unjust actions and vile
+intrigues of Austrian imperialism.</p>
+<p>The campaign against Russia conducted by the nationalist Press
+up till August 1st was taken up by the organs representing Social
+Democracy, immediately war broke out. Their papers were flooded
+with appalling pictures of Russian (generally termed Asiatic)
+barbarism, tyranny and misrule. Passages from the speeches and
+writings of Bebel, Liebknecht and others were quoted to show the
+fiendishness of Russian policy, and the justice of every German
+doing his utmost to smash Czarism and deliver millions of fellow
+workmen from its thrall. Even a blood-and-thunder story of the
+Russian police was turned on as a serial story in their daily
+papers.[<a href="#note-80">80</a>] In short, nothing was omitted
+which goes to make <i>Stimmung</i>.</p>
+<p><a name="note-80"><!-- Note Anchor 80 --></a>[Footnote 80: "Der
+Polizeimeister, ein russischer Polizeiroman," by Gabryela Zapolska.
+The story commenced in the Nuremberg party organ on August 11th,
+and in Kautsky's <i>Leipztger Volkszeitung</i> on August 18th.]</p>
+<p>Had they been honestly impartial a still blacker picture of
+Austria, painted by one of the founders of the workmen's movement,
+might have been quoted, yet it might have been indiscreet to tell
+Germans what Lassalle wrote. "Austria? Russia is a mammoth,
+barbarian Empire which its despotic rulers endeavour to civilize,
+just so far as suits their despotic interests. In that country
+barbarism is excusable, because it is a national element. But the
+case is very different with Austria. There it is the government
+which represents the barbaric principle and crushes beneath it by
+artifice and violence, the civilized peoples under its
+rule."[<a href="#note-81">81</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-81"><!-- Note Anchor 81 --></a>[Footnote 81:
+Bernstein's edition of Lassalle's "Reden und Schriften," vol. I.,
+p. 306.]</p>
+<p>With the exception of a few Britishers, the Socialists of all
+countries have unanimously condemned the attitude of the German
+party. Not the least interesting is the condemnation expressed by
+the Italian section. Dr. S&uuml;dekum, Reichstag member for
+Nuremberg, was sent to Italy to discuss the situation with Italian
+Socialists and justify their own action in supporting the war. The
+following account of the meeting appeared in the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> for September 12th: "The meeting lasted from
+3.30 p.m. till 7 p.m. S&uuml;dekum declared that he had come to
+inform their Italian comrades of the situation in which the German
+Socialists found themselves, and in order to learn whether the
+Italians had taken any steps to keep up communications with
+Democrats in other lands.</p>
+<p>"We hold firmly to the contention that the German Socialists
+could have done nothing except what they did. My presence here is a
+proof that we Germans are aware of our duties towards
+internationalism.[<a href="#note-82">82</a>] We believed that the
+German Government had given proof of its peaceful tendencies and
+was forced into war against its will. Therefore, the Social
+Democratic Party supported it.</p>
+<p><a name="note-82"><!-- Note Anchor 82 --></a>[Footnote 82: There
+is no evidence to show that S&uuml;dekum's Italian visit had any
+other purpose than winning over the sympathies of Italian
+Socialists and with them, the whole Italian nation for the purposes
+of German nationalism.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Delia Seta answered that this was no justification for giving
+their support. The Italian Socialists would not have given their
+assistance under the same circumstances, just as they had refused
+to vote in favour of the Libyan war.</p>
+<p>"Dr. S&uuml;dekum replied that the German Socialists were
+compelled to defend their Fatherland against Czarism. Further, he
+repeated Haase's declaration in the Reichstag and continued: 'I am
+astonished that the Italian Socialists are able to believe, that so
+strong a party as the German Democrats, had denied their ideals,
+and been untrue to their task. You must admit that no other way was
+open to us, except to grant the credit demanded.'</p>
+<p>"After this, he asserted the nationalist Press of France and
+Italy was working against Germany, and it seemed as if the Italian
+comrades were in agreement with Italian nationalists in
+endeavouring to maintain the existing condition of affairs[<a href=
+"#note-83">83</a>] in Italy.</p>
+<p><a name="note-83"><!-- Note Anchor 83 --></a>[Footnote 83: "The
+existing condition of affairs" seems to mean Italian
+neutrality.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Finally S&uuml;dekum concluded by pointing out that the German
+Democrats had neither the intention, nor the right, to influence
+the attitude of the Italian Socialists, but were merely
+endeavouring to link up hearty international intercourse again.</p>
+<p>"In reply Delia Seta said he found it remarkable that the German
+Socialists had appealed to their Italian comrades in this solemn
+hour, all the more remarkable because intentions might easily be
+ascribed to this intervention. 'This is a serious motive which
+impels us to state our opinions with unreserved frankness.'</p>
+<p>"He continued: 'Your defence does not convince us. You speak of
+France being allied with us, and of England, Germany's enemy. But
+we speak of our France, revolutionary France, Jaur&eacute;'s
+France. The French Socialists opposed the military preparations
+made by France, you Germans did not do the same in your country, or
+at least, only up to the point where the imperialistic feelings of
+the Kaiser and his party might be hurt.</p>
+<p>"'The point of view of German Democrats coincides with that of
+German imperialism. German predominance means for us a far greater
+danger than Czarism, because Czarism prevents the German army from
+marching on Paris, and thus protects the banner of France, which in
+spite of all mistakes and errors, is still the most
+revolutionary.</p>
+<p>"'Germany's motto is: <i>Deutschland &uuml;ber alles</i> and you
+have not opposed it; but you have published in the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> an appreciation of the Kaiser alleging that he
+had worked during twenty-five years for peace.</p>
+<p>"'You speak of German civilization being in danger. But in this
+civilization we can find no trace of culture, when you attack and
+torture neutral Belgium, and complete the destruction of Louvain.
+Taken as a whole, German Socialists are just as plausible and use
+the same excuses as the Ministers of the German
+Government.[<a href="#note-84">84</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-84"><!-- Note Anchor 84 --></a>[Footnote 84: Might
+not this also be said of Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Bernard Shaw,
+etc., and the <i>Labour Leader</i>, whose writings on the war have
+been scattered broadcast throughout Germany during the last six
+months?]</p>
+<p>"'We are enraged at the terrible fact that Germany has violated
+Belgium's neutrality, and you have not even protested. We tell you
+quite openly that we honour and weep for devastated Belgium, and
+tremblingly follow the fate of France.'"</p>
+<p>S&uuml;dekum had no words with which to answer this terrible
+indictment, and the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> could only add the
+following comment:</p>
+<p>"We consider the judgment of our Italian comrades to be
+one-sided, but for reasons easy to understand, desist from
+discussing it in the present situation. Unfortunately we must
+recognize the fact, however, that the Italian view is widespread
+among the Socialists of other neutral countries."</p>
+<p>Germany's revolutionary party lost no time in hoisting the
+banner of "no annexations." The <i>Leipziger Folkszeitung</i>,
+second in importance only to the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> nailed down a
+phrase in the Kaiser's speech from the throne, which stated: "We
+are inspired by no desire for conquest." In commenting on this
+phrase, Kautsky's organ said:</p>
+<p>"The part of the speech which excites most sympathy in us is the
+admission that Germany cherishes no lust for conquest. At the
+proper time we shall refer to that again.</p>
+<p>"It is with sincere regret that we see the French Government on
+the side of the criminal Powers, which have enslaved and robbed the
+Russian people. If Germany, in a delirium of victory, should raise
+claims which mean annexation, then we shall&mdash;that must be
+repeated again&mdash;recall the speech from the throne of the
+German Kaiser on August 4th, 1914."[<a href="#note-85">85</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-85"><!-- Note Anchor 85 --></a>[Footnote 85:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 4th.]</p>
+<p>During the first year of war a split among the Social Democrats
+has become evident, and it appears certain that it is the
+annexation question which is causing the cleavage. In December last
+Liebknecht abstained from voting when the second war loan was
+granted by the Reichstag. Evidently doubts have arisen in a small
+section of the party either as to the origin of the war, or in
+regard to the objects which the German Government hopes to
+attain.</p>
+<p>On August 20th, 1915, Dr. Liebknecht put this question in the
+Reichstag: "Is the Government prepared to enter into immediate
+peace negotiations on the basis that Germany renounces all
+annexation claims and assuming that the other Powers in question
+are willing to negotiate?" Von Jagow replied: "I believe the great
+majority of the members will agree with me, when I refuse to answer
+the question, as being at present beside the purpose."</p>
+<p>The reply evoked a hurricane of "bravos."</p>
+<p>A parallel may be found in the year 1870. The central committee
+of German Social Democrats passed a resolution that: "It is
+absolutely necessary for the party to organize simultaneously in
+all parts of the country great popular demonstrations against the
+annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, and pass resolutions in favour of an
+honourable peace with the French republic."</p>
+<p>Nothing came of the movement, for on September 9th the committee
+was placed under arrest and prosecuted. If Germany should be
+victorious in this war, it is to be assumed that the Socialists
+would again prove powerless to prevent annexation. What the allies
+cannot hinder, the Social Democrats would be still more helpless to
+prevent; especially as the great majority of them are unreservedly
+on the side of the Kaiser and his Government. When in need, the
+latter flattered and persuaded the Democrats to vote for an alleged
+war of defence; but should German arms be victorious the German
+Government would neither seek, nor accept advice on her national
+projects, from her quondam internationalists.</p>
+<p>There are grounds for suspicion that the party is playing a game
+desired by the Berlin Government. For some months past they have
+tried every means possible to arrange personal interviews with the
+leaders of the corresponding party in France&mdash;the French
+"comrades" have refused to meet them. The <i>Leipziger
+Volkszeitung</i> for July 16th, 1915, contains more than a column
+about "We and the French," in which the German party spreads the
+usual Teutonic lime of sophistry and empty phrases.</p>
+<p>One passage betrays the entire intrigue. They wish their "French
+brothers" to agree to a peace without annexations, which means, in
+so many words, that the French Socialists are to renounce
+Alsace-Lorraine for ever. Had they been, or should they be in the
+future, so foolish as to enter this German mouse-trap, then before
+the war has reached a decisive conclusion, a large section of the
+French nation would be pledged to renounce the lost provinces even
+in case of a German defeat. This is an excellent instance of the
+manner in which German Social Democracy works in an enemy country
+to assist its own Government. In like manner, the Independent
+Labour Party and Union of Democratic Control are forces exceedingly
+sensitive to German influence, and in a decisive moment can be set
+in motion by the German "comrades."</p>
+<p>The hundred and eleven Social Democrats in the Reichstag have no
+real power in Germany. If they possess any degree of power, then
+fear for their own skins, prevents them from risking its exercise.
+Their real opinion concerning Alsace-Lorraine appeared in the same
+journal four days later. "According to our opinion it would be a
+crime, if France made the return of these provinces a condition of
+peace." In the same article an accusation of one-sidedness is made
+against the Socialists in France for supporting the French
+Government. After which, it is not surprising that every time the
+names of the <i>Genossen</i> Macdonald, Snowden, Hardie and Newbold
+occur in the <i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, they are mentioned with
+awe and reverence.</p>
+<p>"Besides Ramsay Macdonald and Philip Snowden, our friend J.T.
+Walton Newbold has got on the nerves of the English
+patriots."[<a href="#note-86">86</a>] These gentlemen invariably
+receive polite mention, but French Socialists are evidently in
+disfavour&mdash;presumably because they know too well the German
+game.</p>
+<p><a name="note-86"><!-- Note Anchor 86 --></a>[Footnote 86:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, July 23rd, 1915.]</p>
+<p>The peace programme of the German Socialists has been published.
+An official declaration of the party which appeared on August 23rd,
+1915, gives the following conditions.</p>
+<p>"While caring for the national interests and rights of our own
+people, and at the same time respecting the vital interests of all
+nations, German Social Democracy strives for a peace which bears
+the guarantee of permanence, and will bring the European States
+closer together in matters of justice, culture, and commerce. In
+this sense we have drawn up the following scheme:</p>
+<p>"I. The security of German independence and the entirety of the
+German Empire, which implies the rejection of all annexation plans
+on the part of our opponents. That includes the French plan to
+re-incorporate Alsace-Lorraine with France, no matter in what form
+that end may be sought.</p>
+<p>"II. In order to secure free economic development for the German
+nation, we demand:</p>
+<p>"(<i>a</i>) The 'open door,' <i>i.e.</i>, equal rights for
+commercial and such-like activities in all colonial
+territories.</p>
+<p>"(<i>b</i>) The inclusion of the most-favoured-nation clause in
+the articles of peace of all the nations now at war.</p>
+<p>"(<i>c</i>) The furthering of an economic entente by abolishing
+tariffs, etc., as far as possible.</p>
+<p>"(<i>d</i>) The equalization and improvement of the
+social-political institutions according to ideals aimed at by the
+workmen's international party.</p>
+<p>"(<i>e</i>) The freedom of the seas is to be guaranteed by an
+international treaty. To this end the right of capture at sea must
+be abolished, and all straits and narrows of importance for world
+commerce, must be internationalized.</p>
+<p>"III. In the interests of Germany's security and the free
+exercise of commercial and economic efforts in South-Eastern
+Europe, we reject all the warlike aims of the Quadruple Alliance to
+weaken or disintegrate Austria-Hungary and Turkey.</p>
+<p>"IV.&mdash;In consideration of the fact that the annexation of
+territories inhabited by another race transgresses the rights of
+nations to govern themselves; furthermore because thereby, the
+unity and strength of Germany would be weakened and her foreign
+relations seriously and permanently injured, we oppose the plans in
+that direction cherished by shortsighted
+conquest-politicians.[<a href="#note-87">87</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-87"><!-- Note Anchor 87 --></a>[Footnote 87: There
+are two and a half lines of dots at this point. Probably the German
+censor has cut out a sentence.]</p>
+<p>"V.&mdash;The terrible destruction and sufferings brought upon
+humanity by this war have won over millions of hearts to the ideal
+of a world peace, permanently secured by an international court of
+justice. The attainment of this end must be recognized as the
+highest moral duty of all those who are appointed to the work of
+framing a peace. Therefore we demand that an international
+arbitration court shall be created which shall settle all future
+difference between the nations."[<a href="#note-88">88</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-88"><!-- Note Anchor 88 --></a>[Footnote 88:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 23rd, 1915.]</p>
+<p>This imaginary peace-treaty is what Germans would call a
+<i>Zankapfel</i> (apple of discord). It may represent the serious
+opinions of Germany's greatest political party, but the German
+Government will welcome it because it will give Germany's
+sympathizers in France, England, Italy and Russia an excellent
+weapon with which they can attack their respective Governments, and
+hamper them in protecting their national interests. It will
+doubtless be an inspiration to the members of the I.L.P. and the
+U.D.C.[<a href="#note-89">89</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-89"><!-- Note Anchor 89 --></a>[Footnote 89: Above
+prophecy written end of August; fulfilled in the <i>Labour
+Leader</i> October 28th.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>If the German Government seriously formulated such proposals,
+the author believes that all Britishers worthy of the name would
+simply answer: "Fight on!" On this assumption the proposals deserve
+no discussion.</p>
+<p>Yet the document is interesting as revealing the mind of Social
+Democratic Germany. These sublime Pharisees are unconscious of
+Belgium's wrongs and Germany's crimes. The former deserve no
+compensation and the latter no penalty. Here we are on the bed-rock
+of their ideas of justice and humanitarianism. Still we are not
+altogether surprised, because the Democratic newspaper organs have
+openly defended and justified the atrocities committed by German
+soldiers, and whenever any particularly damning evidence has been
+produced their parole has consistently been: "At any rate, now is
+not the time to discuss it." According to their comprehension the
+only time for discussion is when Europe is under the German heel.
+They are willing to discuss&mdash;when discussion can no longer
+injure the Fatherland, when Germany has gained all she wants.</p>
+<p>The most remarkable metamorphosis which the German Democrats
+have undergone, is shown in their changed attitude to England. This
+country gave a home to Marx and Engels; the former is buried in
+Highgate cemetery. For many decades the party professed
+enthusiastic admiration of British institutions and our ideals of
+personal freedom. Their admiration for England was not always
+convenient to the German Government, and was certainly a thorn in
+the side of the Kaiser.</p>
+<p>In 1898 the party published a "Handbook for Social Democratic
+Voters," which contains lengthy explanations of their entire
+policy. Therein they justify their opposition to German naval
+expansion, and while conceding that naval supremacy is vital and
+indispensable to England, continue: "Boundless plans are veiled
+beneath the Navy Bill (1897). The hotspurs among the water-patriots
+dream of a first-class navy which might rival, yes, even surpass
+the British fleet.</p>
+<p>"For the water-patriots the Navy Bill means an instrument to
+further their unlimited <i>Weltpolitik</i> and schemes of conquest;
+a weapon with which to realize their mad imaginings of a greater
+Germany. They desire to employ it as a tool for their absolutist
+plans and adventurous world enterprises.</p>
+<p>"It increases the risk of foreign conflicts. At the same time it
+brightens the prospects of success of those influential circles
+which&mdash;impelled by an overpowering impulse to deeds, and
+inspired by a diseased longing for prestige&mdash;press on from
+excitement to excitement, from daring to daring, and from crisis to
+crisis."</p>
+<p>This remarkable prophecy has been verified by history, but with
+its realization, the party which made it has been converted to the
+side of their former opponents. To-day the Social Democrats are
+just as hearty in the desire to see Britain overthrown and British
+naval supremacy smashed as is the Kaiser's Government.</p>
+<p>No impartial thinker dare deny that the British fleet has been
+the principal factor in preventing Europe's subjugation to German
+autocracy, and the world to German militarism. Yet the so-called
+party of freedom prays earnestly that this fleet may be destroyed.
+This represents the tone of their daily Press, and the change of
+attitude has been proved to be scientifically correct in various
+books published by their leaders during the present year. One of
+these works will be quoted at considerable length, because of its
+importance in showing what the "pioneers of liberty" wish, may be
+the end of the "home of liberty." The work bears the title, "German
+Social Democracy and the World War;"[<a href="#note-90">90</a>] its
+author is a Socialist member of the Reichstag.</p>
+<p><a name="note-90"><!-- Note Anchor 90 --></a>[Footnote 90: "Die
+deutsche Sozialdemokratie und der Weltkrieg," by Dr. Paul Lensch,
+published by the Vorw&auml;rts Publishing House. Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>In dealing with England he refers to their former admiration for
+this country and proceeds to prove that it was wrong&mdash;wrong in
+the interests of Germany, and the world. England's fight against
+Napoleon for European freedom Dr. Lensch disposes of in a sentence:
+"Consumed by greed, England took the long-yearned-for opportunity
+and fell upon her rival, France" (p. 16).</p>
+<p>He informs his readers that England and Russia are two beasts of
+prey. England's disarmament proposals were only intended to secure
+her naval supremacy, because Germany seemed to be escaping from the
+strangulation cord which. England had drawn tight round her throat.
+Therefore three problems present themselves to Dr. Lensch, which
+the war must solve:</p>
+<p>(1.) Shall the German people continue to exist as an independent
+nation?</p>
+<p>(2.) Shall the danger of Czarism continue to threaten West
+European culture?</p>
+<p>(3.) Shall Britain's naval supremacy be eternalized or
+overthrown, seeing that Britain only allows other nations to
+develop, so far as they are compatible with her national interests?
+(p. 15).</p>
+<p>"England's oft-praised freedom is based upon the enslavement of
+the world; the peoples now recognize that England's wealth,
+freedom, and greatness are merely the corollary to their poverty,
+slavery and wretchedness (p. 20).</p>
+<p>"International Socialism has not the slightest interest in
+helping to bolster up this supremacy (p. 22).</p>
+<p>"When this monopoly is broken the English working classes will
+lose their present privileged position. They will be reduced to the
+same level as the workmen of other lands. Then Socialism will
+flourish in England (p. 23).[<a href="#note-91">91</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-91"><!-- Note Anchor 91 --></a>[Footnote 91: The
+author had fondly imagined that the British workman stood foremost
+as the result of his own battles. In any case, it is to be hoped
+that British Socialists will be grateful for "Genosse" Lensch's
+prayers for their downfall.]</p>
+<p>"No party stands to lose more by a British victory than Social
+Democracy. The overthrow of England's world-position would clear
+the way for the continuation of the world's progress on the right
+historical lines, and its economic development (p. 25).</p>
+<p>"In the present world war the interests of the internationalists
+are bound up in a German victory. Hence a German victory would be a
+victory for Marx's internationalism, and only then, would the
+hearts and heads of English workmen be open to the intellectual
+schooling of the Socialistic idea (p. 27).</p>
+<p>"As early as the eighties in the last century, Friedrich Engels
+proved that the ruin of England's industrial monopoly had begun.
+What the scientist had foretold, became evident to all eyes two
+decades later. The social system of the greatest, world-ruling
+industrial State was shaken to its foundations. International
+Socialists had every reason to welcome this peaceful downfall of
+England's world power" (pp. 21-22).</p>
+<p>"Marx once wrote that war is like a locomotive in the history of
+the world. May this war have that effect and under full steam lead
+to a finish the work which peaceful development had already
+commenced, <i>i.e.</i>, the downfall of English supremacy. If the
+war hastens and concludes this process, then the sacrifices in
+blood and treasure will not have been in vain. A great
+stumbling-block to human progress and especially to the proletarian
+fight for freedom will have been hurled out of the way" (pp.
+27-8).</p>
+<p>Having failed during a peaceful fight of over forty years, to
+hurl German autocracy and militarism out of the world, these
+hot-headed pioneers of liberty (Kaiserdom?) wish to destroy the
+very State which was their place of refuge when German "liberty"
+overwhelmed them with its kindly attentions.</p>
+<p>Still we cannot be too grateful to Dr. Lensch for his lucid
+statement. It is an effective reply to Germany's sympathizers in
+this country, and if British workmen should ever see these lines,
+it will interest them to know that German Socialists are anxious to
+pull them down a little, in the belief that if British workmen are
+cut short in their luxuries they will become better Socialists and
+Internationalists.</p>
+<p>Dr. Lensch has only one step more to take, and he will certainly
+gain the highest German order&mdash;<i>pour le m&eacute;rite</i>.
+The famous Communist manifesto of Marx and Engels concludes with
+the words: "Proletarians of all lands, unite!" It is much to be
+desired that Dr. Lensch should amend this by adding to Marx's
+phrase a few words, so that the amended form would run:</p>
+<p>"Proletarians of all lands, unite to sing 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland, &uuml;ber alles.'" By this simple means the learned
+doctor would condense the entire teachings of his book into a
+single sentence.</p>
+<p>"The position to-day is that the interests of freedom and
+democracy are utterly at variance with a French victory (p.
+42).</p>
+<p>"Greater Prussia was founded by the war of 1866, while the 1870
+struggle established a Little Germany. Through the present war
+Great Germany will be created" (p. 46).</p>
+<p>On another page this Socialist-Chauvinist proclaims that "the
+freedom of the oppressed must be the work of the oppressed
+themselves," which is a principle that the I.L.P. and U.D.C., etc.,
+would do well to note. "The peculiarity of our situation is to be
+found in the fact that extraordinarily advanced ideals have
+penetrated into our unripe conditions."[<a href=
+"#note-92">92</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-92"><!-- Note Anchor 92 --></a>[Footnote 92: Louis
+Bamberger in an essay on German Social Democracy in the <i>Deutsche
+Rundschau</i>, vol. 14, p. 243.]</p>
+<p>It is to these "unripe conditions" that Lensch, Liebknecht,
+David, Hildenbrand and the remaining leaders of German Social
+Democracy should give their undivided attention. Last year the
+Berlin Government published a record of crimes committed in
+Germany. It is the most awful record of any nation in the world,
+and the above gentlemen would do well to study Volume 267 of the
+<i>Vierteljahrshefte</i>. There were hundreds of thousands of
+brutal crimes committed in Germany by German proletarians during
+the year 1912.</p>
+<p>For half a century Marx, Lassalle, Bebel, Liebknecht and their
+successors have been busily engaged in intellectualizing Germany's
+proletarians; now it is advisable for the Socialist party to begin
+the work of humanizing them. Their efforts to internationalize the
+world have resulted in a hopeless <i>d&eacute;b&acirc;cle</i>; let
+them now begin the task of humanizing Germany. They have all
+evidently forgotten the German proverb: <i>Kehr vor deiner eignen
+T&uuml;r!</i> (Sweep first before your own door.)</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH7"><!-- CH7 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+<center>"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"</center>
+<p>On August 2nd, 1914, Belgium announced her neutrality in the
+European war; France had already declared her intention to respect
+Belgian neutrality at all costs. On the other hand we have
+Bethmann-Hollweg's word that he knew French armies were standing
+ready to strike at Germany through Belgium. This statement he has
+never supported by any proof, nor even mentioned his authority for
+the same.[<a href="#note-93">93</a>] In view of the facts that no
+military preparations had been made on the Franco-Belgian frontier,
+and that the German armies first came into contact with French
+forces long after the fall of Li&eacute;ge, we are compelled to
+declare the German Chancellor's statement to be a pure
+invention.</p>
+<p><a name="note-93"><!-- Note Anchor 93 --></a>[Footnote 93:
+So-called "evidence" has been given by Richard Grasshoff in his
+book "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt"), pp. 14-20. Grasshoff
+quotes the sworn statements of a German corporal who resided in
+Boitsfort, near Brussels. The corporal states that he saw two
+French and one English officer in Brussels on July 26th, and eight
+French soldiers on July 29th.</p>
+<p>The statements of three French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, are also cited; these men maintain that they entered
+Belgium on the 31st of July and the 2nd of August.</p>
+<p>With regard to this "evidence," we must note that Grasshoff is a
+German official, the corporal a German spy, and that the Frenchmen
+have made these statements in a prisoners' camp, a place where they
+were exposed to the temptation of German gold and the influence of
+Teutonic bullying. Lastly, the Berlin General Staff has recorded
+that the German armies first came in touch with French troops on
+August 19th, near Namur.]</p>
+<p>Moreover Germany's excuse for invading Belgium is given in the
+title of this chapter. Had Germany possessed any proof that French
+officers in disguise were organizing preparations in Belgium, or
+that French airmen had crossed the latter's territories in order to
+drop bombs by Wesel, etc., then Bethmann-Hollweg would have had no
+reason to admit in the Reichstag that his country was committing a
+breach of international law. Under such circumstances Belgian
+neutrality would no longer have existed; the Chancellor, instead of
+"necessity," could have pleaded justification and the world could
+scarcely have withheld its approval.</p>
+<p>In the early hours of August 4th the Germans crossed the Belgian
+frontier, although the <i>Cologne Gazette</i> had published a
+notice three days before announcing that Germany had no intention
+whatever of taking the step, and that no German troops were near
+the frontier.</p>
+<p>General von Emmich immediately issued this proclamation in
+French: "To my great regret German troops have been compelled to
+enter Belgian territory. They are acting under the compulsion of
+unavoidable necessity, for French officers in disguise have already
+violated Belgian neutrality by trying to reach Germany, via
+Belgium, in motor-cars.[<a href="#note-94">94</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-94"><!-- Note Anchor 94 --></a>[Footnote 94: One
+wonders what military purpose these officers had in view. They
+would have been inevitably arrested at the German frontier. The
+fable was made public by Wolff's Agency, and has been ridiculed
+even by the German Press, <i>vide</i> <a href="#agency">pp.
+96-7</a>.]</p>
+<p>"Belgians! it is my most ardent desire that it may yet be
+possible to avoid a struggle between two peoples which up till now,
+have been friends, formerly even allies. Remember the glorious days
+of La Belle Alliance, when German arms helped to found the
+independence and future of your Fatherland.</p>
+<p>"Now we must have a free way. The destruction of tunnels,
+bridges and railways will be considered hostile actions. Belgians!
+you have to choose. The German army does not intend to fight
+against you, but seeks a free path against the enemy who wishes to
+attack us. That is all we desire.</p>
+<p>"Herewith I give the Belgian people an official pledge that they
+will not have to suffer under the terrors of war; that we will pay
+ready money for all necessaries which we may have to requisition;
+that our soldiers will show themselves the best friends of a nation
+for which we have the highest esteem and ardent affection. It
+depends upon your prudence and your patriotism whether your land
+shall be spared the horrors of war." (Appeared in the <i>Cologne
+Gazette</i>, August 6th.)</p>
+<p>A Dresden paper of the same date contains an illuminating
+statement. "We have just received official information that the
+German General Staff had been informed by an absolutely reliable
+source that the French intended to march through the valley of the
+Meuse into Belgium. The execution of this plan had already
+commenced, therefore France was by no means prepared to respect
+Belgian neutrality."</p>
+<p>"For years past the King of Belgium has conspired with England
+behind the backs of his ministers, to damage German interests. His
+telegram to the King of England was a trick planned long ago. These
+facts will soon be supplemented by a large number of documentary
+proofs; from this the necessity has arisen to direct Germany's
+advance through Belgium irrespective of neutrality
+considerations."[<a href="#note-95">95</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-95"><!-- Note Anchor 95 --></a>[Footnote 95:
+<i>Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p>Here we have the first clumsy attempts to prove that Belgian
+neutrality did not exist. These after-thoughts have grown during
+the past year into no inconsiderable literature. Probably the two
+motives which have inspired Germany&mdash;official and
+unofficial&mdash;to print many volumes on Belgian neutrality have
+been the indignation aroused in neutral countries and the fact that
+a complete German victory was not obtained in three months of
+war.</p>
+<p>German newspapers again betray the plot against Belgium, and a
+search through their files reveals in the clearest manner possible
+how Wolff's Bureau was again the source of a widespread campaign to
+prove that Germany was right, and simultaneously to lash public
+opinion into hatred for the Belgian "barbarians and beasts."</p>
+<p>In the first few days of August the Press was filled with
+reports concerning the murder and ill treatment of Germans in
+Belgium, before any act of war had taken place. No doubt a
+justified fear for the mighty, brutal neighbour existed in the
+popular imagination, and fear may be the father of ill-considered
+deeds. Nevertheless, there is no proof that mob law prevailed in
+Belgium, as it did in Germany. Moreover, the latter country
+outlawed herself when she proclaimed the law of necessity. In the
+light of this consideration the German outcry that the Belgians
+were breaking both the laws of humanity and international
+jurisprudence lacks sincerity and remains unconvincing.</p>
+<p>A country which announces her intention to ignore existing laws
+and "hack a way through at all costs," should surely be the last to
+declaim on the alleged offences against the laws of war by a small,
+weak, unprepared neighbour. If these considerations are
+insufficient, there remains the fact that Germany herself began war
+against unarmed Belgian civilians.</p>
+<p>During the night following the unsuccessful <i>coup de main</i>
+against Li&eacute;ge, a Zeppelin attacked the town and dropped
+bombs. "On Thursday, August 6th, at 3.30 a.m. Z6 returned from an
+air-cruise over Belgium. The airship took a conspicuous part in the
+attack on Li&eacute;ge, and was able to intervene in a markedly
+successful manner. Our first bomb was dropped from a height of
+1,800 feet, but failed to explode. The ship then sank to 900 feet
+above the city, and a non-commissioned officer dropped twelve more
+bombs, all of which exploded, setting the city ablaze in several
+places."[<a href="#note-96">96</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-96"><!-- Note Anchor 96 --></a>[Footnote 96:
+German official report in the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August
+10th.]</p>
+<p>An Austrian who was in the town afterwards described the attack
+in the <i>Grazer Tagespost</i>. According to this witness it was
+already daylight when the airship appeared, and the effect of the
+bombs was truly awful. In view of the circumstance that it was
+already light, Germany cannot put forward the defence that the
+bombs were intended for the twelve forts which surround
+Li&eacute;ge at a distance of some miles.</p>
+<p>This is the earliest official record of an attack upon
+civilians&mdash;and it came from the German side! The crew of Z6
+were the recipients of a tremendous ovation on their return, while
+the news of this dastardly murder was received with jubilation
+throughout the German Empire. In Lun&eacute;ville fifteen civilians
+were killed by airship bombs two days earlier; shortly afterwards
+followed the attack by airship on civilians in Antwerp.</p>
+<p>The author has before him about one hundred different newspaper
+reports, alleging the most awful barbarism on the part of the
+Belgians. Among the numerous statements that Germans were murdered,
+only two names are mentioned, and both these men are alive to-day;
+the one is Herr Weber, proprietor of an hotel in Antwerp.</p>
+<p>"We have now received full details of the murder of the German,
+Weber. He had fled from his pursuers and hidden himself in a
+cellar. As the raging mob could not find him they burnt sulphur in
+the house, which caused Weber to break into a violent fit of
+coughing. This betrayed his hiding-place; he was dragged out and
+murdered."[<a href="#note-97">97</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-97"><!-- Note Anchor 97 --></a>[Footnote 97:
+<i>Hamburger Fremdenblatt</i>, August 12th, and simultaneously in
+many other journals. On the following day the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i>
+announced that Herr Weber had returned to Germany in the company of
+their own correspondent.]</p>
+<p>"The German pork-butcher, Deckel, who had a large business in
+Brussels, was attacked in his house by a crowd of Belgian beasts
+because he had refused to hang a Belgian flag before his shop; with
+axes and hatchets the mob cut off his head and hewed his corpse in
+pieces."[<a href="#note-98">98</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-98"><!-- Note Anchor 98 --></a>[Footnote 98:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Volkszeitung</i>, August 10th.]</p>
+<p>A few days later the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> informed its
+readers that Herr Deckel was residing in Rotterdam, and had
+suffered no harm whatever.</p>
+<p>Readers who are acquainted with the official record of brutal
+crimes committed year by year in Germany and the haughty contempt
+for civilian rights which the whole German army has consistently
+shown in the Fatherland, during the orderly times of peace, will
+require little imagination to conceive that this same army would
+show still less consideration for civilians in a country which they
+were wrongfully invading.</p>
+<p>The German Press during the last thirty years, as well as many
+books published in the Fatherland, contains ample proof of German
+brutality at home, and above all, of the legal brutality of German
+non-commissioned and commissioned officers. How can Germany expect
+the world to believe, that these same men, were transformed into
+decent human beings by the mere act of stepping over the Belgian
+frontier?</p>
+<p>Granted that vulgar elements of the Belgian population did
+transgress, there still remains incontrovertible evidence that
+almost unheard-of kindness was shown to the invading army, and that
+Germans had displayed brutal insolence to Belgians before a state
+of war had been declared. Nearly every single letter from soldiers,
+published in German papers, records the fact that in the villages
+through which they passed they were given water, wine and food,
+while payment was in many cases refused.</p>
+<p>It is part of Germany's policy to blacken Belgium's character in
+order to justify her own ruthlessness&mdash;naturally Wolff's
+Agency was one of the principal tools to that end.</p>
+<p>"Much as we condemn the excesses of the Belgians, still we must
+not wreak vengeance on the whole nation as a section of our Press
+demands. Have not harmless and defenceless foreigners been terribly
+ill-treated in Germany without distinction of sex? Have not shops
+and restaurants been demolished in hundreds, wherever a French word
+was to be met? And the rage of the German masses has found an
+outlet not only against foreigners, but against good German
+patriots and even German officers."[<a href="#note-99">99</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-99"><!-- Note Anchor 99 --></a>[Footnote 99:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 12th. This journal as well as
+the <i>Fr&auml;nkische Tagespost</i> names Wolff's Agency as their
+authority in more than one issue.]</p>
+<p>The same journal on the preceding day deplored that "we
+ourselves are not free from guilt." It recounts how German
+reservists, when leaving Antwerp and Brussels, had sung their
+national songs in a loud, provocative manner, and taunted the
+bystanders with such remarks as: "In three days we shall be here
+again!"</p>
+<p>According to the same authority German residents had insulted
+the populace by displaying their national flag; and German
+employers had been among the first to discharge employees of their
+own nationality, without salary in lieu of notice, thus increasing
+the difficulties of German residents in Belgium.</p>
+<p>German official pronouncements are much more reticent in their
+judgment on these allegations of Belgian cruelties. None the less
+the Berlin Government must be held responsible for them being
+scattered throughout the land. After Germany's official
+representative had returned from Brussels to Berlin he made a
+statement to the Press. Considering that von Below was in the
+Belgian capital at the time, his views are instructive.</p>
+<p>He expressed his great astonishment that such things should have
+happened, and asserted that up till the very last minute he had
+been treated with the greatest kindness and politeness. Neither he
+nor any of his Legation Staff had experienced the slightest
+unpleasantness. Further, von Below expressed the conviction that
+only single instances of such excesses had occurred and these were
+a result of the quarrelsome Walloon character. No village
+<i>f&ecirc;te</i> passes off among them without such outbreaks,
+accompanied by bloodshed.[<a href="#note-100">100</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-100"><!-- Note Anchor 100 --></a>[Footnote 100:
+This may be true, but von Below could have said the same with
+absolute truth of German village fairs, <i>Kirmesse</i>,
+etc.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>German papers of August 15th reported this official version, and
+four days later a proclamation was issued by State Secretary Dr.
+Delbr&uuml;ck, calling upon all persons who had been ill-treated in
+Belgium to report themselves, so that the "numerous" newspaper
+reports could be confirmed or refuted. The result of the inquiry
+has never been published.</p>
+<p>From a number of witnesses who testified whole-heartedly to
+Belgian kindness, one will suffice. A lady reported her adventures
+in the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> of September 6th, from which the
+following sentences have been gleaned. "Even if it is true that
+Germans were subjected to inconsideration and ill-treatment during
+their flight from Belgium, still there are hundreds of Germans who,
+like myself, met with generous sympathy and unstinted help.</p>
+<p>"A Flemish servant refused her month's wages, saying that her
+employers would need it on the journey. Many Germans were offered
+homes in Belgian families till the war was over. My own landlord in
+Brussels placed an empty flat at my disposal for German refugees.
+At parting he and his wife were as deeply moved as we, and when I
+began to make excuses for being unable to pay the rent, she at once
+prevented me from speaking another word. My husband was provided
+with a hat which looked less 'German;' they filled our pockets with
+provisions for the journey, and after his wife had embraced me and
+my child we left the house in silence.</p>
+<p>"German refugees whom I met afterwards, related hundreds of
+similar acts of kindness. When such severe accusations are raised
+against the entire Belgian people, justice demands this statement
+that Belgians in hundreds of cases, uninfluenced by the prevailing
+bitterness, showed themselves kindly, helpful and humane towards
+the Germans."</p>
+<p>In the second month of the war two representatives of the Social
+Democratic Party received special permission from the General Staff
+to visit Belgium and the theatre of war in Northern France. Their
+report has been issued by the Vorw&auml;rts Publishing
+House.[<a href="#note-101">101</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-101"><!-- Note Anchor 101 --></a>[Footnote 101:
+"Kriegsfahrten durch Belgien und Nordfrankreich" ("Journeys in War
+Time through Belgium, etc."), by Dr. Adolph Koester and G.
+Noske.]</p>
+<p>"Concerning the events and conditions in Belgium many false
+reports have been spread abroad. That is especially the case in
+regard to the terrible persecutions of Germans immediately before
+the outbreak of war. The civil authorities (German) are now
+permitting full investigation in those parts of Belgium occupied by
+our troops, and it is already obvious that many exaggerations were
+circulated by German newspapers. Without doubt beer-houses and
+business houses were wrecked, but the Tartar stories which were
+reported in Germany and Belgium, Herr von Sandt, Chief of the Civil
+Administration, puts down to hysterics, and the desire of some
+people to make themselves important."[<a href=
+"#note-102">102</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-102"><!-- Note Anchor 102 --></a>[Footnote 102:
+Ibid., pp. 14-15.]</p>
+<p>No correct judgment on the apportionment of right and wrong
+between the Belgian civilians and the German army is possible
+without taking into consideration the status of militarism in each
+of these countries before the war. As far as Belgium is concerned,
+the army was looked upon as a necessary evil. The Social Democratic
+doctrines imported from Germany had obtained such a hold upon the
+people that the Belgian Government experienced ever-increasing
+difficulty in getting supplies voted in the House of Deputies, for
+defence purposes. Belgian Socialists unfortunately played into the
+hands of the German Government by doing their utmost to prevent
+money from being spent for the defence of their country.
+Consciously or unconsciously, German Socialists have rendered the
+Kaiser and his army inestimable service. Their propaganda against
+armaments has borne fruit in Belgium, England and France, but did
+not prevent a single German battleship from being built, nor a
+single regiment from being added to the German army.</p>
+<p>In Germany militarism is a gospel. All classes and all political
+parties have been unanimous for years past, that every man should
+be a soldier. The military ethos has ruled supreme, and whenever
+civilianism has dared, merely to cherish thoughts contrary to the
+ideals of the ruling caste, no time was lost in seeking an
+opportunity to challenge a quarrel which invariably ended in
+humiliation for the civilian ethos. Characteristically, therefore,
+the contemptuous phrase has become current both in the German army
+and navy&mdash;"das Civil"&mdash;when speaking of the non-military
+elements of the nation.</p>
+<p>Imbued with these traditions and inspired by this contempt for
+everything civilian, the German armies invaded Belgium, and it may
+be safely assumed that in a country where the civilian ethos
+predominated, looks, words, and even deeds, expressed hostility.
+Such "provocation" would certainly rouse the military ego to a
+revenge ten thousand-fold greater than that taken at Zabern. German
+militarism brooks neither contempt, criticism, nor opposition from
+German civilians, and much less so from the civilians of another
+nation.</p>
+<p>When it is possible to obtain cool and clear accounts of the
+events in Belgium, the author has no doubt whatever, that proofs of
+civilian-baiting will be forthcoming in that unhappy country. The
+policy of frightfulness was not only intended to drive an enemy
+into abject submission and as a punishment for resistance to
+Germany's imperious will, but it was the military ethos in strife
+with the civilian spirit.</p>
+<p>In order to hinder the march of the invaders the trees lining
+the roads were cut down and formed into barriers, but the civilian
+population was compelled at the bayonet's point to remove all
+obstacles and thus assist in the conquest of their native
+country.</p>
+<p>"The magnificent tall fir-trees which are so characteristic of
+Belgian roads, had been felled across the highways. But all the
+civilian population which could be found, without regard to age,
+rank, or sex, was forced by our advancing cavalry to clear it all
+away. One can imagine the joy of the Belgians in performing this
+task!"[<a href="#note-103">103</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-103"><!-- Note Anchor 103 --></a>[Footnote 103:
+"Unser Vormarsch bis zur Marne" ("Our advance to the Marne"), by a
+Saxon officer, p. 22.]</p>
+<p>This writer, too, chronicles many instances of kindness. "I was
+billeted in a peasant's house at the western exit of the village.
+Three beautiful children, trembling with fear, watched us come in,
+for besides me there were twenty-four men. We had received emphatic
+warnings from headquarters not to allow soldiers to be billeted
+alone. The woman gave us everything she could find and it was
+almost necessary to use force to get her to accept
+payment."[<a href="#note-104">104</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-104"><!-- Note Anchor 104 --></a>[Footnote 104:
+Ibid., p. 25.]</p>
+<p>"A load of shot struck the ground at the feet of my horse.
+Before I had calmed the animal a N.C.O. marching at my side had
+finished off the dirty Belgian scoundrel, who was now hanging dead
+from a roof window.</p>
+<p>"Foaming with rage, my field-greys surrounded the house, in
+which only a few of the dogs were taken captive, the others were
+immediately slaughtered. A boy hardly fifteen years old was dragged
+out of a wet ditch with a gun in his hand. Before being brought to
+me, this youthful swine had been thrashed from head to foot.
+Besides the men, two women and a girl were taken.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile a terrible hand-to-hand fight was going on throughout
+the long, scattered village. Infantry and artillerists smashed the
+doors and windows; no mercy was shown to anyone, and the houses
+were set alight. An attempt to storm the church-tower failed
+because the occupants fired from above. Bundles of straw were
+brought, paraffin poured on them, and the tower set on fire. Above
+the roar of the flames we could distinctly hear the shrieks of the
+murderers shut in there.</p>
+<p>"I gave orders to a squad to shoot our prisoners, but a deadly
+bullet finished the career of the lying, scoundrelly priest as he
+was trying to escape. Our losses were remarkably small, only two
+men being killed and a number wounded."[<a href=
+"#note-105">105</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-105"><!-- Note Anchor 105 --></a>[Footnote 105:
+Ibid., p. 43-4.]</p>
+<p>In all cases where German soldiers asked for water from the
+inhabitants, the latter had to take a drink first. "Before tasting
+the water both man and wife had to drink first, and as this scene
+was repeated on innumerable occasions, it was delightful to observe
+the comic desperation with which the people took their involuntary
+'water cure.'"[<a href="#note-106">106</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-106"><!-- Note Anchor 106 --></a>[Footnote 106:
+"Mit der Kluck'schen Armee nach Belgien" ("With von Kluck's Army
+into Belgium"), by Dr. Jos. Risse, p. 17.]</p>
+<p>Dr. Risse's interesting diary contains one or two important
+passages illustrating the relation between conquerors and
+conquered. Like many other German writers, he saw no hostile act on
+the part of the civilian population, but they came to him as
+rumours. "That night we slept in a barn. Here we heard that a
+village near Dahlem had been burned down because the inhabitants
+had cut the throat of a sleeping ambulance attendant.</p>
+<p>"On continuing our march we suddenly entered a wide vale. The
+horizon was blood-red and huge clouds of smoke drifted heavenwards.
+On all sides the villages were in flames. In the last village
+before Louvain the sight was terrible in the extreme; houses
+ablaze; pools of blood in the street; here and there a dead
+civilian; pieces of Belgian equipment, haversacks, boots and
+trousers lay around; while the inhabitants stood about with their
+hands raised above their heads.</p>
+<p>"It was said that hostile cavalry had hidden in the village and
+together with a part of the inhabitants had fired on our troops. We
+only saw the consequences.</p>
+<p>"After a long rest before Louvain we entered the town at 7 p.m.
+Our artillery had taken up a semi-circular position on the heights
+around and directed their cannon on to the town."[<a href=
+"#note-107">107</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-107"><!-- Note Anchor 107 --></a>[Footnote 107:
+Ibid., pp. 22-3.]</p>
+<p>The above events occurred on August 19th, exactly six days
+before the sack of Louvain. It strikes one as remarkable that the
+German cannon were even on that day directed against an unfortified
+city.</p>
+<p>Risse was among the first German troops to enter Brussels. "Our
+route took us through some of the principal streets, and various
+splendid buildings including the Royal palace. Joy shone in our
+faces and a feeling of pride swelled our breasts at being the first
+to enter Belgium's capital. These feelings found expression in our
+talk and shouts. The man behind me shouted to every bewildered,
+staring Belgian whom we passed: 'Yes, young fellow, you are
+astonished, you blockhead!' On we marched with the air of
+victors.</p>
+<p>"The inhabitants were exceedingly kind, so that one had not at
+all the feeling of being in the capital of an enemy. They brought
+us water, lemonade, beer, cigars, cigarettes, etc., without asking
+for any payment."[<a href="#note-108">108</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-108"><!-- Note Anchor 108 --></a>[Footnote 108:
+Ibid., pp. 26-7.]</p>
+<p>The same writer refers to similar hospitality in various parts
+of his book. After passing through Brussels he continues his diary:
+"Sunday, August 23rd. Nothing came of our hopes for a rest-day.
+Shortly after 5 a.m. we were ready for the march. A fine rain was
+falling as we passed through village after village. We saw the
+villagers with frightened faces hurrying to church, carrying
+prayer-books. Notices from the Belgian Government were placarded on
+the houses, warning the people to avoid every kind of hostility
+towards the Germans."[<a href="#note-109">109</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-109"><!-- Note Anchor 109 --></a>[Footnote 109:
+Ibid., p. 31.]</p>
+<p>From the last sentence it is evident that the Belgian
+authorities did not incite the civilian population to resistance.
+Other German war-writers state that the Belgian and French
+Governments had organized a <i>franc-tireur</i> warfare long
+before, and this accusation is one of the pillars of Germany's
+defence for the destruction of Louvain.</p>
+<p>"Soon after crossing the frontier we saw the first ruined house.
+Our route led us down the same road on which a few days before the
+violent and bitter struggles had taken place between German troops
+and Belgian soldiers, aided by the inhabitants. The Belgians have
+supported their troops in a manner which can only be described as
+bestial and cruel. From the houses they have shot at troops on the
+march, and of course their homes have been reduced to ashes.</p>
+<p>"The road from Aix-la-Chapelle to Li&eacute;ge is one long, sad
+line of desolation.[<a href="#note-110">110</a>] Otherwise the
+district is fertile; now, however, sadness and devastation reign
+supreme. Nearly every second house is a heap of ruins, while the
+houses which are still standing are empty and deserted.</p>
+<p><a name="note-110"><!-- Note Anchor 110 --></a>[Footnote 110: On
+September 8th, 1914, the Kaiser sent a long telegram to President
+Wilson, in which he defended the German armies against the charges
+of ruthless atrocities. He euphemistically stated that "a few
+villages have been destroyed."]</p>
+<p>"On every side signs of destruction; furniture and house
+utensils lie around; not a pane of glass but what is broken. Still
+the inhabitants themselves are to blame, for have they not shot at
+our poor, tired soldiers?"[<a href="#note-111">111</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-111"><!-- Note Anchor 111 --></a>[Footnote 111:
+"Mit den K&ouml;nigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien" ("With the Queen
+Fusiliers through Belgium"), by H. Knutz, p. 13.]</p>
+<p>That is the utmost sympathy which any German has expressed for
+Belgium. The German public is fully informed of all that has been
+done, and considers that <i>they</i> have been brutally, wrongfully
+treated. Lord Bryce's report as well as the French and Belgian
+official reports have been dealt with at considerable length in the
+German Press, but receive no credence whatever; they are lies, all
+lies invented to blacken the character of poor, noble, generous
+Germany!</p>
+<p>Germans are well aware of the awful number of brutal crimes
+which their men-folk commit year by year at home. Yet they are
+absolutely convinced that these same men are immediately
+transformed into chivalrous knights so soon as they don the
+Kaiser's uniform. They seem incapable of conceiving that a race
+which debauches its own women, can hardly be expected to show the
+crudest forms of respect to the women of an enemy people.</p>
+<p>Herr Knutz&mdash;an elementary school-teacher in civilian
+attire, and a non-commissioned officer when in the German
+army&mdash;seems to possess some rays of human feeling. "Just as I
+was leaving the fort I saw seven or eight Belgian civilians guarded
+by our men with fixed bayonets. They were charged with firing on
+German soldiers. I must say that the lamentations of these
+men&mdash;aged from 20 to 50&mdash;made a deep impression on me.
+They had thrown themselves upon their knees, and with raised hands
+were weeping and beseeching that their lives might be spared.</p>
+<p>"The villagers are exceedingly ignorant, and when their land is
+in danger, believe themselves justified in seizing any old shot-gun
+or revolver which lies at hand. Probably some of the more prudent
+are aware that it is a mad enterprise, but the instinct of
+self-defence is so innate in the simple country people that advice
+does not help in the least." (Von Bethmann-Hollweg and von Tirpitz
+justify the use of gas, the sinking of merchant vessels containing
+women and children, the dropping of bombs on open towns, etc.,
+etc., by the plea of self-defence.&mdash;Author.)</p>
+<p>"But it is otherwise with regard to the atrocities on our
+wounded; these are a stain on Belgium's national honour which will
+not easily be wiped out. A German would never perpetrate such
+monstrous crimes,[<a href="#note-112">112</a>] and that we can say
+without any overweening opinion of ourselves."[<a href=
+"#note-113">113</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-112"><!-- Note Anchor 112 --></a>[Footnote 112:
+This is hypocrisy or ignorance.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-113"><!-- Note Anchor 113 --></a>[Footnote 113:
+Ibid., pp. 18-19.]</p>
+<p>Herr Knutz offers no proof of the alleged atrocities; he has
+heard of them, believes and repeats the story. I have some fifty
+German books describing the war in Belgium, and in all of them
+similar legends are mentioned, but in no single instance is a case
+proved and nailed down. No victim is named, and the scene of the
+alleged atrocity is never given, hence it seems to be the usual
+German artifice to make <i>Stimmung</i>, <i>i.e.</i>, to raise
+feeling.</p>
+<p>One thumb-nail picture from the teacher's diary shows that the
+Germans created only too well a <i>Stimmung</i> of abject terror
+among the Belgians.</p>
+<p>"This morning, August 19th, we searched a small wood for
+Belgians, but found none. On leaving the wood a touching picture
+met our eyes. Several families were fleeing with their children,
+and the barest necessaries of life, into a neighbouring village. An
+old woman on crutches was trying in vain to keep up; a young mother
+with a sucking child was sobbing and pressing the babe to her
+bosom. The boys were weeping bitterly and holding their hands high
+to prove that they were harmless. We passed by the ruins of
+Roosbeck, where civilians had shot on the 20th Artillery Regiment,
+for which reason it was burnt down."[<a href=
+"#note-114">114</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-114"><!-- Note Anchor 114 --></a>[Footnote 114:
+Ibid., p. 27.]</p>
+<p>Among the various interesting pictures of the Fatherland
+sketched by German authors perhaps the following is the most
+na&iuml;ve: "English, French and Belgians, hand in hand; how nicely
+it was all thought out; Belgian neutrality&mdash;so solemnly
+pledged by all the Powers&mdash;was nothing but a screen behind
+which they wrought the most devilish plans against Germany. It was
+a neutrality which had long since been betrayed and sold by the
+Belgian Government.</p>
+<p>"But the German people&mdash;a pure fool-like Parsifal, who
+could not conceive such treachery and knavery because it was
+incapable of such things itself&mdash;toiled and worked day by day,
+enjoyed the blessings of peace, was happy in its existence and
+ignorant of the looming clouds gathering on its frontiers. All hail
+to our chosen leaders who kept watch and ward over a dreaming
+people, and did not allow themselves to be lulled into
+watchlessness by the lies of our enemies, who while talking of
+peace intrigued for our annihilation."[<a href=
+"#note-115">115</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-115"><!-- Note Anchor 115 --></a>[Footnote 115:
+"Von L&uuml;ttich bis Flandern" ("From Li&eacute;ge to Flanders"),
+by Wilhelm Kotzde. Weimar, 1914; p. 5.]</p>
+<p>The same author's opinion of the Belgians coincides with that
+expressed by many of his fellow countrymen. "What did our troops
+find by the roadside? On all sides haversacks, straps, cartridges,
+caps, tunics and rifles. To our soldiers this was a remarkable sign
+of flight, for they are accustomed to military training of a
+different sort. In the forts, it is true, they found among the
+soldiers also civilians wearing patent-leather shoes. Indeed, the
+whole Belgian campaign has shown how badly the army was prepared
+and equipped.</p>
+<p>"The lack of discipline and order is evident, however, in every
+department of Belgium's national life, and these virtues they
+endeavoured to replace by cunning and cruelty&mdash;at least among
+the Walloons."[<a href="#note-116">116</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-116"><!-- Note Anchor 116 --></a>[Footnote 116:
+Ibid., pp. 61-2.]</p>
+<p>A Knight of the Order of St. John[<a href="#note-117">117</a>]
+is still more cynical in his condemnation of the conquered enemy:
+"The greatest misfortune in this land is unemployment; factories
+are inactive and shops closed. The horrors of famine draw nearer,
+and we, as well as some neutral countries, are endeavouring to
+relieve the tortures of want. But charity only encourages the
+laziness of the inhabitants. Just as the refugees in Holland, the
+Belgians who have remained in their land would like to put their
+hands in their pockets and be fed. Of course, that is not
+permissible, and the German Government does its best to rap these
+lazy wretches on the fingers."</p>
+<p><a name="note-117"><!-- Note Anchor 117 --></a>[Footnote 117:
+"Kriegsfahrten eines Johanniters," by Fedor von Zobeltitz, pp.
+86-7.]</p>
+<p>"It was characteristic that the Belgians always placed their
+hopes on foreign help and never dared to rely on the strength of
+their own army. This alone is a serious symptom of national
+weakness. Still, the Belgian army has fought bravely. It is true
+they had not the discipline and preparation which distinguish the
+German troops, but everything which a badly equipped and trained
+army could achieve they have done."[<a href=
+"#note-118">118</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-118"><!-- Note Anchor 118 --></a>[Footnote 118:
+Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von L&uuml;ttich bis Flandern," p. 71.]</p>
+<p>It is not necessary for the author of this work to write a song
+of glorification for Belgium; she has herself composed an epic of
+valour and self-sacrifice written in immortal deeds. At present her
+only reward seems to be a desolate land in the hands of the
+conqueror, and the graves of her fallen sons. Germany's evident
+intention is the annexation of that part of Belgium where Flemish
+is spoken. At the moment of writing, Goliath has vanquished David.
+France and England have a supreme duty to fulfil: they are called
+to avenge Belgium's wrongs, and thereby establish the principle
+that even necessity must recognize law.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH8"><!-- CH8 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+<center>ATROCITIES</center>
+<p>The question of Belgian atrocities is so important that no
+apology is required for giving the British public every possible
+opportunity to sift evidence, and above all, to hear the German
+side.</p>
+<p>In the interests of fair play we will allow a German
+lawyer[<a href="#note-119">119</a>] to state the case against the
+Belgians. Herr Grasshoff is armed with two doctorates and is in
+practice as an advocate in one of the higher courts of law
+(<i>Kammergericht</i>). Chapter III of his work is entitled: "The
+Belgian Outrages;" in the foregoing chapter he endeavours to show
+that the Belgian Press had worked upon public opinion and lashed it
+into such a state that atrocities and mutilations of Germans by
+Belgian men, women, boys and girls were the natural
+consequences.</p>
+<p><a name="note-119"><!-- Note Anchor 119 --></a>[Footnote 119:
+Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt").]</p>
+<p>"That the goaded rage of the lower classes found expression in
+nameless horrors is unfortunately a sorry truth. The proofs? We are
+not in a position to satisfy the desire for sensation with a
+cabinet of horrors. The equipment of the German army does not
+include either the jars or the chemical fluids for preserving
+hacked-off limbs, hence it is impossible to display exhibits as in
+a museum. Our hospitals do not admit the dead.</p>
+<p>"If Germany should be compelled to conduct a second campaign
+against the cultured peoples of Western Europe, then she will not
+forget to add the above articles to her equipment in any future war
+against such opponents. Pitying mother earth covers the murdered
+victims."</p>
+<a name="dumdum"></a>
+<p>This eloquent lawyer has overlooked the aid which the art of
+photography affords, and as the German army was well equipped with
+cameras, some tangible proofs could still have been
+procured&mdash;assuming there were any shred of truth in Germany's
+accusations. The Berlin Government has circulated photographs of
+dum-dum bullets, <i>i.e.,</i> English and French bullets with the
+points cut off. It is true no statement is offered regarding the
+time and place of the points being cut off, which leaves us free to
+believe that captured ammunition was "doctored" in this manner by
+the Germans themselves. "Necessity knows no law" is a principle
+capable of the widest application.</p>
+<p>Grasshoff's work was only published a few months ago, so that he
+had ample time to collect facts and proofs&mdash;the result is, six
+detailed cases with the names of his German informants and their
+regiments. In each case the "evidence" is of an exceedingly
+doubtful character; in view of the gravity of the charges, the lack
+of corroboration (each case is "proved" by one witness alone), and
+the partisanship of all concerned, we may safely conclude that no
+court of justice would convict on it.</p>
+<p>The same criticism applies to the official White Book, published
+in June or July of the present year. Every witness had previously
+sworn an oath to protect the German flag (<i>der Fahneneid</i>)
+which precludes the probability of all impartiality in the witness
+and makes bias (<i>Befangenheit</i>) his simple duty. Another
+important factor to be borne in mind is the hysterical, morbid
+self-importance of the German nation in general, which causes
+police and members of the German army to shoot or cut down with the
+sword their own civilians for the most trivial offences, even in
+times of peace.</p>
+<p>The White Book in question contains a six-page introduction
+stating the charges against Belgian civilians, and three hundred
+and seventeen pages of sworn evidence of German officers and
+soldiers taken for the most part in Belgium and France. A few
+extracts from the introduction will suffice to make the German side
+clear.</p>
+<p>"Finally, there is not the slightest doubt that Belgian
+civilians robbed and killed German wounded; in short, mutilated
+them in a barbarous manner; even women and young girls participated
+in these atrocities. Hence German wounded have had their eyes
+gouged out, noses, ears, fingers and genitals cut off and their
+bodies cut open; in other cases German soldiers have been poisoned,
+hanged on trees, or had burning liquids poured on them, causing
+death in a most terrible form.</p>
+<p>"This bestial behaviour on the part of the civilian population
+is a breach of Article I., Convention of Geneva,[<a href=
+"#note-120">120</a>] and the principles of military law, as well as
+the principles of humanity" (p. 4).</p>
+<p><a name="note-120"><!-- Note Anchor 120 --></a>[Footnote 120:
+Self-proclaimed outlaws cite the law when it suits their
+purpose!&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"The guilt for these transgressions of international law lies
+largely at the door of the Belgian Government. The latter has made
+an attempt to rid itself of responsibility by ascribing the guilt
+to the rage for destruction in the German troops, who are accused
+of proceeding to deeds of violence without any reason or
+ground.[<a href="#note-121">121</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-121"><!-- Note Anchor 121 --></a>[Footnote 121:
+Certainly, just as in Germany in peace time.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"An examining commission has been appointed by the Belgian
+Government to inquire into the alleged cruelties of German
+soldiers, and the evidence thus obtained has been made the subject
+of diplomatic complaints. This attempt to pervert the truth has
+absolutely failed.</p>
+<p>"The German army is accustomed to wage war against hostile
+troops, but not against peaceful citizens.[<a href=
+"#note-122">122</a>] Investigations conducted by any examining
+commission whatsoever, can never dispose of the irrefutable fact
+that German troops were forced by Belgium's native population to
+take defensive measures in the interests of self-preservation.</p>
+<p><a name="note-122"><!-- Note Anchor 122 --></a>[Footnote 122:
+German non-commissioned officers are accustomed to kick and beat
+German privates, and the behaviour of German soldiers to
+fellow-subjects is aptly illustrated by Lieutenant F&ouml;rster
+fighting a pitched battle with a lame old cobbler in
+Zabern.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"The refugees' tales collected by the Belgian commission and
+declared by them to be the result of an impartial investigation
+bear a stamp which makes them unworthy of belief. According to the
+nature of things, the commission is not in a position to test the
+veracity of such rumours or to apprehend the association of events.
+Hence, their accusations against the German army are nothing other
+than base slanders which are completely invalidated by the
+accompanying documents" (pp. 5-6).</p>
+<p>It must be assumed that readers are acquainted with the official
+publications of the Belgian and French Governments accusing the
+German army with waging war in an atrocious manner, as well as the
+report of Lord Bryce's commission and Professor Morgan's report in
+the "Nineteenth Century" for June. In the above extract the Berlin
+Government rules them one and all out of court, which is the
+author's justification for making no use of their evidence.</p>
+<p>Fortunately the Roman Catholic Church of Germany has published a
+refutation of Germany's White Book, and surely this authority
+deserves credence. The work in question bears the title: "Der
+L&uuml;gengeist im V&ouml;lkerkrieg," Kriegsm&auml;rchen gesammelt
+von Bernhard Duhr, S.J. ("The Spirit of Lying in the War of the
+Nations," War Legends collected by the Rev. Bernhard Duhr,
+S.J.).[<a href="#note-123">123</a>] The reverend gentleman
+castigates all the nations at war with the same
+offence&mdash;lying. His work should have permanent value in the
+literature of war psychology, but he only undertakes to expose
+German lies, and in his 72-paged booklet he proves to the hilt the
+charges made in this work.</p>
+<p><a name="note-123"><!-- Note Anchor 123 --></a>[Footnote 123:
+The author hopes to publish a complete translation shortly.]</p>
+<p>In his introduction the Rev. Duhr states that the office of the
+Priests' Society "Pax" in Cologne has taken great pains to expose
+and refute lies as fast as they have appeared. The original
+documents are preserved in the above office and may be seen by
+anyone who cares to apply.</p>
+<p>Probably one of the motives actuating the Society "Pax" and the
+Rev. B. Duhr was the intention to refute the accusations of cruel
+outrages by Belgian and French Catholic priests. Whatever their
+motives may have been, one thing is certain, they have produced
+most convincing proof of German mendacity. It is to be hoped that
+the "Pax" will give the world the benefit of all the documents in
+their possession.</p>
+<p>Even the Kaiser had the audacity to state in his telegram of
+September 8th, 1914, to President Wilson that "women and priests
+have been guilty of atrocities in this guerilla warfare." For
+reasons easy to understand the reverend gentleman does not
+introduce the Kaiser's name into his booklet, but in the
+introduction he remarks: "Finally the refutation of such
+fairy-tales is a patriotic duty. Nothing is more essential for us
+Germans, especially in war time, than unity; but this harmony is
+necessarily endangered by religious bitterness and strife. Of a
+necessity it must cause deep pain and embitterment to our Catholic
+population when again and again ENTIRELY UNTRUE ACCUSATIONS are
+made against the priesthood of their Church."</p>
+<p>The Rev. Duhr's exposure of what he calls "erlogener
+Schauergeschichten" ("lying horror tales") kills most of the
+"fairy-tales" accusing the Russians, French and Belgians of
+atrocities on German soldiers. A few illustrations will suffice to
+show the absence of all foundation for the charges against the
+Belgians; charges, we must remember, which the German soldiery
+believed, and which convinced them they were performing a holy task
+at Louvain, Tirlemont, Dinant, etc.</p>
+<p>"On October 1st, 1914, a telegraphic agency (Wolff's?) issued
+the following notice: 'A high Bavarian officer writing from the
+front has informed the <i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>
+of this incident. South of Cambrai a column of German motor-cars
+was attacked by a company of French cyclists. For the most part the
+guard was killed by rifle fire, while the cars were all burnt.
+Later a German patrol discovered the remains, and on investigation,
+found that the dead Germans had all had their eyes gouged
+out.'"</p>
+<p>The reverend Father comments as follows: "On following up this
+case, it was impossible to prove whether the patrol had seen
+rightly or whether they had really made the report at all. So much
+is certain, however, that in the matter of eyes being gouged out,
+an absolute mania of gruesomeness broke loose. An innumerable swarm
+of such horrible tales were told, passed on, and finally guaranteed
+as true&mdash;AND YET THEY WERE ALL FAIRY-TALES. A few cases will
+suffice.</p>
+<p>"In September, 1914, the following paragraph appeared in the
+papers: 'Several ladies engaged in Red Cross work on Cologne
+Station were informed with every assurance of truth, that a
+hospital at Aix-la-Chapelle contained a whole ward full of wounded
+whose eyes had been gouged out on the battlefields of Belgium.'</p>
+<p>"On September 26th the editor of the Catholic <i>K&ouml;lnische
+Volkszeitung</i> wrote to Dr. Kaufmann, a high Roman Catholic
+dignitary in Aix-la-Chapelle, begging him to ascertain whether the
+report were true. Two days later that gentleman replied: 'As
+regards the rumour mentioned in your letter, I beg to inform you
+that I at once put myself in communication with the authorities. I
+inquired of the doctor in charge of a hospital here (he is, by the
+way, a famous specialist for the eyes), and he assures me that in
+all the local hospitals there is no ward for wounded whose eyes
+have been put out, AND SUCH A CASE HAS NEVER BEEN OBSERVED in the
+town, although the place is full of wounded.'</p>
+<p>"A second report which the same journal exposed dates from
+October, 1914. Recently Dean A., who is the Superior in a military
+hospital in the Franciscan Nunnery at S., came to us and reported
+that a wounded soldier had told him that he had heard[<a href=
+"#note-124">124</a>] that in the monastery Bl. by V., in Holland,
+there were twenty-two wounded German soldiers whose eyes had been
+gouged out by Belgians. The Dean begged us to write to the Mother
+Superior and ask for confirmation of the story. We did write, and
+the lady answered that there was no hospital at all in the cloister
+Bl."[<a href="#note-125">125</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-124"><!-- Note Anchor 124 --></a>[Footnote 124:
+The words "hear" and "heard" occur very frequently in these
+legends.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-125"><!-- Note Anchor 125 --></a>[Footnote 125:
+The Rev. Duhr's book, pp. 11-12.]</p>
+<p>The same lie travelled to Bonn, Sigmaringen, Potsdam, Bremen,
+and was successively nailed down by the <i>Volkszeitung</i>.
+Inquiries were made in all directions wherever a case of gouged-out
+eyes was reported, the result being everywhere the same&mdash;a
+fairy-tale.</p>
+<p>Yet when the German Imperial Chancellor received a party of
+American journalists (representatives of the United Press and the
+Associated Press) on September 2nd, 1914, he communicated this
+statement: "The English will inform your countrymen that German
+troops have burnt down Belgian villages and towns, but they will
+conceal the fact that Belgian girls have gouged out the eyes of our
+helpless soldiers lying on the battlefields."</p>
+<p>"Berlin papers informed the public that 'a large number of
+Belgian civilians were prisoners in M&uuml;nster. They are the same
+bestial creatures who shot from their houses on our unsuspecting
+troops, and who, before the arrival of our invading armies in
+Belgium, had perpetrated all sorts of cruelties on helpless German
+citizens. Indeed, when they were searched on their arrival at the
+prisoners' camp fingers with rings on them, which they had hacked
+off their victims, were found in their pockets. Justice will soon
+strike down these Belgians, among whom a very large number of
+priests are to be found. Twenty to thirty have already been
+condemned to death by a court-martial.'</p>
+<p>"The 'Pax' Society of Priests immediately wrote to the commander
+of the prisoners' camp, and received this reply: 'The ridiculous
+assertion of a Berlin paper that fingers had been found in the
+pockets of Belgian civilians in this camp is false. Neither has any
+priest or layman been condemned to death, but over one hundred
+Belgian women and children have been sent home again.'"[<a href=
+"#note-126">126</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-126"><!-- Note Anchor 126 --></a>[Footnote 126:
+Ibid., p. 19.]</p>
+<p>The above extracts will suffice to show how these Roman Catholic
+gentlemen proceeded. Immediately an atrocity was reported they
+applied to the authorities, and in every case received an
+affirmation that the deed had never taken place. Among the
+monstrous lies exposed by these investigators, are reports that
+Belgian priests paid eight shillings for every German head brought
+to them; high treason charges against Catholic priests in Alsace;
+all kinds of monstrous crimes charged to the priesthood; that a
+Belgian boy was caught with a bucketful of dead Germans' eyes;
+espionage by priests etc., etc.</p>
+<p>Yet one other case deserves quotation: "On October 5th, 1914, a
+priest was travelling by rail to Mayence. In the same compartment
+there were four privates from Infantry Regiment No. 94. One of them
+named R&ouml;ssner, related the following story to his comrades,
+and then, at the priest's request, again repeated it:</p>
+<p>"'In the Belgian village of Patsie the <i>cur&eacute;</i>
+welcomed a German major and his orderly into his house. Afterwards
+the priest promised a boy of thirteen that he should go straight to
+heaven if he would murder the two Germans. The lad perpetrated the
+murder, after which he and the <i>cur&eacute;</i> were shot under
+martial law.'</p>
+<p>"When the priest pointed out how incredible the whole story was,
+the soldier swore to its truth, and became very impolite to his
+auditor. An inquiry was instituted and this was the result:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"'War Office, No. 1866. The investigations
+made, in especial the hearing under oath of private R&ouml;ssner
+and several officers in his regiment, have resulted in the
+following particulars being obtained: At the beginning of the
+campaign as the troops marched into a village&mdash;name
+unknown&mdash;they saw by the roadside two or three dead civilians.
+One was apparently a boy of about thirteen, while the other was an
+adult with a dark coat. It was not established whether this was the
+body of a priest. Furthermore, we have not been able to discover by
+whom, or for what reason, these people were shot.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"'At that time the story quoted by you about
+a <i>cur&eacute;</i> and a boy, was told as a "rumour" to all the
+troops marching through. It is impossible after the lapse of time
+to test the truth of the narrative.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"'Signed by order,<br>
+<br>
+"'BAUER AND WAGNER.'"[<a href="#note-127">127</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-127"><!-- Note Anchor 127 --></a>[Footnote 127:
+Ibid., pp. 54-5.]</p>
+<p>The above document may be said, without presumption, to possess
+historic importance. It is a frank admission by the German War
+Office that Belgian civilians were actually shot down without rhyme
+or reason. Apparently German soldiers (!) had a <i>carte
+blanche</i> to shoot whom they liked, without rendering or being
+expected to render a report of their doings.</p>
+<p>The Rev. Duhr writes: "The incredible speed with which these
+lying tales of horror spread on all sides must be classed as a
+morbid phenomenon, a sort of blood-cult. Their consequences could
+only be to act upon the national soul as a stimulant, inspiring
+fear and brutality."[<a href="#note-128">128</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-128"><!-- Note Anchor 128 --></a>[Footnote 128:
+Ibid., p. 9.]</p>
+<p>The author of this work is prepared to go much farther than the
+Rev. Father, and maintain that the foul, diseased imaginations
+which could invent such monstrous horrors are also capable of
+perpetrating them. They did not spring from the imagination of an
+Edgar Allan Poe, but arose in the minds of Germany's brutal
+peasantry and bloodthirsty working classes, who together every year
+commit in times of peace 9,000 acts of brutal, immoral bestiality,
+and maliciously wound 175,000 of their fellow German
+citizens.[<a href="#note-129">129</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-129"><!-- Note Anchor 129 --></a>[Footnote 129:
+<i>Vide</i> Vol. 267 <i>Vierteljahrshefte</i>, published by the
+Berlin Government, 1914.]</p>
+<p>To-day Germany shouts in ecstasy that she is the chosen power of
+God; that her <i>Kultur</i> will regenerate the world. Let it first
+regenerate the "Augean Stable" known to the world as Germany.
+Without further comment readers are left to form their own opinion
+of a Press which breeds such filth, and the cultural level of a
+people which consumes such garbage. But the world owes a debt of
+gratitude to the Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J., and the "Pax" Society in
+Cologne.</p>
+<p>The accusations of plundering on the part of German soldiers is
+naturally denied <i>in toto</i> by all parties in the Fatherland.
+Indeed, it has been discovered that the British army was guilty of
+wilful destruction in Belgium. A certain Major Krusemarck,
+commanding the 2nd battalion of the 12th Infantry Reserve Regiment,
+is responsible for the story. "On October 10th I entered Wilryk,
+near Antwerp, and took up my quarters in the Italian Consulate. All
+the houses had been deserted by the inhabitants. Immediately after
+entering the house I perceived that English soldiers had been here
+and behaved in a barbarous manner. Mirrors, valuable objects of
+art, etc., had been smashed in a way which betrayed purpose." The
+major's report continues: "The destruction which I have described
+had undoubtedly been perpetrated by members of the English army,
+and as proof of this I may state that in one of the rooms about a
+dozen visiting-cards were found with the name: Major E.L. Gerrard,
+Royal Marine Light Infantery (sic).</p>
+<p>"During the subsequent pursuit of the Belgian and English armies
+we heard repeated complaints from the inhabitants that especially
+the English troops had acted in the most inconsiderate manner,
+purposely destroying furniture, etc., in civilian houses."[<a href=
+"#note-130">130</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-130"><!-- Note Anchor 130 --></a>[Footnote 130:
+Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld," p. 84.]</p>
+<p>Without doubt the story belongs to the group of legends exposed
+by the "Pax" Society, for which reason it is quoted here, as a
+fitting supplement to them. Yet it is psychologically interesting
+to note how difficult it is for Germans who burn, destroy and
+violate in their own country to believe that they behave otherwise
+than as lambs when playing the r&ocirc;le of invaders.</p>
+<p>One quotation from a large number will illustrate sufficiently
+the respect which the German troops felt for civilian homes in the
+territories occupied by them: "We got into the house by a
+back-door. Orders had been issued that only food and shirts were to
+be taken. The cellar was full of wine and champagne. A corporal
+brought us some of the latter. After half an hour the rooms looked
+very different; all the cupboards had been emptied in order to get
+at the jams and jellies. Several pots of fruit preserved in wine
+were divided as honestly as the greed of the individual
+allowed.</p>
+<p>"All the underclothing was seized upon, obviously only the best
+being taken. Many a dirty Pole put on such a shirt as he had never
+dreamed of before. Even ladies' chemises were commandeered, and
+some of the men assured me that a French chemise is quite
+comfortable&mdash;in spite of the short sleeves.</p>
+<p>"If there is a sterner sex in France, which is exceedingly
+doubtful, they do not seem to possess pants; so the men resorted to
+the corresponding article worn by ladies."[<a href=
+"#note-131">131</a>] (This writer refers in other parts of his book
+to "mementoes" which he carried home to the Fatherland, after being
+wounded at the Marne.)</p>
+<p><a name="note-131"><!-- Note Anchor 131 --></a>[Footnote 131: H.
+Knutz: "Mit den K&ouml;nigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien," p. 42.]</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH9"><!-- CH9 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+<center>THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND GERMANY'S ANNEXATION
+PROPAGANDA</center>
+<p>"Afterthoughts" is the term which would perhaps designate most
+concisely the section of German war literature treating of
+Belgium's violated neutrality. Should that designation appear
+unfitting, then the author has only one other to
+suggest&mdash;"whitewash."</p>
+<p>In order to apprehend clearly the method and aims concealed
+beneath the "afterthoughts," readers must bear in mind that every
+attempt to protest against the annexation of Belgium by Germany is
+prohibited by the German censor. The Social Democratic organs
+emphasize the fact almost daily that they are not permitted to
+print anything contrary to the principle of annexation.</p>
+<p>On the other hand, numerous writers are allowed to make a most
+extensive propaganda by suggesting that annexation is necessary in
+the interests of their racial-brothers the Flemings. By order of
+the German Government a geographical description of the country has
+been published,[<a href="#note-132">132</a>] in which every detail
+of Belgium's wealth in minerals, agriculture, and so on, is
+described, with no other possible purpose than the desire to whet
+German Michael's appetite.</p>
+<p><a name="note-132"><!-- Note Anchor 132 --></a>[Footnote 132:
+"Belgien, Land und Leute," Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>All at once Germany has become suspiciously interested in
+Belgian history, in the domestic quarrels between Walloons and
+Flemings, in the alleged oppression of the latter (Low Germans) by
+the former, and propose for themselves the part of liberator and
+saviour for Flemish culture. They have discovered, among other
+things, that Belgium was merely a paper State, a diplomatic
+invention, an experiment, and that no "Belgian" people has ever
+existed, but rather two hostile elements were packed under the same
+roof against their will by the Conference of London&mdash;the said
+roof bears the name Belgium!</p>
+<p>According to a good German-Swiss[<a href="#note-133">133</a>]
+the Belgians have no national feelings, no patriotism, and have
+never had a Fatherland. If a serious writer can make such
+statements after the Belgians have defended their native country so
+heroically, one naturally wonders whether Herr Blocher is sane, or
+merely a paid agent of the German authorities. In his work he
+denies every and any intention to justify or condemn either Germany
+or Belgium, and then proceeds to blacken the latter's character by
+quoting every Belgian utterance which may be interpreted as
+anti-German. These expressions lead him to the remarkable
+conclusion that Belgians had already violated their own
+neutrality!</p>
+<p><a name="note-133"><!-- Note Anchor 133 --></a>[Footnote 133:
+"Belgische Neutralit&auml;t," by Eduard Blocher. Zurich, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Blocher states that his work is only intended to prove that
+Switzerland has nothing to fear from Germany's precedent in
+invading Belgium. But he never mentions Belgium's maritime
+interests, Antwerp and the extensive seacoast on the North Sea. He
+is oblivious to the fact that Germany's desire to possess these was
+the sole motive for precipitating war and invading Belgium. To
+Germany the coast of Belgium is the door to the world and world
+domination. Switzerland does not possess such a door, and therefore
+had nothing to fear from her powerful neighbour; but if the Allies
+are unable to bar this door to Germany's aggressive schemes, then
+the time is not far distant when Germany would remember that she
+has "brothers" within Swiss frontiers and insist upon their
+entrance into the great Teutonic sheepfold&mdash;just as her most
+earnest desire at present is to drive the "lost" Flemings back to
+their parent race.</p>
+<p>Among the many phrases which Germans have coined to describe
+Belgium the following occur: bastard, eunuch and hermaphrodite.
+According to the German conception of a "State," Belgium is an
+unnatural monstrosity, from which one draws the natural conclusion
+that Germany intends to remove it from the domain of earthly
+affairs.</p>
+<p>On the whole, German writers admit the existence of Belgian
+neutrality, and also Germany's pledge to respect it. The three most
+serious writers on the subject are, Dr. Reinhard Frank,[<a href=
+"#note-134">134</a>] professor of jurisprudence in Munich
+University; Dr. Karl Hampe,[<a href="#note-135">135</a>] professor
+in Heidelberg; and Dr. Walter Schoenborn,[<a href=
+"#note-136">136</a>] also a professor in Heidelberg University.</p>
+<p><a name="note-134"><!-- Note Anchor 134 --></a>[Footnote 134:
+Reinhard Frank: "Die belgische Neutralit&auml;t." Tubingen,
+1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-135"><!-- Note Anchor 135 --></a>[Footnote 135:
+Karl Hampe: "Belgien's Vergangenheit und Gegenwart." Berlin,
+1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-136"><!-- Note Anchor 136 --></a>[Footnote 136:
+Walther Schoenborn: "Die Neutralit&auml;t Belgien's." This is an
+appendix to a large work written by twenty university professors,
+entitled "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," published by B.G.
+Teubner, Leipzig and Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>The nearer examination of these three works must be premised by
+two important considerations. Firstly, the three professors ignore
+the fact that Germany was a menace to Belgium, and make no mention
+of German aspirations for a coastline on or near the English
+Channel. Holland and Belgium form a twentieth century "Naboth's
+vineyard," on which the German Ahab has cast avaricious glances for
+upwards of forty years.</p>
+<p>A casual acquaintance with Pan-German and German naval and
+military literature during the same period, affords overwhelming
+proof of this powerful current in German nationalism. If Naboth
+consulted strong neighbours as to necessary precautions against
+Ahab's plans for obtaining the vineyard, then Naboth acted as a
+wise man, and the only regret to-day is that the "strong
+neighbours" only offered Naboth assurances and words, instead of
+deeds. In other words Great Britain did nothing because, as Lord
+Haldane expressed it, the Liberal Cabinet was "afraid" (!) to
+offend Germany and precipitate a crisis.</p>
+<p>Secondly, the three professors, like all others of their class
+in the Fatherland, have sworn an oath on taking office not to do
+anything, either by word or deed, detrimental to the interests of
+the German State of which they are <i>official</i> members. An
+ordinary German in writing on Germany may be under the subjective
+influences of his national feelings, but a German who has taken the
+"Staatseid" (oath to the State) cannot be objective in national
+questions and interests&mdash;his oath leaves only one course open
+to him, and any departure from that course may mean the loss of his
+daily bread.</p>
+<p>The author has the greatest respect for the achievements of
+German professors in the domains of science and abstract thought;
+by those achievements they have deservedly become famous, but in
+all judgments where Germany's interests are concerned they are
+bound hand and foot.[<a href="#note-137">137</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-137"><!-- Note Anchor 137 --></a>[Footnote 137:
+Towards the close of 1913 I had a conversation with half a dozen
+Germans (average age twenty-five) in Erlangen Gymnasium (State
+Secondary School); they were candidates in training for the
+teaching profession, all university men. I listened patiently to
+their diatribes concerning the perfidy of English Statesmen, and
+then pointed out, giving chapter and verse in German biographies,
+that Bismarck's record was exceedingly tortuous; the forgery of the
+Ems telegram was given as an instance.</p>
+<p>A few weeks later I met the vice-principal of the school at a
+private party; this gentleman was a good friend of mine. He
+reminded me of the above conversation, and gave me a friendly
+warning never again to make such statements to my pupils. The
+candidates had talked it over, and although they had provoked the
+discussion, proposed to have me reported to the Minister for
+Education for uttering such opinions. The vice-principal had
+intervened and prevented the <i>Denunziation</i>.</p>
+<p>If a professor of history in a German university expressed any
+opinion in his academic lectures unfavourable to modern Germany, he
+would be immediately <i>denunziert</i> to the State authorities by
+his own students. Should he publish such opinions in book form, of
+course the process of cashiering him would be simpler. Germans do
+not desire the truth so far as their own country is concerned; they
+do not will the truth; they will <i>Deutschland &uuml;ber
+alles</i>, and all information, knowledge, or propaganda contrary
+to their will is prohibited. If space permitted I could mention
+numerous cases in which famous professors have been treated like
+schoolboys by the German State&mdash;their stern father and
+master.]</p>
+<p>When a German conscript enters the army he takes the
+<i>Fahneneid</i> (oath on, and to, the flag), which binds him to
+defend the Fatherland with bayonet and bullet. In like manner it
+may be said that German professors are bound by the
+<i>Staatseid</i> either to discreet silence, or to employ their
+intellectual pop-guns in defending Germany. That these pop-guns
+fire colossal untruths, innuendoes, word-twistings, and such like
+missiles, giving out gases calculated to stupefy and blind honest
+judgments, will become painfully evident in the course of our
+considerations.</p>
+<p>That any and every German obeys the impulse to defend his
+country is just and praiseworthy; but in our search for truth we
+are compelled to note the fact that German professors are merely
+intellectual soldiers fighting for Germany. Without departing from
+the truth by one jot or tittle, readers may even call them "outside
+clerks" of the German Foreign Office, or the "ink-slingers" under
+the command of the German State.</p>
+<p>These premises have been laid down <i>in extenso</i> because
+some fifty books will be discussed in this work, which emanate from
+German universities. A neutral reader may retort: You also are not
+impartial, for you are an Englishman! Having anticipated the
+question, the author ventures to give an answer. If he could make a
+destructive attack on Britain's policy&mdash;the attack would be
+made without the least hesitation. Such an attack, if proved to the
+hilt, would bring any man renown, and in the worst case no harm.
+But if a German professor launched an attack, based upon
+incontrovertible facts, against Bethmann-Hollweg and Germany's
+policy, that professor would be ruined in time of peace and in all
+probability imprisoned, or sent to penal servitude in time of
+war.</p>
+<p>Nothing which the present author could write would ever tarnish
+the reputation of German professors as men of science, but in the
+narrower limits as historians of the Fatherland and propagandists
+of the <i>Deutschland-&uuml;ber-alles</i> gospel they are tied with
+fetters for the like of which we should seek in vain at the
+universities of Great Britain or America. It would be in the
+interests of truth and impartiality if every German professor who
+writes on the "Causes of the World War," "England's Conspiracy
+against Germany," "The Non-Existence of Belgian Neutrality," and
+similar themes, would print the German <i>Staatseid</i> on the
+front page of his book. The text of that oath would materially
+assist his readers in forming an opinion regarding the
+trustworthiness and impartiality of the professor's
+conclusions.</p>
+<p>Professor Frank commences his historical sketch of Belgian
+neutrality with the year 1632, when Cardinal Richelieu proposed
+that Belgium should be converted into an independent republic.
+Doubtless the desire to found a buffer State inspired Richelieu,
+just as it did the representatives of Prussia, Russia, France,
+Austria and England when they drew up the treaty guaranteeing
+Belgium's neutrality in perpetuity, at the Conference of London,
+1839.</p>
+<p>But an additional motive actuated the diplomatists of 1839,
+viz., Belgium was henceforth to be the corner-stone supporting the
+structure commonly designated "the balance of power in Europe."</p>
+<p>An objection has been made to the validity of the treaty signed
+in London, viz., England herself did not consider it reliable and
+binding, or she would not have asked for, and obtained, pledges
+from both Prussia and France to respect Belgian neutrality in 1870.
+Another objection is the claim that the German Empire, founded in
+1870, was not bound by the Prussian signature attached to a treaty
+in 1839. Other writers have endeavoured to show that the addition
+of African territory (Congo Free State) to Belgium changed the
+political status of that country, exposed it to colonial conflicts
+with two great colonial Powers, and thus tacitly ended the state of
+neutrality.</p>
+<p>Each of the professors in question overrides these objections,
+and Frank remarks, p. 13: "Lawyers and diplomatists refuse, and
+rightly so, to accept this view." Again, p. 14.: "There is no
+international document in existence which has cancelled Belgian
+neutrality."</p>
+<p>Germany's alleged violation of her promise to regard Belgium as
+a neutral country is justified on quite other grounds. Belgium had
+herself violated her neutrality by a secret alliance with France
+and England. Frank argues that a neutral State has certain duties
+imposed upon it in peace time, and in support of his contention
+quotes Professor Arendt (Louvain University, 1845), who wrote: "A
+neutral State may not conclude an alliance of defence and offence,
+by which in case of war between two other States it is pledged to
+help one of them. Yet it is free and possesses the right to form
+alliances to protect its neutrality and in its own defence, but
+such defensive alliances can only be concluded after the outbreak
+of war."</p>
+<p>Another authority quoted to support his point is Professor Hilty
+(University of Bern, 1889). "A neutral State may not conclude a
+treaty <i>in advance</i> to protect its own neutrality, because by
+this means a protectorate relationship would be created."</p>
+<p>Frank continues (p. 21): "Hence Belgian neutrality was
+guaranteed in the interests of the balance of power in Europe, and
+I have already pointed out that the same idea prevailed when the
+barrier-systems of 1815 and 1818 were established.</p>
+<p>"Considering the matter from this point of view, the falsity of
+modern Belgium's interpretation at once becomes apparent. According
+to Belgian official opinion her neutrality obligations only came
+into force in the event of war, and therefore could not be violated
+during peace. But this balance of power was to be maintained, above
+all in time of peace, and might not be disturbed by any peaceful
+negotiations whatever, especially if these were calculated to
+manifest themselves in either advantageous or prejudicial form, in
+the event of war.</p>
+<p>"In this category we may place the surrender of territory. No
+impartial thinker can deny that the cession of Antwerp to England
+would have been a breach of neutrality on the part of Belgium, even
+if it had occurred in peace time. The same is true for the granting
+of occupation rights, and landing places for troops, or for the
+establishment of a harbour which might serve as a basis for the
+military or naval operations of another State.</p>
+<p>"Moreover, it is unnecessary to exert one's imagination in order
+to discover 'peaceful negotiations' which are incompatible with
+permanent neutrality, for history offers us two exceedingly
+instructive examples. When a tariff union between France and
+Belgium was proposed in 1840, England objected because the plan was
+not in accord with Belgian neutrality. Again in 1868, when the
+Eastern Railway Company of France sought to obtain railway
+concessions in Belgium, it was the latter country which refused its
+consent, and in the subsequent parliamentary debate the step was
+designated an act of neutrality."</p>
+<p>From this extract it is evident that Professor Frank has
+undermined his own case. Belgian neutrality was intended by the
+great powers to be the corner-stone of the European balance of
+power. During the last forty years Germany's carefully meditated
+increase of armaments on land and sea threatened to dislodge the
+corner-stone. When the Conference of London declared Belgium to be
+a permanently neutral country, there was apparent equality of power
+on each side of the stone. In 1870 the Franco-German war showed
+that the balance of power was already disturbed at this corner of
+the European edifice. Still Germany's pledged word was considered
+sufficient guarantee of the <i>status quo</i>.</p>
+<p>Since 1870 the potential energy on the German side of the
+corner-stone has increased in an unprecedented degree, and this
+huge energy has been consistently converted into concrete military
+and naval forces. This alteration in the potential <i>status quo
+ante</i> has been partly the result of natural growth, but in a
+still greater degree, to Germany's doctrine that it is only might
+which counts.</p>
+<p>Another German professor[<a href="#note-138">138</a>] had
+defined the position in a sentence: "Germany is a boiler charged to
+danger-point with potential energy. In such a case is it a sound
+policy to try to avert the possibility of an explosion by screwing
+down all its safety-valves?" Recognizing that Belgian neutrality
+has existed for many years past solely on Germany's good-will, it
+became the right and urgent duty of the other signatory powers to
+endeavour to strengthen the corner-stone. Germany absolutely
+refused to relax in any way the pressure which her "potential
+energy" was exercising at this point, therefore it was necessary
+above all for France and Great Britain to bolster up the threatened
+corner.</p>
+<p><a name="note-138"><!-- Note Anchor 138 --></a>[Footnote 138:
+Hermann Oncken (Heidelberg), in the <i>Quarterly Review</i>,
+October, 1913. The author of the article charges Great Britain with
+screwing down the valves, which is a deliberate distortion of the
+truth. Britain has always opened her markets free to German goods
+and admitted the same privileges to her rival&mdash;so far as these
+did not run contrary to established rights&mdash;in all parts of
+the world. With regard to territorial expansion a treaty had been
+drawn up between the two Powers and was ready to be signed just
+when war broke out. That treaty would have afforded Germany immense
+opportunities for expansion, but not at the expense of Europe.
+Germany, however, desired European expansion, and according to her
+accepted teaching, the fate of extra-European territories will be
+decided on the battlefields of Europe.]</p>
+<p>The former Power could have achieved this purpose by building a
+chain of huge fortresses along her Belgian frontier. Why this
+precautionary measure was never taken is difficult to surmise, but
+had it been taken, Germany would have ascribed to her neighbour
+plans of aggression&mdash;and declared war.</p>
+<p>Great Britain could have restored the balance by creating an
+army of several millions. Lord Haldane has announced that the late
+Liberal Government was "afraid" to do this, although the fear of
+losing office may have been greater than their fear for
+Germany.</p>
+<p>The measures which England did take were merely non-binding
+conversations with the military authorities of France and Belgium;
+the making of plans for putting a British garrison of defence on
+Belgian territory in the event of the latter's neutrality being
+violated or threatened; and the printing of books describing the
+means of communication in Belgium.[<a href="#note-139">139</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-139"><!-- Note Anchor 139 --></a>[Footnote 139:
+"Belgium, Road and River Reports," prepared by the General Staff,
+Vol. I., 1912; II., 1913; III. &amp; IV., 1914. Copies of this work
+have been seized by the Germans in Belgium, and capital is being
+made of the incident to prove a violation of Belgian neutrality. If
+the British General Staff had nothing better to do than to compile
+guide-books to Belgium for a non-existent British army, it appears
+merely amusing. But if the late Liberal Government believed that
+Germany's potential energy could be prevented from breaking through
+into Belgian territory by a barricade of guide-books&mdash;it was a
+lamentable error of judgment. On the whole we are forced to call it
+a tragical irony, that the only defences which Belgium possessed
+against the <i>furor teutonicus</i>&mdash;excepting the Belgian
+army&mdash;were a "scrap of paper" and a barricade of the same
+material.]</p>
+<p>As a result of these measures, Belgium stands charged by Germany
+with having broken her own neutrality, and German writers are
+naively asking why Belgium did not give the same confidence to
+Germany which she gave to England. The German mind knows quite
+well, that in building strategic railways to the Belgian frontier
+she betrayed the line of direction which the potential energy was
+intended to take, when the burst came. Unofficially Germany has
+long since proclaimed her intention to invade Belgium; it was an
+"open secret."</p>
+<p>The <i>denouement</i> of August 4th, 1914, when Belgian
+neutrality was declared a "scrap of paper,"[<a href=
+"#note-140">140</a>] was not the inspiration of a moment, nor a
+decision arrived at under the pressure of necessity, but the result
+of years of military preparation and planning. It had been
+carefully arranged that the boiler should pour forth its energy
+through the Belgian valve.</p>
+<p><a name="note-140"><!-- Note Anchor 140 --></a>[Footnote 140:
+This famous phrase was employed as far back as 1855 by a Belgian
+Minister in the House of Deputies, Brussels. M. Lebeau in pleading
+for greater military preparation used these words: "History has
+shown what becomes of neutralities which were guaranteed, by what
+may be termed a 'scrap of paper.'"]</p>
+<p>Or to draw another comparison, it is a modern variety of the
+wolf and the lamb fable, with this difference: the wolf has first
+of all swallowed the lamb, and now excuses himself by asserting
+that the traitorous wretch had muddied the stream.</p>
+<p>Belgians were painfully aware of the danger threatening them,
+and would have made greater efforts to protect themselves, had not
+their own Social Democrats resisted every military proposal. As the
+matter stands to-day, however, all the efforts which Belgium did
+make, are classed by Germany as intrigues of the Triple Entente,
+threatening her (Germany's) existence, and all the horrors which
+have fallen upon this gallant "neutral" country the German
+Pecksniff designates "Belgium's Atonement."[<a href=
+"#note-141">141</a>] It is to be feared that sooner or later,
+unless Germany's military pride and unbounded greed of her
+neighbour's goods can be checked, German professors will be engaged
+in the scientific task of proving that the waters of the upper
+Rhine are unpalatable because the lamb residing in Holland has
+stirred up mud in the lower reaches of the same river!</p>
+<p><a name="note-141"><!-- Note Anchor 141 --></a>[Footnote 141:
+<i>Belgien's S&uuml;bne</i>, the title of a chapter describing the
+desolation and havoc of war, in a book entitled "Mit dem
+Hauptquartier nach Westen," by Heinrich Binder. Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Belgium knew that England and France had no other interest than
+the maintenance of her neutrality. Belgium saw and felt, where the
+storm clouds lowered, and probably sought or accepted advice from
+those Powers who wished to perpetuate both the territorial
+integrity and neutrality of Belgium. Germany's afterthought on the
+point is: "It was Belgium's duty to protect her neutrality, and she
+owed this duty to all States alike in the interests of the balance
+of power&mdash;a conception to which she owes her existence.</p>
+<p>"She was bound to treat all the signatory Powers in the same
+manner, but she failed to do so, in that she permitted one or two
+of them to gain an insight into her system of defence. By this
+means she afforded the States admitted to her confidence, certain
+advantages which they could employ for their own ends at any
+moment.</p>
+<p>"By allowing certain of the great Powers to see her cards,
+Belgium was not supporting the European balance, but seriously
+disturbing it. Even Belgium's Legation Secretary in Berlin had
+warned his Government concerning the political dangers arising out
+of intimacy with England. By revealing her system of defence to
+England, Belgium destroyed its intrinsic value and still
+more&mdash;she violated her international obligations."[<a href=
+"#note-142">142</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-142"><!-- Note Anchor 142 --></a>[Footnote 142:
+Professor Frank's work, pp. 29-30.]</p>
+<p>Considering that the British army at that time was small, that
+Britain had no idea of annexing Belgian territory, one naturally
+wonders how the value of Belgium's defence system had been
+depreciated by conversations with British officers. In effect,
+Germany maintains that Belgium should have behaved as a nonentity,
+which is contrary to all reason.</p>
+<p>The Berlin Government has always treated her small neighbour as
+a sovereign State, equal in quality, though not in power, to any
+State in the world. If Germany recognized Belgium's sovereignty,
+why should not England do the same, and, above all, why had Belgium
+no right to think of her self-preservation, when she knew the
+danger on her eastern frontier grew more menacing month by
+month?</p>
+<p>Frank concludes his dissertation with his opinion of England and
+quotes Thucydides, V., 105, as the best applicable characterization
+of the British with which he is acquainted. "Among themselves,
+indeed, and out of respect for their traditional constitution, they
+prove to be quite decent. As regards their treatment of foreigners,
+a great deal might be said, yet we will try to express it in brief.
+Among all whom we know they are the most brazen in declaring what
+is good to be agreeable, and what is profitable to be just."</p>
+<p>The very offence which Germany accuses England of having
+premeditated, she committed herself many years before. When France
+seemed to threaten Belgium's existence, King Leopold I. concluded a
+secret treaty[<a href="#note-143">143</a>] with the king of
+Prussia, whereby the latter was empowered to enter Belgium and
+occupy fortresses in case of France becoming dangerous. The French
+danger passed away, and its place was taken by a more awful
+menace&mdash;the pressure of German potential energy; and when
+Belgium in turn opened her heart (this is the unproved accusation
+which Germany makes to-day&mdash;Author) to England, then she has
+violated her neutrality and undermined the balance of
+power.[<a href="#note-144">144</a>] There is even a suspicion that
+Leopold II. renewed this treaty with Germany in 1890, in spite of
+the fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince de Chimay,
+in an official speech denied its existence.</p>
+<p><a name="note-143"><!-- Note Anchor 143 --></a>[Footnote 143:
+Germans love anything which is "secret." "Geheimniskr&auml;merei"
+("affectation of mysteriousness and secrecy") is a national and
+individual characteristic of the German people.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-144"><!-- Note Anchor 144 --></a>[Footnote 144:
+Karl Hampe: "Belgiens Vergangenheit und Gegenwart" ("Belgium Past
+and Present"), p. 49.]</p>
+<p>Professor Schoenborn's essay on Belgian neutrality is the least
+satisfactory exposition of the three professorial effusions; it is
+no credit to a man of learning, and is merely the work of an
+incapable partisan trying to make a bad cause into a good one.
+Schoenborn commences[<a href="#note-145">145</a>] with the
+customary German tactics by stating that Bethmann-Hollweg's
+"scrap-of-paper" speech, and von Jagow's (German Secretary of
+State) explanations to the Belgian representative in Berlin on
+August 3rd, 1914, are of no importance in deciding the justice of
+Germany's violation of her pledged word. One is led to inquire,
+When is a German utterance&mdash;whether given in the Reichstag by
+the Chancellor or on paper in the form of a treaty&mdash;final and
+binding?</p>
+<p><a name="note-145"><!-- Note Anchor 145 --></a>[Footnote 145:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World War"), pp.
+566-8.]</p>
+<p>Subterfuges, insinuations, distortions, even brazen falsehoods,
+are scattered throughout German war literature, thicker "than
+Autumnal leaves in Vallombrosa's brook." It is to be feared that
+just as Germans have lied for a century to prove that the English
+were annihilated at the battle of Waterloo, and for over forty
+years to show that Bismarck was not a forger, so they will lie for
+centuries to come in order to prove that the invasion of Belgium
+was not what Bethmann-Hollweg called it, a "breach of international
+law."</p>
+<p>Like his <i>confr&egrave;res</i>, Herr Schoenborn admits that
+Germany was pledged to respect the neutrality of Belgium, but the
+said neutrality was non-existent, which appears somewhat
+paradoxical. Yet this is not the least logical part of his case.
+"The passage of German troops through Belgium was indispensable in
+the interests of the preservation of the German Empire. A
+successful resistance to the annihilation-plans which our enemies
+had wrought for our downfall seemed possible only by this means.
+The Government regretted that, by so doing, we should commit a
+formal infringement of the rights of a third State (Belgium), and
+promised to make all possible compensation for the
+transgression.</p>
+<p>"The judicial point of view which influenced the decision of the
+German Government is perhaps, best illustrated by a parallel taken
+from the ordinary laws of the country: A forester (game-keeper) is
+attacked by a poacher, and in that same moment perceives a second
+poacher bearing a gun at full-cock, creeping into a strange house
+in order to obtain a better shot at the forester. Just as he is
+about to enter the house the forester breaks the door open and thus
+forestalls him&mdash;in order to surprise and overcome him. The
+forester is justified in taking this step, but must make good all
+damage resulting to the householder."[<a href=
+"#note-146">146</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-146"><!-- Note Anchor 146 --></a>[Footnote 146:
+Ibid., p. 575.]</p>
+<p>The instance holds good in the land of <i>Kultur</i>, where law
+and order affords so little protection to a civilian and his
+property; but in countries where laws are based upon culture the
+author believes that the forester would receive condign punishment
+for breaking into another man's house, no matter under what
+pretext. Unconsciously the learned professor is humorous when he
+compares Germany to a gamekeeper and Russia and France to poachers;
+but he is na&iuml;ve to a degree of stupidity, when he makes France
+carry a weapon fully prepared to shoot the forester.</p>
+<p>We will consult another German authority to show that France's
+weapons were not at full-cock.</p>
+<p>"During the last ten years France has given special attention to
+the fortresses on the German frontier. But those facing Belgium
+have been so carelessly equipped that we see clearly to what a
+degree she relied upon her neighbour. The forts are in the same
+condition as they were twenty or thirty years ago. As some of these
+fortifications were built fifty years ago, various points on the
+frontier are strategically, absolutely useless.</p>
+<p>"A typical example of this, is Fort les Ayvelles, which is
+intended to protect the bridges and Meuse crossings south of
+M&eacute;zi&egrave;res-Charleville; the fort was levelled to the
+ground by 300 shots from our 21-centimetre howitzers. It was built
+in 1878 and armed with forty cannon; of these the principal weapons
+consisted of two batteries each containing six 9-centimetre cannon,
+which, however, were cast in the years 1878-1880, and in the best
+case could only carry 4,000 yards. Then there were some
+12-centimetre bronze pieces cast in 1884, and a few five-barrelled
+revolver cannon.</p>
+<p>"Besides these there were old howitzers from the year 1842;
+muzzle-loaders with the characteristic pyramids of cannon ball by
+the side, such as are often used in Germany at village festivals or
+to fire a salute. The fort itself was a perfect picture of the
+obsolete and out-of-date. Apart from the crude, primitive
+equipment, the organization must have been faulty indeed.</p>
+<p>"On the road leading up to the fort we saw some tree-branches
+which had been hurriedly placed as obstacles, and higher up wire
+entanglements had been commenced at the last moment. At least one
+battery was useless, for the field of fire was cut off by high
+trees, and at the last minute the garrison had tried to place the
+guns in a better position.</p>
+<p>"Our artillery which fired from a north-westerly position
+displayed a precision of aim which is rare. One battery had had
+nearly every gun put out of action by clean hits. In several cases
+we saw the barrel of the gun yards away from its carriage, and only
+a heap of wheels, earth, stones, etc., marked the place where it
+had stood.</p>
+<p>"Another proof of the excellent work done by the artillery, was
+the fact that hardly a shell had struck the earth in the 500 yards
+from the battery to the fort. After the former had been disposed
+of, the artillery fire was concentrated on the fort, which was
+reduced to a heap of rubbish. The stonework and the high
+walls&mdash;yards thick&mdash;had tumbled to pieces like a child's
+box of bricks.</p>
+<p>"A garrison of 900 men had been placed in this useless cage, and
+they had fled almost at the first shot. Instead of putting these
+men in trenches, their superiors had put them at this 'lost post'
+and allowed them to suffer the moral effects of a complete,
+inevitable defeat.</p>
+<p>"Near the fort I saw the grave of its commander, the unfortunate
+man who had witnessed the hopeless struggle. He lived to see his
+men save their lives in wild flight&mdash;and then ended his
+own."[<a href="#note-147">147</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-147"><!-- Note Anchor 147 --></a>[Footnote 147:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," pp.
+107-9.]</p>
+<p>Here we have a sorry picture of the poacher whom Germany feared
+so much. The world knows now that neither Britain, France nor
+Russia were prepared for war, which excludes the probability that
+they desired or provoked a conflict. But Germany knew that, and
+much more, in the month of July, 1914. Bethmann-Hollweg when
+addressing the Reichstag drew a terrifying picture of French
+armies[<a href="#note-148">148</a>] standing ready to invade
+Belgium, but he knew full well that the necessary base-fortresses
+were lacking on the Franco-Belgian frontier.</p>
+<p><a name="note-148"><!-- Note Anchor 148 --></a>[Footnote 148:
+Richard Grasshoff in his work "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's
+Guilt"), p. 14 <i>et seq</i>., reproduces several confessions
+alleged to have been made by French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, stating that they entered Belgian territory on July 31st,
+1914. At present it is impossible to test the value of this
+evidence. Cf. <a href="#CH7">p. 151</a>.]</p>
+<p>As regards the alleged plans which Germany's enemies had made to
+annihilate Germany, it will be necessary for Professor Schoenborn
+to prove that the Entente Powers had: (1.) Caused the murder in
+Serajewo; (2.) Despatched the ultimatum to Serbia; (3.) Prepared
+themselves for war. Until he proves these three points the world
+will continue to believe that it was Germany alone who cherished
+"annihilation-plans."</p>
+<p>Schoenborn mentions too, Britain's refusal to promise her
+neutrality even if Germany respected the neutrality of Belgium.
+This offer was made to Sir Edward Grey, who declined it. According
+to Professor Schoenborn Germany's final decision to invade Belgium
+was only taken after that refusal. It is a striking example of the
+immorality which prevails both in Germany's business and political
+life. She gave her solemn pledge in 1839, yet endeavoured to sell
+the same pledge in 1914&mdash;for Britain's neutrality!</p>
+<p>The author once made an agreement with a German, but soon found
+that the arrangement was ignored and wrote to the person in
+question: "You have employed our arrangement merely as a means for
+making further incursions into my rights."</p>
+<p>That summarizes the Teutonic conception of a treaty, either
+private or national. It is only a wedge with which to broaden the
+way for a further advance. Usually a man signs an agreement with an
+idea of finality, and looks forward to freedom from further worry
+in the matter. Not so the German; with him it is an instrument to
+obtain, or blackmail, further concessions; and as individuals,
+instead of occupying their thoughts and energies in the faithful
+fulfilment of its terms, they plot and plan in the pursuit of
+ulterior advantages.</p>
+<p>Heidelberg's great scholar seems to have had doubts concerning
+his simile of the gamekeeper; hence in his last footnote he makes
+the innocuous remark: "Because the house-breaking gamekeeper fired
+the first shot, it is not usual to draw the conclusion that the
+poacher had only defensive intentions" (p. 590).</p>
+<p>All in all, Professor Schoenborn's attempt at partisanship is a
+miserable failure, and as an academic thesis it is doubtful whether
+the faculty of law in any German university would grant a student a
+degree for such a crude effort.</p>
+<p>Various facts indicate Germany's intention to annex Belgium, if
+not the entire country, then those districts in which Flemish is
+spoken. Germany has suddenly remembered that the Flemings are a Low
+German people and that they have been "oppressed" by the Walloons.
+The hypocrisy of the plea becomes evident when we recall German
+(including Austrian) oppression of the Poles, Slavs and
+Hungarians.</p>
+<p>One writer[<a href="#note-149">149</a>] has even endeavoured to
+prove that the House of Hesse has a legitimate historical claim to
+the province of Brabant. But as the following extracts will show,
+there is method in this madness. No pains are being spared to stir
+up racial feeling between the two peoples (Flemings and Walloons)
+who form King Albert's subjects. All the internal differences are
+being dished up to convince the inhabitants of Flanders that they
+will be much better off under the German heel.[<a href=
+"#note-150">150</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-149"><!-- Note Anchor 149 --></a>[Footnote 149:
+Dr. Karl Knetsch: "Des Hauses Hessen Anspr&uuml;che auf Brabant"
+("The House of Hesse's Claims to Brabant"). Marburg, 1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-150"><!-- Note Anchor 150 --></a>[Footnote 150:
+The <i>M&uuml;nchner Neueste Nachrichten</i> for September 19th,
+1915, contains a long account of a petition which was presented to
+Herr von Hissing, General Governor of Belgium, by a branch of the
+General Union of the Netherlands. The branch society is in Lierre
+(a town occupied by the Germans), and the petition is a statement
+of Flemish national and language aspirations. Unfortunately the
+document in question "makes a bitter attack on Franco-Belgian
+endeavours to rob the Flemings of their rights." It is superfluous
+to quote more; this sentence alone shows the origin of the petition
+to be German.]</p>
+<p>Forgetting their tyrannous efforts to stamp out the Polish
+language and Polish national feelings, the Germans are now
+sorrowing over the alleged attempts of the Walloons to suffocate
+the Flemish dialect. German war books breathe hate and contempt for
+the Walloons, but bestow clumsy bear-like caresses (no doubt
+unwelcome to their recipients) on the Flemings.</p>
+<p>In a work[<a href="#note-151">151</a>] already cited the
+following passages occur, in addition to three whole chapters
+intended to supply historical proof that Flanders is by the very
+nature of things a part of the German Empire.</p>
+<p><a name="note-151"><!-- Note Anchor 151 --></a>[Footnote 151:
+Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von L&uuml;ttich bis Flandern" ("From Li&eacute;ge
+into Flanders"). Weimar, 1914.]</p>
+<p>"The German people committed a grave crime, when they fought
+among themselves and left their race-brothers on the frontier,
+defenceless and at the mercy of a foreign Power. Therefore we have
+no right to scold these brothers (the Flemings), but should rather
+fetch them back into the German fold" (p. 40).</p>
+<p>Kotzde reports a conversation which he had with an educated
+Fleming last autumn. "'We do not like the French and English,' said
+the Fleming. 'But what about Brussels?' I remarked. 'They are a
+people for themselves. The Flemish capital is Antwerp' he
+answered.</p>
+<p>"Our paths led in different directions, but we parted with the
+consciousness that we are tribal brothers. So much seems certain,
+that when the Flemings are freed from the embittering influence of
+the Walloons and French, then this Low German tribe will again
+learn to love everything German&mdash;because they are German.
+Furthermore, that will make an end of the French language in
+Flemish districts" (p. 84).</p>
+<p>"German infantry marched with us into Antwerp. How deeply it
+touched me to hear them sing the 'Wacht am Rhein' and then
+'Deutschland, Deutschland &uuml;ber alles,' in the very city which
+was to serve as an English base for operations against our dear
+Fatherland. And my Flemish companion softly hummed this splendid
+German song of faith.</p>
+<p>"In that moment a spasm of pain went through my heart, that the
+Flemings should have to fight against us in this great struggle for
+the existence of Germany: these, our lost brothers, of whom so many
+yearn to be with us again" (p. 86).</p>
+<p>"With the fall of Antwerp, Flanders&mdash;the land of the German
+Hanse period, of Ghent, Ypres and Bruges&mdash;became German once
+more" (p. 147).</p>
+<p>Kotzde concludes his work as follows:&mdash;</p>
+<p>"Holland was compelled to bow before the might of France and
+consent to Belgium becoming an independent State. From that moment
+the Flemings, cut off in every way from their German brothers, were
+delivered up to the Walloons, behind whom stood the French.</p>
+<p>"The Germans at that time lacked a Bismarck to unite them and
+interest them in the fate of their outlying brother tribe. This war
+has freed our hands, which hitherto had been bound by the dictates
+of conscience. Of himself the German would never have kindled this
+world conflagration, but others have hurled the torch into our
+abode&mdash;and our hands are free!</p>
+<p>"We do not yet know what Belgium's fate will be, but we can be
+perfectly sure that the Flemings will never again be left to the
+mercy of the Walloons and French. They have had a wild and
+chequered history; and although they have often shown signs of
+barbarism in the fight, they have not waged this war with the
+devilish cruelty of the Walloons.</p>
+<p>"They lack the discipline which alone a well-ordered State can
+bestow. The training and education of the German military system
+and German administration, will be a blessing to them. Even to-day
+many Flemings bless the hour of their return into the German
+paternal home" (p. 190).</p>
+<p>"In a struggle which has lasted for nearly a century, the
+Flemings have displayed their unconquerable will to maintain their
+national peculiarities. Without outside aid, and with little or no
+deterioration, they have maintained their nationalism. Now the
+horrors of war have swept over the lands of the Flemings and
+Walloons. The Belgian army, consisting of 65 per cent. Flemings,
+has been decimated by German arms. North and south of the Meuse a
+wicked harvest of hate has sprung up. But the most remarkable point
+is that this hate is not directed against the Germans alone; the
+mutual dislike of Flemings and Walloons has turned into hatred. The
+Walloons cherish bitter suspicions of the Flemings; they scent the
+racial German, and are promising that after the war they will wage
+a life and death feud against the German part of the Flemish
+nature."[<a href="#note-152">152</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-152"><!-- Note Anchor 152 --></a>[Footnote 152:
+Ulrich Rauscher: "Belgien heute und morgen" ("Belgium to-day and
+to-morrow"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 35.]</p>
+<p>The same writer claims that the Germans had conquered Antwerp
+before its fall, by peaceful penetration. "In 1880 the British
+share of Antwerp's trade was 56 per cent., Germany's 9 per cent.;
+in 1900, British 48 per cent., German 23-1/2 per cent. Not only had
+the British flag been beaten in percentages but also in absolute
+figures; in the year 1912-1913 German trade to Antwerp increased by
+400,000 tons, while that of Great Britain decreased by 200,000
+tons. The commercial future of Antwerp will be German!"[<a href=
+"#note-153">153</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-153"><!-- Note Anchor 153 --></a>[Footnote 153:
+Ibid., p. 64.]</p>
+<p>"To-day Antwerp is the second largest port on the Continent,
+with over 400,000 inhabitants, and now Germany's war banner waves
+above its cathedral. Germany's maritime flag has waved during the
+last twenty years above Antwerp's commercial progress. Antwerp's
+progress was German progress."[<a href="#note-154">154</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-154"><!-- Note Anchor 154 --></a>[Footnote 154:
+Ibid., p. 68.]</p>
+<p>After which follows a glowing account of Belgium's mineral
+wealth. "It is Belgium's mission to be a gigantic factory for the
+rest of the world," and of course this mission will be directed
+by&mdash;Germany!</p>
+<p>"Those who had warned us for years past that England is our
+greatest enemy were right. To-day every German recognizes who is
+our principal opponent in this world war. Against Russia and France
+we fight, as the poet expresses it, 'with steel and bronze, and
+conclude a peace some time or other.' But against England we wage
+war with the greatest bitterness and such an awful rage, as only an
+entire and great people in their holy wrath can feel. The words of
+Lissauer's 'Hymn of Hate' were spoken out of the innermost depths
+of every German soul.</p>
+<p>"When Hindenburg announces a new victory we are happy; when our
+front in the Argonne advances we are satisfied; when our faithful
+Landsturm beats back a French attack in the Vosges, it awakes a
+pleasurable pride in our breasts. But when progress is announced in
+Flanders, when a single square yard of earth is captured by our
+brave troops in the Ypres district, then all Germany is beside
+herself with pure joy. The seventy millions know only too well,
+that everything depends upon the development of events in Flanders,
+as to when and how, we shall force England to her knees.</p>
+<p>"Hence of all the fields of war, Belgium is the most familiar to
+us, and we love best of all to hear news from that quarter. May God
+grant that in the peace negotiations we shall hear much more and
+good tidings about Flanders."[<a href="#note-155">155</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-155"><!-- Note Anchor 155 --></a>[Footnote 155:
+Dr. Fritz Mittelmann: "Kreuz und Quer durch Belgien" ("Round and
+about Belgium"). Stettin, 1915: p. 8. Dr. Mittelmann is a personal
+friend of the Liberal leader, Herr Bassermann, who accompanied him
+on some of his journeys.]</p>
+<p>Dr. Mittelmann's book is a prose-poem in praise of Germany's
+ineffable greatness. He sees in the present war, "a holy struggle
+for Germany's might and future," and like all his compatriots,
+makes no mention of Austria. If the Central Powers should be
+victorious, there is no doubt that Germany would seize the booty.
+In justifying the destruction of churches, cathedrals, etc., Herr
+Mittelmann asserts that "one single German soldier is of more worth
+than all the art treasures of our enemies" (p. 12).</p>
+<p>His book deserves to be read by all Britishers who imagine that
+we can win Germany's love and respect&mdash;by weakness and
+compromise. "In this war Germans and English soldiers are opposed
+to each other for the first time. All the scorn and hate which had
+accumulated for years past in the German nation has now broken
+loose with volcanic force. Whoever assumes that the English were
+ever other than what they are&mdash;is wrong. They have never had
+ideals, and seek singly and alone their own profit. Whenever they
+have fought side by side with another nation against a common foe,
+they have done their best to weaken their ally and reap all the
+glory and advantage for themselves."[<a href=
+"#note-156">156</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-156"><!-- Note Anchor 156 --></a>[Footnote 156:
+Ibid., p. 29.]</p>
+<p>Pity for the Belgians suffering through Germany's brutal war of
+aggression does not appear to be one of Dr. Mittelmann's
+weaknesses. "The principal industrial occupation of the inhabitants
+seems at present to be begging. In spite of their hostile glances
+the crowd did not hesitate to gather round as we entered our car,
+and quite a hundred greedy hands were stretched towards us for
+alms. But in Li&eacute;ge, without the shadow of a doubt the best
+of all was the magnificent Burgundy which we drank there; perhaps
+we had never relished wine so much in our lives."[<a href=
+"#note-157">157</a>] One wonders whether these pioneers of
+<i>Kultur</i> relished the wine so much because they knew
+themselves to be surrounded by thousands of hungry, "greedy"
+Belgians.</p>
+<p><a name="note-157"><!-- Note Anchor 157 --></a>[Footnote 157:
+Ibid., p. 44.]</p>
+<p>On page 93, Mittelmann relates at length his genuine Prussian
+joy at humiliating a Belgian policeman before the latter's
+compatriots. None enjoy having their boots licked, so much as those
+who are accustomed to perform that service for others.</p>
+<p>Our author pays the customary compliments to the Flemings. It
+must be remembered that the above incident took place in
+Li&eacute;ge among the Walloons, but it would seem that the Germans
+try to behave with decency when among their Low German
+brothers.</p>
+<p>"One feels at home in the house of a Flemish peasant; the racial
+relationship tends to homeliness. The painful cleanliness of the
+white-washed cottages makes a pleasant contrast to the homes of the
+Walloons. War and politics are never mentioned, as these delicate
+subjects would prevent a friendly understanding."[<a href=
+"#note-158">158</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-158"><!-- Note Anchor 158 --></a>[Footnote 158:
+Ibid., p. 90.]</p>
+<p>"A dream. An old German dream. A land full of quaintness which
+the rush of modern life has left untouched. On all sides
+cleanliness and order which makes the heart beat gladly. And this
+joyful impression is doubly strong when one comes direct from the
+dirty, disorderly villages of the Walloons.</p>
+<p>"Just as a mother may give birth to two children with entirely
+different natures, so Belgium affords hearth and home to two
+peoples in whose language, culture and customs there is neither
+similarity nor harmony. The Flemings are absolutely German, and in
+this war they treat us with friendly confidence. Their eyes do not
+glitter with fanatical hate like those of the Walloons."[<a href=
+"#note-159">159</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-159"><!-- Note Anchor 159 --></a>[Footnote 159:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p. 102.]</p>
+<p>Herr Binder's meditations on the slaughter in the valley of the
+Meuse are not without interest. "A vale which has been won by
+German blood! In recent days the waters of the Meuse have often
+flowed blood-red. Many a warrior has sunk into these depths.
+Longing and hope rise in our hearts: May destiny determine that all
+these dead, after a triumphant war, shall sleep at rest in a German
+valley!"[<a href="#note-160">160</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-160"><!-- Note Anchor 160 --></a>[Footnote 160:
+Ibid., p. 122.]</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH10"><!-- CH10 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+<center>SAIGNER &Agrave; BLANC.[<a href=
+"#note-161">161</a>]</center>
+<p><a name="note-161"><!-- Note Anchor 161 --></a>[Footnote 161:
+"To bleed white." Bismarck employed this phrase on two occasions in
+addressing the Reichstag; his purpose could have been no other than
+to bully France.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>It would be superfluous to review here the history of
+Franco-German relations during the last half century; other writers
+have already performed the task. Yet the whole trend of development
+in the relations between the two powerful neighbours may be defined
+by two watch-words: <i>saigner &agrave; blanc</i> in Germany, and
+the <i>revanche id&eacute;e</i> in France. But there is this
+difference: the former has become ever more and more, and the
+latter less and less, a factor in European politics.</p>
+<p>While the German nation has been gradually and systematically
+leavened with the teaching that might alone is right, the French
+revenge party has been weakened year by year by national
+prosperity, colonial expansion and the growth of a powerful
+anti-military party. Whatever may be said of French chauvinists,
+this much remains an immovable fact&mdash;the party was incapable
+of providing adequate national defences against the Germanic
+neighbour, while plans of reconquest can only be assigned to the
+domain of myths.</p>
+<p>On every occasion that the <i>revanche</i> cry has been
+resuscitated, the direct cause is to be sought in Germany. Having
+displaced France in 1870 from her position of the first military
+power in Europe, Germany has endeavoured by fair and foul means to
+prevent her neighbour from again raising her head, and that policy
+alone is to blame for the suspicion and hatred which have marked
+Franco-German relations during the whole period and plunged Europe
+into an era of armaments, ending in a world war. England and Russia
+prevented Bismarck from annihilating France in 1875, an incident
+which aroused justified fear throughout France and gave an impulse
+to the revenge party.</p>
+<p>In 1881 the Iron Chancellor told the French Ambassador: "Outside
+Europe you can do what you like." Bismarck's intention was to
+divert reviving French energies to colonial work, and if possible
+involve her in conflicts with the other Colonizing Powers. In both
+of these plans he succeeded, but the common sense and loyalty of
+Great Britain and Italy prevented the conflicts from assuming a
+dangerous form&mdash;war&mdash;as desired by the Government in
+Berlin.</p>
+<p>As soon as the latter perceived that French genius and
+persistency were bearing fruit in a magnificent colonial empire,
+the innate jealousy and greed of the German nation led to a policy
+of colonial pinpricks on the part of the Kaiser's Government. This
+seems the most probable explanation of Germany's attitude during
+the last decade before 1914. The natural consequence was that those
+powers which had most to fear through German ill-will were welded
+together more firmly in a policy of self-protection.</p>
+<p>Germany cannot, or will not, recognize that the causes of the
+above-mentioned development are to be found solely and alone in her
+own actions. On the contrary, she designates the "consequences" a
+world-wide conspiracy against German interests. In naval affairs
+she adopts the same na&iuml;ve line of argument. First and foremost
+Germany committed herself to a policy of unlimited&mdash;even
+provocative&mdash;naval expansion. When the Power most
+concerned&mdash;Great Britain&mdash;took precautionary measures to
+guarantee British interests in view of Germany's "peaceful"
+development, then the latter Power declared the consequences of her
+own actions to be a hostile initiative directed against her.</p>
+<p>A defence of this kind may be convincing for those who observe
+events in the German perspective, but it will be unable to
+withstand impartial historical criticism. Boxers expect a rebound
+when they "punch the ball," but none of them would be so foolish as
+to deny having delivered a blow when the rebound takes place. Yet
+that is the unscientific defence which Germany has adopted in her
+endeavours to explain away her aggressive attitude to Belgium,
+France, and Great Britain.</p>
+<p>In a word, the principles underlying <i>saigner &agrave;
+blanc</i> have grown during the past four decades into a possible
+avalanche possessing huge potential energy; the momentum was given
+to it in August, 1914.</p>
+<p>If it were necessary, a picture of German popular opinion might
+be projected, showing how that opinion was influenced and formed
+during the critical days at the close of July last year. But from
+considerations of space only the outlines of the picture can be
+given. Before the war German newspapers abounded in reports of
+French unpreparedness and chaos. The German public was informed
+that France dreaded and feared war with Germany.</p>
+<p>"Without any exaggeration it may be said that a state of nerves
+has seized the French nation, such as we should seek for in vain at
+the time of Tangiers and Agadir. There is tremendous excitement,
+which in many reports suggests absolute panic."[<a href=
+"#note-162">162</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-162"><!-- Note Anchor 162 --></a>[Footnote 162:
+<i>Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten</i>, August 1st.]</p>
+<p>The Paris correspondent of the <i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>
+(August 4th) on returning to Cologne wrote: "Conditions in France
+afford a striking picture of bad organization. War rage possesses
+the people; but such an enthusiasm as I found in Germany on my
+return is unknown to them."</p>
+<p>On the same day the <i>Hamburger Nachrichten</i> reported: "A
+German refugee who has returned from the French capital says that
+there is no enthusiasm in Paris. Men and women may be seen weeping
+in the streets, while the crowds are shouting: 'Down with war!' 'We
+desire no war!'"</p>
+<p>Probably there is no better way to incite a ferocious bully than
+to tell him that his opponent is weak, unprepared and afraid.
+Almost simultaneously false reports of French troops crossing the
+frontier and of French airmen dropping bombs on Nuremberg were
+spread by the Berlin General Staff, and thus an excuse found for a
+declaration of war on France.</p>
+<p>From the French point of view events appeared quite different.
+"This morning German troops have violated French territory at three
+different points: in the direction of Longwy by Lun&eacute;ville,
+at Cirey and by Belfort. War has thus been declared, and the
+endeavours for peace as described in the President's proclamation
+have been in vain. For the last eight days Herr von Schoen (German
+Ambassador in Paris) has lulled us to sleep with endearing
+protestations of peace. Meanwhile Germany has mobilized troops in a
+secret and malevolent manner.</p>
+<p>"The war upon which we must enter is for civilization against
+barbarism. All Frenchmen must be united not merely by the feeling
+of duty, but also in hatred for an enemy who seeks no other goal
+than our annihilation&mdash;the destruction of a nation which has
+always been a pioneer of justice and liberty in the world.</p>
+<p>"To-night our five covering-corps will take up their positions
+and face the enemy till our plan of concentration is completed.
+Russia is with us.</p>
+<p>"MESSIMY,</p>
+<p>"Minister for War."</p>
+<p>From the moment that Germany declared war on France, new tactics
+were adopted in the Press. A campaign of calumny began which is the
+exact counterpart of that against Belgium and the Belgians.
+Uncorroborated tales of Germans having been ill treated in all
+parts of France were spread broadcast. According to one
+journal[<a href="#note-163">163</a>] sixty to eighty Germans had
+been murdered on the platforms of the Gare de l'Est in Paris.</p>
+<p><a name="note-163"><!-- Note Anchor 163 --></a>[Footnote 163:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Volkszeitung</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>Still there is one accusation which even German newspapers have
+never dared to make, viz., that Frenchmen murdered and ill-treated
+Frenchmen, or that war delirium led them to destroy property on a
+wholesale scale. On the other hand, the picture obtainable of
+Germany during August, 1914, proves that similar peaceful
+conditions did not prevail in the great nation of "drill and
+discipline."</p>
+<p>France was even "convicted" of having caused the war; instead of
+being unprepared, she had laid the fuse and was the guilty power in
+causing the European explosion. "The German Government has now
+obtained absolute proof that France has been standing at arms,
+ready to fall upon Germany, for many weeks past."[<a href=
+"#note-164">164</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-164"><!-- Note Anchor 164 --></a>[Footnote 164:
+<i>Hamburger Fremdenblatt</i>, August 13th.]</p>
+<p>Above all, President Poincar&eacute; has been marked down in
+Germany's senseless, unnecessary hunt for a scapegoat upon whom to
+fix her own guilt. Even in the year 1915 there is a section of the
+German public[<a href="#note-165">165</a>] which believes that the
+French President&mdash;a native of Lorraine&mdash;has worked for
+years past in building up a <i>revanche</i> conspiracy ending in
+the European war.</p>
+<p><a name="note-165"><!-- Note Anchor 165 --></a>[Footnote 165:
+Dr. Max Beer: "Tzar Poincarew, die Schuld am Kriege" ("Czar
+Poincarew, the War-guilty"). Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Germany despised France and has tried in vain to patronize her.
+For many years past the average German has held that the French are
+a nation of "degenerate weaklings." Inspired by these sentiments,
+with a mixture of hate, the German troops invaded France, and it is
+a promising symptom that during twelve months of war respect for
+French valour has taken the place of contempt.</p>
+<p>The first engagements are described in the official telegrams
+from the German army head-quarters. "August 11th. Enemies' troops,
+apparently the 7th French army corps and an infantry division from
+the Belfort garrison, were driven out of a fortified position by
+M&uuml;lhausen. Our losses were inconsiderable, those of the French
+heavy.</p>
+<p>"August 12th. Our troops attacked a French brigade by Lagarde.
+The enemy suffered heavy losses and was thrown back into the Paroy
+forest. We captured a flag, two batteries, four machine guns and
+about seven hundred prisoners. A French general was among the
+killed.</p>
+<p>"August 18th. The fight by M&uuml;lhausen was little more than a
+skirmish. One and a half enemy corps had invaded Upper Alsace
+before our troops could be collected and placed on a war-footing.
+In spite of their numerical inferiority they attacked the enemy
+without hesitation and hurled him back in the direction of
+Belfort.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile an artillery contingent from Strasbourg has suffered
+a check. Two battalions with cannon and machine guns advanced from
+Shirmeck on the 14th. They were attacked by hostile artillery fire
+while passing through a narrow pass. The cannon, etc., were badly
+damaged and therefore left. No doubt they were captured by the
+enemy.</p>
+<p>"The incident is of no importance and will have no influence on
+our operations, but it should serve as a warning to our soldiers
+against over-confidence and carelessness. The men mustered again
+and reached the fortress in safety: they had lost their guns but
+not their courage. Whether treachery on the part of the inhabitants
+had any part in the affair has not yet been ascertained.</p>
+<p>"August 22nd. Our troops are in pursuit of the French army
+defeated between Metz and the Vosges. The enemies' retreat became a
+flight. Up till now more than ten thousand prisoners have been
+taken and at least fifty cannon captured. The French had eight army
+corps in the field.</p>
+<p>"August 24th. Yesterday the German Crown Prince, advancing on
+both sides of Longwy, achieved a victory over the opposing forces
+and hurled them back.</p>
+<p>"The troops under the leadership of the Bavarian Crown Prince
+have also been victorious and crossed the line
+Lun&eacute;ville-Blamont-Tirey. To-day the 21st army corps occupied
+Lun&eacute;ville.</p>
+<p>"The pursuit has brought rich booty. Besides numerous prisoners
+and standards the left wing of the Vosges army has already captured
+150 cannon.</p>
+<p>"To-day the German Crown Prince's army has continued the pursuit
+beyond Longwy.</p>
+<p>"The army under Duke Albrecht of W&uuml;rttemberg has advanced
+on both sides of Neufch&acirc;teau and completely defeated the
+French army which had crossed the Semois. Numerous cannon,
+standards and prisoners&mdash;among the latter several
+generals&mdash;were captured.</p>
+<p>"West of the Meuse our troops are advancing on Maubeuge. An
+English cavalry brigade which appeared on their front was
+defeated.</p>
+<p>"August 27th. Nine days after the conclusion of our
+concentration the armies in the West have gained victory after
+victory and penetrated the enemy's territory from Cambrai to the
+Southern Vosges. At all points the enemy has been driven out of his
+positions and is now in full retreat.</p>
+<p>"It is not yet possible to estimate, even approximately, his
+losses in killed, prisoners and booty; the explanation for this is
+the enormous extent of the battlefields, broken by thick forests
+and mountainous country.</p>
+<p>"General von Kluck's army defeated the English at Maubeuge and
+to-day has attacked them in an encircling move south-west of that
+place.</p>
+<p>"After several days' fighting about eight army corps of French
+and Belgian troops between the Sambre, Namur and the Meuse were
+completely defeated by the German armies under Generals von
+B&uuml;low and von Hausen.</p>
+<p>"Namur has fallen after two days' cannonade. The attack on
+Maubeuge has commenced. Duke Albrecht's army pursued the defeated
+enemy over the Semois and has now crossed the Meuse.</p>
+<p>"On the other side of Longwy the German Crown Prince has
+captured a fortified enemy position, and thrown back a heavy attack
+from the direction of Verdun. His army is advancing towards the
+Meuse. Longwy has fallen.</p>
+<p>"New hostile forces from Nancy attacked the Bavarian Crown
+Prince's army during its pursuit of the French army before it. The
+attack failed.</p>
+<p>"General von Heeringen's army is pursuing the enemy in the
+Vosges, and driving him southwards. Alsace has been cleared of
+enemy forces.</p>
+<p>"Up till the present the lines of communication have been
+guarded by the various armies; now the troops left behind for that
+purpose are urgently required for our further advance. Hence His
+Majesty has ordered the mobilization of the Landsturm.</p>
+<p>"The Landsturm will be employed in protecting the lines of
+communication and for the occupation of Belgium. This land which
+now comes under German administration will be utilized for
+supplying all kinds of necessities for our armies, in order that
+Germany may be spared as much as possible."</p>
+<p>During the first month of hostilities on the Western front, the
+Germans claimed that their captures amounted to 233 pieces of heavy
+artillery, 116 field guns, 79 machine guns, 166 wagons and 12,934
+prisoners. On September 8th General Quartermaster von Stein
+announced: "Maubeuge capitulated yesterday; 40,000 prisoners of
+war, including four generals, 400 cannon and immense quantities of
+war materials fell into our hands."</p>
+<p>A German war correspondent, who was present at the fall of
+Maubeuge, wrote:[<a href="#note-166">166</a>] "The march out of the
+prisoners began on the same day at 2.30 p.m. and lasted over six
+hours. They were conducted to trains and despatched to Germany.
+Some of the infantry made a good impression, while the pioneers and
+artillery can only be classed as passable.</p>
+<p><a name="note-166"><!-- Note Anchor 166 --></a>[Footnote 166:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p. 96.]</p>
+<p>"To the great disappointment of our troops there were only a
+hundred and twenty English among the prisoners who had been cut off
+from the main army; young fellows about eighteen to twenty years of
+age. When marching out these English youths were so stupid as to
+offer the hand to their German victors in token of the
+gentlemanlike manner in which they accepted defeat. In accordance
+with Albion's ancient boxing custom, they desired to show the
+absence of any bitter feeling by a handshake; just as one does
+after a football match.</p>
+<p>"Our men returned a few cuffs for this warlike behaviour,
+whereupon the English&mdash;richer in experience&mdash;drew back
+astonished at German unfriendliness."</p>
+<p>Germany's rush for Paris reached as far as the Marne; they claim
+that patrols penetrated to within seven kilometres of the French
+capital. The report announcing the turn of the tide is worthy of
+quotation.</p>
+<p>"Chief Headquarters, September 10th. Our army in their pursuit
+of the enemy in the direction east of Paris had passed beyond the
+Marne. There they were attacked by superior forces between Meaux
+and Montmirail. In two days' heavy fighting they have kept the
+enemy back and even made progress.</p>
+<p>"When the approach of new, stronger hostile forces was announced
+our wing was withdrawn; the enemy made no attempt at pursuit. Up
+till now the booty captured in this battle includes fifty cannon
+and some thousands of prisoners.</p>
+<p>"West of Verdun the army is engaged in an advancing battle. In
+Lorraine and the Vosges district the situation is unchanged."</p>
+<p>This seems to be all that the German nation has heard from
+official sources of the German defeat on the Marne and the hurried
+retreat to the Aisne. Almost every report issued by the German
+headquarters during the succeeding three weeks informed the world
+that a "decision had not yet fallen."</p>
+<p>Evidently the nation awaited and hoped for a decision which
+would leave Paris at the mercy of the invading army. They are still
+awaiting that decision, but whether the waiting is seasoned by hope
+cannot easily be determined.</p>
+<p>A soldier present at the battle of the Marne has chronicled his
+experiences.[<a href="#note-167">167</a>] "We passed over long,
+undulating hills and valleys, and towards 1 p.m. obtained our first
+glimpse down the beautiful vale of the Marne. Standing on the
+heights of Ch&acirc;teau Thierry, we beheld the town nestling on
+both sides of the river in the valley below.</p>
+<p><a name="note-167"><!-- Note Anchor 167 --></a>[Footnote 167: H.
+Knutz: "Mit den K&ouml;nigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien und
+Frankreich,", p. 49 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"Then we entered the town and saw on all sides the tokens of
+street fighting. All the windows were smashed by shell fire; some
+houses had been entirely gutted. Dead Frenchmen lay around in
+heaps, some corpses so mutilated by shrapnel as to appear hardly
+human. With a shudder we turned our eyes from this horrible
+scene.</p>
+<p>"Crossing the Marne by a sand-stone bridge, we climbed the
+opposing heights under a burning sun. At the top we deployed, but
+for that day our artillery sufficed to drive the enemy in headlong
+flight to the south; the night we spent under the open sky.</p>
+<p>"Sunday, September 6th. Before breakfast we intended to bathe in
+a stream, when our dreams of a rest-day were dispelled by an order
+to hold ourselves ready for the march. 'The 17th division is under
+heavy rifle fire and the 18th must advance to their support.'
+Meanwhile, the chicken soup was almost ready, but the order 'form
+ranks' resounded, and with empty stomachs we marched through Neuvy
+up a hill and dug ourselves in behind a wood.</p>
+<p>"The thunder of the enemies' artillery is terrible; shrapnel is
+bursting on our left. Captain von Liliencron discusses the
+situation with the major and then turns to us. 'Our regiment
+attacks! go for the dogs, children!' he exclaims with gleaming
+eyes.</p>
+<p>"Next we advance round the wood and lie down behind a hedge;
+axes are held in readiness to hack a way through the latter. Five
+steps from me a machine gun hammers away at full speed; it is now
+impossible to hear commands, so they are roared from man to
+man&mdash;it could not be termed shouting. 'Ambulance to the
+right!' somebody is severely wounded, but the ambulance men have
+more than they can do on the left.</p>
+<p>"The hell-music is at its loudest; shrapnel is bursting in the
+wood behind us; suddenly there is an awful explosion half a dozen
+yards away; I hear the screams of my comrades, then we rush
+forwards. The rush across the field was awful&mdash;flank fire from
+the right. Here and there a comrade bites the grass.</p>
+<p>"At last I throw myself down, but there is no cover; the wounded
+crouch there too. None of my company are there; it seems that the
+two last shells have played havoc with them. The enemies' (French)
+main position is nearly a mile away in a forest.</p>
+<p>"Up the next slope our dead lie thick around, and here too a
+deadly bullet had found the breast of our heroic captain. But in
+the strip of forest French and Turko bodies are still thicker. The
+cat-like Turkos have climbed into the trees and are shot down like
+crows. A maddening infantry and artillery fire greets us as we
+reach the top. Every ten to twenty yards shells strike, and
+shrapnel bursts, filling the air with earth, dust, smoke and
+smell.</p>
+<p>"Forward! till almost exhausted I throw myself down again; a
+hundred to a hundred and fifty Fusiliers form a firing-line.
+Columns of infantry pour a murderous fire on to us from the forest.
+It cannot go on thus; one after the other is wounded or killed. We
+have advanced nearly eight hundred yards over open ground. On the
+right there is a small thicket of reeds. Some of the company have
+already sought shelter there, and I make a rush there with the same
+hope.</p>
+<p>"'For heaven's sake, lie down, corporal,' screamed a man as I
+came up. In fact, the reeds afford no cover whatever. Wounded and
+dead lie there and bullets keep hitting them. In front of me lay a
+man from the fourth company; a bullet had entered his chest and
+passed out of his back; the blood was oozing out of a wound about
+the size of a shilling. The horror was too much for me, and I crept
+to the other end of the strip.</p>
+<p>"There I found everything far worse, but I cannot describe the
+terrors which I saw. One poor fellow begs for a drop of water;
+there is just another draught in my bottle. With grateful eyes he
+hands it back to me, and in the same moment I feel a stinging pain
+in the shoulder. My arm is numbed and helpless; hardly one of us
+who is not wounded.</p>
+<p>"We can offer no resistance to the enemy; but the awful way
+back! At last the run back over eight hundred yards of open field
+begins. Now and again a comrade sinks to the ground, never to rise
+again. My breath is nearly gone; one last effort, and in truth I
+have escaped from the hail of bullets."</p>
+<p>It is remarkable and noteworthy that German writers charge the
+French armies with looting and destruction in their own country.
+Probably this is merely a device to get rid of unpleasant
+accusations raised against the German army. Furthermore, the most
+reckless charges of uncleanliness are made. In commenting on the
+lot of the Landsturm troops quartered in the villages of Northern
+France, one author[<a href="#note-168">168</a>] writes: "The
+Landsturm men pass their time as best they can in these holes,
+whose most conspicuous quality is their filth."</p>
+<p><a name="note-168"><!-- Note Anchor 168 --></a>[Footnote 168:
+Erich K&ouml;hrer: "Zwischen Aisne und Argonnen" ("Between the
+Aisne and the Argonnes"), p. 25.]</p>
+<p>The same author gives his impressions of a visit to Sedan. "Only
+one house has been completely and another partly destroyed,
+otherwise appearances are peaceful, and as far as possible, life
+goes on as usual. Here, too, many of the inhabitants have left
+their homes and fled. The stupidity of this flight becomes evident
+at every step. In numerous small hotels whose proprietors have
+remained, one sees German soldiers buying bottles of splendid
+Burgundy wine at a shilling a bottle.</p>
+<p>"But in another hotel whose proprietor had fled, is it a matter
+for surprise that the men caroused on discovering a cellar
+containing three thousand bottles of wine? On the route I have
+myself purchased some of the oldest and best wines from our men at
+a price of three cigars a bottle, and the recollection of them
+belongs to the pleasantest memories of my sojourn at the front.</p>
+<p>"Certainly the owner of Ch&acirc;teau Frenois, situated a few
+minutes' walk from the town, will be more unpleasantly surprised on
+his return than the hotel proprietor. In his home, French marauders
+and plunderers have destroyed and devastated the entire contents.
+It is impossible to comprehend the senselessness of this conduct,
+for which no reasons of military necessity can be advanced.</p>
+<p>"Ancient family pictures which could not be taken out of their
+frames have been ruined by bayonet stabs, and from the shape of the
+cuts they were certainly the work of French bayonets. Even the
+library, which contained a valuable collection of old prints, had
+been robbed.</p>
+<p>"Not far from this scene of desolation stands Ch&acirc;teau
+Bellevue, where King William met Napoleon in 1870. There, too, the
+traces of French plunderers are painfully evident; it was left to
+the 'Hun-Kaiser' to save this historic spot from complete
+annihilation. In September Wilhelm II. visited the ch&acirc;teau
+and seeing the signs of rapacity, ordered the place to be strictly
+guarded to prevent further desecration."[<a href=
+"#note-169">169</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-169"><!-- Note Anchor 169 --></a>[Footnote 169:
+Ibid., pp. 22-3.]</p>
+<p>It did not occur to Herr K&ouml;hrer to connect the carousals
+with the plundering; in one sentence he admits that French soldiers
+respected the wine-cellars and in the next accuses them of stealing
+books, etc. Every German writer, in describing the German advance,
+comments on the immense number of haversacks, weapons and equipment
+thrown away by the French in their "wild flight." Yet they desire
+their readers to believe that the same soldiers had time to rob and
+destroy, indeed, carry their plunder with them!</p>
+<p>Since September no French troops have been in the district, yet
+the Kaiser found it necessary to place guards round Ch&acirc;teau
+Bellevue. Is it not more reasonable to assume that the precaution
+was taken against the predatory instincts of his own soldiery, who,
+admittedly, are in occupation of the province?</p>
+<p>Herr K&ouml;hrer finds it almost beneath his dignity to reply to
+charges of barbarism and Hunnism; yet he devotes several pages to
+the art of white-washing. "The inhabitants who remained in their
+homes, and those who have returned since the
+flight&mdash;unfortunately it is only a small part of the
+entirety&mdash;have recognized long ago that the German soldier is
+not a barbarian. The terrible distress which prevails among the
+French is often enough relieved by the generosity of the German
+troops. Throngs of women and children from the filthy villages of
+the Argonne and the Ardennes gather round our field-kitchens and
+regularly receive the remains of the meals; while many a German
+Landsturm man, recollecting his own wife and children, fills the
+mouths of dirty French children instead of completely satisfying
+his own hunger."[<a href="#note-170">170</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-170"><!-- Note Anchor 170 --></a>[Footnote 170:
+Ibid., p. 34. Herr K&ouml;hrer has evidently never visited many
+Bavarian villages: otherwise he would be more careful with his
+adjectives when describing the villages of
+France.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>No one disputes the presence of kindly Germans in the Kaiser's
+armies, and it is pleasing to read about these acts of generosity
+in relieving distress which is entirely the result of Germany's
+guilt. But the point which all German writers miss is the
+explanation of positive evidence of brutal deeds. Their kindly
+incidents and proofs of German chivalry are all of a negative
+character, and do not overthrow one jot or tittle of the opposing
+positive evidence.</p>
+<p>Iron crosses have fallen in thick showers on the German armies;
+during the month of July, 1915, no fewer than 3,400 of these
+decorations were awarded to the Bavarian army alone. Still, as far
+back as November of last year, Herr K&ouml;hrer wrote: "In the
+villages on the slopes of the Argonnes and on the banks of the
+Aisne, nearly every second soldier is wearing an iron cross. One
+has the certain conviction that it is not an army of fifty or sixty
+thousand, but a nation of heroes which occupies the plains of
+France and fights for us.</p>
+<p>"They are all heroes at the front, including those who do not
+wear the outward symbol of personal bravery. When we see how our
+men live, it would seem that the earliest days of the human race
+have returned. They have become cave-dwellers, troglodytes in the
+worst form. Our heavy batteries are placed on the slopes of the
+Argonne forest, while the light field-howitzers occupy the
+summits.</p>
+<p>"Near them holes have been dug in the wet clay or chalk, and
+meagrely lined with straw; these dark, damp caves are the dwellings
+of our officers and men for weeks at a time, while the shells from
+the enemy's artillery whiz and burst around. In them the
+differences of rank disappear, except that one sometimes sees a
+couple of chairs provided for officers. When duty does not call
+them to the guns, they are free to remain in the open exposed to a
+sudden and awful death, or to spend their time in the womb of
+mother earth. Yet one never hears a word of complaint; rather the
+hardships of this strange existence are borne with rough
+good-humour."[<a href="#note-171">171</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-171"><!-- Note Anchor 171 --></a>[Footnote 171:
+Ibid., p. 28.]</p>
+<p>Contrary to the expectations of other nations, the war seems
+only to have increased the popularity of the military Moloch.
+Writers who look upon the Allies as deliverers who will free
+Germany from the degrading slavery imposed upon that country, will
+be disappointed to learn that Germans worship the <i>bunte Rock</i>
+(gay uniform) more than ever.</p>
+<p>At a meeting of the National Liberal leaders held in Dortmund,
+July, 1915, a resolution was passed calling upon the Government to
+pursue a still greater naval and army programme. Both the Liberals
+and Conservatives have adopted the motto: <i>Deutsche Machtpolitik
+frei von Sentimentalit&auml;t</i> (A German policy of might free
+from sentimentalism).</p>
+<p>"This war of the nations, which has overthrown so many accepted
+standards and created new ones, will also give a new basis to the
+privileged position of German officers in public life. Millions of
+German men have seen how in this war the German lieutenant has
+again merited his special position for some generations to come. I
+wish to emphasize this point over and over again.</p>
+<p>"During the first two months of hostilities nearly forty
+thousand iron crosses were awarded. To many of those at home this
+appeared to be overdoing it, like the many exaggerations in the
+domain of orders and honours with which we have become familiar
+during the last decade.[<a href="#note-172">172</a>] As a matter of
+fact, the number of crosses given was too small.</p>
+<p><a name="note-172"><!-- Note Anchor 172 --></a>[Footnote 172:
+<i>Vide</i> "The Soul of Germany," Chapter XIII.]</p>
+<p>"Not forty thousand heroes are at the front, but a nation of
+heroes. In emphasizing why the work of our officers is so splendid
+I must lay down these premises. The bravery and joyous spirit of
+self-sacrifice in our men is above all praise, but the officers
+have higher and more responsible duties. They have not only to set
+an example of physical courage, but they must possess the mental
+capacity to lead and spur on their men&mdash;and that under
+conditions so hard and rude that the man at home has no conception
+of them.</p>
+<p>"I have been in the trenches on the slopes of the Argonnes,
+where officers lie side by side with the men in clay and chalk,
+unwashed and filthy cut off from the outside world, exposed to
+continuous fire and thrown entirely upon themselves. I have seen
+them in the artillery positions on the Aisne, in the mud-caves of
+the heavy batteries, where they sit in the dark on empty
+packing-cases, listening to the music of exploding shells and
+whistling bullets. And everywhere I received the same impression:
+the men are enthusiastic in praise of their leaders.</p>
+<p>"Many a one who has never voted for any other party than the
+Social Democrats has exclaimed: 'Lieutenants! <i>Donnerwetter</i>,
+yes! Hats off to them!' For the lieutenant is not only the first in
+the fight, but he is the soul of the company; untiring in his
+efforts to keep up their spirits in the intervals between the
+fighting.</p>
+<p>"And when we again witness the scenes which often disgusted us
+before the war&mdash;the monocled young gentlemen in gay uniform,
+walking through the streets, nose in the air&mdash;when we see all
+this again, and perhaps a bit of iron pinned on the breast, then we
+must remember that for their life of danger and hardship in
+Argonnes clay, and Russian mud, no earthly compensation can be too
+great.</p>
+<p>"No nation can ever imitate our lieutenant, and in this war of
+masses and technical perfection it is still the value of individual
+personality which will decide the issue. We may affirm that this
+value stands very high in our army&mdash;both as regards officers
+and men.</p>
+<p>"Only he who has seen for himself the burnt villages, devastated
+towns and desolate land of France can comprehend the full meaning
+of the awful word <i>Krieg</i> (war). Mere words cannot express
+what it means to Germans and Germany that the horrors of war have
+been carried almost alone into the enemy's territory.</p>
+<p>"But then a spirit of irresistible ardour goes through the ranks
+of our warriors. From every eye, in every word, burns the deepest,
+most unbounded faith in victory. In the trenches, batteries and
+hospitals there is no doubt, no fear. One great thought hovers
+victoriously above all hardships, distress and suffering: Germany
+to the front in the world!</p>
+<p>"And from out the blood which flows&mdash;and that is shed
+plenteously, very plenteously&mdash;(this is the sacred faith which
+I brought back from the battlefields) out of this blood the proud
+harvest will grow, whose blessings we shall all feel&mdash;the
+world dominion of the German idea!"[<a href=
+"#note-173">173</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-173"><!-- Note Anchor 173 --></a>[Footnote 173:
+Ibid., p. 50 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>In spite of K&ouml;hrer's assurances that the relationship
+between officers and men in the German army is an ideal one, there
+is evidence that such is not always the case. The Social Democratic
+paper <i>Karlsruhe Volksfreund</i> (July 23rd, 1915) contained a
+long article by "comrade" Wilhelm Kolb, attacking the
+anti-annexation fraction of his party. Kolb accused the opposition
+with "speculating on the question of food-prices and the
+ill-treatment of soldiers at and behind the front. The power of the
+censor makes it exceedingly difficult, or even impossible, to
+ventilate this matter."</p>
+<p>German writers are careful to impress their readers that the
+losses of the French were appalling, but here and there a stray
+word or sentence lifts the veil and discovers their own.</p>
+<p>"Just before me are the graves of some German officers adorned
+with wooden crosses and helmets, and a little farther on a
+<i>Massengrab</i> (large common grave) containing several hundred
+German soldiers. At this point (Sedan) the battle raged with awful
+fury, and the Germans had to make heavy sacrifices. It seems almost
+incredible that the Germans could have forced the position.</p>
+<p>"The country is hilly; not a tree or bush offered cover from the
+French bullets. French trenches at distances of from thirty to
+fifty yards, stretched across the land, and between them were wire
+entanglements and other obstacles. Besides which they had an open
+firing-range of over a mile in extent, with their artillery to
+cover them from a steep hill on the other side of the Meuse.</p>
+<p>"At 5 a.m. the attack commenced, and by the afternoon the French
+had been hurled across the river. Then came the most difficult part
+of the operations. From the Meuse the ground rises gradually to a
+steep hill, on which the French artillery and machine guns were
+placed. The only bridge over the river, at Donchery, had been blown
+up at the last moment by the enemy, and although our pioneers had
+hastily constructed a bridge of tree-trunks&mdash;what was this for
+so many regiments!</p>
+<p>"Many tried to ford or swim the stream. The French fire was
+murderous in its effect. Several times the ranks wavered, but again
+and again they pressed forward, till the heights were stormed and
+the enemy in flight. The battle raged on into the night and then
+the remains of the regiments gathered at the foot of the hill. They
+had won a costly but glorious victory. Those who have seen the
+successes which our troops have gained, even under the most
+difficult conditions, need have no fear as to the ultimate result
+of this war.</p>
+<p>"I stood long at this spot on the blood-drenched soil of France,
+just where the regiments from Trier[<a href="#note-174">174</a>]
+had fought so bravely and suffered so heavily. Serious thoughts
+arose in me as I gazed at the battlefield. What a dispensation! Two
+gigantic battles on the same spot in such a short space of time;
+two great victories over the French. And most remarkable of all,
+the nation which for forty-four years had desired <i>revanche</i>
+for Sedan, was again completely defeated at the same
+place&mdash;almost on the anniversary of the first battle.</p>
+<p><a name="note-174"><!-- Note Anchor 174 --></a>[Footnote 174:
+The writer, Dr. W. Kriege, is a Roman Catholic priest from Trier
+(Tr&egrave;ves). His book "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz" (Pictures
+from the Seat of War"), published in 1915, is both interesting and
+illuminating.]</p>
+<p>"Twilight shadows fall deep upon the quiet fields where the dead
+rest. Squadrons of white clouds drift down the valley, as if to
+cover the sleeping heroes with a shroud of white. Above Sedan's
+heights appears the shining crescent of the moon and sheds a
+ghostly light over the wide field of death&mdash;the battlefield of
+Sedan."[<a href="#note-175">175</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-175"><!-- Note Anchor 175 --></a>[Footnote 175:
+Dr. W. Kriege: "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz," p. 45 <i>et
+seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"At last we arrive at our destination&mdash;Somme-Py. But what a
+sight! Nothing remains of the once beautiful, spacious village but
+a heap of rubbish. A few black-burnt walls are still standing and
+about three houses; among them, fortunately, the house occupied by
+Kaiser Wilhelm I. in 1870-71, when the victorious German army was
+marching on Paris. At present it serves as a field-hospital. Yes,
+this is the second time that a German army has marched this way;
+but the battles were never so bloody as this time.</p>
+<p>"Somme-Py and the country round has a special meaning for us
+folk in Trier. For here our Trier regiments&mdash;above all the
+29th and 69th&mdash;have fought with splendid valour, and here they
+have buried many a dear friend and comrade. Immediately before
+Somme-Py one of the largest mass-graves of the whole campaign may
+be seen.</p>
+<p>"A simple iron railing surrounds the spot where hundreds of
+those rest who lived so happily in our midst, who marched so gaily
+and to whom we waved farewell greetings as they tramped through our
+streets.</p>
+<p>"The fight for the village had been particularly fierce and
+bloody; the inhabitants had no time to flee. Half-burnt men and
+animals, soldiers and civilians, filled the houses and streets, or
+lay buried under the ruins&mdash;awful sacrifices to the war Fury!
+We must thank God and our brave soldiers that they have preserved
+our hearths and homes from such horror and misery."[<a href=
+"#note-176">176</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-176"><!-- Note Anchor 176 --></a>[Footnote 176:
+Ibid., pp. 78-80.]</p>
+<p>It is cheering to find a growing feeling of respect for the
+French in German war literature. One of many such expressions will
+be sufficient to quote here. The writer of it is a German author
+who enjoys much esteem in his own country, and was a guest at the
+German Crown Prince's headquarters in May, 1915.</p>
+<p>"In conversations with numerous French prisoners I have found no
+traces of hate and rage either in their looks or words. The most
+are glad to have escaped in an honourable manner from the
+nerve-racking, trench warfare. In an honourable manner? Yes, for I
+have heard on all sides&mdash;from the highest officers and the
+simplest soldiers&mdash;that the French have fought well. For the
+most part they are well led&mdash;and always filled up with
+lies."[<a href="#note-177">177</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-177"><!-- Note Anchor 177 --></a>[Footnote 177:
+Rudolf Presber: "An die Front zum deutschen Kronprinzen" ("At the
+Front with the German Crown Prince"), p. 33.]</p>
+<p>"Then we dined with the Crown Prince; soup, roast goose, fresh
+beans and dessert. The conversation was lively. In our small
+company&mdash;although the bravery of the enemy and his excellent
+leadership receives full recognition&mdash;there is not one who
+does not reckon with absolute conviction on complete victory on
+both fronts."[<a href="#note-178">178</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-178"><!-- Note Anchor 178 --></a>[Footnote 178:
+Ibid., p. 61.]</p>
+<p>Herr Presber's book is free, neither from adulation nor
+hero-worship. He is a poet, sentimentalist, and evangelist for
+Greater Germany. His book is a collection of incidents,
+reflections, and conversations, carefully assorted and arranged, so
+as to allow the limelight to glare on the statuesque figure of a
+mighty Germanic hero, fresh from Walhalla&mdash;incarnated in the
+Crown Prince.</p>
+<p>The Crown Prince's birthday dinner-party affords an excellent
+opportunity for the German nation to see the mighty one replying to
+the toast of his health. Presber affirms that the moment when his
+royal host raised his glass and uttered the words: "Ein stilles
+Glas den Toten!" ("A glass in silence to the memory of the fallen")
+will for ever be "most solemn and sacred" in his memory.</p>
+<p>With genuine German inquisitiveness Herr Presber hunted through
+the various cupboards and drawers in his room and found a map of
+France as it was before the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. "The map is
+wrong and useless, and so I use it to line a drawer before placing
+my linen therein. This makes me think of the many changes which
+will be marked in the atlases which German children are now
+carrying to school in their satchels&mdash;after the cannon have
+ceased to roar. How the colouring of the maps has changed since I
+went to school, and yet once more a great 'unrest of colour' is
+about to change the map of Europe. And as far as I can see, large
+notes of interrogation must be placed not alone round the Poles and
+in Central Africa!"[<a href="#note-179">179</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-179"><!-- Note Anchor 179 --></a>[Footnote 179:
+Ibid., p. 101.]</p>
+<p>"I spoke of the good understanding between the natives and our
+soldiers. Probably that is not so easy to attain everywhere. We
+drove long distances from the Prince's headquarters and once passed
+through a famous town which sees the German conquerors for a second
+time. (No doubt Sedan is meant.&mdash;Author.)</p>
+<p>"Most of the inhabitants know it is the Crown Prince by the
+signs of reverence shown him on all sides, by officers and men
+alike. But the citizens of the twice-conquered town bite their
+lips, turn their heads aside, and pretend indifference. The women
+too&mdash;many of them in deep mourning&mdash;turn away, or
+sometimes stand and stare as if with suddenly aroused interest.
+Here the ancient hate glowers in silence.</p>
+<p>"It seems as if a parole of mute non-respect has been passed
+round. This town, which has become world-famous on account of the
+<i>d&eacute;b&acirc;cle</i> of the Third Empire, lives to see with
+gnashing of teeth the downfall of the Republic. But they do not
+believe it yet."[<a href="#note-180">180</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-180"><!-- Note Anchor 180 --></a>[Footnote 180:
+Ibid., p. 108.]</p>
+<p>"French and Russian prisoners are working on the roads, wheeling
+barrows of stone and filling the holes made by shell fire. Some of
+them, without thinking, touch their caps when their guards stand
+stiffly at the salute. (And how few guards are necessary to watch
+this tame herd!) Others gaze at our car as it rushes past without
+giving any salute; their faces express astonishment, curiosity, but
+no excitement."[<a href="#note-181">181</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-181"><!-- Note Anchor 181 --></a>[Footnote 181:
+Ibid., pp. 107-110.]</p>
+<p>Another illuminating page tells of the Crown Prince's anger on
+hearing that Italy had joined the Allies, and how they went for a
+motor-ride as an antidote to the royal rage.</p>
+<p>German humour is generally unconscious and mostly unintentional.
+After a policy of bullying towards France for forty-four years,
+Germany has discovered during the course of the war that France is
+the cat's-paw of Russia and Great Britain&mdash;principally the
+latter.</p>
+<p>One writer,[<a href="#note-182">182</a>] in some fifty pages of
+venom, endeavours to show that England is France's executioner.
+Another[<a href="#note-183">183</a>] gives our ally the advice
+"awake!" After Germany has played the <i>saigner-&agrave;-blanc</i>
+game in Northern France for more than a year, the advice seems
+rather belated.</p>
+<p><a name="note-182"><!-- Note Anchor 182 --></a>[Footnote 182:
+Walter Unus: "England als Henker Frankreichs." Braunschweig,
+1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-183"><!-- Note Anchor 183 --></a>[Footnote 183:
+Ernst Heinemann: "Frankreich, erwache!" Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Herr Heinemann writes, p. 33: "France is not fighting for
+herself, but for England and Russia.</p>
+<p>"Poor deceived France! She has given fifteen milliards of francs
+to Russia so that she may at last draw the sword in defence of
+Russo-Serbian and British commercial interests. She has placed her
+money and her beautiful land at the disposal of her so-called
+friends&mdash;for the sake of a mad idea which these friends have
+cleverly exploited (<i>revanche id&eacute;e</i>).</p>
+<p>"England has declared that she will continue the war for twenty
+years, twenty years&mdash;on French soil. If under these
+circumstances the French broke with their allies&mdash;who have
+exploited France for the last twenty-five years, and who have
+plunged her into this war&mdash;-in order to arrive at a reasonable
+understanding with Germany; then they would only show that they do
+not intend to accept the final consequences of the mistakes
+committed by the French Government.</p>
+<p>"No one is compelled to eat the last drop of a soup prepared by
+false friends. In this sense, to seduce France to a direct breach
+of faith with her allies, would in truth, only mean the protection
+of France's best interests" (pp. 51-2).</p>
+<p>One other writer deserves mention&mdash;a lecturer in history,
+Bonn University&mdash;because he presents an opinion the exact
+contrary to the one last quoted. According to Dr. Platzhoff, France
+herself is the guilty party, who has tricked Russia and Great
+Britain into the service of revenge for 1870.</p>
+<p>"Therefore France found it necessary to extract herself from
+isolation, and acquire allies against her neighbour (Germany). In
+several decades of painful effort, French diplomacy has solved the
+problem in brilliant fashion. <i>Revanche</i>&mdash;and alliance
+policy are inseparable conceptions."[<a href=
+"#note-184">184</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-184"><!-- Note Anchor 184 --></a>[Footnote 184:
+Dr. Walter Platzhoff; "Deutschland und Frankreich," p. 18.]</p>
+<p>In contrast to most German authors, Platzhoff admits that the
+<i>Entente Cordiale</i> was called into being by Germany herself.
+"This development caused great anxiety in Germany. But it seems
+certain that Germany could have prevented it by one means
+alone&mdash;an open agreement with England. And Berlin, after
+considering the matter carefully, had declined the
+latter."[<a href="#note-185">185</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-185"><!-- Note Anchor 185 --></a>[Footnote 185:
+Ibid., p. 22.]</p>
+<p>"That France would enter the field on Russia's behalf is a
+logical consequence not only of the Dual Alliance treaty, but also
+of the policy pursued during recent decades. In vain French
+ministers have protested their love of peace and their innocence in
+causing this war. The policy of alliances and revenge was certain
+to end in a world conflagration.</p>
+<p>"Already voices make themselves heard which prophesy a
+revolution in French policy and a later <i>entente</i> with
+Germany."[<a href="#note-186">186</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-186"><!-- Note Anchor 186 --></a>[Footnote 186:
+Ibid., pp. 26-8.]</p>
+<p>Many such passages might be cited to prove that Germany would
+like to see a split among the allies. But France's honour and
+welfare are in her own hands, and it appears a futile hope that
+Germany, after failing to bring France to submission and
+self-effacement by threats of <i>saigner &agrave; blanc</i>, will
+succeed in her purpose by the reality.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH11"><!-- CH11 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+<center>THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR</center>
+<p>Mention has already been made that a large number of Germany's
+war books has emanated from the universities. Not the least
+important of these efforts is "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg"
+("Germany and the World War.")[<a href="#note-187">187</a>] Twenty
+well-known university professors have contributed to the work; the
+fact being emphasized that special facilities have been accorded to
+them by the German foreign office. For British readers the chapters
+by Professors Marcks and Oncken are the most interesting, viz.,
+"England's Policy of Might" by the former, and "Events leading up
+to the War" and "The Outbreak of War" by the latter. They take up a
+fifth of the 686 pages of which the entire work consists.</p>
+<p><a name="note-187"><!-- Note Anchor 187 --></a>[Footnote 187:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," herausgegeben von Otto Hintze,
+Friedrich Meinecke, Hermann Oncken und Hermann Schumacher. Leipzig
+und Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>The purpose of Professor Marcks' essay is to prove on historical
+and scientific lines the lessons which have been taught in German
+schools for nearly half a century, <i>i.e.</i>, England is an
+astute but ruthless robber who respects no right, and no nation
+which stands in her way.</p>
+<p>"England's modern history begins with the Tudors and her world
+policy with Elizabeth. First of all, England had to liberate
+herself, economically and politically, from a position of
+dependence on the other Powers; then she took up her particular
+attitude to the world. Her separation from the Roman Catholic
+Church was exceedingly rich in consequences; this step assigned to
+her a peculiar place in the camp of the nations, and exercised a
+deep influence upon her intellectual development. It gave her an
+impetus towards internal and external independence.</p>
+<p>"But the determining factor for England's future was her insular
+position; this has been the case from the time Europe entered the
+ocean-period. Since the year 1600 England, by her commerce and
+politics, has influenced Europe from without, while she has
+maintained for herself a position of independence, and directed her
+energies across the ocean into the wide world. Successively she
+seized upon the Baltic, North Sea, and Atlantic Ocean; gradually
+she became the merchant and shipbuilder for most of the European
+nations.</p>
+<p>"The sea has given her everything&mdash;independence, security
+and prosperity&mdash;both in treasure and lands. The sea protected
+her and spared her the unpleasantness of mighty neighbours. It was
+the ocean which permitted free development to her internal life,
+parliament, government and administration, and saved her from the
+continental form of Government&mdash;a strong, armed monarchy.</p>
+<p>"The sea has allowed the English to develop, undisturbed, the
+peculiarities of their race&mdash;personal energy, trained by
+contact with the ocean; personal freedom, favoured but not
+oppressed by the living organism of the State. The sea afforded
+them liberty of action in every direction without fear of attack
+from behind. Freed from the chains which bound Europe, England went
+out into the wide world.</p>
+<p>"Yet she remained constantly associated with the continent, not
+only because Europe was her field of action. English statesmen have
+always seized upon every opportunity to influence European policy;
+at first this was from motives of defence, but afterwards from an
+ever-increasing spirit of aggression. The balance of power on the
+continent has always been one of the premises for England's
+security and existence.</p>
+<p>"She is indebted to her insular position for the supreme
+advantage of being able to exercise her influence in Europe without
+allowing her forces to be tied to the continent; European countries
+were bound by their own conflicts and differences, enabling England
+to exert her influence upon them without active participation.
+England has become thoroughly accustomed to a state of affairs
+under which she has no neighbours and never permits any&mdash;not
+even on the sea. She has come to consider this her God-given
+prerogative.</p>
+<p>"The barriers of geographical position which hampered other
+lands, nature did not impose upon England; the security afforded by
+her girdle of waves seemed as it were to impel her to strike out
+into the unbounded, and to look upon every obstacle as a wrong.
+There is a thread of daring lawlessness running through all
+England's world-struggles, through all periods of her history,
+right down to the present day.</p>
+<p>"When England speaks of humanity she means herself; her
+cosmopolitan utterances refer to her own nationality. She forgets
+too easily that other nations have arisen on the earth who esteem
+their own distinguishing traits and are inspired by the ardent
+desire to uphold their own institutions, forms of Government and
+culture. England believes all too easily that the world's map
+should be all one colour. But the soul of the modern world demands
+variety."[<a href="#note-188">188</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-188"><!-- Note Anchor 188 --></a>[Footnote 188:
+Ibid., 297 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>There is no important objection to raise against Professor
+Marcks' statement of English history and Britain's favoured
+position on the surface of the globe. Germany did not choose her
+own geographical situation in the world&mdash;it is hers by nature
+and the right of historical succession. Britain has never envied
+her or endeavoured to deprive her of the advantages consequent upon
+her "place in the sun."</p>
+<p>Neither did the British select their island home; destiny and
+history were again the determining factors. But it would be a
+travesty of the truth to assert that Germany has not envied her
+that position, together with the advantages arising from it. Yet in
+the same degree as the inhabitants of these islands have used the
+"talents" entrusted to them through their favourable position,
+Germany's jealousy seems to have become more bitterly angry. By
+right of birth and national necessity Germany demands the
+domination of the Rhine, but she fails to recognize that right of
+birth and the demands of national existence compel Britain to claim
+the domination of the seas.</p>
+<p>The remainder of Professor Marcks' essay is devoted to proving
+that "the freedom of our world requires that it shall not be so in
+future." Whatever motives actuated Germany in precipitating the
+war, this much is now evident&mdash;it is her supreme desire and
+the aim of her highest endeavour to destroy Britain's favoured
+situation and every advantage accruing to her from it.</p>
+<p>To-day the issue is clear and simple for Germany&mdash;the
+annihilation of British power and influence in the world. Literally
+hundreds of German war books echo that cry, and, above all else, it
+is the hope of attaining this aim which has aroused the bitterest
+war fury in the entire German nation&mdash;man, woman and child.
+Reduced to first principles, this difference of geographical
+position and the varying advantages arising therefrom are the prime
+causes&mdash;if not <i>the</i> cause&mdash;of the present
+world-struggle.</p>
+<p>It was solely the fear of perpetuating British
+supremacy[<a href="#note-189">189</a>] which has led Germany
+consistently to reject the extended hand of friendship. Standing
+side by side with Great Britain, either in friendship or alliance,
+Germany would have given her approval to Britain's historical
+position in the world. When this country departed from the policy
+of "splendid isolation" repeated attempts were made to establish
+more intimate relations with Germany (1898-1902).</p>
+<p><a name="note-189"><!-- Note Anchor 189 --></a>[Footnote 189:
+Graf Ernst zu Reventlow: "Der Vampir des Festlandes ("England, the
+Vampire of the Continent"). Berlin, 1915, p. 117. "England's
+withdrawal from the policy which sought to establish a mutual plan
+of procedure in world politics between Germany and Britain dates
+from the time when Britain recognized that Germany would not allow
+herself to be employed against Russia. In Germany to-day, voices
+may be heard proclaiming that von B&uuml;low chose wrongly in
+refusing England's offer, especially as Russia has repaid our
+loyalty and friendship with iniquitous ingratitude. The latter
+represents the truth.</p>
+<p>"But in judging the policy of that period two factors must be
+borne in mind. The acceptance of Great Britain's offer would have
+placed a tie upon the German Empire which would have been
+unendurable. Germany would have become the strong but stupid Power,
+whose duty would have been to fight British battles on the
+continent. Besides which the choice concerned Germany's world
+future, above all the development of the German war fleet."]</p>
+<p>But as Professor Marcks (p. 315) observes: "Germany refused the
+hand extended to her." Count Reventlow and a host of other writers
+have chronicled the fact too, yet on September 2nd, 1914, the
+German Chancellor dared to say to representative American
+journalists: "When the archives are opened then the world will
+learn how often Germany has offered the hand of friendship to
+England."</p>
+<p>It is only one more confirmation that the "law of necessity" is
+incompatible with the truth. The truth is that Germany preferred to
+drive Britain into another and hostile camp rather than have her
+friendship. Germany preferred British hostility rather than
+relinquish her plans for unlimited naval expansion&mdash;which she
+believed to be the only means of destroying Britain's position, and
+with that resolution already taken the Kaiser presented his
+photograph to a distinguished Englishman with this significant
+remark written on it with his own hand: "I bide my time!"</p>
+<p>Although Britain drew the sword to defend Belgium, the supreme
+issue&mdash;and the only one which occupies the German mind
+to-day&mdash;is whether this country shall continue to hold the
+position allotted to her by destiny and confirmed by history, or
+whether she is to be supplanted by Germany. That is the one
+political thought which permeates German intelligence at this
+moment, and no other considerations must be allowed to darken this
+issue.</p>
+<p>Professor Oncken reviews the events of the period 1900-1914 in
+considerable detail, and to him the policy of <i>ententes</i>
+appears to be the main cause leading up to the world war. From this
+alone it is obvious that, consciously or unconsciously, he is
+wrong; the <i>ententes</i> in themselves are results, not prime
+causes. The prime causes leading to these political agreements are
+to be found in Germany's attitude to the rest of Europe. In a word
+they were defensive actions taken by the Powers concerned, as a
+precaution against German aggression.</p>
+<p>German aggression consisted in committing herself to unlimited
+armaments, cherishing the irreconcilable determination to be the
+strongest European power. According to her doctrine of might,
+everything can be attained by the mightiest. British advances she
+answered with battleships, simultaneously provoking France and
+Russia by increasing her army corps. The balance of power in
+Europe, Germany declares to be an out-of-date British fad, invented
+solely in the interests of these islands.</p>
+<p>In secret Germany has long been an apostate to the
+balance-of-power theory; the war has caused her to drop the mask,
+and it was without doubt her resolve never to submit to the chains
+of the balance in Europe, which forced three other States to waive
+their differences and form the Triple Entente. Simply stated this
+is cause and result. But Professor Oncken maintains&mdash;and in
+doing so he voices German national opinion&mdash;that the entire
+<i>entente</i> policy was a huge scheme to bring about Germany's
+downfall.</p>
+<p>He goes further and proclaims that the Hague Conference (1907)
+was a British trick to place the guilt of armaments on Germany's
+shoulders. "England filled the world with disarmament projects so
+that afterwards, full of unction, she could denounce Germany as the
+disturber of the peace. At that time the Imperial Chancellor
+answered justly: 'Pressure cannot be brought to bear on Germany,
+not even moral pressure!'"[<a href="#note-190">190</a>] And in that
+sentence German obstinacy and sullen irreconcilability is most
+admirably expressed.</p>
+<p><a name="note-190"><!-- Note Anchor 190 --></a>[Footnote 190:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 495.]</p>
+<p>Having seen that Professor Oncken has failed to recognize the
+prime causes which provoked the <i>entente</i> policy, it is not
+surprising to find him equally in error when discussing the
+diplomatic clashes between the rival camps. The professor calls
+them <i>Machtproben</i> ("tests of power"); but how he can dare to
+state that these diplomatic trials of strength were engineered by
+Great Britain&mdash;remains his own secret.</p>
+<p>"King Edward's meeting with the Czar at Reval in June, 1908, was
+followed by a far-reaching Macedonian reform programme, the
+commencement of the division of European Turkey. What Britain had
+failed to induce Germany to help her in executing, was to be
+attained with the sword's point directed against Germany. And
+Britain proceeded in cold blood to conjure up an era of
+might-struggles, which, in the island language, is called
+preserving the balance of power."[<a href="#note-191">191</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-191"><!-- Note Anchor 191 --></a>[Footnote 191:
+Ibid., p. 297.]</p>
+<p>The trials of strength recounted by Oncken are the Bosnian
+crisis, the Morocco question, and the Austro-Serbian quarrel which
+led to the present war. It seems banal to have to point out that
+Bosnia was unlawfully annexed by Germany's vassal&mdash;Austria;
+that Germany, herself, brought Europe to the verge of war by
+sending the <i>Panther</i> to Agadir; and that the final
+catastrophic <i>Machtprobe</i> was likewise provoked by Germany's
+eastern vassal.</p>
+<p>For good or evil Germany has been convinced for nearly two
+decades that the balance of power in Europe was an obstacle to her
+world future. Furthermore, she believed that the balance imposed
+fetters upon her which only mighty armaments could break. All
+Germany's energies in the domain of diplomacy have been set in
+motion to make the balance of power a mere figment of the
+imagination.</p>
+<p>In pursuing this end it has suited her purpose to declare all
+attempts at maintaining the outward appearances of equality between
+the Powers of Europe to be Machiavellian schemes against her
+existence; or to cite the Kaiser's own words, "to deprive Germany
+of her place in the sun."</p>
+<p>Britain's <i>entente</i> policy was the only one calculated to
+preserve our own existence, and to restrain Germany from
+establishing a hegemony in Europe. She was completely convinced
+that the domination of Europe belonged to her by right of mental,
+moral and military superiority over her neighbours. Not in vain
+have Germany's educational institutions inculcated the belief in
+her population that the British Empire is an effete monstrosity
+with feet of clay; France a rotten, decaying empire, and Russia a
+barbarian Power with no new <i>Kultur</i> to offer Europe except
+the knout.</p>
+<p>Inspired by such conceptions, together with an astoundingly
+exaggerated idea of Germany's peerlessness in order, discipline,
+obedience, morality, genius and other ethical values, as well as an
+unshaken belief in Germany's invincibility by land and
+sea&mdash;the entire nation, from Kaiser to cobbler, has long since
+held that by right of these virtues&mdash;by right of her absolute
+superiority over all other nations&mdash;Germany could and must
+claim other rights and powers than those which fell to her under an
+antiquated balance of European power.</p>
+<p>In few words that is the gospel of <i>Deutschland, Deutschland,
+&uuml;ber alles</i>. These are the motives which inspired Germany's
+naval expansion and forbade her to accept a compromise. The same
+ideals led to her endeavours to shatter the <i>ententes</i>, and it
+is alone the general acceptance of this gospel, which explains the
+remarkable unanimity with which the German nation has stood behind
+the Kaiser's Government in each trial of strength. They have
+learned to consider all attempts of the lesser peoples (Britain,
+France and Russia included) to maintain themselves against the
+Teutonic onset as impudent attacks on sacred Germany, which also
+illuminates the fact that Germans call the present
+struggle&mdash;"Germany's holy, sacred war."</p>
+<p>German statesmen were quite clear as to the national course at
+least fifteen years ago. Hence they have persistently pursued a
+policy of no compromise and no agreements. A compromise recognizes
+and perpetuates, in part at least, the very thing which stands in
+the way. An agreement with Britain in regard to naval armaments
+would have perpetuated British naval supremacy, as well as
+recognized its necessity. Likewise an agreement, or the shadow of
+an understanding with France on the question of Alsace-Lorraine
+would have been a recognition of French claims. Hence on these two
+questions&mdash;which are merely given as examples illustrative of
+German mentality&mdash;every attempt at an agreement has been a
+failure.</p>
+<p>A cardinal point in Germany's programme has been the consistent
+manner in which she has tried to separate her European neighbours
+from Britain in order to deal with them separately or alone. That
+her endeavours ended in failure is due to the instinct of
+self-preservation which has drawn Germany's opponents closer
+together, in exact proportion to the increasing force of her
+efforts. Both in peace and war, Germany desired and endeavoured to
+switch off Britain's influence in Europe.</p>
+<p>The diplomatic battles of 1905, 1908 and 1911 were a few of the
+efforts to dislodge Great Britain from her <i>ententes</i>, while
+her repeated attempts to buy this country's neutrality, down to the
+eve of war, are proof that Germany wanted a free hand in
+Europe.[<a href="#note-192">192</a>] If she had succeeded in her
+purpose, it is exceedingly doubtful whether any Power could have
+prevented her from exercising a free hand in the whole world.</p>
+<p><a name="note-192"><!-- Note Anchor 192 --></a>[Footnote 192:
+Professor Schiemann: "Wie England eine Verst&auml;ndigung mit
+Deutschland verhinderte" ("How England prevented an Understanding
+with Germany"). Berlin, 1915; pp. 20-21: "From the very
+commencement Berlin was convinced that the probability of a
+combined Franco-Russian attack was exceedingly small, if England's
+entrance to this Germanophobe combination could be prevented.
+Therefore we endeavoured to secure England's neutrality in case of
+war (1909), that is, if an Anglo-German alliance could not be
+achieved&mdash;an alliance which would have guaranteed the world's
+peace." (Schiemann's insinuation that Germany desired an alliance
+is an instance of <i>suggestio falsi</i>. Germany had decided in
+1902 never to conclude an alliance with this
+country.&mdash;Author.)]</p>
+<p>Coming down to the last trial of diplomatic power, we are
+confronted by the immovable fact, that it too was a challenge on
+the part of the Central Empires. The conditions seemed peculiarly
+favourable to them, for the British Ambassador declared to the
+Russian Government on July 24th, 1914, that Britain would never
+draw the sword on a purely Serbian question. Moreover, in the
+preceding year, a British minister, says Professor Schiemann, had
+given what we may style a remarkable semi-official promise that
+Great Britain would never go to war with Germany.</p>
+<p>"On February 18th, 1913, Mr. Charles Trevelyan, M.P., paid me a
+visit, and assured me with the greatest certainty that England
+would under no circumstances wage war on Germany. A ministry which
+made preparations for war, would be immediately
+overthrown."[<a href="#note-193">193</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-193"><!-- Note Anchor 193 --></a>[Footnote 193:
+Ibid., p. 27. In the light of this revelation it would be
+interesting to know what was the real motive which induced Mr.
+Trevelyan to resign his office when war broke out. Either he was
+conscious of having seriously compromised his position as a
+Minister of the Crown, or he conscientiously believed that Britain
+was drawing the sword in an unjust cause. Unfortunately a section
+of the British public accepted the latter interpretation. In any
+case, Mr. Trevelyan's indiscretion affords overwhelming proof that
+he had an utterly false conception of Germany.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>Professor Schiemann affirms that his good impression was
+strengthened by a visit to London during March and April, 1914, and
+reports a conversation which he had with Lord Haldane when dining
+privately with the latter in London. After returning to Berlin, he
+says he received a letter from Lord Haldane dated April 17th, 1914,
+but from Schiemann's quotation it is not evident whether the
+following is an extract or the entire letter:</p>
+<p>"It was a great pleasure to see you and to have had the full and
+unreserved talk we had together. My ambition is like yours, to
+bring Germany and Great Britain into relations of ever-closer
+intimacy and friendship. Our two countries have a common work to do
+for the world as well as for themselves, and each of them can bring
+to bear on this work special endowments and qualities. May the
+co-operation which I believe is now beginning become closer and
+closer.[<a href="#note-194">194</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-194"><!-- Note Anchor 194 --></a>[Footnote 194:
+Lord Haldane has stated during the war that his visit to Berlin in
+1912 had filled his mind with doubt and suspicion in regard to
+Germany.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Of this I am sure, the more wide and unselfish the nations and
+the groups questions make her supreme purposes of their policies,
+the more will frictions disappear, and the sooner will the
+relations that are normal and healthy reappear.[<a href=
+"#note-195">195</a>] Something of this good work has now come into
+existence between our two peoples. We must see to it that the
+chance of growth is given."[<a href="#note-196">196</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-195"><!-- Note Anchor 195 --></a>[Footnote 195: A
+word or phrase appears to have been dropped in this
+sentence.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-196"><!-- Note Anchor 196 --></a>[Footnote 196:
+Professor Schiemann's book, pp. 27-8.]</p>
+<p>It is not difficult to conceive that such utterances, on the
+part of two British ministers, would raise hopes in the German
+mind, for it would be useless to imagine that Professor Schiemann
+would keep them secret for his own private edification. And it is
+possible that they led the German Government into a false reckoning
+as to what this country would do under certain circumstances, and
+so encouraged Germany into taking up an irreconcilable attitude in
+the crisis of July, 1914.</p>
+<p>Whatever Germany expected must, however, for the present, remain
+a matter of conjecture. Schiemann's comment on the above letter
+leaves no doubt that he expected Lord Haldane[<a href=
+"#note-197">197</a>] to resign. "When one remembers that Lord
+Haldane belonged to the inner circle of the Cabinet, and was
+therefore privy to all the secret moves of Sir Edward Grey, it is
+hard to believe in the sincerity of the sentiments expressed in
+this letter. Besides, he did not resign like three other members of
+the Cabinet (Lord Morley, Burns and Charles Trevelyan) when Sir
+Edward's foul play lay open to the world on August 4th."</p>
+<p><a name="note-197"><!-- Note Anchor 197 --></a>[Footnote 197:
+Lord Haldane seems to have injured his reputation both in Great
+Britain and Germany. Professor Oncken designates him: "the one-time
+friend of Germany, the decoy-bird of the British cabinet."
+<i>Vide</i> "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 561.]</p>
+<p>The most regrettable side of the whole incident is that the
+resignation of the above gentlemen has been proclaimed by
+innumerable German writers as proof of Sir Edward Grey's double
+dealing, and proof that Britain is waging an unjust war. Still, it
+may console these gentlemen to know that the nation which wages war
+on women and children acclaims them to-day "all honourable men,"
+and doubtless without the Shakespearian intonation.</p>
+<p>By reason of the above incidents, and more of a similar nature,
+Germans accuse the late Liberal Government with perfidy of the
+basest kind. The author is not in the least inclined to admit the
+charge, but thinks, rather, that the Government in
+question&mdash;individually and collectively&mdash;was
+astonishingly ignorant of European conditions and problems,
+especially those prevailing in the Germanic Empires.</p>
+<p>To what a degree Germany was obsessed by the idea that Britain
+was trying to strangle her by an encircling policy, is apparent in
+a diplomatic document quoted by Professor Oncken. Its author's name
+is not given, and it was doubtless a secret report sent to the
+German Foreign Office in 1912; its freedom from bias is also
+questionable. Moreover, it is probable that it belongs to the same
+category of documents as those quoted in the French Yellow
+Book&mdash;reports intended to exercise due influence on the mind
+of the Emperor.</p>
+<p>"French diplomacy is succeeding more and more in entangling
+England in the meshes of her net. The encouragement which England
+gives, directly or indirectly, to French chauvinism may one day end
+in a catastrophe in which English and French soldiers must pay with
+their blood on French battlefields for England's encircling policy.
+The seeds sown by King Edward are springing up."</p>
+<p>Another link in the chain of proof of Britain's guilt, is found
+in the documents seized by the Germans in Brussels. The enemy seems
+to attach great importance to them, for they are being employed in
+much the same way that parliamentary candidates use pamphlets
+during an election. Yet they do not contain a particle of proof
+that Britain had hostile intentions against Germany, but only
+confirm the presence of the German menace.</p>
+<p>The documents[<a href="#note-198">198</a>] in question are
+reports sent by the Belgian Legation Secretaries in London, Paris
+and Berlin to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Brussels. These
+gentlemen held opinions identical with those expressed again and
+again in German newspapers, and even in some British and French
+organs. Messieurs Comte de Lalaing (London), Greindl (Berlin),
+Leghait (Paris), evidently believed that the activities of the
+Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente endangered the peace of
+Europe.</p>
+<p><a name="note-198"><!-- Note Anchor 198 --></a>[Footnote 198:
+Published by the Berlin Government as supplements to the
+<i>Nord-deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung</i>, July 29th and 31st; August
+4th, 8th and 12th, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Further they believed the latter constellation to be the more
+aggressive of the two, and formally reported these convictions to
+the Belgian Government. If read as a modern edition of "Pepys'
+Diary" they form entertaining literature, but by no stretch of the
+imagination could they be classed as historical sources. A
+gentleman who reports to his Government that King Edward took
+breakfast in company with M. Delcass&eacute; and that the Press had
+neglected to chronicle the incident, can hardly rank as an
+historian.</p>
+<p>Moreover, it is by no means clear why the German Press should
+laud M. Greindl as a gentleman of German origin. If this be true it
+would probably explain everything which deserves explanation in the
+said documents, and would probably account for the intimate,
+confidential treatment which M. Greindl received at the hands of
+German officials.</p>
+<p>German newspapers are gloating over the fact that the British
+Government has not deigned to reply to these "revelations." There
+is really nothing to which it can reply; three observers expressed
+their opinion on contemporaneous happenings during the years
+1905-1911. But a brutal sequence of events in 1914 showed
+them&mdash;if they had not been convinced during the preceding
+three years&mdash;that they had drawn false conclusions from their
+observations.</p>
+<p>To return to the last trial of strength between the two groups
+of European Powers, it is interesting to note that Professor Oncken
+denies German participation in formulating the ultimatum to Serbia,
+or that Germany was aware of its contents. Germany merely left
+Austria a free hand in the matter. Oncken endeavours to show that
+Austria's demands were not excessive, and expresses astonishment
+that the opposing Powers found them exorbitant. He does not mention
+the fact that a large section of the German nation held the same
+opinion on July 25th, 1914.</p>
+<p>His comment on Sir Edward Grey's efforts for peace is
+characteristic: "England claims that she did everything possible to
+preserve the peace. It cannot be denied that Grey made a series of
+mediation proposals. But mere good-will is not everything. It is
+much more important to weigh their practical importance, and the
+goal at which they aimed: Whether they were intended to preserve
+the world's peace under conditions honourable for all parties, or
+calculated to obtain for the <i>Entente</i> a one-sided diplomatic
+victory which would have established its future
+predominance."[<a href="#note-199">199</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-199"><!-- Note Anchor 199 --></a>[Footnote 199:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 544.]</p>
+<p>"Grey considered the moment suitable for a mediation proposal.
+On the evening of July 26th, after obtaining Russia's consent, he
+proposed to the Governments of France, Germany and Italy that their
+London ambassadors should meet in London to confer on a peaceful
+solution of the conflict.</p>
+<p>"The proposal was unacceptable to Austria, because it would have
+been an indirect recognition on her part of Russia's interest in
+the conflict.</p>
+<p>"Only those who had followed the growing intimacy of the mutual
+obligations between the Entente Powers, and their organization to a
+'London Centre' during the summer of 1914, are able to estimate the
+role&mdash;to say nothing of Italy&mdash;which Russia's two
+comrades would have played in the conference. During its course
+Russia would have continued her military preparations, while
+Germany would have had to pledge herself not to mobilize.</p>
+<p>"Finally, no unprejudiced observer would dare assert that the
+man (Sir Edward Grey) who was ready to transform himself at a
+suitable opportunity into an ally of Russia, would have been an
+impartial chairman in a conference held under the pressure of a
+Russian mobilization. The more one thinks about this mediation
+proposal the more convinced one becomes, that it would at least
+have worked for a diplomatic victory for the Entente Powers.</p>
+<p>"Grey put the whole machinery of the Triple Entente in motion in
+order to force back Germany and Austria-Hungary along the whole
+line."[<a href="#note-200">200</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-200"><!-- Note Anchor 200 --></a>[Footnote 200:
+Ibid., p. 545 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>An analysis of Professor Oncken's theses gives the following
+results: First, Britain's efforts to preserve peace are admitted,
+but he fails to mention any friendly advances to meet them.
+Secondly, the fundamental principle underlying the Germanic
+attitude is again exposed, viz., that Russia had no right to
+intervene in a question affecting the balance of power in the
+Balkans and in Europe (<i>vide</i>, p. 63). Thirdly, a diplomatic
+struggle was in progress along the whole line, between the two
+groups of Powers.</p>
+<p>In weighing the second point it would be wrong to assume that
+the Central Empires were not fully aware of the presence of a far
+more vital question behind the Austro-Serbian conflict. They knew
+it from the very beginning and had already expressed threats in St.
+Petersburg, hoping to achieve the same effect as in the Bosnian
+crisis. If Austria had been allowed to destroy Serbia's military
+power the material forces of Europe would have been seriously
+disturbed; the ineffectiveness of the Triple Entente finally
+established, and its dissolution the inevitable consequence.</p>
+<p>If these considerations are correct then the statement
+attributed by M. de L'Escaille (see p. 281) to Sir George Buchanan
+that Britain would never draw the sword could only have served to
+strengthen the resolution of the Germanic Powers in enforcing their
+point Germany above all desired that the balance of power theory
+should be finally smashed, and it may be safely assumed that an
+Austro-Serbian conflict seemed to her a most fitting opportunity to
+realize her purpose.</p>
+<p>The third point suggests two questions. Who provoked the
+diplomatic conflict, and who would have benefited most by a
+diplomatic victory? A reply to the first question is superfluous,
+and the answer to the second is obvious from the preceding line of
+reasoning. Germany would have reached the goal towards which she
+had striven for more than a decade&mdash;the removal of all
+diplomatic hindrances to the unlimited assertion of her will in
+Europe. It may even be doubted whether the Dual Alliance would have
+survived the shock.</p>
+<p>Another phase of Professor Oncken's work is the open attack on
+Sir Edward Grey. Only three years ago this statesman was acclaimed
+in Germany as a man of peace&mdash;<i>the</i> man who had prevented
+the Balkan War from becoming a European conflagration. To-day he is
+accused by the same nation of being the originator of the world
+war.</p>
+<p>Oncken[<a href="#note-201">201</a>] goes back to the year 1905
+and states that Sir Edward Grey initiated only two members of the
+Cabinet&mdash;Mr. Asquith and Lord Haldane&mdash;into the details
+of the agreement with France, and these three gentlemen he refers
+to as the "inner circle." King Edward, and afterwards Sir Edward
+Grey in continuing the late King's policy, succeeded in harnessing
+the <i>revanche id&eacute;e</i> and the spirit of Russian
+aggression to the chariot of British Imperialism. All offers of
+friendship made by this country were insincere. (The professorial
+pleader does not say so, but he leaves his readers to infer that
+sincerity is a German monopoly.) Concerning the British Minister's
+declaration in Parliament that no secret treaty existed with
+France, Oncken remarks: "The declaration was just as true formally
+as it was a lie in essentials."</p>
+<p><a name="note-201"><!-- Note Anchor 201 --></a>[Footnote 201:
+The authorities (?) most frequently cited by Professor Oncken in
+making out his case are Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Hardie, G. B.
+Shaw and the <i>Labour Leader</i>.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>Following the development of events after the conference
+proposal had been dropped, Oncken writes: "Meanwhile the Russian
+Government endeavoured to persuade England's leading statesman that
+the opinion prevailed in Germany and Austria, that England would
+remain neutral in every case, in consequence of this delusion the
+Central Powers were obdurate. England could only dispel the danger
+of war by destroying this false conception, <i>i.e.</i>, openly
+joining Russia and France.</p>
+<p>"It is noteworthy how quickly Grey assimilated this train of
+thought. Disregarding the suggestions of the British Ambassador in
+St. Petersburg, he did nothing to exercise a moderating influence
+upon Russia and thereby further the success of the conversations
+between Vienna and St. Petersburg. On the other hand, he proceeded
+to take steps which probably in his opinion, were calculated to
+damp the supposed desire for war on the part of Germany.
+Practically, the result of all his actions was to exercise
+one-sided pressure upon Germany and Austria and simultaneously,
+through unmistakable declarations concerning England's eventual
+attitude, to encourage Paris and St. Petersburg to energetic
+measures.</p>
+<p>"But all hopes for peace were destroyed at a single blow by
+Russia. On the evening of July 30th after the conversations with
+Austria-Hungary had been resumed, Sasonow increased his
+demands&mdash;and in truth with England's co-operation&mdash;to
+such a degree that their acceptance would have meant the complete
+submission of the Dual Monarchy.</p>
+<p>"And as if this were insufficient, a few hours later, before a
+reply had been received and while negotiations were proceeding in
+Vienna, Russia suddenly broke off the communications with a
+momentous decision (mobilization). The certainty which she had
+gained from the moves of English diplomacy, that in case of war she
+was sure of France's support and with it England's, turned the
+scale&mdash;against peace.</p>
+<p>"That this calculation was decisive for Russia's change of front
+is confirmed by a witness whose impartiality even our opponents
+will admit."[<a href="#note-202">202</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-202"><!-- Note Anchor 202 --></a>[Footnote 202:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp. 553-4.]</p>
+<p>Professor Oncken then supports his argument with quotations from
+a letter written by the Belgian Legation Secretary in St.
+Petersburg to his Government. The letter was doubtless stolen while
+in transit by the Berlin postal authorities. Monsieur B. de
+l'Escaille wrote the letter on July 30th, despatched it by courier
+to Berlin, where it was posted on the following day. The outside
+envelope was addressed to Madame Costermans, 107 Rue Froissard,
+Bruxelles; inside was a letter addressed to M. Darignon, Minister
+for Foreign Affairs. German writers state that no letters were
+forwarded to foreign countries after martial law was proclaimed on
+July 31st (a statement which is untrue), thus it fell into their
+hands.</p>
+<p>Overwhelming importance is attached to this document by German
+war writers. The more important passages of the despatch run as
+follows: "The last two days have passed in the expectation of
+events which are bound to follow[<a href="#note-203">203</a>] upon
+Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against Serbia. The most
+contradictory reports were in circulation, without any possibility
+of confirming their truth or falsity.</p>
+<p><a name="note-203"><!-- Note Anchor 203 --></a>[Footnote 203:
+Thus the impartial witness whom Germans quote to prove their
+innocence definitely states that Russia had no other course left
+open to her by Austria's actions.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"One thing is, however, indisputable, viz., that Germany has
+done everything possible both here and in Vienna[<a href=
+"#note-204">204</a>] to find a means of avoiding a general
+conflict, but has only been met with the determination of the
+Vienna cabinet, on the one hand, not to yield a single step, and on
+the other hand Russian distrust of Vienna's declaration that they
+merely intend a punitive expedition against Serbia.</p>
+<p><a name="note-204"><!-- Note Anchor 204 --></a>[Footnote 204:
+How could M. de l'Escaille know what had passed in
+Vienna?&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"One must really believe that everybody wants war, and is only
+anxious to postpone the declaration in order to gain time. At first
+England gave out, that she would not allow herself to be drawn into
+a conflict. Sir George Buchanan said that definitely. But to-day
+they are firmly convinced in St. Petersburg, indeed they have
+received an assurance, that England will stand by France. This
+support is of extraordinary importance, and has contributed not a
+little to the war-party gaining the upper hand.</p>
+<p>"In the cabinet sitting held yesterday, there were differences
+of opinion, and the mobilization order was postponed. This morning
+at four o'clock mobilization was ordered.</p>
+<p>"The Russian army feels itself strong, and is full of
+enthusiasm. The reorganization of the navy is still so incomplete
+that it would be out of the count in case of war. For that reason
+England's assurance of help was of the greatest
+consequence."[<a href="#note-205">205</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-205"><!-- Note Anchor 205 --></a>[Footnote 205:
+"Kriegs-Depeschen, 1914" ("German War-Telegrams, 1914"). Berlin,
+1914; p. 96 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>If Professor Oncken is correct in stating that Sir Edward Grey's
+measures were calculated to exercise a pressure on Germany and
+Austria, then he merely confirms what this country has hitherto
+believed&mdash;Sir Edward Grey acted rightly. Where else should he
+have exerted pressure except in the quarter from whence a
+provocative, insolent challenge had proceeded?</p>
+<p>With regard to the assertion that Russia&mdash;stiffened by
+England&mdash;took a "momentous decision" on the evening of July
+30th, Professor Oncken is guilty of distortion. The decision to
+mobilize had been taken earlier, and as M. de l'Escaille wrote, was
+made public at four o'clock on the morning of July 30th.</p>
+<p>Whether Russia had increased her demands ("peremptorily
+sharpened" are Oncken's words) the reader can judge for himself by
+comparing the two texts.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">I: "If Austria, recognizing that the
+Austro-Serbian question has assumed the character of a European
+question, declares herself ready to eliminate from her ultimatum
+the points which infringe the sovereign rights of Serbia, Russia
+engages to stop her military preparations." (Russian Orange Book,
+No. 60.)</p>
+<p class="blockquote">II: "If Austria agrees to stay the advance of
+her troops on Serbian territory, and if, recognizing that the
+Austro&mdash;Serbian dispute has assumed the character of a
+question of European interest, she admits that the Great Powers
+shall examine the satisfaction which Serbia might give to the
+Austro&mdash;Hungarian Government without affecting her sovereign
+rights and independence, Russia undertakes to maintain her waiting
+attitude." (French Yellow Book, No. 133.)</p>
+<p>Oncken, in making this comparison, comments: "It is most
+remarkable that the original formula chosen by Sasonow had been
+peremptorily sharpened (<i>einschneidend versch&auml;rft</i>) on
+July 31st at the request of the British Ambassador. This
+interference by England in the formulation of the proposal must
+arouse the gravest doubt regarding the peaceful tendencies of
+England's policy. Sasonow had every reason to thank Grey 'for the
+firm, amicable tone which he has employed in his pourparlers with
+Germany and Austria.'"[<a href="#note-206">206</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-206"><!-- Note Anchor 206 --></a>[Footnote 206:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 553. Oncken's quotation in the
+last lines taken from the Russian Orange Book, No. 69.]</p>
+<p>Sir Edward Grey had proposed five days earlier (July 26th) that
+all military measures should cease pending a settlement. Hence the
+introduction of this clause is not a new demand. Moreover, in the
+meantime Russia and Germany&mdash;in spite of the latter's
+denial&mdash;had commenced to mobilize; Austria had mobilized and
+commenced hostilities against Serbia. Thus there were far more
+urgent reasons to include the cessation of military measures on
+July 31st than before. Lastly, it was the only acceptable pledge of
+Austrian sincerity which Russia could accept. Whether the formula
+would have met with Austria's approval cannot be determined, for
+Austria was saved from what Oncken terms "complete submission" by
+Germany's ultimatum to Russia, despatched on the same day, July
+31st.</p>
+<p>It is impossible to get rid of the suspicion that Germany
+thought Austria might accept the proposal; in any case, Germany
+deliberately shattered the last chance of a settlement by her
+demand that Russia should demobilize.</p>
+<p>If Germany outwardly worked for peace in St. Petersburg, as M.
+de l'Escaille states, it would be quite in harmony with the methods
+of German diplomacy. But, as the same gentleman testifies: "Austria
+would not yield a step"&mdash;the conclusion must be drawn that
+Germany had ordered her to stand firm. Austria did not yield a
+single inch, and so it is a matter of indifference as to the
+sincerity or otherwise of Germany's peace endeavours.</p>
+<p>Oncken further mentions Britain's refusal to remain neutral in
+return for a promise that French territory should not be annexed,
+but he omits the question of French colonies. His analysis of the
+Belgian question deserves quotation: "Grey was seeking an excuse
+for war, and he found one in the question of Belgian neutrality. It
+was just such a reason as he required in order to carry away the
+Cabinet, Parliament and public opinion. And since then that reason
+has been much discussed, accompanied by appeals to international
+law and humanity, by England's and the world's Press.</p>
+<p>"But there is more than one irrefutable proof at hand, to show
+that this reason for war, was merely a veil covering the real ones.
+Anticipating Grey's intentions, before the German Government had
+finally declared themselves on the subject,[<a href=
+"#note-207">207</a>] Prince Lichnowsky put the question to Sir
+Edward Grey on August 1st, as to whether England would remain
+neutral if Germany undertook to respect the neutrality of
+Belgium.</p>
+<p><a name="note-207"><!-- Note Anchor 207 --></a>[Footnote 207:
+Britain had asked Germany a day or two before, whether she would
+respect Belgium's neutrality.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Grey, however, refused to give the pledge with which he
+could&mdash;if he was really concerned about Belgium&mdash;have
+spared that unhappy land its terrible fate. But by these means the
+trump card of Belgian neutrality had been taken from our opponent's
+hand in advance. Yet Grey actually considered it permissible to
+conceal this offer from the British Cabinet. Yes, he dared even
+more.</p>
+<p>"After the matter had been mentioned by Ramsay Macdonald in the
+<i>Labour Leader</i>, Keir Hardie asked a question in the House of
+Commons on August 27th, as to whether Lichnowsky's proposal had
+been submitted to the Cabinet, and why the same had not been made
+the basis of peaceful negotiations with Germany. Grey made a weak
+attempt to discriminate between official proposals made by a
+government, and a private question asked by an ambassador.</p>
+<p>"When the inconvenient questioner asked for further information,
+he was cried down. The Oxford theologian Conybeare gained the
+impression from this Parliamentary incident: 'That all Sir Edward
+Grey's answers to Mr. Keir Hardie's questions are examples of
+<i>suppressio veri</i> and <i>suggestio falsi</i>.' His later
+revocation of this judgment does not alter its value as objective
+evidence.</p>
+<p>"After Grey's refusal, Prince Lichnowsky pressed him to
+formulate England's conditions for her neutrality. At the same time
+the Ambassador increased his offer of July 29th by proposing to
+guarantee the integrity of France and her colonies in return for
+England's neutrality. Grey suppressed this proposal too before the
+Cabinet, as any negotiation on this basis would have thwarted his
+pre-conceived plans. Only an immovable determination for war can
+explain this behaviour.</p>
+<p>"Even before he could assume that Belgian neutrality was in
+danger, he pledged English policy to the wishes of France. On the
+afternoon of the same August 1st, he gave the French
+Ambassador&mdash;who was anxiously pressing for a
+decision&mdash;reason to believe that he would be able to give a
+formal promise on the following day. At the Cabinet meeting on
+August 2nd&mdash;the same in which he suppressed Germany's
+offer!&mdash;he got a motion accepted empowering him to assure
+Cambon that if Germany attacked the French coast, England would
+intervene."</p>
+<p>It is necessary to return to Germany's proposal in regard to
+Belgian neutrality. In simple language it means that Germany wanted
+to sell her pledged word, given in 1839, for British neutrality in
+1914. In view of the fact that Professor Oncken looked upon this as
+a legitimate bargain, one wonders in silence at his standard of
+morality and honour. Is he not a scoundrel who first gives his word
+of honour and afterwards tries to strike a bargain with the same?
+Stripped of all verbiage that is Germany's proposal in its naked
+immorality, and the author chronicles with pleasure that the House
+of Commons cried down even its discussion. It recalls to his memory
+the fact, that the Reichstag&mdash;Germany's highest legislative
+assembly&mdash;cheered to the echo Bethmann-Hollweg's announcement
+that German armies, in violating the dictates of moral and
+international law, by breaking Germany's word of honour, had
+occupied Luxembourg and entered Belgium. The two incidents are
+drastic, concrete illustrations of the gulf which separates British
+and German conceptions of right and wrong.</p>
+<p>Furthermore, there are two questions of a disciplinary nature
+arising out of this incident which "the man in the street" has a
+perfect right to raise. Assuming that Sir Edward Grey exercised his
+discretion and concealed the "infamous proposal" from the Cabinet,
+which of his colleagues afterwards betrayed the fact and from what
+source&mdash;German or English&mdash;did he obtain his
+information?</p>
+<p>Full knowledge on these points would probably be of great
+assistance in destroying the "trail of the serpent" (<i>i.e.</i>,
+German influence and intrigues) in the political and national life
+of Great Britain.</p>
+<p>Professor Oncken praises German disinterestedness in offering to
+guarantee the integrity of French continental and colonial
+territories in case Germany gained a victory in the war. Sir Edward
+Grey's refusal to guarantee British neutrality in return for this
+promise, the professor considers supreme and final proof that
+Britain was bent on war. The nation has rightly approved of this
+policy and the point need not be argued in this place; but
+Professor Oncken in the seclusion of his German study would do well
+to weigh two problems:</p>
+<p>If Germany had gained a victory&mdash;and in August, 1914, she
+was absolutely convinced that France and Russia would succumb if
+they faced her alone&mdash;then Germany would have obtained the
+long sought upper and "free hand" in Europe. What earthly powers
+could have compelled her in that moment to respect her promise in
+regard to French territories? Certainly Germany's sense of honour
+could not be counted upon to do so.</p>
+<p>The second problem refers to the bull and the china-shop.
+Presuming that the bull could talk, would Professor Oncken advise
+the guardian of the proverbial china-shop to accept the bull's
+promise to respect the <i>status quo ante</i> of his property,
+before letting him (the bull) run amock amongst the china?</p>
+<p>Lastly, readers are advised when studying the German "case" to
+remember that Germany never offered to respect the integrity of
+French territories <i>and</i>, the neutrality of Belgium. Although
+German writers&mdash;with malice aforethought&mdash;seek to give
+that impression. Yet, had this combined offer been made, the author
+submits that in spite of such a promise, it would still have been
+ruinous to British interests to stand aside and see Germany gain
+the upper and "free hand" in Europe. Having obtained that, all else
+would have followed to the desire of Germany's heart.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH12"><!-- CH12 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+<center>THE LITERATURE OF HATE</center>
+<p>"The English are wretched scoundrels."&mdash;<i>Frederick the
+Great</i>.</p>
+<p>"It must come to this, that not even a German dog will accept a
+piece of bread from an Englishman."&mdash;<i>Heinrich von
+Treitschke</i>.</p>
+<p>"England, the Vampire of Europe," by Count Reventlow.</p>
+<p>"Down with England," by Admiral Valois.</p>
+<p>"England, our Enemy in the Past, Present and Future," by Erich
+von Kabler.</p>
+<p>"A German Victory, Ireland's Hope," by Dr. Hans Rost.</p>
+<p>"England, the Scourge of Humanity," by Germanicus.</p>
+<p>"The Poisonous Press," by Germanicus.</p>
+<p>"England against England," by Mathieu Schwann.</p>
+<p>"A Woman's War Letters," by L. Niessen-Deiters.</p>
+<p>"Albion's Death Struggle," by Eugen Detmolder.[<a href=
+"#note-208">208</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-208"><!-- Note Anchor 208 --></a>[Footnote 208:
+Written by Detmolder (a Belgian) during the Boer
+War.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"How John Bull recruits his Hirelings," by Dr. Herbert
+Hirschberg.</p>
+<p>"Advance on England! The Destruction of Britain's World Power,"
+Anonymous.</p>
+<p>"In English Captivity," by Heinrich Norden, late missionary.</p>
+<p>"British <i>versus</i> German Imperium," by an Irish-American.
+Introduction by Sir Roger Casement.</p>
+<p>"Lousyhead goes on Lying." The latest war news of Messrs.
+Grandebouche (France), Lousyhead (Russia), and Plumpudding
+(England), by Karl Ettlinger.</p>
+<p>"England and Germany," by Houston Stewart Chamberlain.</p>
+<p>"Cable Warfare and the Campaign of Lies," by Dr. Meister,
+Professor in M&uuml;nster University.</p>
+<p>"England and Continental Interests," by Captain H. Schubart.</p>
+<p>"The Annihilation of England's World Power," Essays by
+twenty-three different authors, including Professors Haeckel,
+Eucken and Lamprecht; State Secretary Dr. Dernburg; Dr. Sven Hedin,
+etc.</p>
+<p>"German Misery in London," by Carl Peters.</p>
+<p>"The English Face," by six university professors;
+Frischeisen-K&ouml;hler (Berlin); Jastrow (Berlin); von der Goltz
+(Greifswald); Roloff (Giessen); Valentin (Freiburg); von Liszt
+(Berlin).</p>
+<p>"Starvation, England's Latest Ally," by Friedrich Simon.</p>
+<p>"England and the War," by Professor Lujo Brentano.</p>
+<p>"Against France and Albion," by A. Fendrich.</p>
+<p>"The Land of Unlimited Hypocrisy," by Spiridion Gopevi.[<a href=
+"#note-209">209</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-209"><!-- Note Anchor 209 --></a>[Footnote 209:
+Probably the most scurrilous and vulgar work of its type; but the
+writer of it is not a German.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"England"; "England and America," <i>S&uuml;ddeutsche
+Monatshefte</i> (South German Review) for January and May,
+1915.</p>
+<p>"England's Tyranny and former Supremacy of the Seas," by Admiral
+Kirchoff.</p>
+<p>"England's Blood-Guilt against the White Peoples," by Woldemar
+Sch&uuml;tze.</p>
+<p>"The Greatest Criminal against Humanity; King Edward VII. of
+England. A Curse-pamphlet," by Lieut.-Col. R. Wagner.</p>
+<p>"England, tremble!" by J. Bermbach.</p>
+<p>"England as Sea-Pirate State," by Dr. Ernst Schultze.</p>
+<p>"In the Pillory! Our Enemies' Campaign of Lies," by Reinhold
+Anton.</p>
+<p>"London's Lie Factory: Renter's Office," by A. Brand.</p>
+<p>"England's Wicked Deeds in the World's History," by A. Kuhn.</p>
+<p>"Our Settlement with England," by Professor Hermann Oncken.</p>
+<p>"England's Betrayal of Germany," by M. Wildgrube.</p>
+<p>"England's Guilt," by Gaston von Mallmann.</p>
+<p>"English Character," by Professor Arnold Schr&ouml;er.</p>
+<p>"England and We," by Dr. J. Riessner, President of the Hanseatic
+League.</p>
+<p>"How England prevented an Understanding with Germany," by
+Professor Th. Schiemann.</p>
+<p>"God Punish England," published by <i>Simplicissimus</i>.</p>
+<p>"Perfidious Albion," by Alfred Geiser.</p>
+<p>"Our Enemies among Themselves," Caricatures from 1792-1900
+collected by Dr. Paul Weiglin.</p>
+<p>"Words in Season," Poems, including the "Hymn of Hate," by Ernst
+Lissauer.</p>
+<p>About sixty-five other titles might be added to those given
+above, but the author has restricted the list to books in his
+possession. Some of them are scurrilous and obscene, deserving no
+further attention than a record of their existence. Yet the
+fundamental idea running through these works is identical,
+differing only in the mode of expression.</p>
+<p>Hate in itself is a confession of weakness, to a certain extent
+an admission of defeat. The presence of hate in a nation or an
+individual may be explained as resulting from the desire to remove
+or destroy an obstacle, which has proved to be immovable and
+indestructible. A healthy, well-balanced mind admits defeat and
+endeavours to make a compromise&mdash;to adjust itself to the
+inevitable.</p>
+<p>But assuming other conditions&mdash;a false sense of honour, a
+morbid conception of self-importance&mdash;then hate seems to be a
+natural, although unhealthy result. Unfortunately there is evidence
+that these factors influence modern Germany. One of the roots of
+tragedy is to be found in the inequality between the will and power
+to perform. In its helplessness the will recoils upon itself,
+turning to gall and bitterness, or seeks a solution in
+self-destruction.</p>
+<p>It is noteworthy that some thirteen thousand individuals commit
+suicide every year in Germany. Unwilling or unable to adjust
+themselves to the phenomena of life, they choose death in
+preference to the compromise&mdash;life. A leaning towards the
+tragic characterizes the German of to-day; an inclination not to
+compromise, not to admit defeat, thereby admitting the "will" to be
+incapable of transformance into actuality.</p>
+<p>Between Germany and Britain fate has placed such a rock of
+destiny, <i>i.e.</i>, this country's position in the world, above
+all, her naval supremacy. Germany has held that this rock hinders,
+even endangers, her just and historical development in the world.
+With wonderful energy, perseverance, self-sacrifice and heroism,
+Germany has endeavoured to surmount or destroy the obstacle. The
+united will of the nation was expressed in the momentum of the
+onslaught&mdash;in vain. And as no reconciling influences are at
+work, no tendency to accept the inevitable&mdash;Germany hates.</p>
+<p>Outside Germany there is, probably, no one who doubts the
+invincibility of the British Navy and the unchangeable will of the
+British (strengthened by the danger of the past year) to maintain
+its supremacy. Yet even to-day responsible Germans are appealing to
+their nation to fight till "modern Carthage" is finally
+destroyed.</p>
+<p>"In spite of the publications of our enemies, we in Germany,
+from the highest to the lowest, will believe unto all eternity that
+this war was caused by England alone. All Germany replied to
+England's declaration of war with a cry of indignation. The hate
+for the hypocritical island kingdom was so bitter that it took the
+form of demonstrations against the British Embassy, while the
+representatives of the other enemy countries were able to depart
+unharmed.[<a href="#note-210">210</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-210"><!-- Note Anchor 210 --></a>[Footnote 210:
+Admiral Valois appears to be unaware that both ladies and gentlemen
+from the Russian Embassy were beaten with sticks, fists and
+umbrellas before leaving Berlin.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Up till then political England was little known in Germany, but
+now the bitter hate which reigns throughout the land characterizes
+her as the incarnation of all that is base and vile. It brings back
+to our minds the saying of the old Hanseatic towns:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">'England, thou land of shame,<br>
+Why hast thou, Satansland,<br>
+The name of Angel-land?'</p>
+<p>"No sacrifice and no effort will be too great, for us to drag
+her from her imagined height into the dust. By force of arms,
+starvation and the power of lies, they hoped to force us back to
+unimportance, and now the issue is: Whether the categoric
+imperative of the East Prussian Kant, or the hypocrisy of British
+cant, shall gain the victory.</p>
+<p>"We are unalterably convinced that England is our mortal enemy,
+and that all endeavours to find a <i>modus vivendi</i> will be in
+vain. Still our present naval forces are unequal to the task of
+overthrowing her. This will make it easy for the German Government
+to obtain even the greatest sums from the Reichstag in order to
+increase our fleet. Every other aim&mdash;no matter what it
+is&mdash;must be laid aside, till this one is attained: Down with
+England!</p>
+<p>"It is to be hoped that this attempt on England's part to get
+rid of a competitor will be the last. We Germans anticipate the
+future with an unshakable belief in victory. Possibly sooner or
+later, England's present allies will see that in reality they are
+serving English interests. When this unnatural alliance has
+crumbled to pieces under the might of our blows, then we shall at
+last stand face to face with England&mdash;alone!</p>
+<p>"Our life-work will then begin&mdash;to settle up with the
+pioneers of hypocrisy so that they shall never again cross our
+path! If at any time this high endeavour seems to slacken, then
+think of East Prussia! Remember that a third of the province was
+laid waste; that men, women and children were murdered and
+violated; that the lists of the missing contained the names of
+nearly fifty thousand fellow-countrymen. And all this had to happen
+so that every Englishman might become a few pounds richer.</p>
+<p>"Think of it as long as you live, and pass it on to your
+descendants as an inheritance. Give all your strength and your last
+farthing to increase our fleet and any other necessary means to
+attain our goal: Down with England!"[<a href=
+"#note-211">211</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-211"><!-- Note Anchor 211 --></a>[Footnote 211:
+Admiral Valois: "Nieder mit England!" ("Down with England!") p. 5
+<i>et. seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"Truly it is no longer necessary either in this assembly or in
+all Germany to create popular opinion for the cry 'Nieder mit
+England!' It re-echoes daily from the lips of every German. But
+still we must continue to point out its necessity&mdash;it is a
+commandment which must banish every weak inclination to yield, and
+make us strong to hold out to the bitter end.</p>
+<p>"To some it may appear 'one-sided,' but yet it is a moral duty
+to emphasize and strengthen our hate for England. Not only because
+we <i>will</i> hate, but because we <i>must</i>. Hatred ennobles
+when it is directed with full force against the evil and bad. And
+what is the evil? For an answer consider how the English
+pedlar-spirit with cunning and lies, has subjugated the world and
+holds it in bondage.</p>
+<p>"Even in the upper classes (English), ignorance reigns supreme.
+In their famous schools, <i>e.g.</i>, Eton College, the young
+people&mdash;besides sports and so-called gentlemanlike
+behaviour&mdash;learn exceedingly little. Except in regard to
+purely English affairs most Englishmen possess an almost
+inconceivable ignorance of history and geography. The view held by
+so many Germans that the majority of the English nation, especially
+the so-called 'upper ten,' have enjoyed a thorough
+education&mdash;is utterly false. But in spite of this, English
+conceit and unexampled pride leaves little to be desired."[<a href=
+"#note-212">212</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-212"><!-- Note Anchor 212 --></a>[Footnote 212:
+Vice-Admiral Kirchhoff: "England's Willkur" ("England's Tyranny"),
+p. 1 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>All German naval writers whine in unison concerning the
+"protection of private property in naval warfare." The shoe appears
+to pinch at that point, but the complaints sound hollow when made
+by a nation which has shown so little respect for private property
+in land warfare.</p>
+<p>"Turkey was compelled to hand over Cyprus; in return she
+received an assurance of protection from England. What the latter
+understands by 'protection' we have learned from her recent
+actions. The behaviour of England's last naval commission in
+Constantinople speaks volumes. The very men who were in Turkey's
+pay, destroyed the weapons (ships, <i>i.e.</i>, cannon, machinery,
+etc.) entrusted to their care."[<a href="#note-213">213</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-213"><!-- Note Anchor 213 --></a>[Footnote 213:
+Ibid., p. 31.]</p>
+<p>Besides Kirchhoff, several other writers charge the British
+naval officers who were in Turkey's service before the outbreak of
+war, with acts of <i>sabotage</i>. Another writer (Heinrich Norden,
+late missionary in Duala, German Cameroons) sinks a little lower
+and states that English officers were guilty of thieving when Duala
+was captured.</p>
+<p>"Indeed, it is not saying too much when I maintain that the true
+historical purpose of this war, is only half fulfilled if we do not
+bring England to her knees&mdash;cost what it may in blood and
+treasure. That much we owe to our children and their children. We
+will not only be victorious, victory is only half the work; we must
+annihilate the power of our enemy.</p>
+<p>"All our dearly-bought victories in East and West will be of no
+avail if, at the conclusion of peace, we have not conquered and
+compelled England to accept our terms. There can never be justice
+or morality on earth, or keeping of treaties, or recognition of
+moral international obligations, till the power of the most
+faithless, hypocritical nation which ever existed, has been finally
+broken and lies prostrate on the ground. So long ago as 1829 Goethe
+said to F&ouml;rster: 'In no land are there so many hypocrites and
+sanctimonious dissemblers as in England.'</p>
+<p>"We must wait in patience and with confidence in our leaders for
+the final settlement which the future will bring. The men in our
+navy are burning to imitate the deeds of their comrades on land.
+Whenever an opportunity has arisen, they have shown themselves
+equal to the enemy. Our navy knows, and that is a consolation for
+the men during inactivity, that the lofty task of breaking
+England's power will fall to their share. The men know that the
+final purpose of this world war can only be attained with their
+help, they know what is before them, and that the enormous stake
+demands and deserves all they have to give.</p>
+<p>"In this time of trial we can best help by waiting in patience.
+The fleet's turn will come; the fleet created by our Kaiser will
+fulfil its mission. Everyone of us recognizes that a
+well-thought-out plan is behind all this; even the enemy has
+premonitions of it.</p>
+<p>"In regard to England's downfall there can, may, and must be
+only one opinion. It is the very highest mission of German
+<i>Kultur</i>. Our war, too, is a 'holy war.' For the first time
+England's despotic power is opposed by an enemy possessing power,
+intelligence and will."[<a href="#note-214">214</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-214"><!-- Note Anchor 214 --></a>[Footnote 214:
+Ibid., p. 37 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>Another of the fundamental reasons for German hate must be
+sought in the different conceptions of life and its duties in the
+two nations. In its chief results this has found expression in two
+totally different beings. Professor Engel (Berlin) once wrote that
+from the cradle to the grave, the German is "on the line," or, in
+other words, the State directs his every action.</p>
+<p>Probably it would be more correct to look upon the German State
+as a Teutonic Nirvana&mdash;with this distinction, that it is a
+negation of personal individuality, but at the same time a huge,
+collective positive. The individual German fulfils his life's
+mission by absorption into Nirvana and by having all his activities
+transformed in the collective whole for the benefit of the State.
+The will of the State is supreme; individuals exist in, through,
+and for, the whole. And, above all, the State's motto has been
+thoroughness and efficiency in every department of its manifold
+life; knowledge and power its aims.</p>
+<p>Britain's development has been along other lines; the widest
+possible room has been left to the individual, and the ties binding
+him to the whole have been loose in the extreme. German discipline
+is replaced by British liberty, with its advantages to the
+individual and corresponding disadvantages for the State. Liberty
+implies the right to rise by honest endeavour, but does not exclude
+the possibility of a wilful surrender to slothful inactivity,
+<i>e.g.</i>, the human flotsam and jetsam of British cities, the
+casual ward and similar institutions. These and other phenomena of
+life in our islands have aroused bitter contempt among Germans.
+Contempt has been succeeded by envy and hatred. Rightly or wrongly
+the German has argued that the people who prefer sport to
+knowledge, self-will to a sense of duty to the community,
+selfishness to sacrifice,[<a href="#note-215">215</a>] wire-pulling
+and patronage to efficiency&mdash;this people is no longer worthy
+of the first place among the nations. By right of merit, morality
+and efficient fitness&mdash;that place belongs to Germany.</p>
+<p><a name="note-215"><!-- Note Anchor 215 --></a>[Footnote 215: An
+article by the present writer on "Some German Schools" in the
+<i>Times</i> Educational Supplement, October 5th, 1915, gives some
+faint idea of the unprecedented sacrifices made by German schools.
+During the war all classes of the population have voluntarily
+renounced a part of their earnings for war charities. In the
+<i>Fr&auml;nkischer Kurier</i> for October 13th, 1915, the
+Burgomaster of Nuremberg announced that the voluntary reduction of
+salaries agreed to by the municipal officials of that city had
+resulted in 264,000 marks (&pound;13,000) going to charitable
+funds. The author could cite dozens of similar instances, but it
+would interest him most of all to know whether any town in the
+British Isles can show a better record than Nuremberg, with a
+population of 350,000.]</p>
+<p>Unfortunately the present war has brought many proofs that there
+is no small amount of truth in this indictment, and most
+unfortunate of all, neutral countries too accept Germany's version
+that Britain is unorganized, self-interested, inefficient and
+effete. And to just the same degree they are convinced that Germany
+is thorough. They love Britain's humanitarian idea, but admire
+German efficiency&mdash;although they fear the latter's
+militarism.</p>
+<p>Still when they are driven to choose to whom they shall confide
+their vital interests, <i>i.e.</i>, future existence, they prefer
+to lean on successful German thoroughness, than on Britain's
+humanitarianism unsupported by the strong arm. At the moment of
+writing there is wailing and gnashing of teeth throughout the
+British Empire at the diplomatic failure in Bulgaria and the
+previous fiasco in Turkey. Sir Edward Grey has dealt with the
+question in Parliament, but he has not mentioned the true
+reason.</p>
+<p>The true reason is that this country has fallen into the habit
+of sending diplomatic representatives abroad who have not been keen
+enough to obtain a mastery of the language, or a full knowledge of
+the feelings and national aspirations of the peoples to whom they
+were accredited. Instead of being living ambassadors of the British
+idea, they have often been concrete examples before foreign eyes of
+British inefficiency. An example of the language question which
+came under the author's personal notice, deserves mention.</p>
+<p>In the spring of 1914 there seemed to be a danger that a German
+would be appointed British Consul in Nuremberg, and in order to
+prevent this the author wrote to a British Minister stationed in
+Munich. He was greatly surprised to receive a reply&mdash;the
+latter, of course, was in English&mdash;addressed on the outside
+to:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Dr. T. Smith,<br>
+"<i>On the top</i> of the University of Erlangen."</p>
+<p>That is to say, the German preposition <i>auf</i> was employed
+instead of <i>an</i>. A mistake which even an elementary knowledge
+of German should have made impossible. In the British Legation at
+Munich there was a German-British Consul&mdash;a Munich
+timber-merchant. If readers imagine that Munich was an unimportant
+city in the diplomatic sense, then they are recommended to study
+the French Yellow Book, which contains final proof that an
+efficient French Minister was able to make important discoveries at
+the Bavarian Court.</p>
+<p>British prestige, confidence in British efficiency and power
+among neutrals has gravitated dangerously in the direction of zero,
+while admiration for Germany has correspondingly risen. That there
+is only too much reason for the change, the course of the war has
+given ample proof, and therein lies the hope of Britain's future.
+The war will reveal to the British both their strength and
+weakness, and if the war does not destroy the dry rot in the land,
+then it is merely the precursor of Britain's final downfall.</p>
+<p>There can be no greater mistake than closing one's eyes to the
+good points in a resolute enemy. As far as this war is concerned
+they can be summarized under two heads: (1.) The German Board of
+Education, which has developed and mobilized the last ounce of
+German brains and directed them into the service of the
+Fatherland.[<a href="#note-216">216</a>] (2.) The German War
+Office, which has mobilized Germany's physical and technical
+forces.</p>
+<p><a name="note-216"><!-- Note Anchor 216 --></a>[Footnote 216:
+Five years ago the present author wrote in the September number,
+1910, of Macmillan's <i>School World</i>:&mdash;"Educational
+reforms and plans must come from the schoolmen; they never spring
+of themselves from out of the people; and this is perhaps the most
+deplorable admission of all, that modern England has no great
+educationist or statesman capable of formulating a national system
+of schools which shall develop the intellectual material of the
+nation to its highest powers, and direct those powers into the best
+channels. For several decades school inspectors, etc., have visited
+continental countries to study their educational systems, and have
+returned home with innumerable fads&mdash;but no system. Everything
+of the fantastic has been copied, but no foundations have been
+laid; with the result that England's educational system to-day
+resembles a piece of patchwork containing a rich variety of colours
+and a still greater variety of stuff-quality. It were better for us
+to have done with educationists who preach about 'the rigid
+uniformity of system which is alien both to the English temperament
+and to the lines on which English public schools have developed.'
+The said public schools have hopelessly failed to meet the
+necessity of a national system of education, or to form the nucleus
+from which such a system could or can develop itself. That the
+Falls of Niagara, however, dissipate untold natural forces is just
+as true as that England wastes immeasurable intellectual force
+because her forces are allowed to dissipate through not being
+disciplined and bridled by a fitting educational mechanism.
+Therefore let England turn to the prosaic work of organising!"]</p>
+<p>No other State possesses institutions to compare with them. They
+are the foundation of Germany's strength, and the present author's
+only regret is, that the overwhelming forces obtained by bridling
+the Teutonic Niagara of brains and muscle, have been directed by a
+false patriotism into the wrong channels. Still that is what
+Britain is up against, and Britain can only secure an honourable
+victory by surpassing them. And this much may be admitted even at
+this stage of the struggle: one part of the "German idea" is
+certain of complete victory along the whole line&mdash;German
+thoroughness and self-sacrifice.</p>
+<p>Because only by adopting that ideal is it possible for Germany's
+enemies to beat her. Political intrigues, hunger caused by
+blockade, cant, wire-pulling, hiding the truth, etc., etc., will
+break down before the German onslaught like waves break upon a
+rock. Britain has got to hark back to Strafford's watchword
+"thorough" and season it with the spirit of Cromwell's
+Ironsides.</p>
+<p>To-day Germans are seriously discussing measures by which
+Britain's financial supremacy&mdash;and therewith her naval
+supremacy&mdash;can be overthrown, after the present war. One
+writer proposes a return to Napoleon's Continental system, and
+concludes his plea:</p>
+<p>"The British Empire can and must be overthrown, so that the
+Continent of Europe may flourish and develop according to the
+dictates of Europe's will. According to Herbert Spencer's view,
+Europe must exercise the highest ethics, viz., 'give the highest
+possible total of human beings, life, happiness and above all
+harmony of work.'</p>
+<p>"England has never comprehended what 'the harmony of work'
+means. Her entire heroism consisted in brutally suppressing the
+weaker, and avaricious exploitation of everything foreign by means
+of cunning treaties and business tricks. Even an Englishman, Sir J.
+Seeley, in his book, 'The Growth of British Policy,' has defied
+this characteristic with objective clearness.</p>
+<p>"For sixty years England struggled against Holland&mdash;after
+which the latter lay prostrate before her. Now England's battle
+against her greatest and mightiest rival has
+commenced&mdash;against Germany. This struggle will last sixty
+years and longer if Great Britain does not succumb before. Every
+peace will only mean preparation for new battles, till the final
+result is attained; English history affords proof of this.</p>
+<p>"Shall Germany, the latest rival, be broken too? Or shall it be
+her mission to awaken Europe to war against greed and avarice,
+hypocrisy and theft, robbery and violence? Lands which have slept
+and dreamed for centuries, do not easily awake. And a part of
+Europe still dreams deeply under the hypnotic influence of English
+cant and altruism, or at least of her God-ordained hegemony.</p>
+<p>"This must be the goal of German statecraft and German
+diplomacy. The dream must be dispelled, and the mask torn from the
+hypocrite's face. If Germany desires to exist, then the weak,
+faltering expediency-policy of the German Empire must be at an end.
+Our one and only aim must be: Down with England!</p>
+<p>"Germany, however, may not strive to enter into England's
+heritage&mdash;that must fall to the Continent. England's heir
+shall be Europe, which will then be able to progress and develop as
+history intended."[<a href="#note-217">217</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-217"><!-- Note Anchor 217 --></a>[Footnote 217:
+Captain H. Schubart: "England und die Interessen des Kontinents"
+("England and Continental Interests"), p. 50.]</p>
+<p>German hate has been fed by stories of British atrocities,
+ill-treatment of German civilians, the alleged use of dum-dum
+bullets by British soldiers, and the employment of coloured troops
+from India etc. A book has been published under the style of "The
+Black Book of Atrocities committed by our Enemies."[<a href=
+"#note-218">218</a>] The charges concerning the use of dum-dum
+bullets by the British are dealt with on <a href="#dumdum">pp.
+39-43</a>.</p>
+<p><a name="note-218"><!-- Note Anchor 218 --></a>[Footnote 218:
+"Das Schwarzbuch der Schandtaten unserer Feinde." Berlin,
+1915.]</p>
+<p>In spite of the fact that von Treitschke advocates the
+employment of all available troops, irrespective of colour, by a
+State at war, and in spite of the fact that Germany has herself
+employed native troops in this war (Cameroons, etc.), their
+employment by Britain has aroused a wave of bitter hatred in
+Germany. As a justification for this indignation the Black Book
+quotes Earl Chatham's speech against the employment of Red Indians
+in the war with the American colonies.</p>
+<p>It is impossible to suppose that some of the charges of
+ill-treatment of Germans by the British are more than the squeals
+of the bully on feeling the pinch. Carl Peters' book "Das deutsche
+Elend in London" ("German Misery in London") must certainly be
+dismissed as belonging to the squeals. Another booklet[<a href=
+"#note-219">219</a>] may perhaps be quoted, though with all
+reserve, because it involves the charge of endangering the white
+man&mdash;above all, the honour of white women&mdash;in Africa.</p>
+<p><a name="note-219"><!-- Note Anchor 219 --></a>[Footnote 219:
+"In Englischer Gefangenschaft" ("In English Captivity"), by
+Heinrich Norden, late missionary in Duala, Cameroons.]</p>
+<p>"In declaring my willingness to relate our experiences during
+the defence and surrender of Duala and my experiences in English
+captivity, my motive was not to add fuel to the fires of hate
+against England. But it would be an injustice if we were silent
+concerning English outrages. Thousands of our brother Germans lie
+in English prisoners' camps; their hands are tied and their mouths
+closed by the force of circumstances. But with inward wrath they
+endure in silence. Yet their position demands that we, who have
+suffered with them and have luckily escaped, should speak for
+them.</p>
+<p>"It is our bounden duty to the Fatherland to reveal the truth
+about English atrocities, and I am all the more conscious of that
+duty because some circles betray a certain amount of mistrust
+concerning the reports of English horrors.</p>
+<p>"On Sunday, September 27th, after all the necessary preparations
+had been made, the white flag was hoisted. In a few hours the town
+was teeming with black and white English and French landing
+parties, who were received with indescribable joy by the natives.
+The latter followed the soldiers about like dogs, and in real
+dog-manner began to show their teeth (against the Germans).</p>
+<p>"Everything remained quiet on Sunday, but on the following day
+robbery and plundering began in a way which we had never believed
+possible. Still less were we prepared for the brutal treatment
+which the English practised on us defenceless Germans. At first
+they made sure of those who had borne arms; with lies and deceit
+they were enticed into a trap. They were requested to give in their
+names, whereupon they would be set at liberty. However, when the
+English thought that the majority had been collected, the victims
+were driven on to a steamer which took them to French Dahomey.</p>
+<p>"During the months of our imprisonment I had ample opportunity
+to observe how the Germans have been ill-treated by the blacks. The
+English incited them like a pack of hounds to worry their own
+race&mdash;and looked on with a laugh. Yet the Germans bore all
+this degradation with proud calm, and with the consolation that a
+day will come when all this shame will be wiped out.</p>
+<p>"On the way to the harbour I met about twenty Germans; our
+company increased from hour to hour. Women were weeping who did not
+know the fate of their husbands, but this had not the faintest
+effect on the brutal hearts of the English. At last night fell; we
+were tortured by hunger and burning thirst. We were in anguish as
+to what would become of us. Why were our enemies so inconceivably
+bitter?[<a href="#note-220">220</a>] Why did they tell us no word
+of truth? They declared openly that everything German was to be
+destroyed, German thrones overthrown and the German devils driven
+out.</p>
+<p><a name="note-220"><!-- Note Anchor 220 --></a>[Footnote 220:
+Norden has had ample opportunities to learn the story of Belgium,
+but he and all other Germans writers, in apparently holy innocence,
+look upon all bitterness against their nation as a cruel
+injustice.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Albion's heroic sons were only able to capture the Cameroons
+with the aid of native treachery. The blacks showed them the ways,
+betrayed the German positions, and murdered Germans in cold blood
+wherever opportunity occurred. The English even paid a Judas reward
+of twenty to fifty shillings for every German, living or half-dead,
+who was brought in by the natives.</p>
+<p>"Later I met various prisoners whose evidence corroborated the
+inhuman tortures which they had endured. Herr Schlechtling related
+how he was attacked at Sanaga by natives with bush-knives, just as
+he was aiming at an English patrol. Herr Nickolai was captured by
+blacks and his clothes torn from his body and numerous knife wounds
+inflicted on his body. The natives took him to an English steamer
+whose captain paid them twenty shillings.</p>
+<p>"Another German, Herr Student,[<a href="#note-221">221</a>] was
+compelled to look on while the natives drowned his comrade (Herr
+Nickstadt) in a river, while he himself was afterwards delivered up
+to the English. Yet another, Herr Fischer, was surprised while
+taking a meal, bound hand and foot, beaten and then handed over to
+the English."[<a href="#note-222">222</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-221"><!-- Note Anchor 221 --></a>[Footnote 221:
+Four of these men are still in British captivity. Another Teuton
+who has sent blood-curdling tales to Germany may be found in the
+person of Martin Trojans, prisoner on Rottnest Island. It would be
+good to give these men an opportunity of making statements in
+London before a commission of neutral
+diplomatists.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-222"><!-- Note Anchor 222 --></a>[Footnote 222:
+"In englischer Gefangenschaft," pp. 1-30.]</p>
+<p>After all, the picture does not seem so terrible as this good
+missionary would make out. In any case he has failed to make out a
+case which will bear comparison with that already proved against
+the German army in Europe, or even so bad as the treatment dealt
+out by German civilians to their fellow-countrymen during August,
+1914. Furthermore it may be safely assumed that the bitterness of
+the natives is to be ascribed to German tyranny, which culminated,
+as Norden relates on p.16 of his book, in the strangling of a
+number of natives, including chiefs of tribes just before the
+advent of the British.</p>
+<p>Still his book has had due influence on German public opinion. A
+German lady in a book full of hysterical hate[<a href=
+"#note-223">223</a>] has based a foul charge upon Norden's
+statements (besides publishing his experiences the missionary has
+delivered many public lectures), that the English and French left
+German women to the mercies of the natives!</p>
+<p><a name="note-223"><!-- Note Anchor 223 --></a>[Footnote 223:
+Louise Niessen-Deiters: "Kriegsbriefe einer Frau" ("The War Letters
+of a Woman"), p. 56.]</p>
+<p>"In the hearts of all those Germans who in this great time, are
+banished from the Fatherland and who do not know how things really
+stand, there burns a great hate, hate for England and the ardent
+desire to fight against her&mdash;the basest and most hated of all
+our enemies.</p>
+<p>"I have come to the end of my report, which contains only a
+fraction of the outrages committed by Albion. And this nation talks
+of German atrocities! If all the lies spread by the English Press
+were true, even then England would have every reason to be dumb.
+Only he who has felt the effects of English hate upon his own
+person can understand the brutal deeds perpetrated recently on
+Germans in London and Liverpool. There, England's moral depth is
+revealed only too clearly, and before the world she seeks to drag
+us down to the same level."[<a href="#note-224">224</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-224"><!-- Note Anchor 224 --></a>[Footnote 224:
+Norden's book, p. 43 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>Considering that the total number of Germans captured in the
+Cameroons is only equal to the number of civilians murdered or
+wounded in British towns by Zeppelin bombs, at a cost of hundreds
+of thousands of pounds to the German Government, one begins to
+wonder whether Norden and his countrymen possess any sense of
+proportion. Germans are assiduous students of Shakespeare, but have
+seemingly overlooked the comedy: <i>Much ado about Nothing</i>.</p>
+<p>Ireland is another text for long and windy sermons of German
+hate, but the conclusion of one of these tirades[<a href=
+"#note-225">225</a>] will suffice to show Germany's real
+motive.</p>
+<p><a name="note-225"><!-- Note Anchor 225 --></a>[Footnote 225:
+Dr. Hans Rost: "Deutschland's Sieg, Irland's Hoffnung" ("Germany's
+Victory, Ireland's Hope"), p. 25 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"At present the direction of the Irish revolutionary movement is
+in the hands of Professor Evin MacNeill, Mac O'Rahilly and, above
+all, Sir Roger Casement. The final acceptance of the 'Constitution
+of Irish Volunteers' was carried on Sunday, October 25th, 1914, in
+Dublin. At that congress of Irish volunteers&mdash;who to-day
+number more than 300,000 well-armed men&mdash;special stress was
+laid on the fact that the volunteers are Irish soldiers and not
+imperialistic hirelings.</p>
+<p>"Further the members of the organization have engaged not to
+submit under any circumstances to the Militia Ballot Act, a kind of
+national service law which, remarkable to say, is only enforced in
+Ireland.</p>
+<p>"The Irishmen are thronging to join the movement, and pamphlets
+are being distributed, and appeals made on all sides. Besides
+which, weapons are being gathered and money collected. The entire
+episcopacy of Ireland has warned the young men against enlisting in
+English regiments on the ground that they will be placed in
+regiments to which no Catholic priest is attached. The warning has
+been most successful in hindering recruiting. In order to break the
+opposition of the bishops, England has appointed a special
+representative to the Vatican.</p>
+<p>"When the German Emperor took steps to appoint Catholic priests
+in the prisoners' camps where Irish soldiers are interned, the
+English at once appointed forty-five Catholic priests with
+officer's rank, to the British army in France. Even this measure,
+as well as the sudden diplomatic activity at the Vatican, is little
+calculated to extinguish the hate for England in the Irish
+mind.</p>
+<p>"On November 24th (1914) James Larkin began a propaganda in
+America. He appealed to all Irishmen to send gold, weapons, and
+ammunition to Ireland, for the day of reckoning with England. 'We
+will fight,' said Larkin, 'for the destruction of the British
+Empire and the foundation of an Irish republic; we will fight to
+deliver Ireland from that foul heap of ruins called England.' The
+assembly broke into enthusiastic applause.</p>
+<p>"At that moment the curtain was raised, and on the stage a
+company of Irish volunteers and a number of German uhlans were
+revealed. The officers commanding the companies crossed swords and
+shook hands while the assembly sang the 'Wacht am Rhein' and 'God
+save Ireland.'</p>
+<p>"Sir Roger Casement has long been a thorn in the side of the
+English Government, therefore the latter has not shrunk from making
+a murderous conspiracy against the life of this distinguished Irish
+leader. In agreement with Sir Edward Grey, the British Minister in
+Christiania, Mr. Findlay, tried to bribe Casement's
+companion&mdash;named Christensen&mdash;to murder Sir Roger. The
+attempted murder did not succeed, but the original documents are in
+the possession of the German Foreign Office, so that all doubt is
+excluded as to the English Government's participation&mdash;with
+their most honourable Grey at the head&mdash;in this Machiavellian
+plan."</p>
+<p>This colossal Germanism concerning a plan to murder Sir Roger
+Casement has been assiduously spread throughout the German Press.
+The Berlin Government allows the German people to believe that
+incriminating documents are in their possession, and the vilest
+statements to blacken Mr. Findlay's character were printed in
+German newspapers when that gentleman was appointed to the
+Bulgarian Court in Sofia.</p>
+<p>There are so few utterances in German war literature, which
+display reason or even moderation, that the author feels glad to be
+in a position to cite two. In the May number of the
+<i>S&uuml;ddeutsche-Monatshefte</i>, Professor Wilhelm Franz
+(T&uuml;bingen) reviewed one of the hate-books, viz., a work
+entitled "Pedlars and Heroes" by a German named Sombart. A few
+passages will suffice to show that Germany is not quite devoid of
+straight-forward men, who dare to castigate hate.</p>
+<p>"Towards the end of his book, Sombart solemnly assures the
+English that 'they need not fear us as a colonizing power; we (the
+Germans) have not the least ambition to conquer half-civilized and
+barbarian peoples in order to fill them with German spirit
+(<i>Geist</i>). But the English can colonize and fill such peoples
+with their spirit&mdash;for they have none, or at least only a
+pedlar's.'</p>
+<p>"It would never occur to any sane man to refute effusions of
+this kind, for they cannot be taken seriously. Still I cannot but
+wish that an angry English journalist with his clever and fiery
+pen, would fall upon Sombart's book and give its author a sample of
+English spirit. The work teems with unjust, incorrect opinions; is
+full of crass ignorance and grotesque exaggerations, which lead the
+unlearned astray, injure Germany's cause, and annoy those who know
+better&mdash;so far as they do not excite ridicule.</p>
+<p>"What is one to think when Sombart asks his readers: 'What
+single cultural work has emerged from the great shop, England,
+since Shakespeare&mdash;except that political abortion the English
+State?'</p>
+<p>"If I had to answer Sombart I should say, the great shop has
+given the English State practically everything which makes for
+internal peace, solidarity and national health. It has enabled the
+nation to exercise tolerance within, and develop splendour and
+power without, which in their turn have made Britannia the mistress
+of the world's waterways, and the British the first colonial nation
+in the world.</p>
+<p>"England's cultural development has brought all these since
+Shakespeare's time; energy, willpower, united with high endeavour
+to realize great aims and overcome mighty resistance. And the basis
+of this splendid progress which compels the admiration of all other
+States, was what Sombart presumes to call an 'abortion.'"</p>
+<p>The other is taken from "Der englische Gedanke in Deutschland"
+("The English Idea in Germany,") by Ernst M&uuml;ller-Holm, p. 72.
+"It is not true that all Englishmen are scoundrels. It is not true
+that there is nothing but pedlar's spirit in England, and because
+it is not true it should not be said, not even in these times when
+war passions run high.</p>
+<p>"The fatherland of Shakespeare, Byron and Thackeray; the home of
+Newton, Adam Smith, Darwin and Lyell will ever remain a land of
+honour to educated Germans. Where would it end if I were to count
+up the heroes of English intellect whose names are written in
+letters of gold in humanity's great book?"</p>
+<p>It is well to conclude this chapter of hate with two quotations
+which breathe respect. The author does not believe that German hate
+will be so long-enduring as the hate-mongers would have us think.
+Rather, he is convinced that mutual interest will force the two
+nations together within one or two decades. Preparatory for that
+day, it is Britain's duty to compel Germany's respect.</p>
+<p>There are good, even magnificent forces in the German nation;
+there are still noble-minded, high-thinking Germans who yearn to
+work in the great civilizing world enterprises. But&mdash;and
+therein lies the tragedy&mdash;"the good, the true, the pure, the
+just" are not to-day the predominating powers. They must work out
+their own salvation; but if the time ever comes when the finest and
+best German thought directs Germany's destinies, then there will be
+no lack of sympathizers in this country, who will hail the day as
+the advent of a new world era. For the present, all mutual
+jealousies, all the burning ambitions, all quarrels and hate, are
+submitted to the arbitrament of the sword. If Britain only wields
+her sword so well and honourably, as to gain unstinted victory,
+that will prove to be the firmest basis for future respect and
+enduring peace.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH13"><!-- CH13 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+<center>"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"</center>
+<p>Mention has already been made of German disrespect, even
+contempt for England and the English. One of the reasons for this
+contempt was the smallness of the British army, and the fact that
+our soldiers are paid servants of the country. Germans apparently
+never could comprehend why a man should receive payment for serving
+his country by bearing arms, and that fact appeared to them to
+afford overwhelming evidence of the pedlar-soul
+(<i>Kr&auml;mergeist</i>). The second conclusion drawn, has
+generally been that the Britisher is devoid of all sense of duty
+and self-sacrificing patriotism. Probably the flocking of several
+million men to arms in defence of the Empire, and in defence of
+British conceptions of right and wrong has done something to
+convince Germans that the premises of the syllogism, were not so
+self-evident as they had imagined.</p>
+<p>"Among all the great European Powers, England is the only one
+which has not introduced national service and remained true to the
+principle of keeping an army of paid soldiers. Hence, when in all
+other lands at the outbreak of war, the entire people stands ready
+to defend the national honour, England is compelled to beat the
+recruiting drums before she can wage war."[<a href=
+"#note-226">226</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-226"><!-- Note Anchor 226 --></a>[Footnote 226:
+Dr. H. Hirschberg: "Wie John Bull seine S&ouml;ldner wirbt" ("How
+John Bull recruits his Mercenaries"), p. 3. Hirschberg reproduces
+in facsimile a large number of the recruiting placards which have
+decorated the British Isles since the outbreak of war. "Your King
+and Country need you" is also given (English and German) with
+music.]</p>
+<p>"England wages war on business lines. It is not the sons of the
+land who bleed for Britannia's honour; mercenaries from the four
+corners of the world&mdash;including blacks&mdash;carry on the war
+as a trade for England's business world and nobility. England might
+well smirk as she uttered blessings on the Triple Entente, for has
+she not borne the brand of perfidy for centuries? Her breast
+conceals the meanest pedlar's spirit in the, world.</p>
+<p>"Every battle which Russia loses is a victory for England, and
+every defeat which France suffers means profit for England. She can
+afford to wait till her allies are beaten and then take over their
+business. 'First come, first served' does not hold good in
+England's case; for her motto is, the last to come gets the
+prize.</p>
+<p>"Twelve Powers declared war on Germany. Then Japan, the
+thirteenth, poked out her yellow face and demanded Kiau Chou. A
+hyena had smelt corpses, but the blackmailing Mongol received no
+reply to his ultimatum. Grim laughter was heard in
+Germany&mdash;booming, bitter laughter at the band of thieves who
+hoped to plunder us. And in the wantonness of their righteous
+wrath, German soldiers scribbled on the barrack walls an immortal
+sentence: 'Declarations of war thankfully received!'"[<a href=
+"#note-227">227</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-227"><!-- Note Anchor 227 --></a>[Footnote 227: A.
+Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion" ("Against France and
+Albion"). Stuttgart, 1915; pp. 11-12.]</p>
+<p>"How wickedly the war was forced upon Germany! A ring of enemies
+surrounded her. Envy and ill-will were their motives, but they
+lacked the right measure for Germany's greatness. Our people stand
+invincible, united, staking life and everything they
+have&mdash;till the last enemy lies in the dust.</p>
+<p>"Not much longer and the goal will be attained; the many-sided
+attack has been smashed and the war carried into enemy lands.
+Shining glory has been won by Germany's armies. The passionate
+<i>&eacute;lan</i> of our soldiers, their death-despising bravery
+and one-minded strength, have gained victory after victory.</p>
+<p>"Revenge begins to glow against the originator of the
+world-conflagration&mdash;against false England! Mute and
+astonished the world saw her baseness&mdash;wondering at her
+greatness and her sin. Envy and ill-will inspired her to cast the
+lives of millions into the scales, to open the flood-gates of
+blood, to spread pain and unspeakable misery&mdash;herself coldly
+smiling.</p>
+<p>"What are men's lives to England? She pays for them. Her army of
+mercenaries which was to force her yoke on Europe, is paid with the
+gold of blackmailers. She sends hirelings into the field to defend
+the inheritance of her ancestors; paid mercenaries fight for her
+most sacred possessions, while those who pay the blood-money throng
+to see the masterly exponents of football. And England is proud of
+her splendid sons who prefer this intellectual game to stern battle
+with the enemy.</p>
+<p>"How different it is with our men! With shouts of joy they march
+forth to meet the foe, offering their lives in a spirit of glad
+sacrifice for the highest and best which the world has to offer
+humanity. Storming forwards with the song, 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland &uuml;ber alles,' our youthful hosts, greeting death
+with a smile, hurl themselves upon the enemy. Truly, wherever and
+so long as men are men, the glory of our warriors will find
+remembrance in brave hearts."[<a href="#note-228">228</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-228"><!-- Note Anchor 228 --></a>[Footnote 228: J.
+Bermbach: "Zittere, England!" ("England, tremble!"). Weimar, 1915;
+p. 5 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"It would be neither right nor just to accuse English soldiers
+of a want of courage. They have fought everywhere, by land and sea,
+with respect-inspiring gallantry&mdash;for mercenaries! But the
+warlike virtues of England's armies cannot atone for the cowardice
+with which she has conducted the struggle for naval supremacy.
+Albion means England's rulers. And this England of Messrs. Grey and
+Churchill, has covered herself with shame for all time by the
+manner of her warfare on sea.</p>
+<p>"Albion has not changed. She has hidden her battleships in the
+bays of northern Ireland, and conducts war on sea&mdash;not against
+our ships and soldiers, but against those at home, German women and
+children! 'The pinch of hunger makes the heart weak,' said the
+noble-minded Churchill."[<a href="#note-229">229</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-229"><!-- Note Anchor 229 --></a>[Footnote 229:
+Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion," p. 152 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"According to its composition the English army is an army of
+mercenaries. On that account, however, it would be a great mistake
+to despise the quality of the soldiers or to cherish contempt for
+them. The standard of physical fitness demanded of the recruits
+was&mdash;at least up till a short time ago&mdash;more severe than
+that imposed in other lands. There is no doubt, our German brothers
+who have met the English on the field of battle, admit that they
+fight not only with valour but with unyielding stubbornness.</p>
+<p>"This results not so much from barrack-yard drill and field
+manoeuvres, as from the practical experience of warfare gained in
+many campaigns. England is occupied almost uninterruptedly, in
+warlike enterprises in some part of the world or other. Further,
+the officers&mdash;belonging mostly to the upper circles&mdash;have
+distinguished themselves in the field by a rash bravery which was
+marked perhaps, not so much by military as sportsmanlike
+behaviour.</p>
+<p>"All in all the strategic value of the English army in regard to
+leadership, training, discipline and the spirit of the troops,
+cannot compare with the conscript armies of other
+lands&mdash;especially the German army. Yet the contempt which has
+been expressed for it in the Press as an army of hirelings, is just
+as little merited to-day as it was in the past when it added many a
+glorious page to England's history.</p>
+<p>"These remarks are intended as a refutation to the reproaches
+made against the English army. It is true, those unjust criticisms
+did not originate with experts, or they would imply a dangerous
+under-estimation of the enemy. But in consequence of the widespread
+acceptance among the masses they unjustly feed the fires of
+hate."[<a href="#note-230">230</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-230"><!-- Note Anchor 230 --></a>[Footnote 230:
+Dr. G. Landauer: "England." Vienna; 1915, pp. 74-5.]</p>
+<p>"For the last ten days we have been resting to the west of Lille
+not far from Armenti&egrave;res; an English army is opposed to us.
+My battery is one of the links in the long chain of
+growlers[<a href="#note-231">231</a>] which daily pour fire and
+iron on to the enemy. We gave up counting the days and fights, for
+every day has its battle. Besides the English there are Indian
+troops, and a few French batteries in front of us.</p>
+<p><a name="note-231"><!-- Note Anchor 231 --></a>[Footnote 231:
+The Germans call their big guns "Brummer," <i>i.e.</i>,
+growler.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Every day confirms our experience that we are faced by an enemy
+with incomparable powers of resistance and endurance. An enemy who
+can hardly be shaken by the sharpest rifle-fire or the most awful
+rain of shell and shrapnel. We gain ground slowly, exceedingly
+slowly, and every step of soil has to be paid for dearly.</p>
+<p>"In the trenches taken by storm the English dead lie in rows,
+just like men who had not winced or yielded before the bayonets of
+the stormers. From the military point of view it must be admitted
+that such an enemy deserves the greatest respect. The English have
+adapted the experiences gained in their colonial wars to European
+conditions in a particularly clever manner.</p>
+<p>"Every attempt to cross the canal was thwarted by artillery fire
+and in many places the enemy was more advantageously situated than
+our men. His trenches were at least dry while ours were flooded
+with water. I went into the front trenches by Dixmude and found
+them lined half a yard deep with faggots and wood, yet at every
+step our feet sank into the water and slush.</p>
+<p>"On the other bank of the Yser lay the enemy and fired
+continuously. Anyone who saw our soldiers under these conditions
+and heard their jokes will never forget the sight. All the folk at
+home who grumbled at the slow progress ought to have been sent for
+a single day and night into that mud-swamp!</p>
+<p>"In those fields and canals, in this endless morass&mdash;made
+impassable by flooding&mdash;many, many brave German soldiers have
+sacrificed their lives. During the autumn and winter months of 1914
+the whole Yser domain was transformed into a vast graveyard.</p>
+<p>"The battle-front was determined by the nature of the land. It
+stretched from the sea through Ramscapelle, Dixmude, Roulers,
+Paschendaal to Ypres and the rage of battle swayed like a tossing
+ship in ocean storm. Even now Germany does not know the greatness
+and terror of the battles fought there. Only names are known, such
+as Middelkerke, Zonnebeeke, Warneton, etc.</p>
+<p>"The Belgians fought with the courage of despair. Their
+battle-cry was 'Louvain!' and 'Termonde!' Highlanders, Indians,
+Sikhs, Ghurkas, Zouaves, Turkos, Canadians, Belgians, French and
+English were thrown into the line, and ever-new regiments landed at
+Calais. Houses and villages were taken and re-taken at the point of
+the bayonet, as many as seven times. Towns and bridges were
+conquered and lost often eight times in succession, accompanied by
+heavy artillery duels and incredible losses."[<a href=
+"#note-232">232</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-232"><!-- Note Anchor 232 --></a>[Footnote 232:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p. 123 <i>et
+seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"We[<a href="#note-233">233</a>] have just gone into billets.
+Not far off are the positions of <i>the</i> enemy&mdash;the
+English. There will be a battle to-morrow and everybody is serious.
+Mostly by the evening, we are too tired to think, but it is not so
+to-day.</p>
+<p><a name="note-233"><!-- Note Anchor 233 --></a>[Footnote 233:
+Extracts from the diary of a German soldier, published in "Der
+Weltkrieg" ("The World War"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 632 <i>et
+seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"Again and again I arrive at the same conclusion&mdash;war is
+too great a thing to comprehend. Now we are going into battle with
+the black-white-gold band on our breasts. Greetings to you all at
+home, above all to you, father. I have your blessing, haven't
+I?</p>
+<p>"October 24th.&mdash;We are lying before the road from Ypres to
+Paschendaal. The Lt. Colonel has just told us that 'the losses
+cannot go on at this rate.' By the side of the brook, on this side
+the road, English sharpshooters are in hiding. They shoot damned
+straight. Our artillery is not yet up; the reason for our heavy
+losses yesterday.</p>
+<p>"The infantry advance with a rush towards the windmill, but we
+no sooner top the hill than the English machine guns begin to
+rattle. Our front ranks are mown down. Every attempt to advance
+fails. The order was given to lie down and there we remained for
+four hours. Then we rush one after the other through a hedge. When
+darkness fell we had nearly reached the English trenches, but were
+recalled and spent the night in our trench.</p>
+<p>"The next morning passed quietly, except for rifle-fire. Captain
+von K. was hit, and rolled over in front of the trench. Three
+comrades crept out one after the other to fetch him&mdash;all three
+fell. At last our wounded captain was still too&mdash;killed by a
+second bullet. Being compelled to watch this scene without power to
+help, was the beginning of our day.</p>
+<p>"Just after mid-day the music began. Crash! a shell lands in our
+trench on the right. A short pause, and crash follows crash as the
+shells are dropped into our trench at distances of four yards.
+Death walks slowly up the trench towards us. We know that he is
+coming, we see him. Everybody is lying flat on the ground. We are
+waiting for 'our' shell.</p>
+<p>"If we had a communication trench we could escape&mdash;but
+there isn't one. We reckon the distance: twenty-five yards away
+another direct hit. Crash! only twenty yards. Fifteen yards! We
+have only five minutes to live. Thoughts of God and home and
+parents rush through the mind; yet they are only numb feelings.
+Crash! ten yards; one more and then comes 'ours.' But no, the next
+boom was in the trench behind, and in the same manner that trench
+was cleared from end to end.</p>
+<p>"'Lieutenant T. killed, Lieutenant K. takes command' was passed
+along. We have hardly left the trench when bullets begin to whistle
+round our heads. Man after man remains behind. At last night sinks
+and hides the horrors of the day. I have lost my company and spend
+the night in the open with a few others.</p>
+<p>"The next morning the sun shone brightly; the morning wind blows
+coldly over the furrows and over the dead. I have no words to
+describe what I saw&mdash;but my heart bled! Near Paschendaal I
+found my company. Altogether there are thirty of us&mdash;out of
+two hundred and fifty."</p>
+<p>German war literature affords a complete picture of the
+transformation of German contempt for the British army into
+profound respect. As witness the following:</p>
+<p>"It cannot be denied that the English have supported Joffre's
+offensive with valour, strength and vigour. The battles which have
+raged since the end of September on the front between Givenchy la
+Gobelle and Armenti&egrave;res, have confirmed the deadly
+seriousness of the English. And if they have not obtained great
+successes, still, in this gigantic grapple, they have displayed
+desperate courage which compels the admiration of their
+opponents.</p>
+<p>"The Commander of a division, with whom I spent the last few
+days, said to me in a tone of deep conviction: 'Nobody must talk
+lightly of English soldiers in my presence. Their bravery and the
+extraordinary courage of English officers compels my admiration.
+Regimental commanders and staff officers advanced in the first line
+of their troops. They fight and fall by the side of their men. I
+saw several high officers killed myself.' Besides, I have heard his
+Excellency's words confirmed by many of his officers."[<a href=
+"#note-234">234</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-234"><!-- Note Anchor 234 --></a>[Footnote 234:
+Julius Hirsch; War Correspondent with the German Army, in the
+<i>Fr&auml;nkischer Kurier</i>, October 22nd, 1915.]</p>
+<p>In a previous work the author has expressed the opinion that
+Great Britain must employ all her strength in this, the greatest of
+all wars, and in concluding this work he repeats that warning still
+more emphatically. Only a true realization of the inevitable fact
+that British democracy is on trial by battle&mdash;"man to man and
+steel to steel"&mdash;will give the necessary courage, endurance,
+faith and hope to bring the issue to a victorious end.</p>
+<center>THE END</center>
+<hr>
+<a name="IDX"><!-- IDX --></a>
+<h2>INDEX</h2>
+<p class="index">Alleged Ill-Treatment of Germans in Belgium<br>
+Appreciation, a German, of England<br>
+Atrocities<br>
+Attack on Li&eacute;ge by a Zeppelin<br>
+Attitude of Germany and Austria<br>
+Austrian mobilization</p>
+<p class="index">Battle of the Marne<br>
+Belgian kindness to Germans<br>
+Belgrade during the crisis<br>
+Bethmann-Hollweg falsely accuses Russia of causing the war<br>
+Bismarck<br>
+Britain's position in the world<br>
+British<br>
+  accused of plundering<br>
+  Army<br>
+  General Staff's guide-books to Belgium<br>
+  inefficiency<br>
+  Navy<br>
+  Socialists<br>
+Brutal treatment of foreigners in Germany</p>
+<p class="index">Courage of British Army</p>
+<p class="index">Demonstrations in Favour of War<br>
+Diplomatic battles</p>
+<p class="index">England's Attitude<br>
+  heir<br>
+  neutrality, German offers for<br>
+Excitement in Germany</p>
+<p class="index">French Airmen, Alleged Attack near Nuremberg<br>
+  alleged attack on Frankfort</p>
+<p class="index">German Brutality towards Germans<br>
+  Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag<br>
+  comment on the conference proposal<br>
+  Crown Prince<br>
+  frontiers, alleged violation by the French<br>
+  General Staff, did it conspire to bring about war?<br>
+German efficiency<br>
+  invasion of France<br>
+  losses<br>
+  methods<br>
+  mobilization<br>
+  nerves<br>
+  opinion of England<br>
+  plundering<br>
+  Press plays Germany a foul trick<br>
+  provocation to Belgians before the war<br>
+  State, a Nirvana<br>
+German Socialists<br>
+  and conscription<br>
+  and universal peace<br>
+  cheer the announcement that Germany had invaded two neutral
+countries<br>
+  help Kaiser's government<br>
+  support the war<br>
+  vote for a war of aggression<br>
+  why they supported the war<br>
+German Socialists' attitude to England<br>
+  campaign against Russia<br>
+  class-war<br>
+  peace programme<br>
+  proclamation on August 1st, 1914,<br>
+German troops enter Belgium and Luxembourg<br>
+  unity<br>
+  war against civilians<br>
+German White Book on atrocities by the Belgians<br>
+Germans charge French with looting<br>
+  enter Brussels<br>
+  invade Belgium<br>
+Germany declares war on France<br>
+  declares war on Russia<br>
+  made peace impossible<br>
+  rejects British friendship<br>
+Germany's alleged efforts for peace<br>
+  case<br>
+  case against Belgian civilians<br>
+  hunt for phantom gold<br>
+  hunt for spies<br>
+  re-birth<br>
+  ultimatum to Russia<br>
+Grey, Sir Edward<br>
+Grey's, Sir Edward, conference proposal</p>
+<p class="index">Haldane Lord<br>
+Hate literature<br>
+Heligoland prepared for war</p>
+<p class="index">Ill-treatment, alleged, of Germans by British<br>
+Ireland and Germany<br>
+Iron Crosses<br>
+Italian Socialists condemn their German comrades</p>
+<p class="index">Japan</p>
+<p class="index">Kaiser's return to Berlin<br>
+  threat<br>
+  threat to England<br>
+<i>K&ouml;nigin Luise</i> starts to lay mines round the English
+coast</p>
+<p class="index">Lassalle's opinion of Austria<br>
+Last protest against war<br>
+Legend of gouged-out eyes<br>
+Letter of Belgian Legation Secretary<br>
+Louvain<br>
+Lying, a foundation-stone of German policy</p>
+<p class="index">Macdonald, Mr. Ramsay<br>
+Martial law proclaimed in Germany<br>
+Militarism, spirit of</p>
+<p class="index">Necessity knows no law<br>
+Neutrality of Belgium<br>
+"Now there are only Germans"</p>
+<p class="index">Oncken, Professor Hermann<br>
+Opinion in France at the outbreak of war</p>
+<p class="index">Peace, did Germany work for?<br>
+Poisoned water-supply scare<br>
+Press, German, condemns the Austrian ultimatum<br>
+Prince Heinrich's telegram to King George<br>
+Proclamation of the Social Democrats, July 25th, 1914<br>
+Propaganda for the annexation of Belgium</p>
+<p class="index">Reconciliation with Germany<br>
+Roman Catholic Church refutes German atrocity legends<br>
+Russia ignores the German ultimatum<br>
+Russia's attitude during the crisis<br>
+  military measures<br>
+  right to intervene</p>
+<p class="index">Secret Belgian documents seized in Brussels<br>
+Social Democratic demonstrations against war<br>
+Social Democrats' report on Belgium<br>
+Socialists, German, vote for war<br>
+Spy scare and its results<br>
+Status of German professors<br>
+Swiss Neutral on Belgian neutrality</p>
+<p class="index">Terms of Triple Alliance<br>
+Treatment of Belgian civilians<br>
+Trevelyan's, Mr. Charles, remarkable promise<br>
+Tricks of the German Press</p>
+<p class="index">Unprepared Condition of the Franco-Belgian
+Frontier</p>
+<p class="index">Violation of Belgian Neutrality<br>
+<i>Volksstaat</i> (People's State)</p>
+<p class="index">War Delirium<br>
+Warsaw citadel blown up<br>
+Wolff's News Agency</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10166 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #10166 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10166)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: What Germany Thinks
+       The War as Germans see it
+
+Author: Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+Release Date: November 21, 2003 [EBook #10166]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHAT GERMANY THINKS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, David King, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+WHAT GERMANY THINKS
+
+OR THE WAR AS GERMANS SEE IT
+
+
+By Thomas F.A. Smith, Ph.D.
+
+Late English Lecturer in the University of Erlangen
+
+Author of "The Soul of Germany: A Twelve Years' Study of the People from
+Within, 1902-1914"
+
+
+1915
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+   I--THE CAUSES OF THE WAR
+
+  II--ON THE LEASH
+
+ III--THE DOGS LET LOOSE
+
+  IV--MOBILIZATION
+
+   V--WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS
+
+  VI--THE DÉBÂCLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS
+
+ VII--"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"
+
+VIII--ATROCITIES
+
+  IX--THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND
+      GERMANY'S ANNEXATION PROPAGANDA
+
+   X--SAIGNER À BLANC
+
+  XI--THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR
+
+ XII--THE LITERATURE OF HATE
+
+XIII--"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"
+
+INDEX
+
+WHAT GERMANY THINKS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE CAUSES OF THE WAR
+
+
+In many quarters of the world, especially in certain sections of the
+British public, people believed that the German nation was led blindly
+into the World War by an unscrupulous military clique. Now, however,
+there is ample evidence to prove that the entire nation was thoroughly
+well informed of the course which events were taking, and also warned as
+to the catastrophe to which the national course was certainly leading.
+
+Even to-day, after more than twelve months of devastating warfare, there
+is no unity of opinion in Germany as to who caused the war. Some writers
+accuse France, others England, while many lay the guilt at Russia's
+door. They are only unanimous in charging one or other, or all the
+powers, of the Triple Entente. We shall see that every power now at war,
+with the exception of Germany and Italy, has been held responsible for
+Armageddon, but apparently it has not yet occurred to Germans that the
+bearer of guilt for this year's bloodshed--is Germany alone!
+
+It is true that the conflict between Austria and Serbia forms the
+starting point. Whether or not Serbia was seriously in the wrong is a
+matter of opinion, but it is generally held that Austria dealt with her
+neighbour with too much heat and too little discretion. Austria kindled
+the flames of war, but it was Germany's mission to seize a blazing torch
+and set Europe alight.
+
+When the text of Austria's ultimatum became known, a very serious mood
+came over Germany. There was not a man who did not realize that a great
+European War loomed on the horizon. A well-organized, healthy public
+opinion could at that period have brought the governments of the
+Germanic Powers to recognize their responsibility. Had the German Press
+been unanimous, it might have stopped the avalanche. But there were two
+currents of opinion, the one approving, the other condemning Austria for
+having thrown down the gauntlet to Serbia and above all to Russia.
+
+One paper exulted over the statement that every sentence in Austria's
+ultimatum "was a whip-lash across Serbia's face;" a phrase expressing so
+aptly the great mass of popular opinion. This expression met with
+unstinted approval, for it corresponded with German ideals and standards
+in dealing with an opponent. Yet there was no lack of warnings, and very
+grave ones too. A glance at German newspapers will suffice to prove this
+statement.
+
+On July 24th, 1914, Krupp's organ, the _Rheinisch-Westfälische Zeitung_,
+contained the following: "The Austro-Hungarian ultimatum is nothing but
+a pretext for war, but this time a dangerous one. It seems that we are
+standing on the verge of an Austro-Serbian war. It is possible, very
+possible, that we shall have to extinguish East-European conflagrations
+with our arms, either because of our treaties or from the compulsion of
+events. But it is a scandal if the Imperial Government (Berlin) has not
+required that such a final offer should be submitted to it for approval
+before its presentation to Serbia. To-day nothing remains for us but to
+declare: 'We are not bound by any alliance to support wars let loose by
+the Hapsburg policy of conquest.'"
+
+The _Post_ wrote on the same date: "Is that a note? No! it is an
+ultimatum of the sharpest kind. Within twenty-four hours Austria demands
+an answer. A reply? No! but an absolute submission, the utter and
+complete humiliation of Serbia. On former occasions we have (and with
+justice) made fun of Austria's lack of energy. Now we have a proof of
+energy which terrifies us. This 'note' represents about the very
+uttermost which can be said to any government, and such things are only
+said when the sender of the 'note' has absolutely determined upon war."
+
+The principal organ of Germany's largest political party, the Social
+Democrats, contained a still more emphatic protest on July 25th. A
+telegram from the Belgrade correspondent of the _Vorwärts_ runs: "Since
+the presentation of Austria's note, public opinion has become
+exceedingly serious, although the city is still very calm. The general
+view held is that Austria's ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign
+State. In Belgrade no one doubts that Russia will stand by Serbia.
+Everyone is certain that in consequence of Austria's excessively sharp
+tone, Russia will not remain inactive should Austria resort to armed
+force. The populace is prepared for war."
+
+In view of the subsequent attitude of Germany's Social Democrats, an
+official proclamation, published in all their seventy-seven daily papers
+on July 25th, is of supreme importance. At that date they had apparently
+no doubt whatever as to the guilty party. The change of front in the
+Reichstag on August 4th would seem in the light of this proclamation, as
+nothing other than a betrayal of conscience. Further, the split which
+has arisen in their ranks during the war leads to the supposition that
+Liebknecht, Kautsky and Bernstein have been troubled by the inward
+voice.
+
+This is the full text of the proclamation as it appeared in the
+_Vorwärts_:
+
+  "An Appeal! The Balkan plains are still steaming with the blood of
+  thousands of murdered; the ruins of desolate towns and devastated
+  villages are still smoking after the Balkan War; hungry, workless men,
+  widowed women and orphan children are still wandering through the
+  land, and yet again Austria's Imperialism unchains the War Fury to
+  bring death and destruction over all Europe.
+
+  "Even if we condemn the doings of the Greater-Serbian Nationalists,
+  still the wicked war-provocation of the Austro-Hungarian Government
+  calls forth the most stinging protest. The demands made by this
+  government are so brutal, that in the history of the world their like
+  has never been presented to an independent State, and they can only be
+  calculated to provoke war.
+
+  "Germany's proletariat, conscious of its mission, raises herewith, in
+  the name of humanity and civilization, the most fervent protest
+  against this criminal action of the war party (_Kriegshetzer_). It
+  (the Social Democratic Party) demands imperatively that the German
+  Government should exercise all its influence on the Austrian
+  Government to preserve peace, and in case this infamous war cannot be
+  prevented then to abstain from any warlike interference. No single
+  drop of blood of a single German soldier may be sacrificed to gratify
+  the lust for power of the Austrian autocracy, the Imperial
+  profit-interests.
+
+  "Comrades! we call upon you to give expression to the working-classes'
+  unshakable will for peace in mass meetings. This is a serious moment,
+  more solemn than any in the last few decades. There is danger in
+  delay. A world war threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave,
+  despise and exploit you in times of peace desire now to misuse you as
+  cannon-fodder. From all sides the cry must ring in the ears of those
+  in authority: We don't want war! Down with war!
+
+  "Long live international brotherhood!
+
+  "Berlin, July 25th, 1914.
+
+  "_The Leaders of the Party_."
+
+Two days later the _Leipziger Tageblatt_ announced that the Public
+Prosecutor had commenced proceedings against the editors of _Vorwärts_
+for having distributed the above appeal in pamphlet form in the streets
+of Berlin. From this fact we may conclude that the charges thrown out by
+the Social Democratic Party were by no means congenial to the plans of
+the German Government.
+
+The Liberal _Berliner Tageblatt_ (July 24th), gave its unreserved
+support to Austria's action. "The Austrian Government has voiced its
+demands in a calm and serious tone which contains nothing offensive to
+the Serbian monarchy. Everyone who has considered the results of the
+inquiry into the tragedy of Serajewo, and the burrowing of Serbian
+propagandists in Austria, must give his absolute sanction to the
+latter's demands. Much as every right-thinking man must desire that
+peace should be preserved, still he must admit that Austria could not
+have acted otherwise."
+
+Even the _Vossische Zeitung_, the organ of army circles, was more
+conservative in its judgment. In the issue for July 24th a leading
+article runs: "It cannot be denied that nearly every point raised by
+Austria in her note is an encroachment on Serbia's sovereign rights.
+Austria appears as the policeman, who undertakes to create order in
+Serbia, because the Serbian Government, according to Austria's claim, is
+unable to hold in check those 'subversive elements' within its
+frontiers, which disturb Austria's peace. But only in this manner can
+Austria protect herself against the criminals who are sent from Serbia
+to the territories of the Hapsburg monarchy. No consideration whatever
+can be shown to Serbia, as Austria's first duty is self-defence."
+
+In the German Press two widely-differing opinions found expression with
+regard to the equity of Austria's demands, but the Press and people were
+unanimous in believing that if these demands were ruthlessly pressed
+home they could only lead to a European conflagration.
+
+In view of this latter danger, national opinion was again divided into
+two camps: the first against war, the second determined to support
+Austria and pursue the path chosen by the Berlin Government, no matter
+what the consequences might be. The latter party included the vast bulk
+of the nation; and Chauvinism dominated in the Press, theatres,
+concert-halls, churches and music-halls. "Patriotic" demonstrations were
+held before Austrian consulates, in restaurants and coffee-houses. The
+Berlin Government was overwhelmed with telegrams from all kinds of
+bodies--especially those with a military colouring, such as veterans'
+clubs, societies of one-year volunteers, university societies,
+etc.--calling upon it to defend Germany's honour against Slavonic murder
+and intrigue. In short, all Germany gave itself up to a veritable
+_Kriegsrausch_ (war intoxication) which found expression in the wildest
+attacks on Russia and a perfervid determination to see the matter
+through, should Russia venture to intervene in any way to protect Serbia
+from whatever measures Austria thought proper to take.
+
+It is little to be wondered at that Russia in face of this spontaneous
+outbreak did take military precautions, for all Germany made it
+perfectly clear that no kind of intervention on Russia's part in the
+Austro-Serbian dispute would be tolerated by Germany. It is true that,
+late in the day, Austria avowed that she had no intention of annexing
+Serbian territory, a declaration which Germans did not believe, and
+certainly one which Russia had no reason to accept after Austria's
+annexion of Bosnia and Herzegowina in 1908.
+
+Furthermore, Austria gave Russia every reason to cherish suspicion as to
+her intentions. On July 25th Austria issued official orders for the
+mobilization of eight of her sixteen army corps, in addition to which a
+part of the _Landsturm_ was called up. The corps mobilized were: one
+each in Upper and Lower Austria, Dalmatia, Buda-Pest, Croatia and Bosnia
+and two Bohemian corps. Three-eighths of the forces called up were thus
+placed very near to the Russian frontier.
+
+Vienna was wild with war-enthusiasm which found expression in
+demonstrations lasting all through the night, July 25-26th. Austrian
+officers, who have always been hated by the populace, were cheered,
+embraced and carried shoulder-high wherever they were met. The effect
+which this had in Berlin may be seen from the _Berliner Tageblatt_ of
+July 26th: "An enormous mass of people gathered before the Russian
+Embassy last night between the hours of twelve and one. The crowd howled
+and hissed, and cries were raised: 'Down with Russia! Long live Austria!
+Down with Serbia!' Gradually the police cleared the masses away."
+
+Russia ignored the incident, but when about a hundred Frenchmen
+demonstrated before the Austrian Embassy in Paris at exactly the same
+time, the Ambassador at once protested at the Quai d'Orsay and the
+Director of the French Foreign Office immediately apologized.
+
+On the whole the reports of excesses in various parts of Germany against
+any and all who dared to show any anti-war sympathies proves clearly
+that the blood-lust aroused by the German Government's policy had
+already passed beyond the control of the authorities. In Munich one of
+the most modern coffee-houses (Café Fahrig) was completely gutted
+because the proprietor endeavoured to keep the demonstrants within
+reasonable bounds. Serbs and Russians were attacked and ill-treated. One
+such incident occurred at mid-day, Sunday, July 26th, in Munich, of
+which a full description is given in the _München-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung_ for the following day.
+
+A few days later (August 2nd) the Princess Café, Berlin, was demolished
+because the guests believed that there were Russians in the band. In
+Hamburg on the following day a newly-opened restaurant was completely
+destroyed because a young Dane had failed to stand up when the national
+hymn was being played. "Yesterday a young Dane remained sitting during
+the singing of the national hymn, for which reason the persons in the
+hall became greatly excited. 'Russian, stand up!' was shouted to him. In
+the same moment blows began to rain down upon him, so that, streaming
+with blood, he was carried out." (_Berliner Zeitung am Mittag_, August
+4th.)
+
+These are only a selection of many such incidents which show that the
+national brutishness was appearing through the veneer. In the light of
+such events where, on German soil, Germans murderously attacked their
+fellow-countrymen on such ridiculous pretexts, it requires little
+imagination to explain the outburst of brutality against Belgians who
+dared to defend hearth and home.
+
+Meanwhile the smaller party which desired peace had not been entirely
+idle. On July 28th the Social Democrats held thirty-two mass meetings in
+Berlin to protest against war. "The attendance was in every case
+enormous, but the meetings were all orderly and calm. The police had
+taken extensive precautionary measures. The speakers were mostly members
+of the Reichstag or the Berlin Town Council. Throughout they were guilty
+of the most fiery and tactless attacks on Austria, _to whom alone they
+ascribed the guilt for the warlike developments_. Each meeting adopted a
+resolution against war. The chief of police had forbidden all
+processions or demonstrations to take place after the day before. In
+spite of this, many of the Socialists who had attended these meetings
+tried to form processions, especially in Unter den Linden. As large
+bodies of troops had closed the streets, small parties of the Socialists
+managed to reach the Linden by means of trams and omnibuses. At about 10
+p.m. hisses and cries of 'Down with the war party!' were heard before
+the Café Kranzler. In a moment the number of Democrats swelled to large
+proportions and the workmen's Marseillaise was struck up, followed by a
+short, sharp order. The mounted police advanced with drawn swords
+against the rioters; the air was filled with shouts and cries of _Pfui_!
+(Shame!). On the other side of the road the crowd sang the national
+hymn. The masses clashed together, and the police advanced again and
+again till the street was cleared. At the corner, however, the
+Socialists formed up again, and began to demonstrate anew, so that the
+police were compelled to attack them without any consideration in order
+to preserve the peace. They cleared the pavements and galloped up the
+promenade. Again the cry echoed 'Down with war!' and as answer came 'die
+Wacht am Rhein.' But it was some considerable time before the struggle
+ceased to surge to and fro." (_München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July
+29th.)
+
+Thus the great Socialist-International-Pacifist movement, with four and
+a quarter million German voters behind it, fizzled out on the pavements
+of Unter den Linden. Probably there were demonstrations in other parts
+of Germany, but this much is certain, that the members of Catholic and
+Protestant _Arbeiterverbände_ (Workmen's Societies) held meetings and
+demonstrated in favour of war. On the other hand the Women's Union of
+the German Peace Society in Stuttgart sent a telegram to the Kaiser,
+begging him in the name of "millions of German mothers" to preserve the
+peace.
+
+The most interesting protest against the war movement is undoubtedly the
+following: "This, then, is the cultural height to which we have
+attained. Hundreds of thousands of the healthiest, finest, most valuable
+forces in the nation are trembling from anxiety that chance, or a nod of
+Europe's rulers, malevolence, or a fit of Sadism, a Caesar-madness or a
+business speculation, an empty word or a vague conception of honour,
+will drive them to-morrow out of their homes, from wife and child, from
+all that which they treasure and have built up with so much pain and
+trouble--into death. The mad coincidence may arise to-day, may call them
+to-morrow, or at any minute, and all, all of them will go--obeying
+damnable necessity, but still obeying. At first they will whine on
+seeing their bit of earthly happiness snatched away, but soon,
+however--although their consciences may not be quite clean--they will be
+possessed by the general frenzy to murder and be murdered." Franz
+Pfemfert in _die Aktion_.
+
+Although this article appeared on August 1st, it had evidently been
+written before the proclamation of martial law. It was one of the last
+political articles which the paper published, for the next number but
+one contains the announcement that "the _Aktion_ will in future only
+publish articles on art and literature." The reasons are not far to
+seek.
+
+In justice to the pacifist elements it must be stated that they were up
+against bayonets. The only pity is that British public opinion, or any
+section of it, had been led to believe that it could ever have been
+otherwise. Austria had committed an unpardonable act of provocation,
+which at first reasonable opinion in Germany openly condemned.
+Simultaneously the German Government set in motion an avalanche of
+racial feeling to play off against the just and moderate measures taken
+by other powers to checkmate Austrian aggression. In addition to the
+racial hostility, which had been lashed into bitterness during the
+spring of 1914, came Germany's morbid conception of national and
+personal honour. Lastly the fear of a Russian invasion was astutely
+inoculated into the nation.
+
+It is the author's firm conviction, and the military events in Poland
+and Galicia have only strengthened this opinion, that from the very
+beginning Germany could have prevented any Russian invasion of her
+territory, but she did not desire that end, but rather that the fear of
+Russia should complete the "Kriegsrausch" of the German nation. After
+frightening the people the Berlin Government struck its blow in the
+direction of their political ambitions--to the West, and after the
+Russians had been allowed to penetrate German territories they were
+hurled over the Eastern frontiers at the end of August. While the Kaiser
+was sending peaceful telegrams to Petrograd and Vienna, the Press was
+full of horrible pictures of Cossack barbarism and the dread terrors of
+the Russian knout, both of which--the public was led to believe--were
+about to strike Germany.
+
+In this manner the Kaiser and his advisers created a national psychology
+which left open only two alternatives: the absolute humiliation of
+Russia and the consequent hegemony of Germany in Europe--or war.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ON THE LEASH
+
+
+Russia gave the world to understand by an official declaration, issued
+on Friday, July 24th, 1914, that she was not an indifferent, but a
+keenly interested spectator to the Austro-Serbian conflict. On the
+following day Russia's declaration was published in almost the entire
+German Press, and from that moment the same Press was flooded with all
+kinds of attacks directed against the Eastern neighbour. Russia was
+frankly told to mind her own business--the quarrel did not concern her.
+
+The German public immediately accepted this point of view, so that every
+subsequent move on Russia's part appeared in the light of an
+unwarrantable offensive. Undoubtedly the Bismarckian tactics of
+publishing inspired articles in all parts of Germany were employed, and
+their colouring left no doubt on the public mind that the much-talked-of
+Slavonic danger had assumed an acute form.
+
+A request on Russia's part, made on July 25th, that the space of time
+(forty-eight hours) allowed to Serbia for an answer should be extended,
+only increased popular irritation in the Germanic Empires. This
+irritation was accompanied by an unmistakable bellicose spirit which
+called forth its natural counterpart in Petrograd.
+
+Nevertheless the fact remains that up till July 25th Russia had only
+asked for time, and the reply given by the Berlin mob (?) during the
+following night, was echoed throughout Germany. The view that Russia had
+no right to interest herself on behalf of Serbia (passing over Russia's
+right to preserve the newly-established balance of power in the Balkans)
+is untenable. If Canada had a quarrel--just or unjust--with the United
+States, it would be ridiculous to assert that England had no right to
+intervene.
+
+This was, however, not the first occasion on which Germany had advanced
+so preposterous a claim. During the tariff conflict between Germany and
+Canada some years ago, a wave of indignant anger went over the whole
+Fatherland, because England ventured to interfere.
+
+In any case, during the last week before war broke out, the German
+Government succeeded in imposing upon public opinion the feeling that
+the quarrel was a racial one; together with the conviction that Russia
+was interfering in order to protect a band of murderers from just
+punishment, and had neither rights nor interests at stake in the
+quarrel. This conspiracy succeeded, but the whole German nation must
+still be held responsible for the outbreak of war, because, as has been
+shown in the preceding chapter, the nation had already been warned by
+newspapers of various political parties. They had been plainly told that
+Austria had exceeded the limits of all diplomatic dealings between two
+sovereign States, and that Austria's provocation could easily kindle a
+world war.
+
+Warnings and truths were alike forgotten, and the voices which uttered
+them were now raising another hue and cry.[1] Racial hatred was ablaze;
+the warlike instincts of a military people were calling for action, and
+a diseased conception of national honour was asking why Berlin did not
+act against the Russian barbarians. In one paper the author remembers
+reading a violent demand for action against Russia before the national
+ardour had time to cool down.
+
+[Footnote 1: The last mention of Austria as the guilty party is the
+account of the Social Democratic demonstrations in Berlin on July 28th;
+reported in the papers of the following day.]
+
+On July 26th Austrian mobilization was in full swing, and Russia
+admittedly took precautions of a similar nature soon after that date. We
+may be sure that Russia understands her neighbours better than the
+inhabitants of the British Isles understand them. In 1909 she had
+suffered a severe diplomatic defeat and corresponding loss of prestige,
+because she could only use words in dealing with Germany and Austria.[2]
+Now she was faced with the alternative of withdrawing from her declared
+attitude (July 24th) or taking measures of a military character. In
+order not to sacrifice her position as a European power and her special
+position as the leader of the Slavonic peoples, Russia chose the latter
+course, the only honourable one open to her. German papers and public
+speakers retorted that Russia is the patron and protector of
+assassins--a calculated distortion of the facts intended to have due
+effect on public opinion. On all sides it was said that Russia had given
+Serbia secret assurances of help which caused her to become stiff-backed
+and unrepentant. Fortunately, it is possible to refute the accusation
+through the pen of a German journalist, who described Belgrade's
+desperate position on July 25th, the day when the ultimatum expired.
+
+[Footnote 2: "The interests of Russian and German imperialism have
+continually clashed during the last ten years, and more than once Russia
+has had to beat a retreat before Germany's threats." Dr. Paul Lensch,
+member of the Reichstag, in his "German Social Democracy and the World
+War," p. 35. Published by "Vorwärts Co." Berlin, 1915.]
+
+"At last the inhabitants of Belgrade have become aware of their serious
+situation. 'We are lost! Russia has left us in the lurch!' is being
+shouted in the streets. Journalists, who at 2.30 p.m. had assured me
+that Russia had intervened in Vienna with success, succumbed now to the
+general depression. The people believe that they have been betrayed and
+sold; rumours of assassination pass from mouth to mouth. The ministerial
+council has been characterized by violent recriminations, ending in
+blows. Others asserted that the Crown Prince Alexander had been stabbed
+by a leader of the war-party. Another whispers that King Peter is dying
+from an apoplectic fit or as the result of an _attentat_. The reports
+become wilder, and each increases the dread of some unutterable,
+imminent catastrophe.
+
+"The streets are crowded with terror-stricken citizens. Curses resound
+on all sides. Certainly a most unusual struggle is going on between the
+two parties for peace and war. Shortly after three o'clock it seems to
+be settled that Austria's demands will be fulfilled. It is true the
+mobilization decree has been posted up on all public buildings, but that
+means nothing. We still have nearly three hours in which all can be
+righted. How will this gallows-respite be employed?
+
+"It is four o'clock. Messengers rush from one Embassy to the other. In
+the coffee-houses the rumour goes round: 'Italy is our saviour in
+distress.' Cries of 'shame!' against Russia are raised, while the
+'_vivas_!' for Italy sound louder and louder. The crowd marches to the
+Italian Embassy, but are received with long and astonished faces. No!
+there is nothing to hope for from Italy. Next they go to the French
+Embassy; now there are about two thousand of us. Another disappointment!
+A young diplomat receives the thronging masses and talks empty nothings,
+including a great deal about France's sympathy for Serbia. But in this
+dark hour sympathy is of no avail. Downcast and silent, the people go
+next to the representative of Albion--who declines to appear.
+
+"The confusion in the minds of the masses caused by the Government's
+indecision increases from minute to minute; indescribable scenes are
+witnessed before the General Post Office. It is alleged that thousands
+and thousands of telegrams have arrived from Russia, begging the members
+of Serbia's royal family not to give way to Austria. It may easily be
+possible that the Russian telegrams all emanate from one person and have
+been forged, in order to counteract the disposition to yield on the part
+of the royal family. Without doubt both the King and Crown Prince have
+lost all personal influence on the final decision. They are being slowly
+carried along by the conflagration-party which obtained the upper hand
+soon after four o'clock."[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July 28th.]
+
+This picture gives no support to Germany's accusation that Russia had
+stiffened Serbia into resisting Austria's unacceptable demands. It
+rather leads one to consider that an action which drives a weak nation
+to arrive at a decision on so awful an issue in so short a time, is an
+action discreditable to a stronger, and impossible on the part of a
+morally great, power. If Serbia chose wrongly in refusing to bite the
+dust, then the guilt is still chargeable to Austria for forcing her
+little neighbour to take a choice in haste. Sir Edward Grey emphasized
+in his speech of July 27th the shortness of the time which all the
+Powers had had at their disposal to formulate a plan, by which the
+conflict could be restricted to the East, or amicably settled.
+
+The leaders of the Germanic States had purposely willed it so. Several
+unsuccessful attempts had been made to break up the Triple Entente, the
+only barrier to the Germanization, _i.e._, Prussianization, of Europe,
+and in the tragedy of Serajewo the Central Powers (or, at least, the
+dominating factor of the two) believed they had found a lever with which
+to break down the opposition by diplomacy. If that failed an immediate
+appeal to the sword should follow. The diplomatic forty-eight hours'
+_coup-de-main_ failed, and the programme contained no other item except
+war. In a few words this means that the dastardly crime of Princip and
+his fellow conspirators was exploited by Germany, acting through
+Austria, to disturb the European balance of power under the guise of a
+just vengeance.
+
+Sir Edward Grey formulated and circulated his conference proposal on the
+next day, July 26th. Some persons to whom I spoke at the time welcomed
+the idea; they belonged principally to the lower middle classes. One
+well-known Pan-Germanist (Dr. Beckmann, professor of history in Erlangen
+University) said that the proposal was an admission of a diplomatic
+defeat and a sign that the Entente Powers were afraid to draw the sword.
+If the three Powers in question were prepared to pocket this smack in
+the face, then Germany would be satisfied, because such a defeat would
+mean that the Triple Entente would never be able to work together again.
+
+It is interesting to compare with this opinion those of two leading
+newspapers:
+
+(1.) "We understand that the German Government is not absolutely hostile
+to England's endeavours to bring about a mediation between the
+contending Powers by those not directly interested in the conflict. But
+the German Government makes its participation in the mediation dependent
+upon whether Austria-Hungary would accept this procedure, and in which
+respect Austria wishes the mediation to follow. The German Government
+cannot support any action which Austria-Hungary does not desire, as that
+would mean exercising pressure.
+
+"From Sir Edward Grey's declaration in the House of Commons it is clear
+that he was not thinking of mediation between Austria and Serbia, but
+between Austria and Russia. This shade of meaning requires attention. We
+think that any attempt at mediation between Austria and Serbia would
+have no prospect of success, because in Vienna they do not seem inclined
+to accept such an action. Diplomatic relations have not been broken off;
+the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs confers still with the Austrian
+Ambassador, and it is not easy to see why the other Powers Should not
+further this discussion in a mediative sense.
+
+"But then Sir Edward Grey gave his idea more exact form and proposed a
+conference between the German, Italian and French ambassadors and
+himself. This conference of ambassadors is to seek a basis for an
+agreement and then submit the result to the cabinets in Vienna and St.
+Petersburg. In his yesterday's speech he emphasized the point that no
+hostilities may take place till the conference has concluded its work.
+
+"Here, of course, is the difficulty which mars his plan, for it is
+questionable whether Austria will consent to a postponement of her
+military operations. Negotiations concerning Sir Edward Grey's proposal
+are at present occupying the cabinets, and it is to be hoped that a
+means will be found to make it acceptable to the Powers most interested
+in the conflict."[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: _Berliner Tagtblatt_, July 28th.]
+
+(2.) "Germany not only cherishes, in a platonic manner, the desire of
+the Western Powers to prevent the conflict between Austria and Serbia
+spreading to the great Powers, but the Berlin cabinet has already been
+active in more than one European capital in favour of a mediation which
+will secure European peace. In this respect we are pleased (_Man
+begrüsst es hier_) that, in consequence of Sir Edward Grey's initiative,
+the mediation idea has assumed an official form and is open for public
+discussion. There is, however, reason to doubt whether a conference
+between four great Powers as an organ for the mediation is the most
+suitable way out of the difficulty. Everyone is quite agreed that the
+details of the Austro-Serbian conflict, which concerns these two States
+alone, cannot be brought before the forum of a conference; but as
+regards the removal in good time of any difficulties which may arise
+between Austria and Russia, the question must be raised as to whether
+the Governments of these States are willing to entrust an official
+mediation to a conference of four other great Powers. For the success of
+the mediation proposal it would be more practical if the means to this
+end were made as simple as possible, and that use was made of the
+current diplomatic discussions, in immediate communication with the
+capitals of the Empires in question, in order to carry through a
+mediatory action to the result desired on all sides.
+
+"In the employment of these means Germany would not fail to support the
+Western Powers as she has already done up to the present."[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: _Kölnische Zeitung_, July 28th.]
+
+I have carefully searched the official publications of the Central
+Powers (Germany's White Book; Austria's Orange Book), and can find no
+record in them of any pacific action on Germany's part in either of the
+European capitals; hence the claims made in the above article seem to be
+an exaggeration.
+
+It appears incredible that these Powers should have omitted to give
+proof of such action when making their case public for the sole purpose
+of proving their innocence before the world. On the other hand, the
+impression given by these books is that Germany and Austria's attitude
+was:
+
+To SERBIA: The conditions must be accepted _ad hoc_ to the smallest
+tittle and comma. Alternative, war.
+
+To RUSSIA: What we have determined upon is unalterable and inevitable,
+and you must submit to this decision. Alternative, war.
+
+The _Görlitzer Nachrichten_ published the following paragraph on July
+30th: "Vienna, July 29th. After having made inquiries in official
+circles, the morning papers make this announcement: Count Berchtold has
+informed the English Ambassador that the Austro-Hungarian Government is
+grateful for Grey's mediation proposal, and appreciates the good
+intentions of the British Government. A peaceful solution of the
+conflict with Serbia is, however, no longer possible, as the declaration
+of war had already been signed."
+
+Before leaving this all-important episode, it is instructive to compare
+three other versions of the reason for refusing a conference. Sir Edward
+Grey mooted the proposal for a conference to the ambassadors in London
+on Friday, July 24th. On the afternoon he requested the British
+Ambassador in Berlin to propose the conference to the German Government.
+
+In spite of this, document No. 12 in the German White Book, a telegram
+from the German Chancellor to Prince Lichnowsky in London runs: "We know
+nothing here of a proposal from Sir Edward Grey to hold a conference of
+four in London, etc." Another telegram, document No. 15, bearing the
+same date and likewise from Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky is as
+follows: "We have immediately commenced the mediatory action in Vienna
+in the sense desired by Sir Edward Grey. Furthermore, we have informed
+Count Berchtold of M. Sasonow's desire to communicate with him
+direct."[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: This message leads to the assumption that direct
+communications between Vienna and Petrograd had already ceased, although
+the _Kölnische Zeitung_ told the German public on the following day that
+they had not.]
+
+The next document in the German White Book is dated July 28th. It is a
+telegram from the German Ambassador in Vienna to the German Chancellor
+in Berlin. "Count Berchtold begs me to express his thanks to you for
+communicating the English mediation proposal. He replies, however, that
+in consequence of the commencement of hostilities by Serbia and after
+the declaration of war which has meanwhile been made he must look upon
+England's step as being too late."
+
+In the Austrian Orange Book, p. 122, we find this passage in a telegram
+from Count Berchtold to the Austrian representative in London: "When Sir
+Edward Grey speaks of the possibility of avoiding an outbreak of
+hostilities he is too late, for yesterday Serbians shot at our frontier
+guards, and to-day we have declared war on Serbia."
+
+There are two points in these telegrams which require explanation.
+Firstly, why should Sir Edward Grey's proposal take so long to reach
+Vienna. Apparently it took from Monday to Wednesday to go by telegram
+from London via Berlin to Vienna. Two German newspapers (already quoted)
+knew of this conference idea on the 27th of July and commented upon it
+in their morning editions of the following day.
+
+The other point is the Austrian statement that Serbia commenced
+hostilities. If this were the case, one would expect that
+Austria-Hungary, in declaring war subsequently to the alleged shooting
+by Serbians at frontier guards, would make mention of the acts as a
+_casus belli_. On p. 117 of the Red Book the text of the declaration of
+war is given in full, but there is no mention of any resort to arms on
+the part of Serbia.
+
+We are forced to the conclusion that Germany and Austria are mutually
+responsible for preventing the conference; they desired war, and a
+conference might have preserved peace. During the present summer (1915)
+an important work has been published in Germany from which the following
+passage is taken:
+
+"Grey thought the time had now arrived to formulate a mediation
+proposal. This idea was from the very beginning unacceptable to Austria,
+because that would indirectly be a recognition of Russia as an
+interested Power in the Austro-Serbian conflict. Only those who have
+followed the development of mutual obligations between the Entente
+Powers are able to understand the role which Russia's two comrades
+(France and England)--to say nothing at all of Italy--would have played
+in this conference. During its sittings Russia would have continued her
+military preparations, while Germany would have been pledged not to
+mobilize. Finally, nobody could assert that the man (Sir Edward Grey)
+who would have presided over these negotiations, could have been
+impartial. The more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more
+clearly one recognizes that it would have made for a diplomatic victory
+of the Triple Entente."[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Professor Hermann Oncken: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg,"
+pp. 545-6.]
+
+Even the claim that Austria showed some inclination to permit mediation
+on the points in her ultimatum to Serbia which were incompatible with
+Serbia's sovereignty, has been categorically denied. The Vienna
+_Fremdenblatt_ for September 24th, 1914, contains this official
+announcement:
+
+"Vienna, September 24th. In a report of the late British Ambassador
+published by the British Government, there is a passage which maintains
+that Austria-Hungary's Ambassador, Count Szapary, in St. Petersburg had
+informed Monsieur Sasonow, Russia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, that
+Austria-Hungary 'was willing to submit the points in her Note to Serbia
+which seemed incompatible with Serbian independence, to mediation.'
+
+"We have been informed officially that this statement is absolutely
+untrue; according to the nature of the step taken by the monarchy in
+Belgrade, it would have been absolutely unthinkable. The passage cited
+from the British Ambassador's report, as well as some other phrases in
+the same, are evidently inspired by a certain bias. They are intended to
+prove, by asserting that Austria-Hungary was prepared to yield on some
+points at issue, that German diplomacy was really responsible for the
+outbreak of war.
+
+"Such attempts cannot obscure the truth, that Austria-Hungary and
+Germany concurred in the wish to preserve European peace. If this wish
+has not been fulfilled, and a European conflict has arisen out of a
+local settlement, it can only be ascribed to the circumstance that
+Russia first threatened Austria-Hungary and then Germany by an
+unjustifiable mobilization. By this she forced war upon the Central
+Powers and thus kindled a general conflagration."
+
+In dealing with Germany's endeavours for peace Professor Oncken writes
+on p. 546 of "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War"): "The work of German diplomacy took the form of giving warnings
+and peaceful explanations." On July 26th she pointed out to the Russian
+Government that "preparatory military measures on Russia's part would
+compel Germany to take corresponding steps, viz., the mobilization of
+the army. Mobilization means war." Oncken does not quote any of the
+"peaceful explanations" (_friedliche Erklärungen_), and much as the
+present writer would like to fill up this gap in his work, he must admit
+his utter inability, because in the diplomatic correspondence he can
+only find exasperating threats, thrown out to Russia by the two Germanic
+Empires.
+
+The whole problem allows of a very simple digest: On July 23rd,
+Austria-Hungary handed her ultimatum to Serbia, therein stating her
+demands, and on the following day informed all the European powers of
+her attitude. The neutral Press of the world and an unusually large
+section of the German Press, immediately pronounced Austria's position
+to be indefensible and untenable. The German Government, in spite of
+these facts, gave its official and unreserved support to Austria's
+attitude on July 26th. After eight weeks of war (on September 25th),
+Austria officially declared that she had never swerved from her original
+claims, nor ever felt any inclination to do so.
+
+It is true that the usages of everyday life do not always hold good in
+diplomatic dealings, but it is instructive to state the case in the
+terms of everyday affairs. Mr. A. (Austria) informs Mr. B. (Serbia) that
+he has a quarrel to settle with him and states his demands. Mr. C.
+(Russia) who is a relation, patron and friend of B.'s, interferes to see
+fair play. Whereupon Mr. D. (Germany), a friend and relation of A.'s,
+informs C. in unmistakable fashion that he must neither speak nor act in
+the affair or he will be immediately thrashed. Messrs. A. and D. are
+unanimous in this view and repeat the threat in mutual form. Meanwhile
+A. attacks B. Mr. C, seeing that they will not accord him a hearing,
+takes steps to compel them to hear him, at which point Mr. D. fulfils
+his threat and falls upon C.
+
+It is not yet clear whether Austria would have permitted Russia to take
+over the rôle of adviser and second to Serbia in her unequal struggle
+with Austria. But from the moment Germany appeared on the scene the
+situation becomes perfectly simple: Russia has absolutely no right
+either to speak or move in the matter. On this rock of immovable
+Germanic obstinacy the Russian ship of State, was intended to meet with
+diplomatic shipwreck. Should Russia attempt to avoid this fate, then the
+German sword could be trusted to arrange matters in the way desired by
+Germany.
+
+The German language contains a very expressive phrase,
+_Stimmungsmacherei_, which means creating or preparing a certain frame
+of mind. How Germany's public opinion was tuned to the war melody is
+seen by a study of the German newspapers published between July 25th and
+August 1st. A great part of the German nation had welcomed Austria's
+expressed determination to compel Serbia "to lick her shoes," as a
+London paper put it at the time. Only the Social Democratic Party
+persisted in asserting that Austria was the provocative and guilty party
+down to the evening of July 28th.
+
+But three days earlier the process of educating public opinion against
+Russia commenced. In fact, it required little tuning to arouse a
+national chorus, which was swelled subsequently by the Social Democratic
+voices, demanding that Russia too must bite the dust.
+
+At the psychological moment the terms of the alliance between Germany
+and Austria were launched in the Press. One paper[8] wrote: "It is
+interesting at the present moment to call to mind how the treaty
+existing between Germany and Austria regulates the question of mutual
+support." Then the various paragraphs are cited, and the article
+concludes: "That is to say: (1.) Assuming Austria attacks Serbia, and
+Russia as a precautionary measure sends troops to the Austrian frontier
+without commencing hostilities against the latter, then Germany is under
+no obligation to intervene. (2.) Assuming that Serbia is the attacking
+party, and Russia gives her support by military measures which threaten
+Austria, then the German Empire must immediately assist the Hapsburg
+monarchy with the whole of her military forces.
+
+[Footnote 8: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July 27th.]
+
+"Hence it all depends upon who attacks; the interpretation of 'attack,'
+however, is debatable both in politics and international law. Again and
+again it has been asserted that that Power which declares war is not the
+attacker, but the one which makes a continuance of peaceful relations
+impossible."
+
+Innumerable notices of Russia's alleged mobilization appeared and,
+probably with a view to encouraging Germans to stand fast, ghastly
+pictures of the weakness and unpreparedness of the Russian army, in a
+word Russian rottenness and corruption. Persistent rumours of
+revolutions in Russia were current.
+
+A Vienna telegram published in Berlin[9] informed the German public
+that: "News received from Warsaw deny the rumours that a revolution has
+broken out in Russian-Poland, but it is true that yesterday the entire
+citadel in Warsaw was blown up. Official Russian reports endeavour to
+prove that the explosion was caused by lightning. The extent of the
+damage is not yet known, but in any case it amounts to hundreds of
+thousands of roubles. It is also not certain whether any or how many
+lives were lost."
+
+[Footnote 9: _Vossische Zeitung_, July 29th.]
+
+A few days later the German official organ _Norddeutsche Allgemeine
+Zeitung_ and the semi-official _Kölnische Zeitung_ published the
+following report of the explosion. "According to the statement of the
+Governor of Warsaw it was caused by revolutionaries. No proof of this
+was forthcoming, therefore it was ascribed to lightning, and as nobody
+believed this explanation--there was not a cloud on the sky at the
+time--the guilt remained finally with the revolutionaries.
+
+"Now it has been proved, not to the satisfaction of the Russian
+authorities of course, that Russian officers of high rank blew the
+magazine up, because they would have to supply the troops with
+ammunition after the mobilization--and the ammunition was not there. The
+money for the same had found its way into the officers' pockets."
+
+On July 30th the _Vossische Zeitung_ announced: "To-day even more
+alarming news has been in the air than in the last few days. The _Lokal
+Anzeiger_ stated during the afternoon that an order for the mobilization
+of the army and navy had been signed by the Kaiser. On making inquiries
+in official quarters, we were informed that the 'news' is false. At
+three o'clock Wolff's Bureau issued an official _dementi_: 'We have
+received an official statement to the effect that the news published in
+an extra edition of the _Berliner Lokal Anzeiger_ that the Kaiser had
+ordered the general mobilization is untrue.' Great excitement was caused
+by the _Lokal Anzeiger's_ announcement, and the public visibly
+disquieted."
+
+The above report refers, of course, to incidents which happened on the
+preceding day. The 30th of July was marked by the suppression of three
+Berlin papers, including the _Berliner Neuester Nachrichten_, for
+divulging the fact that the 1st, 5th and 17th Army Corps had been
+mobilized. An account of this _faux pas_ appeared on July 31st in the
+_Kreuz Zeitung_ and concluded, after denying the truth of the
+mobilization, with the following paragraph: "If bodies of troops have
+been moved to various points of our Eastern frontier, then it only means
+the so-called frontier protection (_Grenzschutz_), which has been made
+necessary by our Eastern neighbour strengthening his customary frontier
+guards by troops of the line. Frontier protection is not generally
+intended to prevent a serious attack, but means rather a kind of police
+action."
+
+Two other passages will suffice to illuminate the mobilization question.
+"Yesterday Russia gave official notification in Vienna and Berlin of
+mobilization against Austria. Is it to be wondered at that a feeling of
+disquietude is spreading throughout all classes of the nation. By delay
+on our side, valuable military advantages may be lost if the people once
+suspect that there is an absence of that firmness and joy of
+responsibility (_Verantwortungsfreudigkeit_) which marked the action of
+the Austrian Government and was hailed with jubilation by the German
+nation.
+
+"_Summa summarum_: The German Government has taken honest pains during
+the last week in showing its peace-loving disposition and in seeking a
+peaceful solution to the crisis. Nevertheless the political situation on
+all sides and in every respect, has become worse from day to day through
+the fault and according to the intention of the Triple Entente."[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: _Kreuz Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+"The others are mobilizing. We--issue denials. We deny everything which
+might mean mobilization or look like preparation for that step. It is
+done for the sake of 'peace,' so that Russia, who is gathering her
+national strength together in masses, may not be offended. Are we being
+led? We look to the Kaiser. The Peace Societies and some of Germany's
+enemies are looking to him.
+
+"Can we remain indifferent in our hour of dread need, when the gleaming
+promise of a bright future appears in the distance, if the inability to
+resolve and dare has made Berlin its headquarters. All efforts are for
+'peace' with honour. But in politics one must be able to recognize when
+it is impossible to continue at peace; when peace is at the cost of our
+friends, our own security, and the future of European peace. In view of
+this one must be able to act."[11]
+
+[Footnote 11: _Deutsche Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+The internal tactics of the German Government had been successful all
+along the line. Insignificant Serbia had dropped out of the reckoning.
+Russia must be humbled. The German nation, believing itself entirely
+peaceful, and convinced that its leaders had done everything possible
+for peace, now demanded in no unmistakable voice--action! mobilization!
+war!
+
+Announcements of mobilization on all sides (Switzerland, Holland,
+Belgium) doubtless added to the popular belief that Germany desired
+above all things--peace. Still, in spite of the warlike spirit of the
+nation and the burning desire to settle off Russia once and for all,
+there was an undercurrent of overstrained nervousness. A Dresden paper
+of July 30th relates that between the hours of two and four on the
+preceding afternoon a Berlin newspaper had been asked thirty-seven
+different questions on the telephone relating to rumours of
+assassinations, mobilization, etc.
+
+The process of inspiring national confidence, however, had by no means
+suffered through neglect. France was represented as being unprepared
+and, together with England, desiring only peace. As early as July 27th
+in the _Tägliche Rundschau_ the public had been told that Italy, had
+officially declared herself ready and willing to stand by the Central
+Powers as an ally.
+
+Even Japan was used to stiffen Teutonic courage. The _Deutscher Kurier_
+told its readers in a telegram from New York (?) that Americans fully
+expected Japan to attack Russia in the back and Japanese ministers were
+holding conferences all day and night. According to the _Weser Zeitung_,
+August 1st, Japan was arming for war, while the _München-Augsburger
+Zeitung_ published details of an alliance concluded between Austria and
+Japan in Vienna on the afternoon of July 30th. According to this source
+Japan had pledged herself to support Austria in case the latter was
+attacked by Russia, while Austria declared her absolute
+disinterestedness in the Far East. On August 1st the _Berliner
+Tageblatt_ repeated this legend; but advised its readers to exercise
+reserve in accepting it.
+
+"During the evening (August 2nd) the news spread in the streets of
+Berlin that Japan was mobilizing and had already declared war on Russia.
+Huge crowds flocked to the Japanese Embassy and spent hours in cheering
+Japan, Germany, and the Triple Alliance."[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: _Der Montag_, August 3rd.]
+
+Meanwhile Russia, having failed to get her simple rights recognized and
+knowing that Germany had made extensive military preparations, decided
+on July 31st to mobilize her entire forces. The German Ambassador
+immediately informed his Government of this step, and the Kaiser placed
+Germany under martial law. On the same day the Emperor proceeded from
+Potsdam to the Imperial Palace in Berlin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE DOGS LET LOOSE
+
+
+"Just after three o'clock a company, at war strength, from the
+'Alexander' regiment marched under the command of a young lieutenant,
+down Unter den Linden. Drums were beaten; a huge crowd listened in
+solemn silence as the lieutenant read the articles placing the German
+Empire under martial law. The crowd was fully alive to the awful
+sternness of this historic moment.
+
+"After the proclamation was ended a deep silence ensued, then a loud
+voice cried: 'The Kaiser! Hurrah!' Three times the shout rang to the
+heavens. 'The German army! Hurrah!' Once more the caps were swung three
+times. The boy-like lieutenant, with head erect, sword in hand,
+commands: 'Attention! Slope arms!' The regular beat of marching men
+follows as they proceed in the direction of the Imperial Residence.
+Berlin is under martial law!"[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: _Deutscher Kurier_, July 31st.]
+
+"During the afternoon enormous masses of people collected in the streets
+and open spaces of Berlin. Unter den Linden, in expectation of the
+Kaiser's return, was overfilled with excited, waiting throngs. Just
+before a quarter to four a great movement was seen from the direction of
+the Brandenburger Tor, which spread like a wave along the street.
+Everybody rushed on to the road, and the police were pushed aside. Then
+the suppressed excitement of the last few days gave vent to a hurricane
+of hurrahs as the populace greeted their monarch. The Emperor was
+wearing the uniform of the _Garde-Kürassiere_; beside him sat the
+Empress. His countenance was overshadowed by deep gravity as he returned
+the welcome of his subjects. At a quarter to four the Kaiser was in the
+royal castle, and immediately the Imperial Standard was fluttering
+aloft."[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: _Vossische Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+The next twenty-four hours are so full of fateful events that they seem
+one big blur on the memory. Although everyone was convinced that an
+appeal to the sword was inevitable, there was still a tense feeling of
+dread expectation hanging like a cloud over the land. During the whole
+of that long night the author was an observer from an overcrowded train
+which left Nuremberg at 9 p.m. and rumbled dismally into Cologne the
+next morning at ten o'clock. Every station, great and small, was crowded
+with anxious, expectant crowds; the smaller stations full of spectators
+and relatives bidding farewell to departing soldiers, and the greater
+ones crowded with fleeing tourists.
+
+On the platforms at Frankfort and Cologne many tons of luggage were
+stacked in huge piles. It would be interesting to know what became of
+them.[15] Few Germans could have slept that night; the anxiety was too
+great. The whole railway line was guarded by patrols, many of whom were
+in civilian attire. Here and there a "field-grey" uniform was visible.
+On many stations armed guards awaited the arrival of reservists and gave
+them conduct to the barracks.
+
+[Footnote 15: The _Königsberger Hartungsche Zeitung_ contained a
+paragraph on August 7th to the effect that 120,000 trunks and
+portmanteaux had been collected on Berlin stations alone.]
+
+The Kaiser spoke words of cheer from a window of the royal palace on
+Friday evening, after which the restless crowd thronged to the official
+residence of the Chancellor to receive as a watchword the words which
+Prince Friedrich Karl had spoken on a memorable occasion to his
+Brandenburger troops: "Let your hearts beat to God, and your blows on
+the enemy."
+
+An ultimatum was despatched to St. Petersburg and presented at midnight
+to the Russian Government. The latter was requested to cancel all
+mobilization orders within twelve hours, or war would ensue.
+Simultaneously the French Government was asked what its attitude would
+be in case of a Russo-German war. In these measures it is safe to
+conclude that the German nation was heart and soul behind the
+Government, otherwise the tremendous outbreak of national enthusiasm
+throughout the length and breadth of the land would be entirely
+inexplicable.
+
+Throughout the day the nation awaited, under tense strain, an answer
+from Russia. "At five o'clock the excitement of the masses in Unter den
+Linden had increased to a degree almost beyond endurance. The crowd
+surged from side to side when a court carriage or an officer drove by in
+a motor-car. Everyone felt that the fateful decision might fall at any
+minute, when the German nation would know its fate.
+
+"Suddenly motor-cars full of officers appeared from the gates of the
+royal residence. They shouted to the excited crowd that the general
+mobilization had been ordered. One officer waved his drawn sword,
+another his handkerchief, while others stood up and waved their caps.
+Then an indescribable scene of jubilation followed; the parole
+'mobilization' was passed on by the police, and in less time than it
+takes to write, the hundreds of thousands of human beings surging to and
+fro between the monument to 'Old Fritz' and the Lustgarten, knew that
+Germany would now speak with her sword."[16]
+
+[Footnote 16: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 2nd.]
+
+"Our hour of destiny has struck! Germany, the strongest and most
+peaceful nation on earth, appeals to the sword. The last call which we
+sent across the Eastern frontier has remained unanswered. The enemy is
+mute. Now Germany speaks!
+
+"The Kaiser calls the Empire to arms! Our King will lead Bavaria's
+armies to him. The nation is ready, armed to the teeth. Challenged by a
+dishonest opponent who envies us the fruit of our peaceful toil, the
+hands of German men leave their work and grasp the sword. Our enemy
+shall learn to his terrible cost, what it means to summon a nation in
+arms to the battlefield. The German army goes out to fight for our
+country, in a cause which is more stainless and pure than the light of
+the sun. The disgraceful Muscovite conspiracy, creeping in the footsteps
+of Serbian murderers, believes the moment has arrived in which they will
+be able to fall upon, overthrow and plunder us; Russia desires to kindle
+a world war.
+
+"We believe that he will not succeed; but should it thus fall out, we
+Germans will defend not only our land and ourselves; but, in this war
+which has been forced upon us in the basest manner possible, we shall
+defend the civilization of the world, the culture of the earth, against
+debased 'unculture' and the spreading roots of decay. This is a lofty
+and tremendous task. If we are victorious, as we confidently trust, then
+the ever-increasing number of civilized peoples honestly toiling in the
+blessings of peace, will thank us for centuries to come.
+
+"Brothers! Sisters! such an hour has come that the history of the world
+has never witnessed before. In the struggle which now begins--a deadly
+grapple frivolously conjured up by Russia's monarch--the whole earth
+will groan. The German people, however, will prove that it is worthy to
+retain and develop its leading place in the intellectual and cultural
+progress of the world. Our enemy envies us this position because in his
+land, stupidity and confusion reign supreme; his own uncivilization and
+barbarism cannot be rooted out.
+
+"We will prevent him from throwing Europe back to the conditions in
+which he and his likes dwell. May God grant that the civilized peoples
+of Europe may have true understanding for this historic hour, just as
+their heroic ancestors understood the danger when they hurled themselves
+against the invasions of the Mongols.
+
+"First of all the German nation will march against the armies of the
+East, and, hand in hand with our ally, we hope will so grip the enemy
+that he will lose all desire ever to attack us again."[17]
+
+[Footnote 17: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 2nd.]
+
+The last lines of this perfervid article, give an instructive clue. A
+mere quibble had arisen between the Central Powers and Russia. The
+former immediately adopted an arrogant, even threatening, attitude which
+thoughtful Germans condemned. Russia's willingness to submit the
+question to an arbitration conference consisting of four neutral
+ambassadors seems only to have intensified Teutonic lust to humiliate
+the opponent. In any case, it is interesting to note that between July
+24th and 31st the whole German nation had been converted to the
+uncompromising attitude of the Government.
+
+Further, it is evident that the German people believed they were about
+to march against Russia. The very last remark which I heard from German
+lips as we entered the train to leave Erlangen on July 31st was: "Jetzt
+werden die Russen abgeklöpft." ("Now the Russians will get a
+whacking.")[18]
+
+[Footnote 18: We left Erlangen at 3.30 p.m. Martial law had been
+proclaimed some time previous to that. But the proclamation in Berlin
+occurred at 3.30 p.m. on the same day. The _Berliner Abendblatt_
+published on the same evening states that the Kaiser had been waiting
+and hoping for a peaceful answer from Russia. The Bavarian authorities
+could not have taken so serious a step without an order from the Highest
+War Lord, which leads to the conclusion that it was a device to get
+military preparation well under way.]
+
+The Berlin cabinet mobilized Germany's armed strength, as they alleged,
+against Russia, and the Government succeeded in arousing and enlisting
+national enthusiasm against the Eastern neighbour. Yet when the time
+came to strike, Germany's might was hurled against neutral Belgium and
+unwilling France, while Russia was left free to overrun the Eastern part
+of Germany. The blood-guilt rests in the first place with the Kaiser and
+his Government, and in the second place (although in no less a degree)
+with the German people, because they condoned the crime and acquiesced
+in the duplicity.
+
+While the war fury seethed through the nation the cry echoed on all
+sides: "We want peace! We have worked for a peaceful solution!" Yet a
+study of the workings of the national mind as revealed in the German
+Press, and of diplomatic doings as shown in the German White Book,
+affords not a single instance--excepting the Socialists'
+demonstrations--of any tangible, concrete effort made either by the
+German people or its representative diplomacy to avoid a catastrophe. On
+the other hand it must be said that the latter (German diplomacy)
+deliberately baulked the only practical proposal (Sir Edward Grey's)
+which could have brought about a solution. The German nation _did_
+desire peace, but only on the condition that their opponents granted
+Germany and Austria's arrogant claims down to the smallest tittle.
+
+Exactly at six minutes to one (midday) on August 1st, a telegram left
+Berlin instructing the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg to declare
+war on Russia at 5 p.m. if the latter State had not given a satisfactory
+answer to Germany's ultimatum by that time. Count Pourtalès performed
+this duty, and therewith the sands of fate ran out.
+
+On the previous day summonses had been issued calling a meeting of the
+Reichstag for Tuesday, August 4th. The opening ceremony took place at 1
+p.m. and all the political parties were present, except the Social
+Democrats, who, according to their traditions, did not appear, and thus
+escaped the famous hand-shaking scene. The Kaiser and two of his sons
+appeared in field-grey uniform. His theatrical appeal for the leaders of
+each party to swear fidelity to the national cause by shaking hands with
+him, as well as his saying that "Now there are only Germans," may have
+been spontaneous; but it is far more probable that they were meant to be
+a diplomatic appeal to the sentimental vanity of the German nation.
+
+It would be superfluous to deal with the speech from the throne in this
+place, but at the close of the ceremony an incident occurred which
+deserves mention. "After taking leave of the Reichstag's representatives
+the Kaiser stretched out his hand to the famous professor of
+jurisprudence in Strasbourg University, Dr. van Calker. The Kaiser
+looked steadily at Professor van Calker for a moment, then, after the
+handshake, clenched his fist and struck downwards uttering these words:
+'Nun aber wollen wir sie dreschen!'[19] ('Now we will jolly well thrash
+them!'); nodded to the professor and walked away."[20]
+
+[Footnote 19: This utterance has since become a common theme for
+composition exercises in German schools.]
+
+[Footnote 20: _Tägliche Rundschau_, August 5th.]
+
+The sitting in the Reichstag was a solemn event. On that occasion the
+Chancellor expressed himself at length in defining Germany's position.
+
+"A tremendous fate has fallen upon Europe. While we have endeavoured to
+maintain the prestige of the German Empire in the eyes of the world, we
+have lived for forty-four years in peace and protected European peace.
+In this work of peace we have become strong and mighty--therefore we are
+envied. We have suffered with long-enduring patience; while in the East
+and West, under the excuse that Germany is lusting for war, hatred for
+us has been nourished and fetters wrought where-with to bind us. The
+wind which blows there has now become a storm.
+
+"We desired nothing but to live on in peaceful toil, content with an
+unspoken oath that was echoed from the Emperor down to the youngest
+recruit. Our sword shall only leap from its sheath in defence of a just
+cause. (Loud applause.) The day on which we must draw it, has dawned
+against our will and contrary to our honest endeavours. Russia has set a
+burning torch to the house of peace. (Loud cries of 'Quite true.') We
+stand to-day in a forced war with Russia and France.
+
+"Gentlemen, a number of documents, collected in the haste caused by
+these overwhelming events, have been laid before you. Permit me to
+emphasize the facts which characterize our attitude.
+
+"From the moment that the Austrian conflict broke out we have striven
+and worked to limit the quarrel to Austria-Hungary and Serbia. All the
+cabinets, in particular England, accept this view; only Russia has
+declared that in the settlement of this conflict, she must be allowed to
+express her wishes. Therewith the danger of European complications
+raised its threatening countenance.
+
+"As soon as the first certain news of Russian military preparations
+reached us, we caused it to be made known in St. Petersburg, in a
+friendly but unmistakable manner, that warlike measures and military
+preparations would compel us also to take corresponding steps. But
+mobilization is next to war. Russia assured us in a friendly tone (cries
+of indignation) that she was making no military preparations against us.
+
+"Meanwhile England tried to mediate between Vienna and St. Petersburg
+and was warmly supported by us. On July 28th the Kaiser telegraphed to
+the Czar begging him to remember that it was Austria-Hungary's right and
+duty to stop the Greater-Serbian agitation, as this threatened to
+undermine Austria's existence. (Cries of indignation.) The Kaiser
+pointed out to the Czar the gulf between monarchical interests and the
+outrage at Serajewo; he begged him to give his personal support to the
+Kaiser's endeavour to smooth out the antithesis between Vienna and St.
+Petersburg.
+
+"Just before this telegram came into the Czar's hands, the Czar, on his
+side, begged the Kaiser for his help: the Kaiser should advise Vienna to
+be more moderate. The Kaiser undertook the task of mediator, but the
+action ordered by him was hardly in motion, when Russia began to
+mobilize all her forces against Austria-Hungary. (Excited shouts of
+indignation and disgust.) But Austria had only mobilized certain army
+corps against Serbia, besides which she had only two corps, and these
+were far from the Russian frontier.
+
+"At this juncture the Kaiser informed the Czar that the mobilization of
+his armies against Austria would increase the difficulties of mediation,
+a task which he had undertaken at the Czar's express wish, and perhaps
+render it impossible. Nevertheless, we continued our mediatory action in
+Berlin, and indeed in a form which went to the limits permitted by our
+alliance. (Great excitement.) During this time Russia renewed her
+assurances that she was taking no military measures against us.
+
+"We come to July 3ist. In Vienna a decision was to be arrived at on that
+day. By our representations we had already brought it about that Vienna,
+which for a time was not in direct communication with St. Petersburg,
+had commenced direct discussion again. But before Vienna could come to a
+final decision, the news came that Russia was mobilizing--_i.e._,
+against us too--her whole forces. (Cries of indignation.) The Russian
+Government, although fully aware from our repeated representations what
+a mobilization on our frontiers means, did not notify this step to us,
+and gave us no explanations concerning it.
+
+"As late as the afternoon of July 31st a telegram came from the Czar to
+the Kaiser in which the former pledged himself that his army should take
+up no provocative attitude against us. (Great excitement.) But the
+hostile mobilization on the Russian frontier was in full swing during
+the night July 30th-31st. While we were mediating in Berlin the Russian
+armies appeared on our long and almost entirely open frontier. France
+was not yet mobilizing, but, as she admits, was already taking
+precautionary measures.
+
+"And we? Up till then we had not--the Imperial Chancellor spoke with
+great emotion and repeatedly struck the table while uttering these
+words--called up a single reservist, out of a loving regard for the
+peace of Europe. (Loud cries of 'Bravo!') Were we then to wait on in
+patience till the Powers between which we are wedged should choose their
+moment to strike? (A hurricane of voices, 'No!') To expose Germany to
+this danger would be a crime. (Stormy, general and long continued cries
+of 'Quite true!' and 'Bravo!' in which the Social Democrats joined too.)
+
+"Therefore on July 31st we requested Russia to demobilize as the only
+measure which could save the European peace. (Loud applause.) The
+Imperial Ambassador in St. Petersburg further received instructions to
+inform the Russian Government, that in case our demand was rejected, we
+should consider ourselves in a state of war with Russia. The Imperial
+Ambassador has carried out these instructions.
+
+"What answer Russia accorded to our demand for demobilization we do not
+know even to-day. Telegraphic announcements on this point have not
+reached us, although matters of far less importance have been sent over
+the wires. Hence, long after the expiration of the stated time, the
+Kaiser saw himself compelled to mobilize our forces at 5 o'clock on
+August 1st.
+
+"Simultaneously, it was necessary for us to inquire regarding France's
+attitude. In answer to our definite question whether, in case of a
+Russo-German war, France would remain neutral, the French Government has
+replied that they will act as their interests dictate. (Laughter.) This
+was at least an evasion, if not a negative answer to our question.
+
+"In spite of this, the Kaiser ordered that the French frontier should be
+respected. This order was strictly obeyed with one single exception.
+France, who mobilized at the same time as ourselves, declared that she
+would respect a ten-kilometre zone along her frontiers. (Cries of
+indignation.) And what happened in reality? Their airmen have thrown
+bombs, cavalry patrols have violated our territory, and companies have
+broken into Alsace-Lorraine. (Indignation.) Therewith, France, although
+war has not yet been declared, has attacked our territories.
+
+"As regards the single exception which I have referred, I have received
+the following report from the Chief of the General Staff: In respect to
+French complaints of violations of her frontiers, only one case is
+admitted. Against express orders an officer with a patrol from the 14th
+Army Corps crossed the French frontier on August 2nd. Apparently they
+were shot down; only one man has returned. But long before this single
+instance occurred, French airmen had penetrated into Southern Germany
+and dropped bombs, and French troops had attacked our
+frontier-protection-troops in the Schlucht Pass. Up till now our
+soldiers have confined themselves entirely to protecting the frontier.
+
+"So far the report from the Chief of the General Staff.
+
+"We are now in a position of self-defence, and necessity knows no
+law![21] (Cries of 'Quite right!') Our troops have occupied Luxembourg,
+perhaps they have already entered Belgium. (Loud applause.) That is a
+breach of international law. The French Government, it is true, had
+declared in Brussels that they would respect Belgian neutrality so long
+as their opponent respected it. But we knew that France stood ready to
+invade it. (Cries of indignation.)
+
+[Footnote 21: This sentence seems so important that I give the original:
+"Wir sind jetzt in der Notwehr, und Not kennt kein Gebot!"]
+
+"France could wait, we could not; and a French attack in our flank on
+the Lower Rhine might have been disastrous for us. Thus we were
+compelled to ignore the protests of the Luxembourg and Belgian
+Governments.
+
+"The injustice which we commit thereby, we shall try to make good again
+as soon as our military goal is attained. Anyone who fights for the
+highest, as we do now, may only think of how he may hack his way
+through. (Hurricanes of applause; long continued hand-clapping in the
+whole house and on the tribune.)
+
+"Gentlemen, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Austria-Hungary.
+Concerning England's attitude, the declaration made by Sir Edward Grey
+in the House of Commons yesterday has made the standpoint which the
+English Government takes up quite clear.
+
+"We have declared to the English Government that as long as England
+remains neutral, our fleet shall not attack the North Coast of France.
+Further, that we shall not disturb the integrity and independence of
+Belgium. I repeat this declaration before the whole world and I may add
+that if England will remain neutral, we are prepared--assuming mutual
+treatment--to undertake no hostile operations against France's
+commercial marine. (Applause.)
+
+"Gentlemen, so much for events up till now! I repeat the words of the
+Kaiser: 'We enter the struggle with a clear conscience!' (Great
+enthusiasm.) We are fighting for the fruits of our labours in peace, for
+the heritage of a great past, and for our future. The fifty years are
+not yet ended within which Moltke said we should stand at arms to defend
+the heritage and the achievements of 1870. The hour of great trial has
+struck for our nation. But we look forward to it with absolute
+confidence. (Tremendous applause.)
+
+"Our army is in the field, our fleet is ready, and behind them the
+entire German nation (roars of never-ending applause and hand-clapping
+in the whole house)--the whole German nation! (These words were
+accompanied by a gesture towards the Social Democrats.--Renewed outburst
+of applause, in which the Social Democrats also joined.)
+
+"Gentlemen, you know your duty in its entirety. The vote of credit
+requires no further argument, I beg you to pass it quickly. (Loud
+applause.)"[22]
+
+[Footnote 22: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 5th.]
+
+Unfortunately this eloquent exposition of Germany's case contains
+inaccuracies which can only be described as conscious untruths. I have
+already made myself responsible for the statement: "Lying has always
+been the foundation stone of German policy."[23] Earl Cromer, in
+commenting on this, gives additional evidence of its veracity.[24]
+
+[Footnote 23: "Soul of Germany," p. 192.]
+
+[Footnote 24: _The Spectator_, August 7th, 1915, p. 169.]
+
+The German Chancellor, when he justified his policy by the dictum:
+"Necessity knows no law," evidently meant that necessity also recognizes
+no law of truth. In any case, he remained faithful to the traditions of
+his country. Although the German Press is both venal and supine, we
+shall see that it has done the world a service and played its own
+Government a foul trick. (Der deutschen Regierung einen bösen Streich
+gespielt.)
+
+When Bethmann-Hollweg was thumping the table before him, and assuring
+his immediate hearers and the world in general that the Berlin cabinet
+had not called up a single reservist before five o'clock on Saturday,
+August 1st, he was guilty of a deliberate falsehood. On July 31st, I
+left Erlangen by the 3.31 train for Nuremberg; travelling in the same
+train was Dr. Haack, professor of the history of art in Erlangen
+University. He was accompanied by his wife and various colleagues,
+including Professor Busch, who bade him farewell on the platform. Dr.
+Haack is an artillery reserve officer, and he was then going to join his
+regiment. At 8.30 p.m. on the same day, we spoke to Frau Haack on
+Nuremberg station. The lady's face was very tear-stained and she was
+about to return to Erlangen alone. She told us in a broken voice that
+her husband had been called up.
+
+In "The Soul of Germany" I have given names and dates of other cases. I
+do not propose to disgrace my word of honour by playing it off against
+the German Chancellor. But acting on the principle of "Set a thief to
+catch a thief," I shall adduce some instances from German newspapers.
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Kölnische Zeitung_ travelled home via
+Brussels; his adventures are related at length in the _K.Z._ for August
+4th. On August 1st he was in Brussels and complained bitterly, in his
+article, about the hotel service, and excuses it by writing: "The German
+waiters had all left Brussels the day before (July 31st) to join the
+army."
+
+An article dated Strasbourg, August 3rd, was published in the
+_Frankfurter Zeitung_ on the 6th of the same month. The writer describes
+the martial scenes which he had witnessed during the preceding week, and
+mentions that the officers in the garrison had received a special order
+to send their wives and children away from the city several days before
+martial law was proclaimed. Friday, presumably, the order came for the
+garrison to march to the French frontier, for on Saturday the regiments
+were entrained and left Strasbourg. Our good German friend describes the
+scene in the streets: "Alongside the ranks were the wives and children
+of the called-up reservists, trying to keep step with the quickly moving
+troops. Before sunset the regiments, all on a war-footing, had left the
+city."
+
+Every layman knows that a reservist cannot enter a barracks in civilian
+attire, and emerge five minutes later in full war-kit ready for the
+march. The German Imperial Chancellor affirms that not one of them had
+been called up before five o'clock in the afternoon of that day. It is
+true that neither the age of miracles nor the age of lies has passed
+away. Perhaps Herr Bethmann-Hollweg could explain why it was impossible
+to send trunk-messages on Germany's telephone system during the last
+three days of July, 1914. At least, the local papers in Bavaria asserted
+that that was the case.
+
+The _Elbinger Zeitung_, August 13th, contained a reservist's letter with
+this illuminating passage: "During the last few days everybody was in
+readiness; our linen, etc., had been packed and sent off in advance. On
+Friday, July 31st, the order arrived that I should present myself;
+mobilization had begun. With feelings of joy I changed into my uniform
+and rushed to join my company. The streets were full of frightened
+people with tears in their eyes. We officers pressed each others' hands
+and with ardent glances exclaimed: 'At last it has come!'"
+
+The Chancellor based his assertion that French troops had crossed the
+German frontier, on the report from the Chief of the General Staff. This
+authority admitted that German soldiers on August 2nd (Sunday) had
+violated the French frontier and continues with these words: "But long
+before that French airmen had dropped bombs in Southern Germany, and
+French soldiers had attacked our frontier-guards in the Schlucht Pass."
+
+The _Frankfurter Zeitung_, July 31st, gives Bethmann-Hollweg and the
+Chief of the General Staff the lie direct. The paragraph is dated July
+30th, Kolmar, and runs: "The Schlucht Pass has just been barricaded by
+German frontier guards. This is to prevent motor-lorries and such-like
+vehicles from entering French territory without our permission. Several
+papers have announced the alleged occupation of the Schlucht (gorge) by
+French troops. The report is an absolute invention. (Die Meldung ist
+völlig aus der Luft gegriffen.) I have taken the trouble to look round,
+and may say that the usual tourist traffic is going on as usual."
+
+The remainder of the charge is that "long before August 2nd," French
+airmen had dropped bombs on South German towns. The towns in question
+are Frankfort and Nuremberg. The _Kölnische Zeitung_ contained this
+paragraph on August 2nd: "A military report has just come in, stating
+that French airmen dropped bombs in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg this
+morning. As war has not yet been declared between France and Germany,
+this is a breach of international law."
+
+Two remarks are necessary to supplement the above "news." Firstly, in
+the Reichstag, the Chancellor said this attack had occurred "long before
+August 2nd." Secondly, the _Cologne Gazette_ received the report from
+the _military authorities_. That betrays the source from which all these
+lies emanated.
+
+The author has in his possession a Nuremberg paper (_Fränkische
+Tagepost_) for the whole of August, 1914. It contains absolutely no
+mention of any air raid on or near Nuremberg. If bombs had been dropped
+in the vicinity, it is quite unthinkable that the local papers should
+contain no report of the affair.
+
+President Poincaré, on July 15th, 1915, declared the Nuremberg flight to
+be a fable. The _Fränkischer Kurier_ (a Nuremberg newspaper) on August
+1st, 1915, contains an article which states that the news of these
+alleged airmen, whom nobody saw, was spread throughout the length and
+breadth of the German Empire. This same paper ridicules the whole
+affair.
+
+Another extract gives the key to the whole mystery. "Yesterday (Monday,
+August 3rd), at 8 p.m., the following official announcement was given
+out for publication.
+
+"Up till now, the German troops, in obedience to orders given, have not
+crossed the French frontier. In contrast to this _since_ yesterday
+(August 2nd) French troops have attacked our frontier posts without any
+declaration of war. They have crossed the German frontier at several
+points, although only a few days ago the French Government assured us
+that they would keep a zone ten kilometres wide free from their troops.
+_Since_ last night French troops hold German places in occupation.
+_Since_ yesterday bomb-dropping airmen have come into Baden and Bavaria;
+further, by violating Belgian neutrality, they have fled over Belgian
+territory into the Rhine province and tried to destroy our railways.
+Thus France has begun an attack upon us, and thereby created a state of
+war. The safety of the Empire compels us to take defensive measures. The
+Kaiser has given the necessary orders. The German Ambassador in Paris
+has been instructed to demand his passports."[25]
+
+[Footnote 25: From the _Berliner Lokal Anzeiger_ of August 4th.]
+
+Germany had no earthly excuse to begin war on France, and imitating the
+noble example of Bismarck in forging the notorious Ems telegram which
+precipitated the 1870 war, the German military authorities forged the
+"news" of alleged attacks by French airmen and French troops. The German
+Official Press Bureau completed this vile, criminal work.
+
+Although the point is proved, a few more examples of the "airmen" legend
+will be of interest. "Berlin, August 2nd. _Last night_ a hostile airship
+was observed flying from Kerprich to Andernach. Hostile aeroplanes were
+observed flying from Düren to Cologne. A French aeroplane was shot down
+by Wesel." (From the _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 3rd.)
+
+The _Frankfurter Zeitung_, August 4th, contains three separate detailed
+accounts of French airmen dropping bombs on Frankfort railway station
+during the previous night. The third account will suffice.
+
+"The military authorities in Frankfort were informed last night that a
+hostile airman was flying in the direction from Darmstadt to Frankfort.
+At ten minutes past one the noise of the propellers as well as bursting
+bombs was heard by those standing on the command-bridge of the Central
+Station. In the dark night it was impossible to see the flying-machine.
+As it approached the station, where all lights were out, fifty to sixty
+soldiers stationed on the command-bridge fired at the aeroplane, which
+soon moved off in the direction of the Southern Station. There, too, it
+came under a heavy fire from soldiers and policemen. Nothing whatever
+has been found on the ground or at the station, not even parts of the
+bombs. It is assumed that the hand-bombs exploded in the air."[26]
+
+[Footnote 26: Yes, they burst in the air, _aus der sie gegriffen worden
+sind!_ Author.]
+
+In peace times no German editor would dare to refuse any contribution
+sent to him by the military authorities. The above airman-story
+sufficiently illustrates the state of affairs in war time.
+
+"Chemnitz, August 4th. During the past night, between 3 and 4 a.m., a
+French airman dropped bombs on Chemnitz. Bombs exploded in the streets
+without, however, doing any damage. Apparently the shots fired at the
+aeroplane were unfortunately without result." _Magdeburgische Zeitung_,
+August 5th.
+
+This is an excellent example of how the Press trick is worked. A lying
+report is published in a city hundreds of miles away from the scene of
+the alleged occurrence. The extract where it was alleged that a French
+airman was shot down at Wesel, on the Dutch frontier, was published in a
+Munich paper, four hundred miles away.
+
+The last and supreme lie in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech is the most
+insidious of all. The Chancellor sketched a truly moving picture of
+Germany beseeching Austria to find a _modus vivendi_ between herself and
+Russia. Germany claims that up to the last minute of the last fatal week
+she was working for peace. Bethmann-Hollweg insinuates that on July 31st
+a last decision was to have fallen in Vienna; he does not tell us what
+that decision would have been, but he maintains that Russia's military
+preparations forestalled it and so the decision was never arrived at.
+Thus Russia destroyed the last hope of peace; the Chancellor falsely led
+his hearers to believe that it was a certain hope and that the European
+peace would have been saved.
+
+It is useless to choose one's words in writing of German diplomacy. This
+is a base lie. Austria arrived at her decision previous to sending her
+ultimatum to Serbia. This momentous decision was, that Russia had no
+right to intervene in the quarrel, which means, in other words, that
+Russia had absolutely no right to speak or use her influence in a crisis
+affecting the destiny of the Slavonic peoples, neither had Russia any
+right to move in a crisis which would disturb the balance of power in
+the Balkans and in Europe. It was merely these rights which Russia
+throughout the crisis endeavoured to establish; if they had been
+recognized there would have been no war.
+
+In order to prove what the Austro-German standpoint was, and that from
+first to last never changed, reference must be made to the Austrian Red
+Book.[27] On page 24: Sir Edward Grey was informed by Count Mensdorf on
+July 24th, "and I (Mensdorf) repeated to him (Grey) many times, that we
+should stick to that view."
+
+[Footnote 27: Oesterreichisch-ungarisches Rotbuch. Vienna, 1915.]
+
+Page 25. Count Czécsen in Paris informed French Minister: "It is a
+question which can only be settled between Serbia and ourselves," on
+July 24th.
+
+On the same day the Austrian Ambassador emphasized the same point in an
+interview with the Russian Foreign Minister--pp. 27-8.
+
+During the evening Monsieur Sasonow had interviews with both the German
+and Austrian Ambassadors. The latter telegraphed to Vienna: "My German
+colleague at once pointed out to M. Sasonow that Austria would not
+accept any interference in her differences with Serbia and that Germany
+would also not permit it."--p. 29.
+
+That gives the situation in its simplest form, and without making
+further quotations, it will suffice to cite the dates on which it was
+re-emphasized:
+
+  July 25th  in St. Petersburg,   p. 89
+    "  27th  "  "       "         p. 101
+    "  28th  " Berlin by Germany, p. 116
+    "   "    " London by Austria, p. 123
+    "  29th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 128
+    "  30th  " Berlin,         "  p. 130
+    "  30th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 131
+    "  31st  " Vienna,         "  p. 133
+  August 1st " St. Petersburg, "  p. 136
+
+Moreover, no less a personage than the Kaiser's brother confirmed this
+view. In Prince Heinrich's telegram to the King of England, July 30th,
+the following passage occurs: "If you really and sincerely wish to
+prevent this terrible misfortune (a European war), may I propose that
+you should exercise your influence on France and Russia to keep them
+both neutral (in the Austro-Serbian quarrel). In my opinion this would
+be of the greatest service. I consider this a certain means and perhaps
+_the only possibility of preserving European peace_."
+
+Prince Heinrich expressed no hope that Austria could be persuaded to
+make any concession, but merely requested King George to exercise his
+influence to get Russia to accept a position impossible to herself and
+incompatible with the balance of power in Europe.
+
+The rock of Germanic obstinacy was seated in Vienna, whether Germany was
+the prime mover in erecting it remains to be proved. Germany knew full
+well that European peace would be shattered on that rock, yet there is
+no fragment of evidence to show that she tried to remove it; but there
+is overwhelming proof that she encouraged Austria to stand by it, thus
+causing a European conflagration.
+
+And as if the above were insufficient to prove that the German Imperial
+Chancellor was guilty of conscious falsification, Austria put one more
+nail in the coffin of European peace on September 24th, 1914, when it
+issued an official communication to the Press, reiterating that Austria
+had never dreamed of departing from the attitude which she first took
+up.[28]
+
+[Footnote 28: "Die Schuld am Weltkriege" ("The Guilt for the World
+War"), by an Austrian. Vienna, 1915, p. 59.]
+
+Germany's aim was to employ the Serajewo crime as a lever to put Russia,
+as a vital force, out of the domain of European politics. In spite of
+denials, there is reason to believe that Austria was inclined to listen
+to reason, but Germany forestalled and prevented this by despatching an
+ultimatum to Russia and then declaring war.
+
+A few other points in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech deserve brief notice. He
+quotes Germany's threats, but not one word from the peaceful overtures
+which were so often mentioned. He fails to cite any single point which
+Austria had yielded at Germany's advice. Further, no proof of Germany's
+vaunted "mediatory action" is discoverable either in the speech or the
+diplomatic documents published by the Central Powers.
+
+In regard to his justification of the violation of Belgian neutrality,
+the civilized world has already passed judgment, and in this place it
+only remains to point out that the four hundred members of the Reichstag
+cheered the Chancellor's announcement. This alone is a sufficiently
+severe comment on the conceptions of right and justice which direct the
+proceedings of Germany's highest legislative body.
+
+It evidently did not occur to the Reichstag or Germany's Imperial
+Chancellor that, if necessity knows no law which respects a neutrality
+guaranteed by Germany, then at a later date necessity would also
+recognize no law which protected Belgian territory after Germany had
+conquered it. A lamb in the jaws of a lion is in a truly dangerous
+position, and although the outlook may be black, it is still wiser for
+the lamb to try and avoid the lion's jaws.
+
+Bethmann-Hollweg saw the mote of Greater-Serbianism in Serbia's eye, but
+he was peculiarly anxious not to perceive the beam of Pan-Germanism
+which has blinded Germany's vision for a generation, and is the one and
+only cause for the rapid increase in European armaments.
+
+Before consigning the German Chancellor's Pecksniffian oration to
+well-deserved oblivion, there is one other fact to state, because it is
+of immediate interest to Great Britain. In the person of
+Bethmann-Hollweg the German Government stood before the world on August
+4th, 1914, and endeavoured to prove that Germany was attacked, and that
+her conscience was clear. There are even Britons who have got stuck in
+Bethmann-Hollweg's peace-lime. Yet it would be interesting if the German
+Government would explain why the civilian population was ordered to
+leave Heligoland on the afternoon of Friday, July 31st. They were
+allowed twenty-four hours within which to leave the island, and one who
+was in the exodus describes the scene in the _Leipziger Neueste
+Nachrichten_ for August 12th. Early on Saturday morning the civilians
+proceeded on to the landing-stage, where several steamers were waiting.
+"Suddenly the _Königin Luise_ started off without taking any passengers
+on board, and soon disappeared under full steam."
+
+This was the boat which laid mines round the mouth of the Thames.
+Although the German Chancellor protested his desire for peace with
+England as late as August 4th, it seems quite evident from the events in
+Heligoland that war with this country had been decided upon on July
+31st.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MOBILIZATION
+
+
+"Munich.--Evening after evening masses of people thronged the streets.
+The heavy, oppressive atmosphere weighed upon the spirit--a leaden
+pressure which increased with every hour. Then came the stirring events
+on the evening of July 3ist, when the drums beat 'general march' on the
+Marienplatz, and a commissioner read the articles of war to a crowd
+numbered by thousands. Thirty drummers and commissioners in motors
+rushed through the streets of the city.
+
+"On Saturday evening, August 1st, the general order for mobilization was
+proclaimed from the offices of the _Münchener Neuesten Nachrichten_. A
+deep solemnity fell upon the masses of spectators and the crowd fell
+into rank to march to the Royal Palace, from a window of which King
+Ludwig spoke words of comfort and inspiration. Still singing the 'Wacht
+am Rhein,' this river of humanity flowed on to the 'Englischen Garten,'
+at the corner of which stands the Austrian Legation. A gentleman
+addressed the representative of our beloved ally, who sounded in his
+reply the note of 'faithfulness unto death.'
+
+"And now from out the stifling depression of the leaden weight of the
+previous days there arose a terrible, united will, a single mighty
+thought. The whole of a great and powerful people was aroused, fired by
+one solemn resolve--to act; advance on the enemy, and smash him to the
+earth!
+
+"Dresden.--I was sitting in the garden of a suburban restaurant; above
+me were the dark masses of chestnut trees, while before us, above the
+railway, was a long strip of bright, summer-night sky. There seemed to
+be something gloomy and uncanny in the air; the lamps blinked
+maliciously; a spirit of still expectation rested on the people; furtive
+glances were cast from time to time at the near embankment. Military
+trains were expected, and we listened nervously to the noises of the
+night. The first troop-transports; where were they going--against Russia
+or to the French frontier? It was whispered that the troops would only
+be transported by night.
+
+"At last a pounding thud came through the stillness of the night, and
+soon two colossal engines were silhouetted against the sky, like
+fire-spitting monsters. Their roar seemed more sinister than usual.
+Heavy forebodings rumbled out in the rocking and rolling of the endless
+coaches--the clang of a future, pregnant with death and pain. Suddenly
+the tables were empty; everyone rushed towards the lighted compartments
+of the train, and a scene of indescribable jubilation followed as train
+after train of armed men rushed by into the night.
+
+"Sometimes a troubled father was heard to exclaim: 'If only the first
+battles were fought and won!' Yet calm confidence prevailed from the
+very beginning. But the sight of the quiet, machine-like completion of
+the mobilization strengthened our trust, even though a justifiable
+indignation and rage filled our hearts at Europe's dastardly attack on
+the Central States. Hate flamed highest, however, when England declared
+war against us.
+
+"There are several reasons for this. In the north of Germany, the
+Englishman is looked upon as the European who stands nearest the German,
+and with whom we have the most sympathy. His personal reliability and
+the manly firmness of his bearing, the culture of English social life,
+English art and style, have given Imperial Germany many points of
+contact and grounds for sympathy. Our historical interests have never
+collided. Then we suddenly became aware that this country, under the
+mask of friendship, had egged on the whole of Europe to attack us. Not
+because we had injured English feelings or interests, but solely to
+destroy a competitor and divide his coat of many colours.
+
+"No political necessity compelled modern Carthage to declare war on us,
+but merely the avowed aim to do a good piece of business by the war.
+Without England's intrigues Europe would never have dared to attack us.
+In our case, therefore, hate has sprung out of disappointed love.
+England has become our mortal enemy, just as Russia is Austria's. In a
+word, the two Central Powers are inspired by moral superiority over
+their enemies, and are determined to wage war on them to the last drop
+of blood, and if fate permits it, to settle them off and settle up with
+them once for all.
+
+"At the commencement of the mobilization the railway time-tables in
+force were cancelled; railway traffic ceased, and only slow local-trains
+ran, stopping at every station to pick up the men. During the nights a
+gigantic transport of troops went on to the frontiers. From that moment
+the sale of alcohol on the stations was prohibited. The publication of
+news concerning troop movements was suppressed, in order to veil our
+objective and to keep secret our strength on the various frontiers.
+
+"The trains in the Tyrol were decked with wreaths and flowers. They bore
+Germans from the most southerly corners of our neutral ally--Italy.
+Members of the _Wehrkraftverein_ (Boy Scouts) inspected the trains at
+every station, and it is said that a Serb was found bound fast
+underneath one of the carriages. Serbian scoundrels were found on all
+sides; if one of them had succeeded in destroying the Brenner line the
+whole plan of mobilization would have been disturbed. Therefore
+sentinels were placed along the whole line and strong guards protected
+every tunnel. At night all lights were put out and those on the engines
+covered up; even the stations were not illuminated--everywhere darkness.
+
+"Slowly feeling its way, the train crept over the Brenner--it took
+twelve hours; in Innsbruck the station was crowded with Germans to
+welcome the warriors, and the ancient hills echoed again and again the
+'Wacht am Rhein.' The solemnity which had marked the first days in
+Munich had given place to boisterous joy. Thousands of men in mountain
+costume had flocked into Munich to offer themselves as volunteers, and
+the streets and station rang with their _jodeln_! (the peculiar cry of
+Alpine herdsmen).
+
+"Outside the station lay vast quantities of materials for the Flying
+Corps, and innumerable motor-cars. A regiment of artillery was just
+leaving, while a band was in the centre of the station; the rhythm of
+the kettle-drums rolled mightily, and the music clashed in the huge
+central hall; thousands of voices joined in, then helmets, hats, caps,
+rifles and swords were waved and the train moved off amid shouts: 'Go
+for them! Cut them down!' ('Drauf auf die Kerle! Haut sie
+zusammen!')"[29]
+
+[Footnote 29: Colonel Frobenius: "Durch Not und Tod" ("Through Distress
+and Death"). Leipzig, 1915, p. 12 et seq.]
+
+"If I live to be a hundred I shall never forget these days. They are the
+greatest in our history. We never dreamed that anything so overwhelming
+could be experienced on earth. Only three weeks ago and we should have
+been quite incapable of imagining its like. The feeling that we have
+experienced something overpowering, something which we cannot utter,
+overwhelms us all. We see it in each other's faces and feel it in the
+pressure of a hand. Words are too weak, so each is silent about what he
+feels. We are conscious of one thing alone: Germany's heart has appeared
+to us!
+
+"At last we see each other as we are, and that is the indescribable
+something--the birth of this great time. Never have we been so earnest
+and never so glad. Every other thought, every other feeling has gone.
+What we have thought and felt before was all unreality, mere ghosts; day
+has dawned and they have fled. The whole land bristles with arms and
+every German heart is filled with trust. If we were always as we are
+to-day--one heart and one voice--then the whole world would have to bow
+before us. But we no longer knew ourselves, we had forgotten our real
+nature. We were so many and so divided, and each wanted only to be
+himself. How was it that such madness could have blinded us, and discord
+weakened us?
+
+"Now we realize our strength and see what we can achieve, for in spite
+of all we have retained our integrity; we have suffered no injury to the
+soul. Germany's soul had slept awhile and now awakes like a giant
+refreshed, and we can hardly recollect what it was all like only three
+weeks ago, when each lived for himself, when we were at best only
+parties, not a people. Each knew not the other, because he knew not
+himself. In unholy egoism everyone had forgotten his highest will. Now
+each has found his true will again, and that is proved--for we have only
+one.
+
+"In all German hearts flames the same holy wrath. A sacred wrath which
+sanctifies and heals. Every wound heals; we are again healthy and whole.
+Praise be to God for this war which delivered us on the first day from
+German quarrelsomeness! When the days of peace return we must prove that
+we deserve to have lived through this holy German war. Then no word must
+be spoken, no deed done on German soil which would be unworthy of these
+sublime days.
+
+"Groups stand at the street corners reading the latest news. One counts
+aloud how many enemies we have: there are already six. A silence ensues,
+till someone says: 'Many enemies, great honour, and we shall win, for
+our cause is just!' Such utterances can be heard every day. That is
+German faith; human might does not decide, but God's justice! That is
+the Supreme blessing of this great time; we put our trust in the spirit.
+Modern Germans have never breathed before so pure an atmosphere, for
+Germany's soul has appeared to us.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I am going to pronounce a blessing on this war, the blessing which is
+on all lips, for we Germans, no matter in what part of the world we are,
+all bless, bless and bless again this world war. I do not intend to
+become lyrical. Lyric is so far from me that in all these three months I
+have not composed a single war poem. No, I shall endeavour to count up
+quite calmly, unlyrically, what we have seen during these three months:
+point for point, the whole list of surprises, for they have all been
+surprises, one after the other.
+
+"Only a few days ago a high State official said to me: 'Let us confess
+at once that in all Europe nobody believed in this war; everybody had
+prepared for it, but nobody thought it possible--not even those who
+wanted war.'
+
+"All thinking men considered that the interwoven economic dependence on
+each other among the nations, was so strong that none dare commit
+suicide by commencing a war. Thus we spoke to each other, and that
+seemed an axiom. Further, it seemed to be true that even if a madman let
+loose the dogs of war, then it would be all over in a fortnight. The man
+in the street imagined that it would be a kind of parade (_Aufmarsch_),
+a mobilization test, and the power which succeeded best would be the
+victor, for no country in the world was strong enough to stand the
+enormous cost for longer than three weeks.
+
+"Now three months have gone, and we have stood the strain, and we can
+bear it for another three, six months, a year, or as many years as it
+must be. The calculation was wrong, all the calculations were wrong: the
+reality of this war surpasses everything which we had imagined, and it
+has been glorious to experience on so grand a scale that reality always
+surpasses the conception. Even that is not true which we learned in all
+the schools and read in all the books--that every war is an awful
+misfortune. Even this war is horrible; yes, but our salvation. It seems
+so to us, and so it has appeared to us from the very first day onwards.
+
+"That first day will remain in our memories for ever; never in all our
+lives had we experienced anything so grand, and we had never believed it
+possible to experience anything so magnificent. Word for word Bismarck's
+prophecy (1888) has come true: 'It must be a war to which the whole
+nation gives its assent; it must be a national war, conducted with an
+enthusiasm like that of 1870, when we were ruthlessly attacked. Then all
+Germany from the Memel to Lake Constance will blaze up like a
+powder-mine and the whole land bristle with bayonets.' The war which
+Bismarck prophesied was this war, and what he foretold came to pass, and
+we saw it with our eyes. We saw the German mobilization with eyes which
+since then have been consecrate.
+
+"All enthusiasm is splendid, even in an individual, be he who he may and
+for whatever cause you like. In enthusiasm everything good in a man
+appears, while the common and vulgar in him sinks away. Any enthusiasm
+either of groups or societies in which the individual ego loses itself
+is grand, but the mighty enthusiasm of a powerful people is
+overwhelming. This was, however, an enthusiasm of a peculiar sort--it
+was well disciplined, an enthusiasm combined with and controlled by the
+highest order.
+
+"In this the fundamental secret of German power was revealed: to remain
+calm in enthusiasm, cold amidst fire and still obedient to duty in a
+tornado of passion. Then we were all inspired by the thought and
+feeling: 'Nobody can achieve that, for in order to be able to do it we
+have had to perform a huge intellectual and spiritual task. It is not
+alone the result of the last century and a half; no, that work has been
+going on for nearly a thousand years.'
+
+"What is the spirit of our German mysticism, the spirit of Eckhart and
+Tauler, except: Drunkenness of the soul in a waking condition? The
+accepted law on which all great German deeds rest, is: to dovetail
+enthusiasm with discipline and order. From our Gothic, through German
+_barock_ to Frederick the Great and Kant, on to the classical
+period--what does all that mean if it is not the architecture of one
+huge feeling? The soul runs riot in its imaginings and therewith the
+intellect builds. The ravings of the soul provide the materials with
+which the mind builds.
+
+"What is German music from Bach to Beethoven and from Beethoven to
+Wagner--yes, even to Richard Strauss--but enthusiasm with discipline?
+German music has been our mobilization; it has gone on just as in a
+_partitur_ by Richard Wagner--absolute rapture with perfect precision!
+
+"Hence when we saw the miracle of this mobilization--all Germany's
+military manhood packed in railway trains, rolling through the land, day
+by day and night after night, never a minute late and never a question
+for which the right answer was not ready and waiting--when we saw all
+this, we were not astonished, because it was no miracle; it was nothing
+other than a natural result of a thousand years of work and preparation;
+it was the net profit of the whole of German history.
+
+"At the German mobilization not only our brave soldiers, reserves and
+militia (_Landwehrmänner und Landstürmler_) entered the field, but the
+whole of Germany's historic past marched with them. It was this which
+inspired the unshakable confidence which has endured from the first day
+of war. In truth, the dear Fatherland has every reason to be calm.
+
+"In the meantime something more has happened: all in a moment we became
+Germans! We held our breaths when the Kaiser uttered these words. This
+too arose out of the deepest depths of Germany's yearnings; it sounded
+like an eagle-cry of our most ancient longings. Germany's soul has long
+pined to tear itself from its narrow confines (_verwerden_, as Eckhart,
+or _sich entselbsten_, as Goethe put it), to lay aside self-will and
+sacrifice itself, to be absorbed in the whole, and yet still to serve
+(Wagner). And this eternal German yearning had never reached fulfilment,
+but self-interest and egoism have always been stronger; every German has
+been at war with all the others. 'For every man to go his own way,' said
+Goethe, 'is the peculiar characteristic of the German race. I have never
+seen them united except in their hate for Napoleon. I am curious to see
+what they will do when he is banished to the other side of the Rhine.'
+And Goethe was right: no sooner was the land freed from the oppressor,
+than each began again to think and act only for himself. Hence, when we
+first learned of the Kaiser's words we felt almost a joyous fear. If it
+were only true that now there were only Germans! But on the very next
+day our eyes saw and our ears heard that at last there were only
+Germans, and with that, all pain and fear was forgotten. If war is
+awful, even a just war, a holy war--even for the victor too, we will
+endure all that, for it is as nothing; no sacrifice is too great for
+this prize--that we are all only Germans.
+
+"Since the Emperor spoke those words three months have passed, and there
+have only been Germans in the land. These three months have brought much
+sorrow to German hearts, for there is hardly a home which does not
+lament a father, a son, or a brother. Nevertheless, one may say that
+since our existence as a nation, Germany has never been more joyous, in
+the best sense of the word, than in this time of suffering. Through our
+tears the noblest joy has shone; not alone at the success of our arms;
+it is not from pride at fighting against a world of enemies; it is not
+the fact that we are now assured of a future which in July last we could
+not have imagined; it is not the feeling of power, of which even we
+ourselves did not know. That shining joy springs from deeper reasons. We
+are glad because we have found each other; we did not know each other
+before. Indeed, no one knew himself. Now we know each other, and above
+all, each knows himself.
+
+"It was Bismarck who uttered these terrible words: 'When the unoccupied
+German must give up the struggle and strife which has become dear to
+him, and offer the hand of reconciliation, then he loses all joy in
+life. Civil war is always the most terrible thing which any land can
+have. But with us Germans it is still more terrible, because it is
+fought out by us with more love for the strife than any other war.'
+
+"Does it not sound truly horrible for the greatest benefactor of a
+nation, which has to thank him for having realized its century-old dream
+of unity, to say in all calm and as something quite obvious, that his
+own nation engages in a civil war 'with more love' than any other war?
+And wherever we look in Bismarck's speeches, the same complaint is found
+which had been the eternal lamentation of Goethe--the lament over the
+lack of faith and will of the Germans.
+
+"How will it be this time? Will it be as after the Seven Years' War,
+after the War of Liberation, after 1870? Will it be again all in vain?
+As soon as the Fatherland is secure, will every German once again cease
+to be a German in order to become some kind of -crat or -ist or -er?
+This time it will be more difficult, for from this war he will return no
+more into the same Fatherland. It will have expanded; the German
+Fatherland will be greater. Arndt's poems must be written over again: no
+longer merely 'as far as the German tongue is spoken.' Germany will
+stretch beyond that limit, and in it the German will have work to do.
+
+"In his speech Bismarck spoke of the 'unoccupied'; but in all
+probability after this war, for years to come, there will be no
+'unoccupied' Germans. They will be fully occupied with the new
+organization. What the sword has won, we shall keep. 'The pike in the
+European carp-pond,' said Bismarck once, 'prevent us from becoming carp.
+They compel us to exertions which voluntarily we should hardly be
+willing to make. They compel us to hold together, which is in direct
+contradiction to our innermost nature.'
+
+"As we cannot change our nature, it will be good if we take over for
+good and all a number--a very considerable number,--of these European
+pike. That will occupy the German peasant and give an outlet to his
+superfluous energies. There will be no leisure-energy to discharge
+itself in party strife. Further, we must build Europe up again. It stood
+on rotten foundations, and now it has fallen to pieces. We shall erect
+it again on a German basis, and there will be work enough."[30]
+
+[Footnote 30: Hermann Bahr: "Kriegssegen" ("The Blessings of War").
+Published in Munich, 1915, p. 5 _et seq_.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS
+
+
+It would be more than human if the German nation had actually realized
+the lyrical picture painted by two well-known writers in the preceding
+chapter. German newspapers, it is true, prove that the national unity so
+loudly acclaimed was no empty word; moreover, they show conclusively
+that grumblers and half-hearted enthusiasts were not lacking. It would
+probably be more correct to describe them as "sober-minded patriots."
+These elements had, however, to use a colloquialism, an "exceedingly
+rough time."
+
+The author has already contended that the German is innately brutal, and
+in proof thereof quoted the awful statistics of brutal crimes published
+by the Imperial Statistic Office, Berlin. The present work will contain
+a picture of the natural unfolding of this "innate brutality" in Germany
+itself during war time, and on the battlefields of Belgium and France.
+
+There is no doubt whatever that a systematic, officially-organized press
+campaign was carried on to madden the people and arouse blood-lust,
+successively against Russians, Belgians, French and English. One is
+almost inclined to exclaim: Providence caused some of the fruits of this
+blood-lashing to be reaped in Germany!
+
+"Yesterday evening in the Riebeckbräu another free fight took place, and
+quieter guests who refused to take part in the patriotic screaming of
+the students and other mob elements were badly ill-treated.
+Beer-glasses, ash-trays, chairs and other missiles were thrown about
+freely. One man was struck on the back of the head with a beer-glass,
+causing the blood to flow in streams. Helpless women, too, were beaten
+and threatened."[31]
+
+[Footnote 31: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 1st, 1914.]
+
+Three days later the same journal contained a public appeal from the
+Mayor of Leipzig, begging the inhabitants to preserve public order: "If
+the disturbances in the streets, public houses, etc., should--contrary
+to our expectations--continue, then we shall be compelled to take severe
+steps to suppress them."
+
+On the same page there is another report of similar scenes, in one of
+which a workman was "horribly ill-treated" by eight others. The army
+authorities were compelled to issue a still more drastic warning on
+August 6th.
+
+A victim reported his adventures in another Leipzig paper[32]: "I have
+just read your article admonishing the 'hot-heads' to keep cool. The
+General commanding Leipzig has also warned members of the public not to
+allow excitement to lead them to 'deeds of brutality and crime.' I am a
+good German patriot, and yet nearly lost my life at the hands of my own
+countrymen."
+
+[Footnote 32: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+The "good patriot" then relates that during the week he had spent an
+evening at a concert in a beer-garden. Patriotic music was the order of
+the day, and as each national song was sung he stood up with the rest of
+the company. Towards the close of the evening he felt unwell and
+remained sitting, an indiscretion which he truthfully says "nearly cost
+him his life." Three skull wounds several inches long, his body beaten
+black and blue, and ruined clothes, was the punishment for not joining
+in with the "hurrah-patriots."
+
+Dozens of similar instances might be cited, but for the sake of
+impartiality it is preferable to allow a German to generalize: "The rage
+of the populace has found vent not only against foreigners, but also
+against good German patriots, indeed even against German officers."[33]
+
+[Footnote 33: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 12th.]
+
+Probably one of the most glaring instances of German indifference to
+brutality is afforded by the following incident. A commercial traveller
+named Lüderitz, aged twenty-three, murdered his sweetheart in a Leipzig
+hotel by strangling her with his necktie. He alleged that he had killed
+the girl at her wish, and the judge sentenced him to three years, six
+months' imprisonment--not even penal servitude! The report
+concludes[34]: "As the accused has been called up to serve in the army,
+he was allowed to go free for the present." Which means that if he
+survives the war he may be called upon to undergo his sentence.
+
+[Footnote 34: Ibid., August 28th.]
+
+A South German newspaper[35] advised "German wives and maidens to avoid
+wearing striking costumes, dresses and hats. Such restrictions are not
+only desirable in the serious time through which our dear Fatherland is
+passing, but such precautions are urgently necessary in the interests of
+personal safety. For amidst the excitement which has unfortunately taken
+possession of our people, ladies are not safe, either from insult or
+assault, in spite of the fact that the police do their best to protect
+them."
+
+[Footnote 35: _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+These are the bare facts, in a very limited selection, as regards German
+brutality towards Germans. In the light of these events the question
+suggests itself: How did foreigners fare in the midst of this
+_Kulturvolk_? The answer is simple and expressive: "Not half has ever
+been told;" yet the German newspapers contain more than sufficient
+materials to prove that the floodgates of barbarism were opened wide.
+
+When martial law was proclaimed the Berlin Government caused official
+announcements to be issued throughout the whole country, requesting the
+public to assist in preventing tunnels, bridges, railways, etc., from
+being destroyed by foreign agents and spies. The whole country at once
+became a detective office of madmen!
+
+Ample proof is at hand to show that this lashing of the public mind into
+brutal fury was the calculated work of the German authorities. "We are
+now absolutely dependent upon reports issued by the authorities; we do
+not know whether they are correct or whether they are merely intended to
+inflame public opinion. Thus reports have been officially circulated of
+Russian patrols crossing our frontiers, and from Nuremberg of French
+airmen dropping bombs on the railways in that neighbourhood, whereupon
+diplomatic relations with both countries were broken off."[36]
+
+[Footnote 36: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+The whole Press, with the exception of at least some Social Democratic
+organs, joined in a chorus of hatred and suspicion against Russians
+residing in Germany. In bitterness towards the Russian State the
+Socialist journals were solid in their hostility, but the author has
+only discovered expressions of abhorrence in their columns concerning
+the ill-treatment, even murder, of innocent foreigners in Germany. This
+fact must be recorded to their honour.
+
+"Certain circles of Leipzig's population are at present possessed by
+patriotic delirium and at the same time by a spy-mania which luxuriates
+like tropical vegetation. In reality, love of Fatherland is something
+quite other than those feelings which find expression in the present
+noisy and disgusting scenes. These mob patriots must remember that in
+their mad attacks on 'Serbs' and 'Russians'--that is to say, everybody
+who has black hair and a beard, whom they at once conclude must belong
+to those nations--they are endangering the lives of hundreds of
+thousands of Germans in France and Russia."[37]
+
+[Footnote 37: Ibid., August 4th.]
+
+On the following day the same journal contained another detailed report:
+"In spite of official appeals to the public to display self-possession
+in these serious times, the nationalist mob continues to behave in the
+most scandalous manner, both in the streets and public restaurants, etc.
+The wildest outbreaks of brutal passions occur, and no one with black
+hair and dark complexion is secure from outbursts of rage on the part of
+the fanatics. Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday a gentleman in the uniform
+of a German artillery officer was sitting with a lady in the Café
+Felsche; apparently somebody 'denounced' him for a Russian officer in
+disguise. The police accompanied by army officers arrested and led him
+into the street, where they were received by a yelling crowd. The
+enraged mob forced its way past the guards and beat the 'spy' with
+sticks, umbrellas, etc., till streams of blood ran down his face, his
+uniform being torn to shreds. The officers and police guarding him drew
+their weapons, but were unable to protect him from further brutal
+treatment; indeed, it was with the greatest difficulty that they
+succeeded in bringing him to a place of safety."[38]
+
+[Footnote 38: The unfortunate suspect was in truth a German officer.]
+
+On the last page of the same edition there is an advertisement which
+helps to explain why the appeals for cool blood were useless.
+
+  "APPEAL!"
+
+  "Among the foreigners in our country, especially Russians, there are a
+  large number who, it is to be feared, are guilty of espionage and
+  attempts to disturb our mobilization. While the Russians engaged in
+  work on our farms may be allowed to continue their work in peace, it
+  is necessary to watch carefully those who are studying here, or are
+  permanent residents.
+
+  "I call upon the inhabitants to take part in the task of observation,
+  and when strong suspicion is aroused to see to it that the suspects
+  are arrested and handed over to the civil authorities.
+
+  "The protection of our railway lines and stations, telegraph wires,
+  etc., demands the most careful attention during the next few days.
+
+              "VON LAFFERT,
+              "General in Command.
+  "Leipzig, August 4th."
+
+An interesting contrast to the above is a police order, issued by the
+Director of the Stuttgart police.[39]
+
+[Footnote 39: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+  "Policemen! The populace is going absolutely mad. The streets are
+  crowded with old women of both sexes who have nothing else to do but
+  disgrace themselves. Each sees in his neighbour a Russian or French
+  spy, and imagines that it is his duty to thrash both him _and_ the
+  policeman who intervenes, till the blood flows; if not that, then at
+  least to cause an enormous crowd to gather in giving the alleged spy
+  over to the police. Clouds become hostile airmen, stars are mistaken
+  for airships and the cross-bars of bicycles are thought to be bombs;
+  bridges have been blown up, telegraph and telephone wires cut in the
+  middle of Stuttgart; spies have been shot and water supplies poisoned!
+  It is impossible to imagine what will happen when serious events
+  really come.
+
+  "It has been proved that up till now there has not been the slightest
+  reason for all this alarm; but yet, judging by appearances, we are
+  living in a huge lunatic asylum. Everyone, if he is not a coward or a
+  dangerous idler, should be quietly doing his duty, for the times are
+  already serious enough.
+
+  "Policemen! continue to keep your heads cool. Be men as you were
+  formerly, and not women. Do not allow yourselves to be frightened at
+  straws; keep your eyes open and do your duty!
+
+  "BILLINGER,
+
+  "Director of Police.
+
+  "Stuttgart."
+
+It is not surprising that this humorous police commander expressed his
+indignation in the forceful Swabian manner. Here are a few telegrams
+which had been sent to Berlin from Stuttgart, or still more probable,
+manufactured by the official Press Bureau in Berlin.
+
+"A considerable number of Russians and French--including several
+women--have been arrested in Stuttgart to-day under the suspicion of
+practising espionage. One of these arrests was made in the top-floor of
+the Central Post Office, where the apparatus connected with the
+telegraph office are to be found.
+
+"More arrests are about to be made in the environs. It has been
+established that numerous attempts have been made during the last few
+days to blow up the railway bridges. In Freudenstadt a gypsy's wagon was
+seized which contained a quantity of explosives."[40]
+
+[Footnote 40: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 3rd.]
+
+"Some of our contemporaries (Oh, shade of Pecksniff!--Author) announced
+yesterday that in Stuttgart eighty, according to other reports, ninety
+millions in French gold had been seized. In answer to our inquiry at the
+principal office of the Würtemberg State Railways we were informed that
+the statements are pure inventions."[41]
+
+[Footnote 41: _Berliner Lokal-Anzeiger_, August 4th.]
+
+Another Socialist paper which denounced this campaign of lies in its
+columns deserves quotation. "The spy-mania luxuriates; every Russian is
+in danger of assault by over-heated patriots. The nation, however, ought
+to know that the Russians in our midst are labourers, students,
+travellers and business men; it is exceeding rare for one of this class,
+to sell himself to the scoundrels who follow the dirty practices of
+espionage.
+
+"Civilization and good-breeding demand that everyone should respect the
+dictates of international law, and treat the peaceful citizens of a land
+with which we are at war, with decency.
+
+"Especially those wretches deserve to have their knuckles rapped who
+circulate such infamous bear-baiting news as the alleged attempt on the
+Crown Prince's life by Russian students."[42]
+
+[Footnote 42: _Vorwärts_, August 7th.]
+
+"The General commanding the Leipzig district has issued the following
+reply in answer to an inquiry by the civil authorities: We know nothing
+at all of an alleged attempt on the life of the Kaiser or the Crown
+Prince. The commanding General von Laffert has never uttered the words
+ascribed to him, that the Kaiser had been murdered. These reports must
+be contradicted with the greatest energy."[43]
+
+[Footnote 43: _Leipziger Tageblatt_, August 3rd.]
+
+The following extracts are of the greatest importance, for they prove
+beyond doubt the source of these lies, and the cold-blooded, calculated
+manner in which they were circulated by the German authorities:
+
+"The decision as to what may be published in newspapers, is now in the
+hands of the military commander in each district.
+
+"The regulations issued by the military authorities, force certain
+restrictions upon us and threaten the existence of our journals. As
+regards our principles and convictions no change has taken place."[44]
+
+[Footnote 44: The editor of the _Vorwärts_ to his readers on August
+1st.]
+
+"Berlin, August 10th.--Major Nicolai, director of the Press department
+of the General Staff, received representatives of the Press to-day and
+communicated to them, _inter alia_, the following details: Our army
+commanders decline to enter into competition with the lie-factories
+abroad. They will convince the world that truth is on our side, and that
+we spread neither lies nor coloured reports. We hope in a short time to
+be able to prove how much our enemies have sinned against the truth.
+
+"What have we achieved up till now? The dreaded invasion of Russian
+cavalry was broken up by our frontier guards alone. Indeed, in many
+cases only the Landwehr was needed to throw back the invaders. What
+about the destruction of important buildings, railways, bridges and such
+like? Nothing at all has happened."[45]
+
+[Footnote 45: Condensed translation of the report in the _Leipziger
+Volkszeitung_, August 11th.]
+
+On another page of the same issue a long official army order to the
+Press is given in which this paragraph occurs: "All news given out by
+Wolff's Telegraph-Bureau may only be quoted literally as they stand and
+the source named by the initials W.T.-B."
+
+It is thus clear that the news-agency mentioned performs two separate
+functions, although the German army authorities do not draw this
+distinction. First, the circulation of reports issued by the Army
+Headquarters in the field, for the truth of which the Berlin General
+Staff guarantees. Secondly, the spreading of their own news, and
+information supplied to them by other German Government departments. All
+news published by the agency has thus received the stamp of official
+authority, and the German public is too ignorant to recognize the
+palpable fraud.
+
+"Metz, August 3rd.--A French doctor, accompanied by two officers in
+disguise, was caught yesterday while trying to infect the water supply
+with cholera bacilli. He was at once shot under military law."[46]
+
+[Footnote 46: _Deutsche Tageszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+"The report of the Metz water supply being infected, which was given out
+by Wolff's Bureau yesterday, proves to be a pure invention. The agency
+informs us that there is no ground for uneasiness, but the state of
+affairs at present makes it imperative to exercise great care."[47]
+
+[Footnote 47: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 4th.]
+
+"Coblence, August 2nd.--The Government-president in Düsseldorf reports
+that twelve motor-cars containing eighty French officers in Prussian
+uniforms tried this morning to cross the Prussian frontier by Walbeck,
+west of Geldern. The attempt failed."[48]
+
+[Footnote 48: Ibid., August 3rd.]
+
+Referring to this episode another paper wrote: "The alleged attempt of
+whole caravans of French officers, masquerading as German lieutenants,
+to enter the Rhine province as spies is too adventurous to be believed.
+Especially as it is known that the Dutch frontier is very strictly
+guarded.
+
+"But Wolff's Bureau, which at present takes every precaution, circulated
+the news. Hence we have here an instance of France violating Dutch
+neutrality."[49]
+
+[Footnote 49: _Kölnische Volkszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+As far as the author is aware, the German Government has not yet
+protested to the Dutch authorities for this breach of their neutrality.
+
+The poisoned-water-supplies lie deserves further attention. It was
+scattered broadcast throughout the land, and millions of credulous
+Germans reduced to a state of absolute panic and--what was intended by
+those who spread the lie--blind hate against Germany's opponents. I have
+before me a number of descriptions of scares in various parts of the
+Fatherland. A few notices will suffice as illustrations.
+
+"A most terrifying report spread like wild-fire through the town last
+Monday morning, and reached to the farthest suburbs. The waters of the
+Mangfall had been poisoned by Russian spies, and everyone's life was in
+danger. It is hardly possible to conceive the effect of this terrible
+rumour. Messengers of despair rushed from house to house, knocking at
+strangers' doors in order to spread the warning. 'That is a devilish
+deed!' stammered the white lips of women. 'Only barbarians wage war in
+this manner!' hissed the men, trembling with rage and hate."[50]
+
+[Footnote 50: The full report of this Munich scare occupies more than a
+column in the _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+The _Breslauer-Morgenzeitung_ for August 10th contains an announcement
+from the Breslau municipality warning the inhabitants that the waters of
+the Oder have possibly been poisoned, and appealing for every precaution
+to be taken before drinking from the town supply, till a fresh supply
+can be provided.
+
+"The authorities in Danzig have declared the waters of the Weichsel to
+be under suspicion of having been infected with cholera bacilli. It is
+presumed that cholera is raging on the upper Weichsel in Russia, and
+that the Russians have not allowed this to become known. Water from the
+river must not be used for any purposes connected with human food or
+drink."[51]
+
+[Footnote 51: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 20th. A lying
+report put in circulation hundreds of miles away from Danzig.]
+
+Finally the originator of these rumours piously contradicts them all and
+announces, "lieb Vaterland magst ruhig sein," in the following words:
+
+"Wolff's Bureau reports: There is absolutely no reason for anxiety on
+account of the alleged poisoning and infection of rivers, water supplies
+and springs which have been reported unauthoritatively from all parts of
+the country, and published in the Press. These rumours, which have
+caused grave anxiety, on closer investigation have all proved to be
+utterly unfounded."[52]
+
+[Footnote 52: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 27th.]
+
+The war had lasted for four weeks, and although no rivers had been
+poisoned, the same could not be said of the currents of popular opinion.
+
+"While I was walking down a street in Breslau a tram suddenly stopped,
+loud cries proceeding from within it. The occupants had discovered a
+Russian, dragged him out and handed him over to a policeman who led the
+man away. But the official was unable to protect him, and blows with
+fists and sticks literally rained on the defenceless fellow. The couple,
+surrounded by a howling crowd, had just moved away, when a nun attracted
+the attention of the crowd. On account of a report that a Russian spy
+disguised as a nun had been arrested the same morning, the people
+imagined the nun to be a man in disguise.
+
+"Smiling at the ridiculous supposition and the maddened howls of the
+ever-increasing throng, the lady endeavoured to enter a tram. Men placed
+themselves in front of the car, others dragged the frightened woman out
+again and with blows and kicks she was driven before them to the next
+police station. But the saddest part of these excesses--and I am only
+describing a few of which I was accidentally a witness--is that members
+of the so-called educated classes participated in them."[53]
+
+[Footnote 53: A special correspondent in the _Frankfurter Zeitung_,
+August 7th.]
+
+"On one of the most frequented open places in Breslau a soldier
+approached a lady and looked searchingly into her face. She understood
+him, and remarked with a smile: 'I am not a spy!' The man replied: 'But
+you have short hair. I am sorry, you must come with me.'
+
+"She at once recognized that the wisest plan was to accompany him, and
+turned to do so. The movement worked like a signal; the bystanders
+immediately threw themselves in blind rage upon the defenceless woman.
+In vain the single soldier tried to protect her, and equally in vain was
+the assistance of two policemen who had come up. Her cries to be taken
+into a neighbouring house for safety met with no response.
+
+"Her garments were literally torn from her body, a spectacle which
+finally proved to her persecutors that she actually was a woman, but
+that fact no longer protects her. Brutal instincts, once let loose, are
+mad and unrestrained. Blows continue to fall on her head and kicks rain
+against her body. She only tries to shield her eyes. 'Take her to the
+police station' was shouted, but that is some distance away. And any
+second may mean death--a horrible, disgraceful death.
+
+"Having arrived in the guard-room the officials are soon convinced that
+they have to do with an absolutely innocent woman. Outside the throngs
+yelled in triumph."[54]
+
+[Footnote 54: _Breslauer Generalanzeiger_, August 6th.]
+
+A German officer wrote the following account to the _Berliner Zeitung am
+Mittag_ (August 5th): "May I supplement your article 'Spies and
+Spy-hunting' with a few facts from my own personal knowledge. On August
+3rd no fewer than sixty-four spies (?) were brought into the police
+station at the Potsdamer Railway Station (Berlin). Not one was kept in
+arrest, for the simple fact that they were all innocent German citizens.
+
+"Among others who were 'captured' and threatened with death by the
+raging crowd on the Potsdamer Platz were: A pensioned Prussian major,
+who was waiting for his son; a surgeon in the Landwehr; a high official
+from the Courts of Justice; and lastly, a pensioned Bavarian army
+officer who, on account of his stature, was thought to be a Russian. A
+drunken shop-assistant egged on the crowd against this last suspect, so
+that his life was really in danger. He was rescued by four Prussian
+officers, who pretended to arrest their Bavarian colleague, and were in
+this way able to lead him into safety."
+
+This twentieth-century reign of terror is not, however, without a ray of
+humour. The semi-official _Kölnische Zeitung_ (August 4th) contained a
+legend which set all Germany hunting for French motor-cars. "Several
+motor-cars with ladies in them, taking gold to Russia, are on their way
+across Germany. They must be stopped and a communication sent to the
+nearest military or police station."
+
+"The occupants of the motor-cars carrying gold to Russia are said to
+have transferred the precious metal to cyclists dressed as
+bricklayers."[55]
+
+[Footnote 55: _Das Kleine Journal_ (Berlin), August 5th.]
+
+"The official announcement that French and Russian motor-cars had been
+seen on our country roads has aroused the otherwise leaden, heavy
+imaginations of the country people to the most incredible delirium. We
+will limit ourselves to a single instance. One of our cars met a peasant
+with a hand-waggon near Nerchau. As soon as he perceived the motor he
+bolted in mad fright into a neighbouring corn-field.
+
+"Our man called in a friendly voice: 'My good fellow, what are you
+running away for?' Then the hero answered in a trembling voice: 'I
+thought it was a French motor!'"[56]
+
+[Footnote 56: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 6th.]
+
+On August 6th every important paper in the German Empire contained the
+following paragraph issued by the "Army Direction" in Berlin:
+
+"The hunt for alleged hostile motor-cars must stop. It endangers the
+motor-car communications so necessary to our armies."
+
+This warning was repeated in stronger terms on the following day, and
+the roll of murdered victims began to leak out. "Unfortunately through
+this hunt several persons have been wrongfully shot. In Leipzig a doctor
+and his chauffeur have been shot, while between Berlin and Koepenick a
+company of armed civilians on the look-out for Russian motor-cars tried
+to stop a car. The chauffeur was compelled to put the brakes on so
+suddenly that the motor dashed into a tree, with the result that the
+occupants--several persons connected with the army--were hurled on to
+the road and received dangerous injuries.
+
+"In Munich a chauffeur was shot dead by a sentinel because he did not
+stop soon enough. Even children are not spared in this degrading fear of
+spies.
+
+"Near Büren (Westphalia) the twelve-year-old daughter of Town Councillor
+Buddeberg in Bielefeld was returning with her mother from Marburg in a
+motor. Somebody must have telephoned that the car was suspect, for the
+Landwehr Society placed armed sentinels at various points on the road.
+They cried 'Halt!' to the chauffeur; just as the car was stopping, shots
+were fired, and the girl sank dead in the arms of her mother.
+
+"Even the nationalist journals have expressed their astonishment that a
+civilian society is permitted to hold the public highways with armed
+guards. At Coblence a teacher and organist named Ritter was shot by a
+sentinel."[57]
+
+[Footnote 57: _Leifziger Volkszeitung_, Supplement I., August 7th. Here
+we have proof that Germany allowed armed civilians to murder supposed
+Frenchmen, a fact to be remembered when weighing Germany's accusations
+against Belgian civilians. The German Government has published a White
+Book (328 quarto pages) during the summer, 1915, indicting Belgian
+civilians with all kinds of atrocities. Waiving the point that if
+Germany first laid aside international law she had no right to expect
+Belgium to respect its dictates, it may be safely assumed that the
+evidence cited by the Germans is of little or no value. The oath which
+German soldiers are compelled to take precludes the possibility that
+they would or could give evidence which reflected on the conduct of the
+German army either in peace or war, even if the evidence is absolutely
+true. "In the interests of military discipline" the truth must be
+suppressed. The same oath is, however, proof that the German soldier
+must be prepared to lay down either his life _or his honour_ in defence
+of the army, and in a later chapter irrefutable evidence from German
+sources will be adduced to show that the White Book in question contains
+"sworn lies" emanating from members of the German army.]
+
+In its issue for August 11th the same newspaper gave the names of four
+more victims who had been shot in Westphalia. Among them was a poor
+woman of weak intellect; she was near a bridge, and failing to comply
+with a sentry's challenge, was shot. The bullet passed through her leg
+and killed a little girl who was working near her.
+
+Wolff's Bureau in Berlin reports: "In spite of the most urgent appeals
+which the Army Direction has issued during the last few days, begging
+the public not to place hindrances in the way of motor-cars, blundering
+mistakes are still being made every hour in all parts of Germany,
+accompanied by the most serious consequences.
+
+"The morning papers again contain reports of gold-motors having been
+captured. There are neither gold-motors nor foreign motors in Germany.
+Anyone who interferes with motor traffic is committing a sin against the
+army."[58]
+
+[Footnote 58: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+Another warning appeared in all the papers of August 12th in a still
+more imperative form. Yet a section of the public seemed to find a
+source of humour in this tragic hunt. A correspondent of the _Berliner
+Tageblatt_ gave an interesting report of his motor-ride (joy-ride?) from
+Lindau to Munich.
+
+"We were hardly two kilometres out of Lindau when we were stopped by a
+barricade of hay-wagons. On each side peasants stood with threatening
+mien, armed with pitchforks, revolvers and ancient carbines at
+full-cock. 'Hands up!' First visitation; we show our papers, everything
+in order. Off again.
+
+"About every two kilometres this scene was repeated: road jammed with
+huge, long wagons, the same excitement, the same discussion, but now and
+then somewhat sharper. In some villages the duty to defend the
+Fatherland has turned into madness.
+
+"'Here, get out! Where was this paper stamped? Yes, it is possible to
+forge!' They refuse to believe anything; not even a passport from the
+Chief in Command, nor papers proving me to be a German and my companion
+a German officer. When I tell them that I am an author and journalist
+from Berlin, they parry with a 'What the devil is that?'
+
+"These brave peasants defend their Fatherland well. Once we had to wait
+half an hour till a _gendarme_ came and ended the comedy with a few
+short words. Then we are allowed to get in again, and as I turn round a
+peasant shouts a last greeting: 'Really, I took you for a common hussy
+in disguise!'
+
+"They threaten us from the houses. Now and then the trigger of a gun
+clicks as it is levelled at us from a window. The roads are lined with
+peasants armed with all sorts of weapons, iron spikes, dung-forks,
+clubs, scythes, and old swords from the time of our great-grandfathers.
+
+"Up to the suburbs of Munich they stand at every village by day and by
+night to see that nothing happens to the Fatherland! And even if we were
+stopped twenty-eight times in this short distance; even if we did have
+to put up with hard words and black looks--we suffered all this gladly.
+We rejoiced to see with our own eyes how valiantly our peasants defend
+the frontiers of their Fatherland."[59]
+
+[Footnote 59: Edmund Edel in the _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 9th.]
+
+In due time the bloodthirsty Pecksniff who had set the avalanche in
+motion appeared to express his holy indignation.
+
+"Wolff's Bureau has circulated the following warning. Berlin, August
+14th. This fatal hunt for motor-cars has claimed yet another victim.
+Recently an Austrian countess was shot while working for the Red Cross,
+and now a cavalry captain and his chauffeur have been killed by a
+forest-keeper on the look-out for Russian _automobile_.
+
+"The General Staff has again and again issued the most urgent demands
+that this unhappy hunt for foreign motorists--which has already caused
+the death of several good Germans--should cease.
+
+"It is unadulterated madness (_es ist heller Wahnsinn_) to search for
+enemy motors in our land. Neither enemy officers, nor cars loaded with
+gold, are driving around in Germany. Would that our people would stop
+this horrible murder of their own countrymen and lend an ear to the
+warning voice of our Army Direction. Our Fatherland needs every single
+man in this serious hour."[60]
+
+[Footnote 60: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 15th.]
+
+Only one more nail requires to be driven home to prove the blood-guilt
+of the German authorities for the murder of their own citizens.
+
+"Innumerable reports are in circulation about the capture of spies and
+the prevention of plots against persons and buildings. In spite of the
+fact that the military authorities have repeatedly and urgently appealed
+for the exercise of the greatest discretion in publishing such reports,
+the nationalist Press exploits every opportunity to disquiet the
+masses and excite them to senseless delirium.
+
+"It is obvious that we shall not join in this game. We exercise our most
+careful judgment before publishing anything; in these serious times we
+must decline to speculate in the thirst for sensation which has been
+bred in the public. Rather, on the contrary, we must beg our readers
+always to accept all news, WHICH NOW EMANATE ALMOST ENTIRELY FROM
+OFFICIAL SOURCES,[61] with the necessary reserve."[62]
+
+[Footnote 61: The emphasis is mine. Author.]
+
+[Footnote 62: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 7th.]
+
+The author has ventured to lead his readers on a mad-brained chase after
+non-existent motor-cars and mythical French gold. He hopes that his
+readers' patience has not been exhausted, because the ride may prove an
+instructive education in German methods and the standards of truth
+accepted in a country where only might is right.
+
+The object in view, in submitting these modern fairy-tales to the
+British public, is to lay bare the pillars of truth which support the
+Fatherland. During the first month of the war there was an outbreak of
+brutality in Germany; contemporaneously with these horrors some million
+members of the same nation flooded Belgium with dread deeds of an
+indescribable nature. This is a noteworthy coincidence.
+
+We have seen how Germans treat Germans, which makes it easier to
+comprehend how Germans treated Belgians. The present chapter gives a
+picture of how the German Press is worked, how popular opinion is
+created and blood-lust awakened. When dealing with Germany's defence of
+her Belgian horrors, we shall find that her entire case rests alone upon
+the utterances of her oracles of truth: Wolff's Telegraphic Bureau and
+Germany's venal, lying newspapers.
+
+That was the reason for this mad joy-ride from end to end of the German
+Empire, and that is the only apology which the author has to make for
+introducing the latest contributions to Germanic mythology into an
+otherwise serious work.
+
+Incidentally we have observed that German civilians were permitted to
+bear arms and did not hesitate to use them "in defence of the
+Fatherland," as Edmund Edel put it. The civilians were doubtless
+inspired by the noble desire to grab French gold. Yet when Belgian
+civilians--as Wolff's Bureau alleges--dared to defend their homes, wives
+and children against the most treacherous and dastardly invasion in the
+world's history--then, of course, Germany was perfectly justified in
+murdering all and sundry, burning towns and hamlets and laying waste a
+fertile land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE DÉBÂCLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS
+
+
+In the second paragraph of the Social Democratic programme published
+after the Halle Congress in 1890, we read: "The German workmen's
+socialistic party, although working for the present on national lines,
+is aware of the international character of the workmen's movement, and
+is determined to fulfil all duties accruing thereby to the working
+classes, in order to make the brotherhood of all men a reality."
+
+At that meeting--the first to be held after the repeal of Bismarck's
+anti-socialist law--the president claimed that they had secured more
+votes at the Reichstag election than any other party; they were the
+strongest political party in Germany.
+
+Since that year they have consistently increased their power, till in
+the present Reichstag they have no fewer than one hundred and eleven
+members, giving them almost an absolute majority.
+
+It seems an irony of fate that at Halle in 1890 one of the speakers who
+dilated on international brotherhood and the inseparable bonds which
+bound Belgian and German workmen--was a Belgian delegate! Singer, in
+reporting on the doings of the representatives in the Reichstag, said:
+"We consider peace among the nations to be an indispensable preliminary
+for the improvement of social conditions. We vote against expenditure
+for military purposes, because we are convinced that this continuous
+arming, accompanied by the constant improvement of murderous weapons,
+must be ended. It is contradictory to the civilizing task of the nations
+for them to be armed to the teeth, lying in wait for the moment when
+they can devour each other.
+
+"Militarism is an evil for the nations; its burdens cannot be borne for
+ever, and even to-day the nations are collapsing under them. Modern
+conditions are unbearable; out of them spring ever-increasing armaments,
+and at last a time will come when war must break out, because the state
+of modern armed peace will one day have become impossible."
+
+Another authoritative pronouncement from the report[63] of the Social
+Democratic Congress in Erfurt, 1891, deserves mention. It is a passage
+from a speech delivered by the elder Liebknecht in the Reichstag: "As
+regards the defence of the Fatherland all parties will be united when it
+is necessary to meet an outside enemy. In that moment no party will
+shirk its duty."
+
+[Footnote 63: "Protokoll über die Verhandlungen des Parteitags der Soz.
+Dem. Partei Deutschlands zu Erfurt, 1891."]
+
+This is an instance of what Germans call _Rückversicherung_, or a
+covering insurance. Having pledged themselves never to leave the
+Fatherland in the lurch--and the pledge was repeated on many
+occasions--they were free to babble to French, English and Italian
+Socialists about the blessings of internationalism, general strikes, and
+eternal peace. But there is no single instance on record to show that
+German Socialists considered any other benefits of internationalism,
+except those which served the purposes of their own nationalism.
+
+At Halle, 1890, Liebknecht said: "These ideas are indisputably correct.
+Nobody,[64] no matter how enthusiastic he may be for the international
+cause, will dare to maintain that we have no national duties. National
+and international are not opposing principles. The word 'national' must
+be rightly understood. It includes only a certain, limited portion of
+international humanity. The part belongs to the whole, and international
+merely means going beyond the boundary-posts of the nation, the narrower
+limits of the native land; to extend one's horizon to include the whole;
+to consider humanity as one family and the world as a home."
+
+[Footnote 64: Liebknecht was wrong. There are dupes who hold that their
+international obligations come before their national duties, and
+unfortunately in the ranks of these traitors, English M.P.'s may be
+found, who receive £400 per annum from the British State, presumably to
+aid them in injuring the British cause.]
+
+The error into which British Socialists have fallen--or been led--is
+their attitude towards militarism. German Democrats have never denounced
+the bearing of arms; they have admitted that arms will always be
+necessary, pre-supposing that the world continues along the same lines
+of development as heretofore.
+
+They have only objected to the existing _form_[65] of militarism, but
+otherwise they have always been unanimous that military training should
+be compulsory and universal. Their British _Genossen_ (comrades) have
+either misunderstood or wilfully perverted these teachings. German
+Socialists have unswervingly insisted upon every man learning the use of
+arms, while their British followers have preached absolute disarmament
+and done their utmost to betray this country into weakening herself
+below the minimum necessary to guard the land, and to maintain the
+country's pledges to the world.
+
+[Footnote 65: Kautsky: "Die Internationalität und der Krieg" (Vorwärts
+Publishing House, Berlin, 1915), p. 26. "We have fought against the
+military system not to make the land defenceless, but in order to
+introduce another system in its place, which will give us the necessary
+guarantees that the army will always be the tool of the civil
+authorities and never their master. When the latter is the case we call
+such a condition 'militarism,' and it is against that alone that we
+fight." Seeing that military power is absolutely subordinated to the
+civil authorities in the case of Great Britain (Mutiny Acts), then
+according to the principles of German Socialists their British
+colleagues were wrong in all the efforts which they have made against
+the armed powers of these islands.]
+
+In Halle, Herr Bebel made this statement: "I have already made it clear
+that I consider the efforts of the so-called peace friends towards
+disarmament to be useless (_aussichtslos_), because it is unthinkable
+that the rival States would agree to legal restrictions concerning
+disarmament. If such were made, each would endeavour by secret
+preparations to out-do the other. War and national enmity are necessary
+products of society, and the existing class distinctions."
+
+The Germans were quite logical in this matter; in effect they said--the
+existing States and forms of government make militarism necessary, and
+war inevitable. Therefore we declare war to the knife on every existing
+government, including Russian Czarism, British constitutionalism, German
+autocracy and American republicanism. They are one and all rotten,
+unjust and inhuman. Our programme includes their complete overthrow and
+the erection in their stead of a _Volksstaat_ (People's State).
+
+The position is perfectly simple, and to those who are sufficiently
+ignorant and naïve this programme promises an universal salvation, as
+delirious in its joy as that expected by African races when bending the
+knee before images of wood and stone. German Socialists are pledged just
+as irrevocably to the doctrines of brute force as are the Junker and
+military powers in the German Fatherland. What is their industrial and
+class warfare but an attempt to enforce the doctrine of might is right?
+
+In the official programme drawn up at Erfurt, 1891, there is a paragraph
+stating a claim for _uneingeschränktes Koalitionsrecht_ (absolute and
+unlimited right of coalition), which means that the masses may unite to
+enforce what they will, and annihilate whom they please. The same rights
+of coalition are denied to anyone else, and in the coal-strikes in South
+Wales[66] we have a lurid example--such instances could not be found in
+Germany--of the absolute and unlimited right of coalition at the risk of
+undoing any and every other right.
+
+[Footnote 66: The strikes during the present war.--Author.]
+
+The point is this: German Socialists have declared their intention to
+give no allegiance to any existing form of government and to overthrow
+them at the earliest possible moment. Do British Socialists accept this
+part of the programme?
+
+Throughout German Social Democratic literature we find Mr. Ramsay
+Macdonald referred to as _Genosse_ Ramsay Macdonald, which means that he
+is considered a full member of the brotherhood. If that is really the
+case, and if he accepts their programme as one to be followed here he
+would be favouring the substitution of the _volksstaat_ for the British
+constitutional monarchy.
+
+In face of this it may be asked why do British members of the Socialist
+party take an oath on entering the House of Commons, and why do they
+accept £400 per annum to support a national State, if they have pledged
+themselves internationally to overthrow it?
+
+The author admits his inability to solve the riddle, but during the
+years 1902-1914 he has heard members of all non-Socialist German parties
+assert that the German Socialists do not recognize any religious oath,
+and sections of the Socialists admit this position. As a party they are
+professedly atheistic; therefore when the might of the German State
+compels them to take an oath--they take it with an inward
+_Rückversicherung_.
+
+In a word, false-swearing is permitted, when one is obliged by
+circumstances, to take an oath to authorities whose right and might the
+oath-taker does not admit. So long ago as 1892 the Social Democrats were
+publicly charged with condoning perjury in order to rescue fellow
+members from the results of breaches of the law. Judge Schmidt in a
+court at Breslau said in that year: "Social Democrats have never
+concealed the fact that they are hostile to any religious form of oath.
+For them the religious importance and responsibility of an oath has no
+meaning whatever." Numerous German judges and authors have expressed
+themselves in a similar strain.
+
+Readers who are interested in the point are referred to the report[67]
+of the Socialist Congress held in Berlin, October, 1892. The party
+leaders endeavoured to gloss the matter over with righteous indignation
+and ambiguous phrases, but it nevertheless remains a fact that the
+desire to counteract effectively, a tendency to perjury among Socialists
+led the German Government a few years later to make perjury punishable
+by penal servitude up to ten years.
+
+[Footnote 67: All these reports may be seen in the British Museum
+Reading Room. Press mark is: 08072d.]
+
+Before leaving the _Volksstaat_ the author only wishes to state that it
+lays the axe on every conception of morality, religion and social order
+which we esteem. In the place of existing conditions, it would erect a
+mob tyranny more degrading to the individual than Czarism or
+Republicanism. The mines of Siberia and the tinned-meat factories of
+Chicago may enslave the body, but the _Volksstaat_, as portrayed by
+Socialist writers and speakers, promises an intellectual
+tyranny--hopeless alike to body and soul; and those who have had an
+opportunity to observe the brutal tyranny called "party discipline"
+which rules the German Social Democrats, will bear the present writer
+out in saying that its like, could only be found inside the German army.
+
+The strongest, best organized and most thoroughly disciplined political
+party in the world has repeatedly expressed its unalterable
+determination to place national before international interests, whenever
+these two should seem to be at variance. In the light of these
+declarations, the action of German Socialists in giving unreserved
+support to the German Government in this war, is not altogether
+surprising.
+
+Furthermore, this foundation-stone in their policy ought never to have
+been left out of consideration when pondering over their ecstatic
+utterances on peace and internationalism.
+
+The communistic manifesto of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, first
+published in London in the German language in 1847, contains the
+following: "Men say that we Communists wish to destroy the nationality
+of the native land. Workmen have no Fatherland. It is impossible to take
+away what they do not possess. The Communists scorn to conceal their
+views and intentions. We declare openly, that their aims can only be
+attained by the violent overthrow of all existing social orders. Let the
+ruling classes tremble before a communistic revolution. The proletarians
+have nothing but their chains to lose, while they have a world to
+gain."[68]
+
+[Footnote 68: "Envy and greed are the two powerful levers by which the
+Social Democrats are endeavouring to lift the world off its hinges. They
+live by the destruction of every ideal." Treitschke in the "Preussische
+Jahrbücher," vol. 34.]
+
+German Socialists have incorporated these principles _in theory_ in
+their programme, but _in practice_ they do not hold them, especially if
+their own skins are endangered, together with the Government which is
+threatened by "violent overthrow." That is the sum total of their
+extensive defence--literature published _since_ the outbreak of the
+present war. In its naked reality that is what the guarantee-insurance
+policy covered. So long as no danger threatened their own lives, goods
+and chattels, such eloquence as the following extracts were shouted into
+the world; but when they personally stood face to face with the Moloch
+upon which for years they had heaped contemptuous abuse, then national
+(_i.e._, personal) interests came first.
+
+Herr Fischer, in his capacity as president of the Socialist Congress in
+Berlin, 1892, said:
+
+"The reception of French delegates at Halle, and of Liebknecht at
+Marseilles, have proved incontrovertibly that the struggling French
+proletarians are of one mind and heart with German Social Democracy. Let
+the chauvinists, burning with hate on this and that side the Rhine, urge
+us on to war; let the diplomats and Governments of both countries
+sacrifice the well-being of the two nations to militarism and the
+war-bogey. The working-men in the two countries stretch out their hands
+to each other over the frontiers as pioneers of true culture and
+morality. They are convinced that there is only one enemy which
+separates them, and that it is their common task to fight against and
+annihilate this one enemy--capitalism."
+
+"Now as ever, we Social Democrats reply to the Government's military and
+economic policy this parole: Not a man and not a farthing will be voted
+for this system!"[69]
+
+[Footnote 69: Social Democrat members of the Reichstag in their report
+to the annual congress held in Cologne, 1893.]
+
+These quotations have been intentionally taken from speeches, etc.,
+published in the early nineties of the last century. If necessary, it
+would be an easy matter to fill several volumes of similar matter from
+the annual congress reports down to 1913; from the vast mass of German
+Social Democratic literature published between 1890 and 1914; and from
+the hundred party newspapers and reviews circulated in the Fatherland,
+Yet in the face of all these assurances it seemed to us that the German
+Socialists had shamefully betrayed their principles on August 4th, 1914,
+by giving their unreserved support to "Germany's Holy War."[70]
+
+[Footnote 70: In all Germany, and among all classes, this has become the
+popular designation of the European war: "_Unser_ heiliger Krieg."]
+
+Probably the betrayal was not so shameful as it seemed, because the fact
+was not made known in this country that the German Socialists had but
+imitated Bismarck's policy with Russia and Austria. (Bismarck concluded
+a treaty, with the one Power, then behind that Power's back he concluded
+a _Rückversicherungsvertrag_ with the other, _i.e._, a covering
+insurance policy intended to protect him against all risks.)
+
+During a quarter of a century, German Social Democrats have been the
+most ardent and insistent pioneers of internationalism and
+anti-militarism. But it has not been so generally known that they too
+have protected their rear by a _Rückversicherung:_ (1.) They have
+consistently taught that every man must learn to bear arms, and that
+both man and woman must be prepared to make any sacrifice for their
+Fatherland. (2.) They have always held that national interests must be
+considered before international palaver.
+
+In Chapter I. we have seen that up till July 28th, 1914, the German
+Social Democratic Party considered Austria and Germany to be entirely
+responsible for the European crisis. They had then no shadow of doubt,
+that Austria alone was guilty for bringing the danger of a European war
+to their very doors; from that point we again take up the story.[71]
+
+[Footnote 71: In all the mass of literature published by German
+Socialists during the war I have found only one mention of their first
+attitude to the war danger. On the first anniversary of the ultimatum to
+Serbia (July 23rd, 1915) the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_ contains these
+lines in a leading article: "To-day we may not repeat that which we
+wrote about the ultimatum in our issue of July 24th, 1914. But there was
+no doubt in any section of the Press, that Europe stood on the brink of
+war from the moment that ultimatum was despatched."]
+
+Three days later they tacitly agreed that Russia was the guilty party
+and acquiesced in the mobilization of the German army. On August 1st
+this proclamation occupied the front page of their seventy-seven daily
+papers:
+
+  "PARTEIGENOSSEN! Military law has been proclaimed. Any hour may bring
+  with it the outbreak of the world war. Thereby the severest trials
+  will be imposed upon, not only our nation, but upon the whole of our
+  continent.
+
+  "Up till the last minute the internationalists have done their duty,
+  and on the other side of our frontiers every nerve is being strained
+  to preserve peace and to make war impossible.
+
+  "If our earnest protests, our repeated endeavours have been without
+  success, it is because the conditions under which we live have once
+  again proved stronger than our will, and the will of our workmen
+  brothers. Hence, whatever comes, we must now face it with firmness.
+
+  "The horrible self-laceration of the European peoples, is the cruel
+  confirmation of our warnings to the ruling classes for more than a
+  generation; we have spoken admonishingly and in vain.
+
+  "_Parteigenossen_ (comrades), we shall not live through coming events
+  in fatalistic indifference; we shall remain true to our cause; we
+  shall hold firmly together, permeated by the sublime greatness of our
+  cultural mission.
+
+  "The women, on whom the burden of events presses two and threefold,
+  have above all, in these serious times, the task of working in the
+  spirit of Socialism for the high ideals of humanity, so that a
+  repetition of this dreadful catastrophe may be averted, and this war
+  may be the last.
+
+  "The stern regulations of martial law strike the workmen's movement
+  with terrible force. Imprudent actions, useless and falsely-conceived
+  sacrifices, damage in this moment not only the individual, but also
+  our cause.
+
+  "Comrades, we appeal to you to persevere in the unshakable confidence
+  that the future belongs, in spite of all, to nation-binding Socialism,
+  to justice and humanity.
+
+      "DER PARTEIVORSTAND.
+      (The leaders of the party.)
+
+  "Berlin, July 3ist, 1914."
+
+With these words, millions of German Socialists, represented by four and
+a quarter million voters and a hundred and eleven members of the
+Reichstag, tacitly denied their previous protestations, that Austrian
+Imperialism was letting loose the war-fury on Europe. There are rumours
+of a secret consultation with the German Chancellor, but that is of
+little import in this place. The leaders of this huge party proclaimed
+on July 25th that Austria was the blood-guilty power and maintained this
+attitude in spite of bloodshed till 11 p.m. on July 28th. By what
+lightning-change Austria's original guilt was transferred to Russia by
+July 31st is not recorded.
+
+With regard to the text of the above proclamation, there are variations
+to be noted. In the _Vorwärts_ it runs "within and without our
+frontiers" in the second paragraph; the text as I have given it is taken
+from the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_. In the fifth paragraph the Nuremberg
+_Fränkische Tagespost_ gives "capitalistic" for "fatalistic."
+
+A few extracts from Socialist newspapers will suffice to illustrate the
+complete change of front which happened in three days:
+
+"We Social Democrats in this solemn hour are at one with the whole
+German nation, without distinction of party or creed, in accepting the
+fight forced upon us by Russian barbarism, and we are ready to fight
+till the last drop of blood for Germany's national independence, fame
+and greatness." _Der Folksfreund_ (Karlsruhe), August 1st.
+
+"We desired peace and we have done everything humanly possible to secure
+that end. But when war is forced upon us by Russian Czarism, then,
+whatever the final decision may be, we must drop all class distinctions
+and differences of every kind, to form a single, determined people,
+prepared to defend Germany's independence and greatness against the
+enemy--even to the last drop of blood." _Volksstimme_ (Mannheim), July
+31st.
+
+"A defeat would mean collapse, annihilation and horrors most dreadful
+for all of us.[72] Our imaginations revolt at such a possibility. Our
+representatives in the Reichstag have unanimously declared on
+innumerable occasions that the Social Democrats could not leave their
+Fatherland in the lurch when the hour of destiny strikes; the workmen
+will now redeem the promise given by their representatives. The
+'Fatherlandless fellows'[73] will do their duty, and in doing it, will
+allow themselves to be surpassed in no wise by the patriots," _Münchener
+Post_, August 1st.
+
+[Footnote 72: These sentiments did not occur to this journalist when
+Germany began a ruthless war of invasion on Belgium.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 73: A phrase of contempt employed by the Kaiser when speaking
+of the Social Democrats in 1889, and which became proverbial.]
+
+"Whatever our opponents have done to us, at this moment we all feel the
+duty to fight against Russian knout-rule. Our women and children shall
+not be sacrificed to Russian bestiality, nor the German people become a
+booty for the Cossacks." _Die Volksstimme_ (Chemnitz), August 2nd.
+
+It is possible that even at the end of the war no explanation will be
+forthcoming for this astounding change of attitude. Some have suggested
+that the Russian or Slavonic danger caused it. Yet just these journals,
+and this party, had maintained, so long as any degree of free speech was
+permitted, that Austria had provoked the danger, and they were fully
+aware that the German Government had from first to last approved of and
+openly assisted in provoking, nay challenging, Russia on a question
+which involved the latter's prestige and diplomatic existence.
+
+Bethmann-Hollweg gave the alleged Russian mobilization as the immediate
+cause of the war, but doubtless the Social Democrats knew full well that
+for several days before Russia's mobilization was announced, Germany had
+been secretly mobilizing her army. From July 26th till July 30th German
+papers contained many reports that Russia was mobilizing; they may have
+been true or not, but the diplomatic correspondence published by Austria
+and discussed on page 63 shows conclusively that the Central Powers were
+baiting Russia into taking that step, and when the greatest Slavonic
+power had made the desired move, Germany replied with an ultimatum which
+brought about the war, so ardently desired by the great majority of
+Germany's warlike tribes.
+
+Britishers who sympathize with German Social Democracy may advance the
+plea: If Germany's military preparations were secret, how could the
+Social Democrats know of these proceedings? The answer is direct and
+simple: Every individual Social Democrat--and men, women, and children,
+they number some twenty millions--has for years past been a spy and
+informer in the interests of the _Umsturzpartei_ (overthrow-party). All
+the happenings of the workshop, barracks, farmyard, shop and office have
+been systematically reported to the local Press, and local committees of
+the Democratic Party; the ammunitions thus obtained have been just as
+systematically employed to fire insidious paragraphs and Press articles
+at governments, local authorities, employers, officers, and even the
+employers of servant-girls. Of late years it has been dangerous to have
+a difference even with a maid-servant; a few days later the inevitable
+insidious, anonymous attack would certainly appear in one or other of
+the S.D. journals.
+
+One instance will suffice to illustrate the everyday routine of the
+class-war (_Klassenkampf_) in which the whole energies of the Social
+Democrats have been absorbed for a quarter of a century. An acquaintance
+of the author's, Major Schub, in the 19th Infantry Regiment, stationed
+in Erlangen, dared some years ago to send his orderly with a she-goat to
+a peasant in the district who kept the indispensable he-goat. Two days
+later he was pilloried in a Furth paper for calling upon a private
+soldier to fulfil such a degrading office. German workmen do not read
+the _Vorwärts_ (its circulation is well under 100,000), but they read
+one or other of the seventy purveyors of filth and class hatred which
+form the stock-in-trade of the Social Democratic Party.
+
+The author of this work, knew as early as July 25th, that reserve
+officers had been warned to hold themselves in readiness; on succeeding
+days he saw tangible evidence that mobilization was proceeding
+stealthily, and it would be ridiculous for him to claim greater
+knowledge than the hundred and eleven S.D. members of the Reichstag, and
+the seventy-seven editors of their party papers--especially when these
+have an army of millions of spies at their command.
+
+In order to obtain a correct judgment of the motives which actuated
+German Social Democrats in their complete support of the German
+Government it is necessary to consult the works published by them during
+the war. Karl Kautsky writes:[74] "That which under these circumstances,
+was most immediate and pressing in determining the attitude to war, not
+only for the masses, but also many of our leaders, was the fear of a
+hostile invasion, the urgent necessity to keep the enemy out of our
+territory, no matter what the causes, object or results of the war may
+be. This fear was never greater and more justified than on this
+occasion; never have the devastating results of invasion been more
+terrible. Belgium and East Prussia speak plainly.
+
+[Footnote 74: "Die Internationalität und der Krieg." Berlin, 1915; p.
+32.]
+
+"The increased size of the armies greatly extends the unavoidable
+desolation of war, and in addition to this a second strongly-working
+popular motive decides the attitude of a nation to war, viz., the
+interest of the entire people in the fate of an army in which every
+family is represented."
+
+It thus becomes evident that no motives of justice, right or wrong, or
+politics played any part in the decision arrived at, but merely a great
+fear which impelled the Social Democrats to consider first and foremost
+how to save their own skins.
+
+All protest meetings were cancelled on August 1st, and the Press
+restricted itself to chronicling rumours and events. The sitting of the
+Reichstag was awaited with impatience as that was expected to bring more
+light on the crisis. The effect which Bethmann-Hollweg produced upon his
+hearers was to convince them that Russia alone was to blame. "The
+question of supporting the war by voting a loan was all the easier for
+us to decide, because the provocation had come, not from France or
+England, but from Russia. I admit openly that while I was travelling to
+Berlin to the Reichstag I had very little time to hunt for precedents in
+the party's history to determine my vote. For me the force of
+circumstances alone was decisive; the material interests of the working
+classes and the entire nation; common sense and the realization of a
+practical policy."[75]
+
+[Footnote 75: "Die Kriegssitzung des deutschen Reichstags" ("The War
+Sitting of the Reichstag"), by Karl Hildenbrand, Member for Stuttgart.
+Published 1915; p. 13.]
+
+"At the time of voting on August 4th, we were not in a position to take
+England into consideration, because at the moment she had not yet
+declared war. But by England's intervention our attitude on August 4th
+has been still more emphatically justified."[76]
+
+[Footnote 76: Ibid., p. 16.]
+
+This statement is a gross distortion of the truth. It is true that
+England had not yet declared war, but Sir Edward Grey had made England's
+attitude quite clear on the previous day. His speech had been published
+in the Berlin papers. Furthermore, the Chancellor informed the Reichstag
+that England's position was perfectly clear, although he suppressed the
+fact that Germany had begun preparations for war with this country five
+days before, by ordering civilians to leave Heligoland, and despatching
+the _Königin Luise_ to lay mines on our coasts.
+
+In any case, the action of the Social Democrats on that occasion is an
+example of unfaithfulness to principles. Accepting the invasion fear as
+a ground for voting a loan for a war of defence, there is still no
+evident reason why they should vote funds for a war of aggression
+against Belgium. On the surface, there is no explanation for their
+cheers when Bethmann-Hollweg announced the invasion of two neutral
+States by Germany's armies.
+
+Had they been tricked into supporting an alleged defensive war, there
+was still time to protest against German hordes overrunning two weak
+neighbouring countries. In spite of their terror that they personally
+might suffer through the horrors of war, their vaunted humanitarianism
+led to no outcry against those same horrors being wilfully and
+ruthlessly forced upon their Belgian _Genossen_.
+
+The only anxiety which the speech of their chosen spokesman, Herr Haase,
+betrays, is the anxiety to avoid responsibility. "In the name of my
+party I am empowered to make the following declaration: We are standing
+in an hour of solemn destiny. The consequences of the imperialistic
+policy--which brought about an era of armaments and made international
+difficulties more acute--have now fallen upon Europe like a storm-flood.
+
+"The responsibility for this recoils upon the leaders of that policy; we
+decline to accept it. Social Democracy has fought against this ominous
+development with all the forces at its command. Up to the very last hour
+we have worked for the maintenance of peace through mighty
+demonstrations in every land, especially in intimate cooperation with
+our French brothers. (Applause from the Social Democrats.) Our efforts
+have been in vain.
+
+"Now we are face to face with the stern reality of war. We are
+threatened by the terrors of a hostile invasion. To-day we have not to
+decide either for or against war, but only concerning the necessary
+means for the defence of our country. Now we have to think of the
+millions of our _Genossen_ who are innocently swept into this fate. They
+will suffer most through the devastations of war. Our ardent wishes
+accompany also our brothers who are called to the flag without
+distinction of party. (Loud applause.)
+
+"We think, too, of the mothers who must give their sons and of the women
+and children who are robbed of their bread-winners, and to whose fear
+for their loved ones is added the dread of hunger. Tens of thousands of
+wounded and mutilated warriors will soon be added to these. We consider
+it our most compelling duty to help them, to lighten their burdens and
+relieve their distress.[77] (Loud applause.)
+
+[Footnote 77: There is every reason to believe that the party has worked
+hard to keep this promise.--Author.]
+
+"In case of a victory for Russian despotism, which is already stained
+with the blood of Russia's best sons, much--if not everything--is at
+stake for our people and our free future. It is a question of averting
+this danger, and of securing the culture and independence of our own
+country. (Loud applause.)
+
+"Now we will redeem our oft repeated pledge: In the hour of danger we
+shall not leave our Fatherland in the lurch. (Loud applause.) Thereby,
+we feel ourselves in unison with the principles of internationalism
+which have always admitted the right of each single people to national
+independence and national defence. We condemn, as internationalism does,
+every war of conquest.
+
+"We demand, that, as soon as the goal of security has been attained and
+our enemies are inclined to make peace, the war shall end by a peace
+that will make friendship with neighbouring countries possible. We
+demand this, not only in the interests of the international solidarity
+for which we have uniformly fought, but also in the interests of the
+German nation.
+
+"We hope that the cruel school of war's sufferings will awaken a horror
+for war in new millions, and win them over to the socialistic ideal and
+international peace. Guided by these principles we vote in favour of the
+war loan. (Loud applause.)"[78]
+
+[Footnote 78: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+A short historical comparison will assist in making the Social
+Democratic action still clearer. In 1870, when Bismarck asked the
+Reichstag for a war credit to prosecute the campaign against France, the
+Socialists were few and helpless. Yet Liebknecht and Bebel refused to
+vote in its favour. "Their moral demonstration was in itself perfectly
+logical, for Bismarck's and Napoleon III.'s intrigues equally deserved
+condemnation."[79]
+
+[Footnote 79: Kautsky: "Die Internationalitat und der Krieg," p. 19.]
+
+Apparently it did not occur to the Democrats in 1914, that probably
+Germany had again been guilty of intrigues. It is noteworthy, however,
+that the small party in 1870 protested when a national issue was at
+stake, while the mighty party of 1914 made no protest whatever,
+although, as they had previously announced and denounced, the issue had
+been raised by the unjust actions and vile intrigues of Austrian
+imperialism.
+
+The campaign against Russia conducted by the nationalist Press up till
+August 1st was taken up by the organs representing Social Democracy,
+immediately war broke out. Their papers were flooded with appalling
+pictures of Russian (generally termed Asiatic) barbarism, tyranny and
+misrule. Passages from the speeches and writings of Bebel, Liebknecht
+and others were quoted to show the fiendishness of Russian policy, and
+the justice of every German doing his utmost to smash Czarism and
+deliver millions of fellow workmen from its thrall. Even a
+blood-and-thunder story of the Russian police was turned on as a serial
+story in their daily papers.[80] In short, nothing was omitted which
+goes to make _Stimmung_.
+
+[Footnote 80: "Der Polizeimeister, ein russischer Polizeiroman," by
+Gabryela Zapolska. The story commenced in the Nuremberg party organ on
+August 11th, and in Kautsky's _Leipztger Volkszeitung_ on August 18th.]
+
+Had they been honestly impartial a still blacker picture of Austria,
+painted by one of the founders of the workmen's movement, might have
+been quoted, yet it might have been indiscreet to tell Germans what
+Lassalle wrote. "Austria? Russia is a mammoth, barbarian Empire which
+its despotic rulers endeavour to civilize, just so far as suits their
+despotic interests. In that country barbarism is excusable, because it
+is a national element. But the case is very different with Austria.
+There it is the government which represents the barbaric principle and
+crushes beneath it by artifice and violence, the civilized peoples under
+its rule."[81]
+
+[Footnote 81: Bernstein's edition of Lassalle's "Reden und Schriften,"
+vol. I., p. 306.]
+
+With the exception of a few Britishers, the Socialists of all countries
+have unanimously condemned the attitude of the German party. Not the
+least interesting is the condemnation expressed by the Italian section.
+Dr. Südekum, Reichstag member for Nuremberg, was sent to Italy to
+discuss the situation with Italian Socialists and justify their own
+action in supporting the war. The following account of the meeting
+appeared in the _Vorwärts_ for September 12th: "The meeting lasted from
+3.30 p.m. till 7 p.m. Südekum declared that he had come to inform their
+Italian comrades of the situation in which the German Socialists found
+themselves, and in order to learn whether the Italians had taken any
+steps to keep up communications with Democrats in other lands.
+
+"We hold firmly to the contention that the German Socialists could have
+done nothing except what they did. My presence here is a proof that we
+Germans are aware of our duties towards internationalism.[82] We
+believed that the German Government had given proof of its peaceful
+tendencies and was forced into war against its will. Therefore, the
+Social Democratic Party supported it.
+
+[Footnote 82: There is no evidence to show that Südekum's Italian visit
+had any other purpose than winning over the sympathies of Italian
+Socialists and with them, the whole Italian nation for the purposes of
+German nationalism.--Author.]
+
+"Delia Seta answered that this was no justification for giving their
+support. The Italian Socialists would not have given their assistance
+under the same circumstances, just as they had refused to vote in favour
+of the Libyan war.
+
+"Dr. Südekum replied that the German Socialists were compelled to defend
+their Fatherland against Czarism. Further, he repeated Haase's
+declaration in the Reichstag and continued: 'I am astonished that the
+Italian Socialists are able to believe, that so strong a party as the
+German Democrats, had denied their ideals, and been untrue to their
+task. You must admit that no other way was open to us, except to grant
+the credit demanded.'
+
+"After this, he asserted the nationalist Press of France and Italy was
+working against Germany, and it seemed as if the Italian comrades were
+in agreement with Italian nationalists in endeavouring to maintain the
+existing condition of affairs[83] in Italy.
+
+[Footnote 83: "The existing condition of affairs" seems to mean Italian
+neutrality.--Author.]
+
+"Finally Südekum concluded by pointing out that the German Democrats had
+neither the intention, nor the right, to influence the attitude of the
+Italian Socialists, but were merely endeavouring to link up hearty
+international intercourse again.
+
+"In reply Delia Seta said he found it remarkable that the German
+Socialists had appealed to their Italian comrades in this solemn hour,
+all the more remarkable because intentions might easily be ascribed to
+this intervention. 'This is a serious motive which impels us to state
+our opinions with unreserved frankness.'
+
+"He continued: 'Your defence does not convince us. You speak of France
+being allied with us, and of England, Germany's enemy. But we speak of
+our France, revolutionary France, Jauré's France. The French Socialists
+opposed the military preparations made by France, you Germans did not do
+the same in your country, or at least, only up to the point where the
+imperialistic feelings of the Kaiser and his party might be hurt.
+
+"'The point of view of German Democrats coincides with that of German
+imperialism. German predominance means for us a far greater danger than
+Czarism, because Czarism prevents the German army from marching on
+Paris, and thus protects the banner of France, which in spite of all
+mistakes and errors, is still the most revolutionary.
+
+"'Germany's motto is: _Deutschland über alles_ and you have not opposed
+it; but you have published in the _Vorwärts_ an appreciation of the
+Kaiser alleging that he had worked during twenty-five years for peace.
+
+"'You speak of German civilization being in danger. But in this
+civilization we can find no trace of culture, when you attack and
+torture neutral Belgium, and complete the destruction of Louvain. Taken
+as a whole, German Socialists are just as plausible and use the same
+excuses as the Ministers of the German Government.[84]
+
+[Footnote 84: Might not this also be said of Messrs. Morel, Macdonald,
+Bernard Shaw, etc., and the _Labour Leader_, whose writings on the war
+have been scattered broadcast throughout Germany during the last six
+months?]
+
+"'We are enraged at the terrible fact that Germany has violated
+Belgium's neutrality, and you have not even protested. We tell you quite
+openly that we honour and weep for devastated Belgium, and tremblingly
+follow the fate of France.'"
+
+Südekum had no words with which to answer this terrible indictment, and
+the _Vorwärts_ could only add the following comment:
+
+"We consider the judgment of our Italian comrades to be one-sided, but
+for reasons easy to understand, desist from discussing it in the present
+situation. Unfortunately we must recognize the fact, however, that the
+Italian view is widespread among the Socialists of other neutral
+countries."
+
+Germany's revolutionary party lost no time in hoisting the banner of "no
+annexations." The _Leipziger Folkszeitung_, second in importance only to
+the _Vorwärts_ nailed down a phrase in the Kaiser's speech from the
+throne, which stated: "We are inspired by no desire for conquest." In
+commenting on this phrase, Kautsky's organ said:
+
+"The part of the speech which excites most sympathy in us is the
+admission that Germany cherishes no lust for conquest. At the proper
+time we shall refer to that again.
+
+"It is with sincere regret that we see the French Government on the side
+of the criminal Powers, which have enslaved and robbed the Russian
+people. If Germany, in a delirium of victory, should raise claims which
+mean annexation, then we shall--that must be repeated again--recall the
+speech from the throne of the German Kaiser on August 4th, 1914."[85]
+
+[Footnote 85: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 4th.]
+
+During the first year of war a split among the Social Democrats has
+become evident, and it appears certain that it is the annexation
+question which is causing the cleavage. In December last Liebknecht
+abstained from voting when the second war loan was granted by the
+Reichstag. Evidently doubts have arisen in a small section of the party
+either as to the origin of the war, or in regard to the objects which
+the German Government hopes to attain.
+
+On August 20th, 1915, Dr. Liebknecht put this question in the Reichstag:
+"Is the Government prepared to enter into immediate peace negotiations
+on the basis that Germany renounces all annexation claims and assuming
+that the other Powers in question are willing to negotiate?" Von Jagow
+replied: "I believe the great majority of the members will agree with
+me, when I refuse to answer the question, as being at present beside the
+purpose."
+
+The reply evoked a hurricane of "bravos."
+
+A parallel may be found in the year 1870. The central committee of
+German Social Democrats passed a resolution that: "It is absolutely
+necessary for the party to organize simultaneously in all parts of the
+country great popular demonstrations against the annexation of
+Alsace-Lorraine, and pass resolutions in favour of an honourable peace
+with the French republic."
+
+Nothing came of the movement, for on September 9th the committee was
+placed under arrest and prosecuted. If Germany should be victorious in
+this war, it is to be assumed that the Socialists would again prove
+powerless to prevent annexation. What the allies cannot hinder, the
+Social Democrats would be still more helpless to prevent; especially as
+the great majority of them are unreservedly on the side of the Kaiser
+and his Government. When in need, the latter flattered and persuaded the
+Democrats to vote for an alleged war of defence; but should German arms
+be victorious the German Government would neither seek, nor accept
+advice on her national projects, from her quondam internationalists.
+
+There are grounds for suspicion that the party is playing a game desired
+by the Berlin Government. For some months past they have tried every
+means possible to arrange personal interviews with the leaders of the
+corresponding party in France--the French "comrades" have refused to
+meet them. The _Leipziger Volkszeitung_ for July 16th, 1915, contains
+more than a column about "We and the French," in which the German party
+spreads the usual Teutonic lime of sophistry and empty phrases.
+
+One passage betrays the entire intrigue. They wish their "French
+brothers" to agree to a peace without annexations, which means, in so
+many words, that the French Socialists are to renounce Alsace-Lorraine
+for ever. Had they been, or should they be in the future, so foolish as
+to enter this German mouse-trap, then before the war has reached a
+decisive conclusion, a large section of the French nation would be
+pledged to renounce the lost provinces even in case of a German defeat.
+This is an excellent instance of the manner in which German Social
+Democracy works in an enemy country to assist its own Government. In
+like manner, the Independent Labour Party and Union of Democratic
+Control are forces exceedingly sensitive to German influence, and in a
+decisive moment can be set in motion by the German "comrades."
+
+The hundred and eleven Social Democrats in the Reichstag have no real
+power in Germany. If they possess any degree of power, then fear for
+their own skins, prevents them from risking its exercise. Their real
+opinion concerning Alsace-Lorraine appeared in the same journal four
+days later. "According to our opinion it would be a crime, if France
+made the return of these provinces a condition of peace." In the same
+article an accusation of one-sidedness is made against the Socialists in
+France for supporting the French Government. After which, it is not
+surprising that every time the names of the _Genossen_ Macdonald,
+Snowden, Hardie and Newbold occur in the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, they
+are mentioned with awe and reverence.
+
+"Besides Ramsay Macdonald and Philip Snowden, our friend J.T. Walton
+Newbold has got on the nerves of the English patriots."[86] These
+gentlemen invariably receive polite mention, but French Socialists are
+evidently in disfavour--presumably because they know too well the German
+game.
+
+[Footnote 86: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, July 23rd, 1915.]
+
+The peace programme of the German Socialists has been published. An
+official declaration of the party which appeared on August 23rd, 1915,
+gives the following conditions.
+
+"While caring for the national interests and rights of our own people,
+and at the same time respecting the vital interests of all nations,
+German Social Democracy strives for a peace which bears the guarantee of
+permanence, and will bring the European States closer together in
+matters of justice, culture, and commerce. In this sense we have drawn
+up the following scheme:
+
+"I. The security of German independence and the entirety of the German
+Empire, which implies the rejection of all annexation plans on the part
+of our opponents. That includes the French plan to re-incorporate
+Alsace-Lorraine with France, no matter in what form that end may be
+sought.
+
+"II. In order to secure free economic development for the German nation,
+we demand:
+
+"(_a_) The 'open door,' _i.e._, equal rights for commercial and
+such-like activities in all colonial territories.
+
+"(_b_) The inclusion of the most-favoured-nation clause in the articles
+of peace of all the nations now at war.
+
+"(_c_) The furthering of an economic entente by abolishing tariffs,
+etc., as far as possible.
+
+"(_d_) The equalization and improvement of the social-political
+institutions according to ideals aimed at by the workmen's international
+party.
+
+"(_e_) The freedom of the seas is to be guaranteed by an international
+treaty. To this end the right of capture at sea must be abolished, and
+all straits and narrows of importance for world commerce, must be
+internationalized.
+
+"III. In the interests of Germany's security and the free exercise of
+commercial and economic efforts in South-Eastern Europe, we reject all
+the warlike aims of the Quadruple Alliance to weaken or disintegrate
+Austria-Hungary and Turkey.
+
+"IV.--In consideration of the fact that the annexation of territories
+inhabited by another race transgresses the rights of nations to govern
+themselves; furthermore because thereby, the unity and strength of
+Germany would be weakened and her foreign relations seriously and
+permanently injured, we oppose the plans in that direction cherished by
+shortsighted conquest-politicians.[87]
+
+[Footnote 87: There are two and a half lines of dots at this point.
+Probably the German censor has cut out a sentence.]
+
+"V.--The terrible destruction and sufferings brought upon humanity by
+this war have won over millions of hearts to the ideal of a world peace,
+permanently secured by an international court of justice. The attainment
+of this end must be recognized as the highest moral duty of all those
+who are appointed to the work of framing a peace. Therefore we demand
+that an international arbitration court shall be created which shall
+settle all future difference between the nations."[88]
+
+[Footnote 88: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 23rd, 1915.]
+
+This imaginary peace-treaty is what Germans would call a _Zankapfel_
+(apple of discord). It may represent the serious opinions of Germany's
+greatest political party, but the German Government will welcome it
+because it will give Germany's sympathizers in France, England, Italy
+and Russia an excellent weapon with which they can attack their
+respective Governments, and hamper them in protecting their national
+interests. It will doubtless be an inspiration to the members of the
+I.L.P. and the U.D.C.[89]
+
+[Footnote 89: Above prophecy written end of August; fulfilled in the
+_Labour Leader_ October 28th.--Author.]
+
+If the German Government seriously formulated such proposals, the author
+believes that all Britishers worthy of the name would simply answer:
+"Fight on!" On this assumption the proposals deserve no discussion.
+
+Yet the document is interesting as revealing the mind of Social
+Democratic Germany. These sublime Pharisees are unconscious of Belgium's
+wrongs and Germany's crimes. The former deserve no compensation and the
+latter no penalty. Here we are on the bed-rock of their ideas of justice
+and humanitarianism. Still we are not altogether surprised, because the
+Democratic newspaper organs have openly defended and justified the
+atrocities committed by German soldiers, and whenever any particularly
+damning evidence has been produced their parole has consistently been:
+"At any rate, now is not the time to discuss it." According to their
+comprehension the only time for discussion is when Europe is under the
+German heel. They are willing to discuss--when discussion can no longer
+injure the Fatherland, when Germany has gained all she wants.
+
+The most remarkable metamorphosis which the German Democrats have
+undergone, is shown in their changed attitude to England. This country
+gave a home to Marx and Engels; the former is buried in Highgate
+cemetery. For many decades the party professed enthusiastic admiration
+of British institutions and our ideals of personal freedom. Their
+admiration for England was not always convenient to the German
+Government, and was certainly a thorn in the side of the Kaiser.
+
+In 1898 the party published a "Handbook for Social Democratic Voters,"
+which contains lengthy explanations of their entire policy. Therein they
+justify their opposition to German naval expansion, and while conceding
+that naval supremacy is vital and indispensable to England, continue:
+"Boundless plans are veiled beneath the Navy Bill (1897). The hotspurs
+among the water-patriots dream of a first-class navy which might rival,
+yes, even surpass the British fleet.
+
+"For the water-patriots the Navy Bill means an instrument to further
+their unlimited _Weltpolitik_ and schemes of conquest; a weapon with
+which to realize their mad imaginings of a greater Germany. They desire
+to employ it as a tool for their absolutist plans and adventurous world
+enterprises.
+
+"It increases the risk of foreign conflicts. At the same time it
+brightens the prospects of success of those influential circles
+which--impelled by an overpowering impulse to deeds, and inspired by a
+diseased longing for prestige--press on from excitement to excitement,
+from daring to daring, and from crisis to crisis."
+
+This remarkable prophecy has been verified by history, but with its
+realization, the party which made it has been converted to the side of
+their former opponents. To-day the Social Democrats are just as hearty
+in the desire to see Britain overthrown and British naval supremacy
+smashed as is the Kaiser's Government.
+
+No impartial thinker dare deny that the British fleet has been the
+principal factor in preventing Europe's subjugation to German autocracy,
+and the world to German militarism. Yet the so-called party of freedom
+prays earnestly that this fleet may be destroyed. This represents the
+tone of their daily Press, and the change of attitude has been proved to
+be scientifically correct in various books published by their leaders
+during the present year. One of these works will be quoted at
+considerable length, because of its importance in showing what the
+"pioneers of liberty" wish, may be the end of the "home of liberty." The
+work bears the title, "German Social Democracy and the World War;"[90]
+its author is a Socialist member of the Reichstag.
+
+[Footnote 90: "Die deutsche Sozialdemokratie und der Weltkrieg," by Dr.
+Paul Lensch, published by the Vorwärts Publishing House. Berlin, 1915.]
+
+In dealing with England he refers to their former admiration for this
+country and proceeds to prove that it was wrong--wrong in the interests
+of Germany, and the world. England's fight against Napoleon for European
+freedom Dr. Lensch disposes of in a sentence: "Consumed by greed,
+England took the long-yearned-for opportunity and fell upon her rival,
+France" (p. 16).
+
+He informs his readers that England and Russia are two beasts of prey.
+England's disarmament proposals were only intended to secure her naval
+supremacy, because Germany seemed to be escaping from the strangulation
+cord which. England had drawn tight round her throat. Therefore three
+problems present themselves to Dr. Lensch, which the war must solve:
+
+(1.) Shall the German people continue to exist as an independent nation?
+
+(2.) Shall the danger of Czarism continue to threaten West European
+culture?
+
+(3.) Shall Britain's naval supremacy be eternalized or overthrown,
+seeing that Britain only allows other nations to develop, so far as they
+are compatible with her national interests? (p. 15).
+
+"England's oft-praised freedom is based upon the enslavement of the
+world; the peoples now recognize that England's wealth, freedom, and
+greatness are merely the corollary to their poverty, slavery and
+wretchedness (p. 20).
+
+"International Socialism has not the slightest interest in helping to
+bolster up this supremacy (p. 22).
+
+"When this monopoly is broken the English working classes will lose
+their present privileged position. They will be reduced to the same
+level as the workmen of other lands. Then Socialism will flourish in
+England (p. 23).[91]
+
+[Footnote 91: The author had fondly imagined that the British workman
+stood foremost as the result of his own battles. In any case, it is to
+be hoped that British Socialists will be grateful for "Genosse" Lensch's
+prayers for their downfall.]
+
+"No party stands to lose more by a British victory than Social
+Democracy. The overthrow of England's world-position would clear the way
+for the continuation of the world's progress on the right historical
+lines, and its economic development (p. 25).
+
+"In the present world war the interests of the internationalists are
+bound up in a German victory. Hence a German victory would be a victory
+for Marx's internationalism, and only then, would the hearts and heads
+of English workmen be open to the intellectual schooling of the
+Socialistic idea (p. 27).
+
+"As early as the eighties in the last century, Friedrich Engels proved
+that the ruin of England's industrial monopoly had begun. What the
+scientist had foretold, became evident to all eyes two decades later.
+The social system of the greatest, world-ruling industrial State was
+shaken to its foundations. International Socialists had every reason to
+welcome this peaceful downfall of England's world power" (pp. 21-22).
+
+"Marx once wrote that war is like a locomotive in the history of the
+world. May this war have that effect and under full steam lead to a
+finish the work which peaceful development had already commenced,
+_i.e._, the downfall of English supremacy. If the war hastens and
+concludes this process, then the sacrifices in blood and treasure will
+not have been in vain. A great stumbling-block to human progress and
+especially to the proletarian fight for freedom will have been hurled
+out of the way" (pp. 27-8).
+
+Having failed during a peaceful fight of over forty years, to hurl
+German autocracy and militarism out of the world, these hot-headed
+pioneers of liberty (Kaiserdom?) wish to destroy the very State which
+was their place of refuge when German "liberty" overwhelmed them with
+its kindly attentions.
+
+Still we cannot be too grateful to Dr. Lensch for his lucid statement.
+It is an effective reply to Germany's sympathizers in this country, and
+if British workmen should ever see these lines, it will interest them to
+know that German Socialists are anxious to pull them down a little, in
+the belief that if British workmen are cut short in their luxuries they
+will become better Socialists and Internationalists.
+
+Dr. Lensch has only one step more to take, and he will certainly gain
+the highest German order--_pour le mérite_. The famous Communist
+manifesto of Marx and Engels concludes with the words: "Proletarians of
+all lands, unite!" It is much to be desired that Dr. Lensch should amend
+this by adding to Marx's phrase a few words, so that the amended form
+would run:
+
+"Proletarians of all lands, unite to sing 'Deutschland, Deutschland,
+über alles.'" By this simple means the learned doctor would condense the
+entire teachings of his book into a single sentence.
+
+"The position to-day is that the interests of freedom and democracy are
+utterly at variance with a French victory (p. 42).
+
+"Greater Prussia was founded by the war of 1866, while the 1870 struggle
+established a Little Germany. Through the present war Great Germany will
+be created" (p. 46).
+
+On another page this Socialist-Chauvinist proclaims that "the freedom of
+the oppressed must be the work of the oppressed themselves," which is a
+principle that the I.L.P. and U.D.C., etc., would do well to note. "The
+peculiarity of our situation is to be found in the fact that
+extraordinarily advanced ideals have penetrated into our unripe
+conditions."[92]
+
+[Footnote 92: Louis Bamberger in an essay on German Social Democracy in
+the _Deutsche Rundschau_, vol. 14, p. 243.]
+
+It is to these "unripe conditions" that Lensch, Liebknecht, David,
+Hildenbrand and the remaining leaders of German Social Democracy should
+give their undivided attention. Last year the Berlin Government
+published a record of crimes committed in Germany. It is the most awful
+record of any nation in the world, and the above gentlemen would do well
+to study Volume 267 of the _Vierteljahrshefte_. There were hundreds of
+thousands of brutal crimes committed in Germany by German proletarians
+during the year 1912.
+
+For half a century Marx, Lassalle, Bebel, Liebknecht and their
+successors have been busily engaged in intellectualizing Germany's
+proletarians; now it is advisable for the Socialist party to begin the
+work of humanizing them. Their efforts to internationalize the world
+have resulted in a hopeless _débâcle_; let them now begin the task of
+humanizing Germany. They have all evidently forgotten the German
+proverb: _Kehr vor deiner eignen Tür!_ (Sweep first before your own
+door.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"
+
+
+On August 2nd, 1914, Belgium announced her neutrality in the European
+war; France had already declared her intention to respect Belgian
+neutrality at all costs. On the other hand we have Bethmann-Hollweg's
+word that he knew French armies were standing ready to strike at Germany
+through Belgium. This statement he has never supported by any proof, nor
+even mentioned his authority for the same.[93] In view of the facts that
+no military preparations had been made on the Franco-Belgian frontier,
+and that the German armies first came into contact with French forces
+long after the fall of Liége, we are compelled to declare the German
+Chancellor's statement to be a pure invention.
+
+[Footnote 93: So-called "evidence" has been given by Richard Grasshoff
+in his book "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt"), pp. 14-20. Grasshoff
+quotes the sworn statements of a German corporal who resided in
+Boitsfort, near Brussels. The corporal states that he saw two French and
+one English officer in Brussels on July 26th, and eight French soldiers
+on July 29th.
+
+The statements of three French soldiers, prisoners of war in Germany,
+are also cited; these men maintain that they entered Belgium on the 31st
+of July and the 2nd of August.
+
+With regard to this "evidence," we must note that Grasshoff is a German
+official, the corporal a German spy, and that the Frenchmen have made
+these statements in a prisoners' camp, a place where they were exposed
+to the temptation of German gold and the influence of Teutonic bullying.
+Lastly, the Berlin General Staff has recorded that the German armies
+first came in touch with French troops on August 19th, near Namur.]
+
+Moreover Germany's excuse for invading Belgium is given in the title of
+this chapter. Had Germany possessed any proof that French officers in
+disguise were organizing preparations in Belgium, or that French airmen
+had crossed the latter's territories in order to drop bombs by Wesel,
+etc., then Bethmann-Hollweg would have had no reason to admit in the
+Reichstag that his country was committing a breach of international law.
+Under such circumstances Belgian neutrality would no longer have
+existed; the Chancellor, instead of "necessity," could have pleaded
+justification and the world could scarcely have withheld its approval.
+
+In the early hours of August 4th the Germans crossed the Belgian
+frontier, although the _Cologne Gazette_ had published a notice three
+days before announcing that Germany had no intention whatever of taking
+the step, and that no German troops were near the frontier.
+
+General von Emmich immediately issued this proclamation in French: "To
+my great regret German troops have been compelled to enter Belgian
+territory. They are acting under the compulsion of unavoidable
+necessity, for French officers in disguise have already violated Belgian
+neutrality by trying to reach Germany, via Belgium, in motor-cars.[94]
+
+[Footnote 94: One wonders what military purpose these officers had in
+view. They would have been inevitably arrested at the German frontier.
+The fable was made public by Wolff's Agency, and has been ridiculed even
+by the German Press, _vide_ pp. 96-7.]
+
+"Belgians! it is my most ardent desire that it may yet be possible to
+avoid a struggle between two peoples which up till now, have been
+friends, formerly even allies. Remember the glorious days of La Belle
+Alliance, when German arms helped to found the independence and future
+of your Fatherland.
+
+"Now we must have a free way. The destruction of tunnels, bridges and
+railways will be considered hostile actions. Belgians! you have to
+choose. The German army does not intend to fight against you, but seeks
+a free path against the enemy who wishes to attack us. That is all we
+desire.
+
+"Herewith I give the Belgian people an official pledge that they will
+not have to suffer under the terrors of war; that we will pay ready
+money for all necessaries which we may have to requisition; that our
+soldiers will show themselves the best friends of a nation for which we
+have the highest esteem and ardent affection. It depends upon your
+prudence and your patriotism whether your land shall be spared the
+horrors of war." (Appeared in the _Cologne Gazette_, August 6th.)
+
+A Dresden paper of the same date contains an illuminating statement. "We
+have just received official information that the German General Staff
+had been informed by an absolutely reliable source that the French
+intended to march through the valley of the Meuse into Belgium. The
+execution of this plan had already commenced, therefore France was by no
+means prepared to respect Belgian neutrality."
+
+"For years past the King of Belgium has conspired with England behind
+the backs of his ministers, to damage German interests. His telegram to
+the King of England was a trick planned long ago. These facts will soon
+be supplemented by a large number of documentary proofs; from this the
+necessity has arisen to direct Germany's advance through Belgium
+irrespective of neutrality considerations."[95]
+
+[Footnote 95: _Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+Here we have the first clumsy attempts to prove that Belgian neutrality
+did not exist. These after-thoughts have grown during the past year into
+no inconsiderable literature. Probably the two motives which have
+inspired Germany--official and unofficial--to print many volumes on
+Belgian neutrality have been the indignation aroused in neutral
+countries and the fact that a complete German victory was not obtained
+in three months of war.
+
+German newspapers again betray the plot against Belgium, and a search
+through their files reveals in the clearest manner possible how Wolff's
+Bureau was again the source of a widespread campaign to prove that
+Germany was right, and simultaneously to lash public opinion into hatred
+for the Belgian "barbarians and beasts."
+
+In the first few days of August the Press was filled with reports
+concerning the murder and ill treatment of Germans in Belgium, before
+any act of war had taken place. No doubt a justified fear for the
+mighty, brutal neighbour existed in the popular imagination, and fear
+may be the father of ill-considered deeds. Nevertheless, there is no
+proof that mob law prevailed in Belgium, as it did in Germany. Moreover,
+the latter country outlawed herself when she proclaimed the law of
+necessity. In the light of this consideration the German outcry that the
+Belgians were breaking both the laws of humanity and international
+jurisprudence lacks sincerity and remains unconvincing.
+
+A country which announces her intention to ignore existing laws and
+"hack a way through at all costs," should surely be the last to declaim
+on the alleged offences against the laws of war by a small, weak,
+unprepared neighbour. If these considerations are insufficient, there
+remains the fact that Germany herself began war against unarmed Belgian
+civilians.
+
+During the night following the unsuccessful _coup de main_ against
+Liége, a Zeppelin attacked the town and dropped bombs. "On Thursday,
+August 6th, at 3.30 a.m. Z6 returned from an air-cruise over Belgium.
+The airship took a conspicuous part in the attack on Liége, and was able
+to intervene in a markedly successful manner. Our first bomb was dropped
+from a height of 1,800 feet, but failed to explode. The ship then sank
+to 900 feet above the city, and a non-commissioned officer dropped
+twelve more bombs, all of which exploded, setting the city ablaze in
+several places."[96]
+
+[Footnote 96: German official report in the _Berliner Tageblatt_, August
+10th.]
+
+An Austrian who was in the town afterwards described the attack in the
+_Grazer Tagespost_. According to this witness it was already daylight
+when the airship appeared, and the effect of the bombs was truly awful.
+In view of the circumstance that it was already light, Germany cannot
+put forward the defence that the bombs were intended for the twelve
+forts which surround Liége at a distance of some miles.
+
+This is the earliest official record of an attack upon civilians--and it
+came from the German side! The crew of Z6 were the recipients of a
+tremendous ovation on their return, while the news of this dastardly
+murder was received with jubilation throughout the German Empire. In
+Lunéville fifteen civilians were killed by airship bombs two days
+earlier; shortly afterwards followed the attack by airship on civilians
+in Antwerp.
+
+The author has before him about one hundred different newspaper reports,
+alleging the most awful barbarism on the part of the Belgians. Among the
+numerous statements that Germans were murdered, only two names are
+mentioned, and both these men are alive to-day; the one is Herr Weber,
+proprietor of an hotel in Antwerp.
+
+"We have now received full details of the murder of the German, Weber.
+He had fled from his pursuers and hidden himself in a cellar. As the
+raging mob could not find him they burnt sulphur in the house, which
+caused Weber to break into a violent fit of coughing. This betrayed his
+hiding-place; he was dragged out and murdered."[97]
+
+[Footnote 97: _Hamburger Fremdenblatt_, August 12th, and simultaneously
+in many other journals. On the following day the _Vorwärts_ announced
+that Herr Weber had returned to Germany in the company of their own
+correspondent.]
+
+"The German pork-butcher, Deckel, who had a large business in Brussels,
+was attacked in his house by a crowd of Belgian beasts because he had
+refused to hang a Belgian flag before his shop; with axes and hatchets
+the mob cut off his head and hewed his corpse in pieces."[98]
+
+[Footnote 98: _Kölnische Volkszeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+A few days later the _Berliner Tageblatt_ informed its readers that Herr
+Deckel was residing in Rotterdam, and had suffered no harm whatever.
+
+Readers who are acquainted with the official record of brutal crimes
+committed year by year in Germany and the haughty contempt for civilian
+rights which the whole German army has consistently shown in the
+Fatherland, during the orderly times of peace, will require little
+imagination to conceive that this same army would show still less
+consideration for civilians in a country which they were wrongfully
+invading.
+
+The German Press during the last thirty years, as well as many books
+published in the Fatherland, contains ample proof of German brutality at
+home, and above all, of the legal brutality of German non-commissioned
+and commissioned officers. How can Germany expect the world to believe,
+that these same men, were transformed into decent human beings by the
+mere act of stepping over the Belgian frontier?
+
+Granted that vulgar elements of the Belgian population did transgress,
+there still remains incontrovertible evidence that almost unheard-of
+kindness was shown to the invading army, and that Germans had displayed
+brutal insolence to Belgians before a state of war had been declared.
+Nearly every single letter from soldiers, published in German papers,
+records the fact that in the villages through which they passed they
+were given water, wine and food, while payment was in many cases
+refused.
+
+It is part of Germany's policy to blacken Belgium's character in order
+to justify her own ruthlessness--naturally Wolff's Agency was one of the
+principal tools to that end.
+
+"Much as we condemn the excesses of the Belgians, still we must not
+wreak vengeance on the whole nation as a section of our Press demands.
+Have not harmless and defenceless foreigners been terribly ill-treated
+in Germany without distinction of sex? Have not shops and restaurants
+been demolished in hundreds, wherever a French word was to be met? And
+the rage of the German masses has found an outlet not only against
+foreigners, but against good German patriots and even German
+officers."[99]
+
+[Footnote 99: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 12th. This journal as
+well as the _Fränkische Tagespost_ names Wolff's Agency as their
+authority in more than one issue.]
+
+The same journal on the preceding day deplored that "we ourselves are
+not free from guilt." It recounts how German reservists, when leaving
+Antwerp and Brussels, had sung their national songs in a loud,
+provocative manner, and taunted the bystanders with such remarks as: "In
+three days we shall be here again!"
+
+According to the same authority German residents had insulted the
+populace by displaying their national flag; and German employers had
+been among the first to discharge employees of their own nationality,
+without salary in lieu of notice, thus increasing the difficulties of
+German residents in Belgium.
+
+German official pronouncements are much more reticent in their judgment
+on these allegations of Belgian cruelties. None the less the Berlin
+Government must be held responsible for them being scattered throughout
+the land. After Germany's official representative had returned from
+Brussels to Berlin he made a statement to the Press. Considering that
+von Below was in the Belgian capital at the time, his views are
+instructive.
+
+He expressed his great astonishment that such things should have
+happened, and asserted that up till the very last minute he had been
+treated with the greatest kindness and politeness. Neither he nor any of
+his Legation Staff had experienced the slightest unpleasantness.
+Further, von Below expressed the conviction that only single instances
+of such excesses had occurred and these were a result of the quarrelsome
+Walloon character. No village _fête_ passes off among them without such
+outbreaks, accompanied by bloodshed.[100]
+
+[Footnote 100: This may be true, but von Below could have said the same
+with absolute truth of German village fairs, _Kirmesse_, etc.--Author.]
+
+German papers of August 15th reported this official version, and four
+days later a proclamation was issued by State Secretary Dr. Delbrück,
+calling upon all persons who had been ill-treated in Belgium to report
+themselves, so that the "numerous" newspaper reports could be confirmed
+or refuted. The result of the inquiry has never been published.
+
+From a number of witnesses who testified whole-heartedly to Belgian
+kindness, one will suffice. A lady reported her adventures in the
+_Vorwärts_ of September 6th, from which the following sentences have
+been gleaned. "Even if it is true that Germans were subjected to
+inconsideration and ill-treatment during their flight from Belgium,
+still there are hundreds of Germans who, like myself, met with generous
+sympathy and unstinted help.
+
+"A Flemish servant refused her month's wages, saying that her employers
+would need it on the journey. Many Germans were offered homes in Belgian
+families till the war was over. My own landlord in Brussels placed an
+empty flat at my disposal for German refugees. At parting he and his
+wife were as deeply moved as we, and when I began to make excuses for
+being unable to pay the rent, she at once prevented me from speaking
+another word. My husband was provided with a hat which looked less
+'German;' they filled our pockets with provisions for the journey, and
+after his wife had embraced me and my child we left the house in
+silence.
+
+"German refugees whom I met afterwards, related hundreds of similar acts
+of kindness. When such severe accusations are raised against the entire
+Belgian people, justice demands this statement that Belgians in hundreds
+of cases, uninfluenced by the prevailing bitterness, showed themselves
+kindly, helpful and humane towards the Germans."
+
+In the second month of the war two representatives of the Social
+Democratic Party received special permission from the General Staff to
+visit Belgium and the theatre of war in Northern France. Their report
+has been issued by the Vorwärts Publishing House.[101]
+
+[Footnote 101: "Kriegsfahrten durch Belgien und Nordfrankreich"
+("Journeys in War Time through Belgium, etc."), by Dr. Adolph Koester
+and G. Noske.]
+
+"Concerning the events and conditions in Belgium many false reports have
+been spread abroad. That is especially the case in regard to the
+terrible persecutions of Germans immediately before the outbreak of war.
+The civil authorities (German) are now permitting full investigation in
+those parts of Belgium occupied by our troops, and it is already obvious
+that many exaggerations were circulated by German newspapers. Without
+doubt beer-houses and business houses were wrecked, but the Tartar
+stories which were reported in Germany and Belgium, Herr von Sandt,
+Chief of the Civil Administration, puts down to hysterics, and the
+desire of some people to make themselves important."[102]
+
+[Footnote 102: Ibid., pp. 14-15.]
+
+No correct judgment on the apportionment of right and wrong between the
+Belgian civilians and the German army is possible without taking into
+consideration the status of militarism in each of these countries before
+the war. As far as Belgium is concerned, the army was looked upon as a
+necessary evil. The Social Democratic doctrines imported from Germany
+had obtained such a hold upon the people that the Belgian Government
+experienced ever-increasing difficulty in getting supplies voted in the
+House of Deputies, for defence purposes. Belgian Socialists
+unfortunately played into the hands of the German Government by doing
+their utmost to prevent money from being spent for the defence of their
+country. Consciously or unconsciously, German Socialists have rendered
+the Kaiser and his army inestimable service. Their propaganda against
+armaments has borne fruit in Belgium, England and France, but did not
+prevent a single German battleship from being built, nor a single
+regiment from being added to the German army.
+
+In Germany militarism is a gospel. All classes and all political parties
+have been unanimous for years past, that every man should be a soldier.
+The military ethos has ruled supreme, and whenever civilianism has
+dared, merely to cherish thoughts contrary to the ideals of the ruling
+caste, no time was lost in seeking an opportunity to challenge a quarrel
+which invariably ended in humiliation for the civilian ethos.
+Characteristically, therefore, the contemptuous phrase has become
+current both in the German army and navy--"das Civil"--when speaking of
+the non-military elements of the nation.
+
+Imbued with these traditions and inspired by this contempt for
+everything civilian, the German armies invaded Belgium, and it may be
+safely assumed that in a country where the civilian ethos predominated,
+looks, words, and even deeds, expressed hostility. Such "provocation"
+would certainly rouse the military ego to a revenge ten thousand-fold
+greater than that taken at Zabern. German militarism brooks neither
+contempt, criticism, nor opposition from German civilians, and much less
+so from the civilians of another nation.
+
+When it is possible to obtain cool and clear accounts of the events in
+Belgium, the author has no doubt whatever, that proofs of
+civilian-baiting will be forthcoming in that unhappy country. The policy
+of frightfulness was not only intended to drive an enemy into abject
+submission and as a punishment for resistance to Germany's imperious
+will, but it was the military ethos in strife with the civilian spirit.
+
+In order to hinder the march of the invaders the trees lining the roads
+were cut down and formed into barriers, but the civilian population was
+compelled at the bayonet's point to remove all obstacles and thus assist
+in the conquest of their native country.
+
+"The magnificent tall fir-trees which are so characteristic of Belgian
+roads, had been felled across the highways. But all the civilian
+population which could be found, without regard to age, rank, or sex,
+was forced by our advancing cavalry to clear it all away. One can
+imagine the joy of the Belgians in performing this task!"[103]
+
+[Footnote 103: "Unser Vormarsch bis zur Marne" ("Our advance to the
+Marne"), by a Saxon officer, p. 22.]
+
+This writer, too, chronicles many instances of kindness. "I was billeted
+in a peasant's house at the western exit of the village. Three beautiful
+children, trembling with fear, watched us come in, for besides me there
+were twenty-four men. We had received emphatic warnings from
+headquarters not to allow soldiers to be billeted alone. The woman gave
+us everything she could find and it was almost necessary to use force to
+get her to accept payment."[104]
+
+[Footnote 104: Ibid., p. 25.]
+
+"A load of shot struck the ground at the feet of my horse. Before I had
+calmed the animal a N.C.O. marching at my side had finished off the
+dirty Belgian scoundrel, who was now hanging dead from a roof window.
+
+"Foaming with rage, my field-greys surrounded the house, in which only a
+few of the dogs were taken captive, the others were immediately
+slaughtered. A boy hardly fifteen years old was dragged out of a wet
+ditch with a gun in his hand. Before being brought to me, this youthful
+swine had been thrashed from head to foot. Besides the men, two women
+and a girl were taken.
+
+"Meanwhile a terrible hand-to-hand fight was going on throughout the
+long, scattered village. Infantry and artillerists smashed the doors and
+windows; no mercy was shown to anyone, and the houses were set alight.
+An attempt to storm the church-tower failed because the occupants fired
+from above. Bundles of straw were brought, paraffin poured on them, and
+the tower set on fire. Above the roar of the flames we could distinctly
+hear the shrieks of the murderers shut in there.
+
+"I gave orders to a squad to shoot our prisoners, but a deadly bullet
+finished the career of the lying, scoundrelly priest as he was trying to
+escape. Our losses were remarkably small, only two men being killed and
+a number wounded."[105]
+
+[Footnote 105: Ibid., p. 43-4.]
+
+In all cases where German soldiers asked for water from the inhabitants,
+the latter had to take a drink first. "Before tasting the water both man
+and wife had to drink first, and as this scene was repeated on
+innumerable occasions, it was delightful to observe the comic
+desperation with which the people took their involuntary 'water
+cure.'"[106]
+
+[Footnote 106: "Mit der Kluck'schen Armee nach Belgien" ("With von
+Kluck's Army into Belgium"), by Dr. Jos. Risse, p. 17.]
+
+Dr. Risse's interesting diary contains one or two important passages
+illustrating the relation between conquerors and conquered. Like many
+other German writers, he saw no hostile act on the part of the civilian
+population, but they came to him as rumours. "That night we slept in a
+barn. Here we heard that a village near Dahlem had been burned down
+because the inhabitants had cut the throat of a sleeping ambulance
+attendant.
+
+"On continuing our march we suddenly entered a wide vale. The horizon
+was blood-red and huge clouds of smoke drifted heavenwards. On all sides
+the villages were in flames. In the last village before Louvain the
+sight was terrible in the extreme; houses ablaze; pools of blood in the
+street; here and there a dead civilian; pieces of Belgian equipment,
+haversacks, boots and trousers lay around; while the inhabitants stood
+about with their hands raised above their heads.
+
+"It was said that hostile cavalry had hidden in the village and together
+with a part of the inhabitants had fired on our troops. We only saw the
+consequences.
+
+"After a long rest before Louvain we entered the town at 7 p.m. Our
+artillery had taken up a semi-circular position on the heights around
+and directed their cannon on to the town."[107]
+
+[Footnote 107: Ibid., pp. 22-3.]
+
+The above events occurred on August 19th, exactly six days before the
+sack of Louvain. It strikes one as remarkable that the German cannon
+were even on that day directed against an unfortified city.
+
+Risse was among the first German troops to enter Brussels. "Our route
+took us through some of the principal streets, and various splendid
+buildings including the Royal palace. Joy shone in our faces and a
+feeling of pride swelled our breasts at being the first to enter
+Belgium's capital. These feelings found expression in our talk and
+shouts. The man behind me shouted to every bewildered, staring Belgian
+whom we passed: 'Yes, young fellow, you are astonished, you blockhead!'
+On we marched with the air of victors.
+
+"The inhabitants were exceedingly kind, so that one had not at all the
+feeling of being in the capital of an enemy. They brought us water,
+lemonade, beer, cigars, cigarettes, etc., without asking for any
+payment."[108]
+
+[Footnote 108: Ibid., pp. 26-7.]
+
+The same writer refers to similar hospitality in various parts of his
+book. After passing through Brussels he continues his diary: "Sunday,
+August 23rd. Nothing came of our hopes for a rest-day. Shortly after 5
+a.m. we were ready for the march. A fine rain was falling as we passed
+through village after village. We saw the villagers with frightened
+faces hurrying to church, carrying prayer-books. Notices from the
+Belgian Government were placarded on the houses, warning the people to
+avoid every kind of hostility towards the Germans."[109]
+
+[Footnote 109: Ibid., p. 31.]
+
+From the last sentence it is evident that the Belgian authorities did
+not incite the civilian population to resistance. Other German
+war-writers state that the Belgian and French Governments had organized
+a _franc-tireur_ warfare long before, and this accusation is one of the
+pillars of Germany's defence for the destruction of Louvain.
+
+"Soon after crossing the frontier we saw the first ruined house. Our
+route led us down the same road on which a few days before the violent
+and bitter struggles had taken place between German troops and Belgian
+soldiers, aided by the inhabitants. The Belgians have supported their
+troops in a manner which can only be described as bestial and cruel.
+From the houses they have shot at troops on the march, and of course
+their homes have been reduced to ashes.
+
+"The road from Aix-la-Chapelle to Liége is one long, sad line of
+desolation.[110] Otherwise the district is fertile; now, however,
+sadness and devastation reign supreme. Nearly every second house is a
+heap of ruins, while the houses which are still standing are empty and
+deserted.
+
+[Footnote 110: On September 8th, 1914, the Kaiser sent a long telegram
+to President Wilson, in which he defended the German armies against the
+charges of ruthless atrocities. He euphemistically stated that "a few
+villages have been destroyed."]
+
+"On every side signs of destruction; furniture and house utensils lie
+around; not a pane of glass but what is broken. Still the inhabitants
+themselves are to blame, for have they not shot at our poor, tired
+soldiers?"[111]
+
+[Footnote 111: "Mit den Königin-Fusilieren durch Belgien" ("With the
+Queen Fusiliers through Belgium"), by H. Knutz, p. 13.]
+
+That is the utmost sympathy which any German has expressed for Belgium.
+The German public is fully informed of all that has been done, and
+considers that _they_ have been brutally, wrongfully treated. Lord
+Bryce's report as well as the French and Belgian official reports have
+been dealt with at considerable length in the German Press, but receive
+no credence whatever; they are lies, all lies invented to blacken the
+character of poor, noble, generous Germany!
+
+Germans are well aware of the awful number of brutal crimes which their
+men-folk commit year by year at home. Yet they are absolutely convinced
+that these same men are immediately transformed into chivalrous knights
+so soon as they don the Kaiser's uniform. They seem incapable of
+conceiving that a race which debauches its own women, can hardly be
+expected to show the crudest forms of respect to the women of an enemy
+people.
+
+Herr Knutz--an elementary school-teacher in civilian attire, and a
+non-commissioned officer when in the German army--seems to possess some
+rays of human feeling. "Just as I was leaving the fort I saw seven or
+eight Belgian civilians guarded by our men with fixed bayonets. They
+were charged with firing on German soldiers. I must say that the
+lamentations of these men--aged from 20 to 50--made a deep impression on
+me. They had thrown themselves upon their knees, and with raised hands
+were weeping and beseeching that their lives might be spared.
+
+"The villagers are exceedingly ignorant, and when their land is in
+danger, believe themselves justified in seizing any old shot-gun or
+revolver which lies at hand. Probably some of the more prudent are aware
+that it is a mad enterprise, but the instinct of self-defence is so
+innate in the simple country people that advice does not help in the
+least." (Von Bethmann-Hollweg and von Tirpitz justify the use of gas,
+the sinking of merchant vessels containing women and children, the
+dropping of bombs on open towns, etc., etc., by the plea of
+self-defence.--Author.)
+
+"But it is otherwise with regard to the atrocities on our wounded; these
+are a stain on Belgium's national honour which will not easily be wiped
+out. A German would never perpetrate such monstrous crimes,[112] and
+that we can say without any overweening opinion of ourselves."[113]
+
+[Footnote 112: This is hypocrisy or ignorance.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 113: Ibid., pp. 18-19.]
+
+Herr Knutz offers no proof of the alleged atrocities; he has heard of
+them, believes and repeats the story. I have some fifty German books
+describing the war in Belgium, and in all of them similar legends are
+mentioned, but in no single instance is a case proved and nailed down.
+No victim is named, and the scene of the alleged atrocity is never
+given, hence it seems to be the usual German artifice to make
+_Stimmung_, _i.e._, to raise feeling.
+
+One thumb-nail picture from the teacher's diary shows that the Germans
+created only too well a _Stimmung_ of abject terror among the Belgians.
+
+"This morning, August 19th, we searched a small wood for Belgians, but
+found none. On leaving the wood a touching picture met our eyes. Several
+families were fleeing with their children, and the barest necessaries of
+life, into a neighbouring village. An old woman on crutches was trying
+in vain to keep up; a young mother with a sucking child was sobbing and
+pressing the babe to her bosom. The boys were weeping bitterly and
+holding their hands high to prove that they were harmless. We passed by
+the ruins of Roosbeck, where civilians had shot on the 20th Artillery
+Regiment, for which reason it was burnt down."[114]
+
+[Footnote 114: Ibid., p. 27.]
+
+Among the various interesting pictures of the Fatherland sketched by
+German authors perhaps the following is the most naïve: "English, French
+and Belgians, hand in hand; how nicely it was all thought out; Belgian
+neutrality--so solemnly pledged by all the Powers--was nothing but a
+screen behind which they wrought the most devilish plans against
+Germany. It was a neutrality which had long since been betrayed and sold
+by the Belgian Government.
+
+"But the German people--a pure fool-like Parsifal, who could not
+conceive such treachery and knavery because it was incapable of such
+things itself--toiled and worked day by day, enjoyed the blessings of
+peace, was happy in its existence and ignorant of the looming clouds
+gathering on its frontiers. All hail to our chosen leaders who kept
+watch and ward over a dreaming people, and did not allow themselves to
+be lulled into watchlessness by the lies of our enemies, who while
+talking of peace intrigued for our annihilation."[115]
+
+[Footnote 115: "Von Lüttich bis Flandern" ("From Liége to Flanders"), by
+Wilhelm Kotzde. Weimar, 1914; p. 5.]
+
+The same author's opinion of the Belgians coincides with that expressed
+by many of his fellow countrymen. "What did our troops find by the
+roadside? On all sides haversacks, straps, cartridges, caps, tunics and
+rifles. To our soldiers this was a remarkable sign of flight, for they
+are accustomed to military training of a different sort. In the forts,
+it is true, they found among the soldiers also civilians wearing
+patent-leather shoes. Indeed, the whole Belgian campaign has shown how
+badly the army was prepared and equipped.
+
+"The lack of discipline and order is evident, however, in every
+department of Belgium's national life, and these virtues they
+endeavoured to replace by cunning and cruelty--at least among the
+Walloons."[116]
+
+[Footnote 116: Ibid., pp. 61-2.]
+
+A Knight of the Order of St. John[117] is still more cynical in his
+condemnation of the conquered enemy: "The greatest misfortune in this
+land is unemployment; factories are inactive and shops closed. The
+horrors of famine draw nearer, and we, as well as some neutral
+countries, are endeavouring to relieve the tortures of want. But charity
+only encourages the laziness of the inhabitants. Just as the refugees in
+Holland, the Belgians who have remained in their land would like to put
+their hands in their pockets and be fed. Of course, that is not
+permissible, and the German Government does its best to rap these lazy
+wretches on the fingers."
+
+[Footnote 117: "Kriegsfahrten eines Johanniters," by Fedor von
+Zobeltitz, pp. 86-7.]
+
+"It was characteristic that the Belgians always placed their hopes on
+foreign help and never dared to rely on the strength of their own army.
+This alone is a serious symptom of national weakness. Still, the Belgian
+army has fought bravely. It is true they had not the discipline and
+preparation which distinguish the German troops, but everything which a
+badly equipped and trained army could achieve they have done."[118]
+
+[Footnote 118: Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von Lüttich bis Flandern," p. 71.]
+
+It is not necessary for the author of this work to write a song of
+glorification for Belgium; she has herself composed an epic of valour
+and self-sacrifice written in immortal deeds. At present her only reward
+seems to be a desolate land in the hands of the conqueror, and the
+graves of her fallen sons. Germany's evident intention is the annexation
+of that part of Belgium where Flemish is spoken. At the moment of
+writing, Goliath has vanquished David. France and England have a supreme
+duty to fulfil: they are called to avenge Belgium's wrongs, and thereby
+establish the principle that even necessity must recognize law.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ATROCITIES
+
+
+The question of Belgian atrocities is so important that no apology is
+required for giving the British public every possible opportunity to
+sift evidence, and above all, to hear the German side.
+
+In the interests of fair play we will allow a German lawyer[119] to
+state the case against the Belgians. Herr Grasshoff is armed with two
+doctorates and is in practice as an advocate in one of the higher courts
+of law (_Kammergericht_). Chapter III of his work is entitled: "The
+Belgian Outrages;" in the foregoing chapter he endeavours to show that
+the Belgian Press had worked upon public opinion and lashed it into such
+a state that atrocities and mutilations of Germans by Belgian men,
+women, boys and girls were the natural consequences.
+
+[Footnote 119: Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's
+Guilt").]
+
+"That the goaded rage of the lower classes found expression in nameless
+horrors is unfortunately a sorry truth. The proofs? We are not in a
+position to satisfy the desire for sensation with a cabinet of horrors.
+The equipment of the German army does not include either the jars or the
+chemical fluids for preserving hacked-off limbs, hence it is impossible
+to display exhibits as in a museum. Our hospitals do not admit the dead.
+
+"If Germany should be compelled to conduct a second campaign against the
+cultured peoples of Western Europe, then she will not forget to add the
+above articles to her equipment in any future war against such
+opponents. Pitying mother earth covers the murdered victims."
+
+This eloquent lawyer has overlooked the aid which the art of photography
+affords, and as the German army was well equipped with cameras, some
+tangible proofs could still have been procured--assuming there were any
+shred of truth in Germany's accusations. The Berlin Government has
+circulated photographs of dum-dum bullets, _i.e.,_ English and French
+bullets with the points cut off. It is true no statement is offered
+regarding the time and place of the points being cut off, which leaves
+us free to believe that captured ammunition was "doctored" in this
+manner by the Germans themselves. "Necessity knows no law" is a
+principle capable of the widest application.
+
+Grasshoff's work was only published a few months ago, so that he had
+ample time to collect facts and proofs--the result is, six detailed
+cases with the names of his German informants and their regiments. In
+each case the "evidence" is of an exceedingly doubtful character; in
+view of the gravity of the charges, the lack of corroboration (each case
+is "proved" by one witness alone), and the partisanship of all
+concerned, we may safely conclude that no court of justice would convict
+on it.
+
+The same criticism applies to the official White Book, published in June
+or July of the present year. Every witness had previously sworn an oath
+to protect the German flag (_der Fahneneid_) which precludes the
+probability of all impartiality in the witness and makes bias
+(_Befangenheit_) his simple duty. Another important factor to be borne
+in mind is the hysterical, morbid self-importance of the German nation
+in general, which causes police and members of the German army to shoot
+or cut down with the sword their own civilians for the most trivial
+offences, even in times of peace.
+
+The White Book in question contains a six-page introduction stating the
+charges against Belgian civilians, and three hundred and seventeen pages
+of sworn evidence of German officers and soldiers taken for the most
+part in Belgium and France. A few extracts from the introduction will
+suffice to make the German side clear.
+
+"Finally, there is not the slightest doubt that Belgian civilians robbed
+and killed German wounded; in short, mutilated them in a barbarous
+manner; even women and young girls participated in these atrocities.
+Hence German wounded have had their eyes gouged out, noses, ears,
+fingers and genitals cut off and their bodies cut open; in other cases
+German soldiers have been poisoned, hanged on trees, or had burning
+liquids poured on them, causing death in a most terrible form.
+
+"This bestial behaviour on the part of the civilian population is a
+breach of Article I., Convention of Geneva,[120] and the principles of
+military law, as well as the principles of humanity" (p. 4).
+
+[Footnote 120: Self-proclaimed outlaws cite the law when it suits their
+purpose!--Author.]
+
+"The guilt for these transgressions of international law lies largely at
+the door of the Belgian Government. The latter has made an attempt to
+rid itself of responsibility by ascribing the guilt to the rage for
+destruction in the German troops, who are accused of proceeding to deeds
+of violence without any reason or ground.[121]
+
+[Footnote 121: Certainly, just as in Germany in peace time.--Author.]
+
+"An examining commission has been appointed by the Belgian Government to
+inquire into the alleged cruelties of German soldiers, and the evidence
+thus obtained has been made the subject of diplomatic complaints. This
+attempt to pervert the truth has absolutely failed.
+
+"The German army is accustomed to wage war against hostile troops, but
+not against peaceful citizens.[122] Investigations conducted by any
+examining commission whatsoever, can never dispose of the irrefutable
+fact that German troops were forced by Belgium's native population to
+take defensive measures in the interests of self-preservation.
+
+[Footnote 122: German non-commissioned officers are accustomed to kick
+and beat German privates, and the behaviour of German soldiers to
+fellow-subjects is aptly illustrated by Lieutenant Förster fighting a
+pitched battle with a lame old cobbler in Zabern.--Author.]
+
+"The refugees' tales collected by the Belgian commission and declared by
+them to be the result of an impartial investigation bear a stamp which
+makes them unworthy of belief. According to the nature of things, the
+commission is not in a position to test the veracity of such rumours or
+to apprehend the association of events. Hence, their accusations against
+the German army are nothing other than base slanders which are
+completely invalidated by the accompanying documents" (pp. 5-6).
+
+It must be assumed that readers are acquainted with the official
+publications of the Belgian and French Governments accusing the German
+army with waging war in an atrocious manner, as well as the report of
+Lord Bryce's commission and Professor Morgan's report in the "Nineteenth
+Century" for June. In the above extract the Berlin Government rules them
+one and all out of court, which is the author's justification for making
+no use of their evidence.
+
+Fortunately the Roman Catholic Church of Germany has published a
+refutation of Germany's White Book, and surely this authority deserves
+credence. The work in question bears the title: "Der Lügengeist im
+Völkerkrieg," Kriegsmärchen gesammelt von Bernhard Duhr, S.J. ("The
+Spirit of Lying in the War of the Nations," War Legends collected by the
+Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J.).[123] The reverend gentleman castigates all
+the nations at war with the same offence--lying. His work should have
+permanent value in the literature of war psychology, but he only
+undertakes to expose German lies, and in his 72-paged booklet he proves
+to the hilt the charges made in this work.
+
+[Footnote 123: The author hopes to publish a complete translation
+shortly.]
+
+In his introduction the Rev. Duhr states that the office of the Priests'
+Society "Pax" in Cologne has taken great pains to expose and refute lies
+as fast as they have appeared. The original documents are preserved in
+the above office and may be seen by anyone who cares to apply.
+
+Probably one of the motives actuating the Society "Pax" and the Rev. B.
+Duhr was the intention to refute the accusations of cruel outrages by
+Belgian and French Catholic priests. Whatever their motives may have
+been, one thing is certain, they have produced most convincing proof of
+German mendacity. It is to be hoped that the "Pax" will give the world
+the benefit of all the documents in their possession.
+
+Even the Kaiser had the audacity to state in his telegram of September
+8th, 1914, to President Wilson that "women and priests have been guilty
+of atrocities in this guerilla warfare." For reasons easy to understand
+the reverend gentleman does not introduce the Kaiser's name into his
+booklet, but in the introduction he remarks: "Finally the refutation of
+such fairy-tales is a patriotic duty. Nothing is more essential for us
+Germans, especially in war time, than unity; but this harmony is
+necessarily endangered by religious bitterness and strife. Of a
+necessity it must cause deep pain and embitterment to our Catholic
+population when again and again ENTIRELY UNTRUE ACCUSATIONS are made
+against the priesthood of their Church."
+
+The Rev. Duhr's exposure of what he calls "erlogener Schauergeschichten"
+("lying horror tales") kills most of the "fairy-tales" accusing the
+Russians, French and Belgians of atrocities on German soldiers. A few
+illustrations will suffice to show the absence of all foundation for the
+charges against the Belgians; charges, we must remember, which the
+German soldiery believed, and which convinced them they were performing
+a holy task at Louvain, Tirlemont, Dinant, etc.
+
+"On October 1st, 1914, a telegraphic agency (Wolff's?) issued the
+following notice: 'A high Bavarian officer writing from the front has
+informed the _München-Augsburger Abendzeitung_ of this incident. South
+of Cambrai a column of German motor-cars was attacked by a company of
+French cyclists. For the most part the guard was killed by rifle fire,
+while the cars were all burnt. Later a German patrol discovered the
+remains, and on investigation, found that the dead Germans had all had
+their eyes gouged out.'"
+
+The reverend Father comments as follows: "On following up this case, it
+was impossible to prove whether the patrol had seen rightly or whether
+they had really made the report at all. So much is certain, however,
+that in the matter of eyes being gouged out, an absolute mania of
+gruesomeness broke loose. An innumerable swarm of such horrible tales
+were told, passed on, and finally guaranteed as true--AND YET THEY WERE
+ALL FAIRY-TALES. A few cases will suffice.
+
+"In September, 1914, the following paragraph appeared in the papers:
+'Several ladies engaged in Red Cross work on Cologne Station were
+informed with every assurance of truth, that a hospital at
+Aix-la-Chapelle contained a whole ward full of wounded whose eyes had
+been gouged out on the battlefields of Belgium.'
+
+"On September 26th the editor of the Catholic _Kölnische Volkszeitung_
+wrote to Dr. Kaufmann, a high Roman Catholic dignitary in
+Aix-la-Chapelle, begging him to ascertain whether the report were true.
+Two days later that gentleman replied: 'As regards the rumour mentioned
+in your letter, I beg to inform you that I at once put myself in
+communication with the authorities. I inquired of the doctor in charge
+of a hospital here (he is, by the way, a famous specialist for the
+eyes), and he assures me that in all the local hospitals there is no
+ward for wounded whose eyes have been put out, AND SUCH A CASE HAS NEVER
+BEEN OBSERVED in the town, although the place is full of wounded.'
+
+"A second report which the same journal exposed dates from October,
+1914. Recently Dean A., who is the Superior in a military hospital in
+the Franciscan Nunnery at S., came to us and reported that a wounded
+soldier had told him that he had heard[124] that in the monastery Bl. by
+V., in Holland, there were twenty-two wounded German soldiers whose eyes
+had been gouged out by Belgians. The Dean begged us to write to the
+Mother Superior and ask for confirmation of the story. We did write, and
+the lady answered that there was no hospital at all in the cloister
+Bl."[125]
+
+[Footnote 124: The words "hear" and "heard" occur very frequently in
+these legends.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 125: The Rev. Duhr's book, pp. 11-12.]
+
+The same lie travelled to Bonn, Sigmaringen, Potsdam, Bremen, and was
+successively nailed down by the _Volkszeitung_. Inquiries were made in
+all directions wherever a case of gouged-out eyes was reported, the
+result being everywhere the same--a fairy-tale.
+
+Yet when the German Imperial Chancellor received a party of American
+journalists (representatives of the United Press and the Associated
+Press) on September 2nd, 1914, he communicated this statement: "The
+English will inform your countrymen that German troops have burnt down
+Belgian villages and towns, but they will conceal the fact that Belgian
+girls have gouged out the eyes of our helpless soldiers lying on the
+battlefields."
+
+"Berlin papers informed the public that 'a large number of Belgian
+civilians were prisoners in Münster. They are the same bestial creatures
+who shot from their houses on our unsuspecting troops, and who, before
+the arrival of our invading armies in Belgium, had perpetrated all sorts
+of cruelties on helpless German citizens. Indeed, when they were
+searched on their arrival at the prisoners' camp fingers with rings on
+them, which they had hacked off their victims, were found in their
+pockets. Justice will soon strike down these Belgians, among whom a very
+large number of priests are to be found. Twenty to thirty have already
+been condemned to death by a court-martial.'
+
+"The 'Pax' Society of Priests immediately wrote to the commander of the
+prisoners' camp, and received this reply: 'The ridiculous assertion of a
+Berlin paper that fingers had been found in the pockets of Belgian
+civilians in this camp is false. Neither has any priest or layman been
+condemned to death, but over one hundred Belgian women and children have
+been sent home again.'"[126]
+
+[Footnote 126: Ibid., p. 19.]
+
+The above extracts will suffice to show how these Roman Catholic
+gentlemen proceeded. Immediately an atrocity was reported they applied
+to the authorities, and in every case received an affirmation that the
+deed had never taken place. Among the monstrous lies exposed by these
+investigators, are reports that Belgian priests paid eight shillings for
+every German head brought to them; high treason charges against Catholic
+priests in Alsace; all kinds of monstrous crimes charged to the
+priesthood; that a Belgian boy was caught with a bucketful of dead
+Germans' eyes; espionage by priests etc., etc.
+
+Yet one other case deserves quotation: "On October 5th, 1914, a priest
+was travelling by rail to Mayence. In the same compartment there were
+four privates from Infantry Regiment No. 94. One of them named Rössner,
+related the following story to his comrades, and then, at the priest's
+request, again repeated it:
+
+"'In the Belgian village of Patsie the _curé_ welcomed a German major
+and his orderly into his house. Afterwards the priest promised a boy of
+thirteen that he should go straight to heaven if he would murder the two
+Germans. The lad perpetrated the murder, after which he and the _curé_
+were shot under martial law.'
+
+"When the priest pointed out how incredible the whole story was, the
+soldier swore to its truth, and became very impolite to his auditor. An
+inquiry was instituted and this was the result:
+
+  "'War Office, No. 1866. The investigations made, in especial the
+  hearing under oath of private Rössner and several officers in his
+  regiment, have resulted in the following particulars being obtained:
+  At the beginning of the campaign as the troops marched into a
+  village--name unknown--they saw by the roadside two or three dead
+  civilians. One was apparently a boy of about thirteen, while the other
+  was an adult with a dark coat. It was not established whether this was
+  the body of a priest. Furthermore, we have not been able to discover
+  by whom, or for what reason, these people were shot.
+
+  "'At that time the story quoted by you about a _curé_ and a boy, was
+  told as a "rumour" to all the troops marching through. It is
+  impossible after the lapse of time to test the truth of the narrative.
+
+  "'Signed by order,
+
+  "'BAUER AND WAGNER.'"[127]
+
+[Footnote 127: Ibid., pp. 54-5.]
+
+The above document may be said, without presumption, to possess historic
+importance. It is a frank admission by the German War Office that
+Belgian civilians were actually shot down without rhyme or reason.
+Apparently German soldiers (!) had a _carte blanche_ to shoot whom they
+liked, without rendering or being expected to render a report of their
+doings.
+
+The Rev. Duhr writes: "The incredible speed with which these lying tales
+of horror spread on all sides must be classed as a morbid phenomenon, a
+sort of blood-cult. Their consequences could only be to act upon the
+national soul as a stimulant, inspiring fear and brutality."[128]
+
+[Footnote 128: Ibid., p. 9.]
+
+The author of this work is prepared to go much farther than the Rev.
+Father, and maintain that the foul, diseased imaginations which could
+invent such monstrous horrors are also capable of perpetrating them.
+They did not spring from the imagination of an Edgar Allan Poe, but
+arose in the minds of Germany's brutal peasantry and bloodthirsty
+working classes, who together every year commit in times of peace 9,000
+acts of brutal, immoral bestiality, and maliciously wound 175,000 of
+their fellow German citizens.[129]
+
+[Footnote 129: _Vide_ Vol. 267 _Vierteljahrshefte_, published by the
+Berlin Government, 1914.]
+
+To-day Germany shouts in ecstasy that she is the chosen power of God;
+that her _Kultur_ will regenerate the world. Let it first regenerate the
+"Augean Stable" known to the world as Germany. Without further comment
+readers are left to form their own opinion of a Press which breeds such
+filth, and the cultural level of a people which consumes such garbage.
+But the world owes a debt of gratitude to the Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J.,
+and the "Pax" Society in Cologne.
+
+The accusations of plundering on the part of German soldiers is
+naturally denied _in toto_ by all parties in the Fatherland. Indeed, it
+has been discovered that the British army was guilty of wilful
+destruction in Belgium. A certain Major Krusemarck, commanding the 2nd
+battalion of the 12th Infantry Reserve Regiment, is responsible for the
+story. "On October 10th I entered Wilryk, near Antwerp, and took up my
+quarters in the Italian Consulate. All the houses had been deserted by
+the inhabitants. Immediately after entering the house I perceived that
+English soldiers had been here and behaved in a barbarous manner.
+Mirrors, valuable objects of art, etc., had been smashed in a way which
+betrayed purpose." The major's report continues: "The destruction which
+I have described had undoubtedly been perpetrated by members of the
+English army, and as proof of this I may state that in one of the rooms
+about a dozen visiting-cards were found with the name: Major E.L.
+Gerrard, Royal Marine Light Infantery (sic).
+
+"During the subsequent pursuit of the Belgian and English armies we
+heard repeated complaints from the inhabitants that especially the
+English troops had acted in the most inconsiderate manner, purposely
+destroying furniture, etc., in civilian houses."[130]
+
+[Footnote 130: Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld," p. 84.]
+
+Without doubt the story belongs to the group of legends exposed by the
+"Pax" Society, for which reason it is quoted here, as a fitting
+supplement to them. Yet it is psychologically interesting to note how
+difficult it is for Germans who burn, destroy and violate in their own
+country to believe that they behave otherwise than as lambs when playing
+the rôle of invaders.
+
+One quotation from a large number will illustrate sufficiently the
+respect which the German troops felt for civilian homes in the
+territories occupied by them: "We got into the house by a back-door.
+Orders had been issued that only food and shirts were to be taken. The
+cellar was full of wine and champagne. A corporal brought us some of the
+latter. After half an hour the rooms looked very different; all the
+cupboards had been emptied in order to get at the jams and jellies.
+Several pots of fruit preserved in wine were divided as honestly as the
+greed of the individual allowed.
+
+"All the underclothing was seized upon, obviously only the best being
+taken. Many a dirty Pole put on such a shirt as he had never dreamed of
+before. Even ladies' chemises were commandeered, and some of the men
+assured me that a French chemise is quite comfortable--in spite of the
+short sleeves.
+
+"If there is a sterner sex in France, which is exceedingly doubtful,
+they do not seem to possess pants; so the men resorted to the
+corresponding article worn by ladies."[131] (This writer refers in other
+parts of his book to "mementoes" which he carried home to the
+Fatherland, after being wounded at the Marne.)
+
+[Footnote 131: H. Knutz: "Mit den Königin-Fusilieren durch Belgien," p.
+42.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND GERMANY'S ANNEXATION PROPAGANDA
+
+
+"Afterthoughts" is the term which would perhaps designate most concisely
+the section of German war literature treating of Belgium's violated
+neutrality. Should that designation appear unfitting, then the author
+has only one other to suggest--"whitewash."
+
+In order to apprehend clearly the method and aims concealed beneath the
+"afterthoughts," readers must bear in mind that every attempt to protest
+against the annexation of Belgium by Germany is prohibited by the German
+censor. The Social Democratic organs emphasize the fact almost daily
+that they are not permitted to print anything contrary to the principle
+of annexation.
+
+On the other hand, numerous writers are allowed to make a most extensive
+propaganda by suggesting that annexation is necessary in the interests
+of their racial-brothers the Flemings. By order of the German Government
+a geographical description of the country has been published,[132] in
+which every detail of Belgium's wealth in minerals, agriculture, and so
+on, is described, with no other possible purpose than the desire to whet
+German Michael's appetite.
+
+[Footnote 132: "Belgien, Land und Leute," Berlin, 1915.]
+
+All at once Germany has become suspiciously interested in Belgian
+history, in the domestic quarrels between Walloons and Flemings, in the
+alleged oppression of the latter (Low Germans) by the former, and
+propose for themselves the part of liberator and saviour for Flemish
+culture. They have discovered, among other things, that Belgium was
+merely a paper State, a diplomatic invention, an experiment, and that no
+"Belgian" people has ever existed, but rather two hostile elements were
+packed under the same roof against their will by the Conference of
+London--the said roof bears the name Belgium!
+
+According to a good German-Swiss[133] the Belgians have no national
+feelings, no patriotism, and have never had a Fatherland. If a serious
+writer can make such statements after the Belgians have defended their
+native country so heroically, one naturally wonders whether Herr Blocher
+is sane, or merely a paid agent of the German authorities. In his work
+he denies every and any intention to justify or condemn either Germany
+or Belgium, and then proceeds to blacken the latter's character by
+quoting every Belgian utterance which may be interpreted as anti-German.
+These expressions lead him to the remarkable conclusion that Belgians
+had already violated their own neutrality!
+
+[Footnote 133: "Belgische Neutralität," by Eduard Blocher. Zurich,
+1915.]
+
+Blocher states that his work is only intended to prove that Switzerland
+has nothing to fear from Germany's precedent in invading Belgium. But he
+never mentions Belgium's maritime interests, Antwerp and the extensive
+seacoast on the North Sea. He is oblivious to the fact that Germany's
+desire to possess these was the sole motive for precipitating war and
+invading Belgium. To Germany the coast of Belgium is the door to the
+world and world domination. Switzerland does not possess such a door,
+and therefore had nothing to fear from her powerful neighbour; but if
+the Allies are unable to bar this door to Germany's aggressive schemes,
+then the time is not far distant when Germany would remember that she
+has "brothers" within Swiss frontiers and insist upon their entrance
+into the great Teutonic sheepfold--just as her most earnest desire at
+present is to drive the "lost" Flemings back to their parent race.
+
+Among the many phrases which Germans have coined to describe Belgium the
+following occur: bastard, eunuch and hermaphrodite. According to the
+German conception of a "State," Belgium is an unnatural monstrosity,
+from which one draws the natural conclusion that Germany intends to
+remove it from the domain of earthly affairs.
+
+On the whole, German writers admit the existence of Belgian neutrality,
+and also Germany's pledge to respect it. The three most serious writers
+on the subject are, Dr. Reinhard Frank,[134] professor of jurisprudence
+in Munich University; Dr. Karl Hampe,[135] professor in Heidelberg; and
+Dr. Walter Schoenborn,[136] also a professor in Heidelberg University.
+
+[Footnote 134: Reinhard Frank: "Die belgische Neutralität." Tubingen,
+1915.]
+
+[Footnote 135: Karl Hampe: "Belgien's Vergangenheit und Gegenwart."
+Berlin, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 136: Walther Schoenborn: "Die Neutralität Belgien's." This is
+an appendix to a large work written by twenty university professors,
+entitled "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," published by B.G. Teubner,
+Leipzig and Berlin, 1915.]
+
+The nearer examination of these three works must be premised by two
+important considerations. Firstly, the three professors ignore the fact
+that Germany was a menace to Belgium, and make no mention of German
+aspirations for a coastline on or near the English Channel. Holland and
+Belgium form a twentieth century "Naboth's vineyard," on which the
+German Ahab has cast avaricious glances for upwards of forty years.
+
+A casual acquaintance with Pan-German and German naval and military
+literature during the same period, affords overwhelming proof of this
+powerful current in German nationalism. If Naboth consulted strong
+neighbours as to necessary precautions against Ahab's plans for
+obtaining the vineyard, then Naboth acted as a wise man, and the only
+regret to-day is that the "strong neighbours" only offered Naboth
+assurances and words, instead of deeds. In other words Great Britain did
+nothing because, as Lord Haldane expressed it, the Liberal Cabinet was
+"afraid" (!) to offend Germany and precipitate a crisis.
+
+Secondly, the three professors, like all others of their class in the
+Fatherland, have sworn an oath on taking office not to do anything,
+either by word or deed, detrimental to the interests of the German State
+of which they are _official_ members. An ordinary German in writing on
+Germany may be under the subjective influences of his national feelings,
+but a German who has taken the "Staatseid" (oath to the State) cannot be
+objective in national questions and interests--his oath leaves only one
+course open to him, and any departure from that course may mean the loss
+of his daily bread.
+
+The author has the greatest respect for the achievements of German
+professors in the domains of science and abstract thought; by those
+achievements they have deservedly become famous, but in all judgments
+where Germany's interests are concerned they are bound hand and
+foot.[137]
+
+[Footnote 137: Towards the close of 1913 I had a conversation with half
+a dozen Germans (average age twenty-five) in Erlangen Gymnasium (State
+Secondary School); they were candidates in training for the teaching
+profession, all university men. I listened patiently to their diatribes
+concerning the perfidy of English Statesmen, and then pointed out,
+giving chapter and verse in German biographies, that Bismarck's record
+was exceedingly tortuous; the forgery of the Ems telegram was given as
+an instance.
+
+A few weeks later I met the vice-principal of the school at a private
+party; this gentleman was a good friend of mine. He reminded me of the
+above conversation, and gave me a friendly warning never again to make
+such statements to my pupils. The candidates had talked it over, and
+although they had provoked the discussion, proposed to have me reported
+to the Minister for Education for uttering such opinions. The
+vice-principal had intervened and prevented the _Denunziation_.
+
+If a professor of history in a German university expressed any opinion
+in his academic lectures unfavourable to modern Germany, he would be
+immediately _denunziert_ to the State authorities by his own students.
+Should he publish such opinions in book form, of course the process of
+cashiering him would be simpler. Germans do not desire the truth so far
+as their own country is concerned; they do not will the truth; they will
+_Deutschland über alles_, and all information, knowledge, or propaganda
+contrary to their will is prohibited. If space permitted I could mention
+numerous cases in which famous professors have been treated like
+schoolboys by the German State--their stern father and master.]
+
+When a German conscript enters the army he takes the _Fahneneid_ (oath
+on, and to, the flag), which binds him to defend the Fatherland with
+bayonet and bullet. In like manner it may be said that German professors
+are bound by the _Staatseid_ either to discreet silence, or to employ
+their intellectual pop-guns in defending Germany. That these pop-guns
+fire colossal untruths, innuendoes, word-twistings, and such like
+missiles, giving out gases calculated to stupefy and blind honest
+judgments, will become painfully evident in the course of our
+considerations.
+
+That any and every German obeys the impulse to defend his country is
+just and praiseworthy; but in our search for truth we are compelled to
+note the fact that German professors are merely intellectual soldiers
+fighting for Germany. Without departing from the truth by one jot or
+tittle, readers may even call them "outside clerks" of the German
+Foreign Office, or the "ink-slingers" under the command of the German
+State.
+
+These premises have been laid down _in extenso_ because some fifty books
+will be discussed in this work, which emanate from German universities.
+A neutral reader may retort: You also are not impartial, for you are an
+Englishman! Having anticipated the question, the author ventures to give
+an answer. If he could make a destructive attack on Britain's
+policy--the attack would be made without the least hesitation. Such an
+attack, if proved to the hilt, would bring any man renown, and in the
+worst case no harm. But if a German professor launched an attack, based
+upon incontrovertible facts, against Bethmann-Hollweg and Germany's
+policy, that professor would be ruined in time of peace and in all
+probability imprisoned, or sent to penal servitude in time of war.
+
+Nothing which the present author could write would ever tarnish the
+reputation of German professors as men of science, but in the narrower
+limits as historians of the Fatherland and propagandists of the
+_Deutschland-über-alles_ gospel they are tied with fetters for the like
+of which we should seek in vain at the universities of Great Britain or
+America. It would be in the interests of truth and impartiality if every
+German professor who writes on the "Causes of the World War," "England's
+Conspiracy against Germany," "The Non-Existence of Belgian Neutrality,"
+and similar themes, would print the German _Staatseid_ on the front page
+of his book. The text of that oath would materially assist his readers
+in forming an opinion regarding the trustworthiness and impartiality of
+the professor's conclusions.
+
+Professor Frank commences his historical sketch of Belgian neutrality
+with the year 1632, when Cardinal Richelieu proposed that Belgium should
+be converted into an independent republic. Doubtless the desire to found
+a buffer State inspired Richelieu, just as it did the representatives of
+Prussia, Russia, France, Austria and England when they drew up the
+treaty guaranteeing Belgium's neutrality in perpetuity, at the
+Conference of London, 1839.
+
+But an additional motive actuated the diplomatists of 1839, viz.,
+Belgium was henceforth to be the corner-stone supporting the structure
+commonly designated "the balance of power in Europe."
+
+An objection has been made to the validity of the treaty signed in
+London, viz., England herself did not consider it reliable and binding,
+or she would not have asked for, and obtained, pledges from both Prussia
+and France to respect Belgian neutrality in 1870. Another objection is
+the claim that the German Empire, founded in 1870, was not bound by the
+Prussian signature attached to a treaty in 1839. Other writers have
+endeavoured to show that the addition of African territory (Congo Free
+State) to Belgium changed the political status of that country, exposed
+it to colonial conflicts with two great colonial Powers, and thus
+tacitly ended the state of neutrality.
+
+Each of the professors in question overrides these objections, and Frank
+remarks, p. 13: "Lawyers and diplomatists refuse, and rightly so, to
+accept this view." Again, p. 14.: "There is no international document in
+existence which has cancelled Belgian neutrality."
+
+Germany's alleged violation of her promise to regard Belgium as a
+neutral country is justified on quite other grounds. Belgium had herself
+violated her neutrality by a secret alliance with France and England.
+Frank argues that a neutral State has certain duties imposed upon it in
+peace time, and in support of his contention quotes Professor Arendt
+(Louvain University, 1845), who wrote: "A neutral State may not conclude
+an alliance of defence and offence, by which in case of war between two
+other States it is pledged to help one of them. Yet it is free and
+possesses the right to form alliances to protect its neutrality and in
+its own defence, but such defensive alliances can only be concluded
+after the outbreak of war."
+
+Another authority quoted to support his point is Professor Hilty
+(University of Bern, 1889). "A neutral State may not conclude a treaty
+_in advance_ to protect its own neutrality, because by this means a
+protectorate relationship would be created."
+
+Frank continues (p. 21): "Hence Belgian neutrality was guaranteed in the
+interests of the balance of power in Europe, and I have already pointed
+out that the same idea prevailed when the barrier-systems of 1815 and
+1818 were established.
+
+"Considering the matter from this point of view, the falsity of modern
+Belgium's interpretation at once becomes apparent. According to Belgian
+official opinion her neutrality obligations only came into force in the
+event of war, and therefore could not be violated during peace. But this
+balance of power was to be maintained, above all in time of peace, and
+might not be disturbed by any peaceful negotiations whatever, especially
+if these were calculated to manifest themselves in either advantageous
+or prejudicial form, in the event of war.
+
+"In this category we may place the surrender of territory. No impartial
+thinker can deny that the cession of Antwerp to England would have been
+a breach of neutrality on the part of Belgium, even if it had occurred
+in peace time. The same is true for the granting of occupation rights,
+and landing places for troops, or for the establishment of a harbour
+which might serve as a basis for the military or naval operations of
+another State.
+
+"Moreover, it is unnecessary to exert one's imagination in order to
+discover 'peaceful negotiations' which are incompatible with permanent
+neutrality, for history offers us two exceedingly instructive examples.
+When a tariff union between France and Belgium was proposed in 1840,
+England objected because the plan was not in accord with Belgian
+neutrality. Again in 1868, when the Eastern Railway Company of France
+sought to obtain railway concessions in Belgium, it was the latter
+country which refused its consent, and in the subsequent parliamentary
+debate the step was designated an act of neutrality."
+
+From this extract it is evident that Professor Frank has undermined his
+own case. Belgian neutrality was intended by the great powers to be the
+corner-stone of the European balance of power. During the last forty
+years Germany's carefully meditated increase of armaments on land and
+sea threatened to dislodge the corner-stone. When the Conference of
+London declared Belgium to be a permanently neutral country, there was
+apparent equality of power on each side of the stone. In 1870 the
+Franco-German war showed that the balance of power was already disturbed
+at this corner of the European edifice. Still Germany's pledged word was
+considered sufficient guarantee of the _status quo_.
+
+Since 1870 the potential energy on the German side of the corner-stone
+has increased in an unprecedented degree, and this huge energy has been
+consistently converted into concrete military and naval forces. This
+alteration in the potential _status quo ante_ has been partly the result
+of natural growth, but in a still greater degree, to Germany's doctrine
+that it is only might which counts.
+
+Another German professor[138] had defined the position in a sentence:
+"Germany is a boiler charged to danger-point with potential energy. In
+such a case is it a sound policy to try to avert the possibility of an
+explosion by screwing down all its safety-valves?" Recognizing that
+Belgian neutrality has existed for many years past solely on Germany's
+good-will, it became the right and urgent duty of the other signatory
+powers to endeavour to strengthen the corner-stone. Germany absolutely
+refused to relax in any way the pressure which her "potential energy"
+was exercising at this point, therefore it was necessary above all for
+France and Great Britain to bolster up the threatened corner.
+
+[Footnote 138: Hermann Oncken (Heidelberg), in the _Quarterly Review_,
+October, 1913. The author of the article charges Great Britain with
+screwing down the valves, which is a deliberate distortion of the truth.
+Britain has always opened her markets free to German goods and admitted
+the same privileges to her rival--so far as these did not run contrary
+to established rights--in all parts of the world. With regard to
+territorial expansion a treaty had been drawn up between the two Powers
+and was ready to be signed just when war broke out. That treaty would
+have afforded Germany immense opportunities for expansion, but not at
+the expense of Europe. Germany, however, desired European expansion, and
+according to her accepted teaching, the fate of extra-European
+territories will be decided on the battlefields of Europe.]
+
+The former Power could have achieved this purpose by building a chain of
+huge fortresses along her Belgian frontier. Why this precautionary
+measure was never taken is difficult to surmise, but had it been taken,
+Germany would have ascribed to her neighbour plans of aggression--and
+declared war.
+
+Great Britain could have restored the balance by creating an army of
+several millions. Lord Haldane has announced that the late Liberal
+Government was "afraid" to do this, although the fear of losing office
+may have been greater than their fear for Germany.
+
+The measures which England did take were merely non-binding
+conversations with the military authorities of France and Belgium; the
+making of plans for putting a British garrison of defence on Belgian
+territory in the event of the latter's neutrality being violated or
+threatened; and the printing of books describing the means of
+communication in Belgium.[139]
+
+[Footnote 139: "Belgium, Road and River Reports," prepared by the
+General Staff, Vol. I., 1912; II., 1913; III. & IV., 1914. Copies of
+this work have been seized by the Germans in Belgium, and capital is
+being made of the incident to prove a violation of Belgian neutrality.
+If the British General Staff had nothing better to do than to compile
+guide-books to Belgium for a non-existent British army, it appears
+merely amusing. But if the late Liberal Government believed that
+Germany's potential energy could be prevented from breaking through into
+Belgian territory by a barricade of guide-books--it was a lamentable
+error of judgment. On the whole we are forced to call it a tragical
+irony, that the only defences which Belgium possessed against the _furor
+teutonicus_--excepting the Belgian army--were a "scrap of paper" and a
+barricade of the same material.]
+
+As a result of these measures, Belgium stands charged by Germany with
+having broken her own neutrality, and German writers are naively asking
+why Belgium did not give the same confidence to Germany which she gave
+to England. The German mind knows quite well, that in building strategic
+railways to the Belgian frontier she betrayed the line of direction
+which the potential energy was intended to take, when the burst came.
+Unofficially Germany has long since proclaimed her intention to invade
+Belgium; it was an "open secret."
+
+The _denouement_ of August 4th, 1914, when Belgian neutrality was
+declared a "scrap of paper,"[140] was not the inspiration of a moment,
+nor a decision arrived at under the pressure of necessity, but the
+result of years of military preparation and planning. It had been
+carefully arranged that the boiler should pour forth its energy through
+the Belgian valve.
+
+[Footnote 140: This famous phrase was employed as far back as 1855 by a
+Belgian Minister in the House of Deputies, Brussels. M. Lebeau in
+pleading for greater military preparation used these words: "History has
+shown what becomes of neutralities which were guaranteed, by what may be
+termed a 'scrap of paper.'"]
+
+Or to draw another comparison, it is a modern variety of the wolf and
+the lamb fable, with this difference: the wolf has first of all
+swallowed the lamb, and now excuses himself by asserting that the
+traitorous wretch had muddied the stream.
+
+Belgians were painfully aware of the danger threatening them, and would
+have made greater efforts to protect themselves, had not their own
+Social Democrats resisted every military proposal. As the matter stands
+to-day, however, all the efforts which Belgium did make, are classed by
+Germany as intrigues of the Triple Entente, threatening her (Germany's)
+existence, and all the horrors which have fallen upon this gallant
+"neutral" country the German Pecksniff designates "Belgium's
+Atonement."[141] It is to be feared that sooner or later, unless
+Germany's military pride and unbounded greed of her neighbour's goods
+can be checked, German professors will be engaged in the scientific task
+of proving that the waters of the upper Rhine are unpalatable because
+the lamb residing in Holland has stirred up mud in the lower reaches of
+the same river!
+
+[Footnote 141: _Belgien's Sübne_, the title of a chapter describing the
+desolation and havoc of war, in a book entitled "Mit dem Hauptquartier
+nach Westen," by Heinrich Binder. Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Belgium knew that England and France had no other interest than the
+maintenance of her neutrality. Belgium saw and felt, where the storm
+clouds lowered, and probably sought or accepted advice from those Powers
+who wished to perpetuate both the territorial integrity and neutrality
+of Belgium. Germany's afterthought on the point is: "It was Belgium's
+duty to protect her neutrality, and she owed this duty to all States
+alike in the interests of the balance of power--a conception to which
+she owes her existence.
+
+"She was bound to treat all the signatory Powers in the same manner, but
+she failed to do so, in that she permitted one or two of them to gain an
+insight into her system of defence. By this means she afforded the
+States admitted to her confidence, certain advantages which they could
+employ for their own ends at any moment.
+
+"By allowing certain of the great Powers to see her cards, Belgium was
+not supporting the European balance, but seriously disturbing it. Even
+Belgium's Legation Secretary in Berlin had warned his Government
+concerning the political dangers arising out of intimacy with England.
+By revealing her system of defence to England, Belgium destroyed its
+intrinsic value and still more--she violated her international
+obligations."[142]
+
+[Footnote 142: Professor Frank's work, pp. 29-30.]
+
+Considering that the British army at that time was small, that Britain
+had no idea of annexing Belgian territory, one naturally wonders how the
+value of Belgium's defence system had been depreciated by conversations
+with British officers. In effect, Germany maintains that Belgium should
+have behaved as a nonentity, which is contrary to all reason.
+
+The Berlin Government has always treated her small neighbour as a
+sovereign State, equal in quality, though not in power, to any State in
+the world. If Germany recognized Belgium's sovereignty, why should not
+England do the same, and, above all, why had Belgium no right to think
+of her self-preservation, when she knew the danger on her eastern
+frontier grew more menacing month by month?
+
+Frank concludes his dissertation with his opinion of England and quotes
+Thucydides, V., 105, as the best applicable characterization of the
+British with which he is acquainted. "Among themselves, indeed, and out
+of respect for their traditional constitution, they prove to be quite
+decent. As regards their treatment of foreigners, a great deal might be
+said, yet we will try to express it in brief. Among all whom we know
+they are the most brazen in declaring what is good to be agreeable, and
+what is profitable to be just."
+
+The very offence which Germany accuses England of having premeditated,
+she committed herself many years before. When France seemed to threaten
+Belgium's existence, King Leopold I. concluded a secret treaty[143] with
+the king of Prussia, whereby the latter was empowered to enter Belgium
+and occupy fortresses in case of France becoming dangerous. The French
+danger passed away, and its place was taken by a more awful menace--the
+pressure of German potential energy; and when Belgium in turn opened her
+heart (this is the unproved accusation which Germany makes
+to-day--Author) to England, then she has violated her neutrality and
+undermined the balance of power.[144] There is even a suspicion that
+Leopold II. renewed this treaty with Germany in 1890, in spite of the
+fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince de Chimay, in an
+official speech denied its existence.
+
+[Footnote 143: Germans love anything which is "secret."
+"Geheimniskrämerei" ("affectation of mysteriousness and secrecy") is a
+national and individual characteristic of the German people.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 144: Karl Hampe: "Belgiens Vergangenheit und Gegenwart"
+("Belgium Past and Present"), p. 49.]
+
+Professor Schoenborn's essay on Belgian neutrality is the least
+satisfactory exposition of the three professorial effusions; it is no
+credit to a man of learning, and is merely the work of an incapable
+partisan trying to make a bad cause into a good one. Schoenborn
+commences[145] with the customary German tactics by stating that
+Bethmann-Hollweg's "scrap-of-paper" speech, and von Jagow's (German
+Secretary of State) explanations to the Belgian representative in Berlin
+on August 3rd, 1914, are of no importance in deciding the justice of
+Germany's violation of her pledged word. One is led to inquire, When is
+a German utterance--whether given in the Reichstag by the Chancellor or
+on paper in the form of a treaty--final and binding?
+
+[Footnote 145: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War"), pp. 566-8.]
+
+Subterfuges, insinuations, distortions, even brazen falsehoods, are
+scattered throughout German war literature, thicker "than Autumnal
+leaves in Vallombrosa's brook." It is to be feared that just as Germans
+have lied for a century to prove that the English were annihilated at
+the battle of Waterloo, and for over forty years to show that Bismarck
+was not a forger, so they will lie for centuries to come in order to
+prove that the invasion of Belgium was not what Bethmann-Hollweg called
+it, a "breach of international law."
+
+Like his _confrères_, Herr Schoenborn admits that Germany was pledged to
+respect the neutrality of Belgium, but the said neutrality was
+non-existent, which appears somewhat paradoxical. Yet this is not the
+least logical part of his case. "The passage of German troops through
+Belgium was indispensable in the interests of the preservation of the
+German Empire. A successful resistance to the annihilation-plans which
+our enemies had wrought for our downfall seemed possible only by this
+means. The Government regretted that, by so doing, we should commit a
+formal infringement of the rights of a third State (Belgium), and
+promised to make all possible compensation for the transgression.
+
+"The judicial point of view which influenced the decision of the German
+Government is perhaps, best illustrated by a parallel taken from the
+ordinary laws of the country: A forester (game-keeper) is attacked by a
+poacher, and in that same moment perceives a second poacher bearing a
+gun at full-cock, creeping into a strange house in order to obtain a
+better shot at the forester. Just as he is about to enter the house the
+forester breaks the door open and thus forestalls him--in order to
+surprise and overcome him. The forester is justified in taking this
+step, but must make good all damage resulting to the householder."[146]
+
+[Footnote 146: Ibid., p. 575.]
+
+The instance holds good in the land of _Kultur_, where law and order
+affords so little protection to a civilian and his property; but in
+countries where laws are based upon culture the author believes that the
+forester would receive condign punishment for breaking into another
+man's house, no matter under what pretext. Unconsciously the learned
+professor is humorous when he compares Germany to a gamekeeper and
+Russia and France to poachers; but he is naïve to a degree of stupidity,
+when he makes France carry a weapon fully prepared to shoot the
+forester.
+
+We will consult another German authority to show that France's weapons
+were not at full-cock.
+
+"During the last ten years France has given special attention to the
+fortresses on the German frontier. But those facing Belgium have been so
+carelessly equipped that we see clearly to what a degree she relied upon
+her neighbour. The forts are in the same condition as they were twenty
+or thirty years ago. As some of these fortifications were built fifty
+years ago, various points on the frontier are strategically, absolutely
+useless.
+
+"A typical example of this, is Fort les Ayvelles, which is intended to
+protect the bridges and Meuse crossings south of Mézières-Charleville;
+the fort was levelled to the ground by 300 shots from our 21-centimetre
+howitzers. It was built in 1878 and armed with forty cannon; of these
+the principal weapons consisted of two batteries each containing six
+9-centimetre cannon, which, however, were cast in the years 1878-1880,
+and in the best case could only carry 4,000 yards. Then there were some
+12-centimetre bronze pieces cast in 1884, and a few five-barrelled
+revolver cannon.
+
+"Besides these there were old howitzers from the year 1842;
+muzzle-loaders with the characteristic pyramids of cannon ball by the
+side, such as are often used in Germany at village festivals or to fire
+a salute. The fort itself was a perfect picture of the obsolete and
+out-of-date. Apart from the crude, primitive equipment, the organization
+must have been faulty indeed.
+
+"On the road leading up to the fort we saw some tree-branches which had
+been hurriedly placed as obstacles, and higher up wire entanglements had
+been commenced at the last moment. At least one battery was useless, for
+the field of fire was cut off by high trees, and at the last minute the
+garrison had tried to place the guns in a better position.
+
+"Our artillery which fired from a north-westerly position displayed a
+precision of aim which is rare. One battery had had nearly every gun put
+out of action by clean hits. In several cases we saw the barrel of the
+gun yards away from its carriage, and only a heap of wheels, earth,
+stones, etc., marked the place where it had stood.
+
+"Another proof of the excellent work done by the artillery, was the fact
+that hardly a shell had struck the earth in the 500 yards from the
+battery to the fort. After the former had been disposed of, the
+artillery fire was concentrated on the fort, which was reduced to a heap
+of rubbish. The stonework and the high walls--yards thick--had tumbled
+to pieces like a child's box of bricks.
+
+"A garrison of 900 men had been placed in this useless cage, and they
+had fled almost at the first shot. Instead of putting these men in
+trenches, their superiors had put them at this 'lost post' and allowed
+them to suffer the moral effects of a complete, inevitable defeat.
+
+"Near the fort I saw the grave of its commander, the unfortunate man who
+had witnessed the hopeless struggle. He lived to see his men save their
+lives in wild flight--and then ended his own."[147]
+
+[Footnote 147: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," pp.
+107-9.]
+
+Here we have a sorry picture of the poacher whom Germany feared so much.
+The world knows now that neither Britain, France nor Russia were
+prepared for war, which excludes the probability that they desired or
+provoked a conflict. But Germany knew that, and much more, in the month
+of July, 1914. Bethmann-Hollweg when addressing the Reichstag drew a
+terrifying picture of French armies[148] standing ready to invade
+Belgium, but he knew full well that the necessary base-fortresses were
+lacking on the Franco-Belgian frontier.
+
+[Footnote 148: Richard Grasshoff in his work "Belgien's Schuld"
+("Belgium's Guilt"), p. 14 _et seq_., reproduces several confessions
+alleged to have been made by French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, stating that they entered Belgian territory on July 31st, 1914.
+At present it is impossible to test the value of this evidence. Cf. p.
+151.]
+
+As regards the alleged plans which Germany's enemies had made to
+annihilate Germany, it will be necessary for Professor Schoenborn to
+prove that the Entente Powers had: (1.) Caused the murder in Serajewo;
+(2.) Despatched the ultimatum to Serbia; (3.) Prepared themselves for
+war. Until he proves these three points the world will continue to
+believe that it was Germany alone who cherished "annihilation-plans."
+
+Schoenborn mentions too, Britain's refusal to promise her neutrality
+even if Germany respected the neutrality of Belgium. This offer was made
+to Sir Edward Grey, who declined it. According to Professor Schoenborn
+Germany's final decision to invade Belgium was only taken after that
+refusal. It is a striking example of the immorality which prevails both
+in Germany's business and political life. She gave her solemn pledge in
+1839, yet endeavoured to sell the same pledge in 1914--for Britain's
+neutrality!
+
+The author once made an agreement with a German, but soon found that the
+arrangement was ignored and wrote to the person in question: "You have
+employed our arrangement merely as a means for making further incursions
+into my rights."
+
+That summarizes the Teutonic conception of a treaty, either private or
+national. It is only a wedge with which to broaden the way for a further
+advance. Usually a man signs an agreement with an idea of finality, and
+looks forward to freedom from further worry in the matter. Not so the
+German; with him it is an instrument to obtain, or blackmail, further
+concessions; and as individuals, instead of occupying their thoughts and
+energies in the faithful fulfilment of its terms, they plot and plan in
+the pursuit of ulterior advantages.
+
+Heidelberg's great scholar seems to have had doubts concerning his
+simile of the gamekeeper; hence in his last footnote he makes the
+innocuous remark: "Because the house-breaking gamekeeper fired the first
+shot, it is not usual to draw the conclusion that the poacher had only
+defensive intentions" (p. 590).
+
+All in all, Professor Schoenborn's attempt at partisanship is a
+miserable failure, and as an academic thesis it is doubtful whether the
+faculty of law in any German university would grant a student a degree
+for such a crude effort.
+
+Various facts indicate Germany's intention to annex Belgium, if not the
+entire country, then those districts in which Flemish is spoken. Germany
+has suddenly remembered that the Flemings are a Low German people and
+that they have been "oppressed" by the Walloons. The hypocrisy of the
+plea becomes evident when we recall German (including Austrian)
+oppression of the Poles, Slavs and Hungarians.
+
+One writer[149] has even endeavoured to prove that the House of Hesse
+has a legitimate historical claim to the province of Brabant. But as the
+following extracts will show, there is method in this madness. No pains
+are being spared to stir up racial feeling between the two peoples
+(Flemings and Walloons) who form King Albert's subjects. All the
+internal differences are being dished up to convince the inhabitants of
+Flanders that they will be much better off under the German heel.[150]
+
+[Footnote 149: Dr. Karl Knetsch: "Des Hauses Hessen Ansprüche auf
+Brabant" ("The House of Hesse's Claims to Brabant"). Marburg, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 150: The _Münchner Neueste Nachrichten_ for September 19th,
+1915, contains a long account of a petition which was presented to Herr
+von Hissing, General Governor of Belgium, by a branch of the General
+Union of the Netherlands. The branch society is in Lierre (a town
+occupied by the Germans), and the petition is a statement of Flemish
+national and language aspirations. Unfortunately the document in
+question "makes a bitter attack on Franco-Belgian endeavours to rob the
+Flemings of their rights." It is superfluous to quote more; this
+sentence alone shows the origin of the petition to be German.]
+
+Forgetting their tyrannous efforts to stamp out the Polish language and
+Polish national feelings, the Germans are now sorrowing over the alleged
+attempts of the Walloons to suffocate the Flemish dialect. German war
+books breathe hate and contempt for the Walloons, but bestow clumsy
+bear-like caresses (no doubt unwelcome to their recipients) on the
+Flemings.
+
+In a work[151] already cited the following passages occur, in addition
+to three whole chapters intended to supply historical proof that
+Flanders is by the very nature of things a part of the German Empire.
+
+[Footnote 151: Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von Lüttich bis Flandern" ("From Liége
+into Flanders"). Weimar, 1914.]
+
+"The German people committed a grave crime, when they fought among
+themselves and left their race-brothers on the frontier, defenceless and
+at the mercy of a foreign Power. Therefore we have no right to scold
+these brothers (the Flemings), but should rather fetch them back into
+the German fold" (p. 40).
+
+Kotzde reports a conversation which he had with an educated Fleming last
+autumn. "'We do not like the French and English,' said the Fleming. 'But
+what about Brussels?' I remarked. 'They are a people for themselves. The
+Flemish capital is Antwerp' he answered.
+
+"Our paths led in different directions, but we parted with the
+consciousness that we are tribal brothers. So much seems certain, that
+when the Flemings are freed from the embittering influence of the
+Walloons and French, then this Low German tribe will again learn to love
+everything German--because they are German. Furthermore, that will make
+an end of the French language in Flemish districts" (p. 84).
+
+"German infantry marched with us into Antwerp. How deeply it touched me
+to hear them sing the 'Wacht am Rhein' and then 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland über alles,' in the very city which was to serve as an
+English base for operations against our dear Fatherland. And my Flemish
+companion softly hummed this splendid German song of faith.
+
+"In that moment a spasm of pain went through my heart, that the Flemings
+should have to fight against us in this great struggle for the existence
+of Germany: these, our lost brothers, of whom so many yearn to be with
+us again" (p. 86).
+
+"With the fall of Antwerp, Flanders--the land of the German Hanse
+period, of Ghent, Ypres and Bruges--became German once more" (p. 147).
+
+Kotzde concludes his work as follows:--
+
+"Holland was compelled to bow before the might of France and consent to
+Belgium becoming an independent State. From that moment the Flemings,
+cut off in every way from their German brothers, were delivered up to
+the Walloons, behind whom stood the French.
+
+"The Germans at that time lacked a Bismarck to unite them and interest
+them in the fate of their outlying brother tribe. This war has freed our
+hands, which hitherto had been bound by the dictates of conscience. Of
+himself the German would never have kindled this world conflagration,
+but others have hurled the torch into our abode--and our hands are free!
+
+"We do not yet know what Belgium's fate will be, but we can be perfectly
+sure that the Flemings will never again be left to the mercy of the
+Walloons and French. They have had a wild and chequered history; and
+although they have often shown signs of barbarism in the fight, they
+have not waged this war with the devilish cruelty of the Walloons.
+
+"They lack the discipline which alone a well-ordered State can bestow.
+The training and education of the German military system and German
+administration, will be a blessing to them. Even to-day many Flemings
+bless the hour of their return into the German paternal home" (p. 190).
+
+"In a struggle which has lasted for nearly a century, the Flemings have
+displayed their unconquerable will to maintain their national
+peculiarities. Without outside aid, and with little or no deterioration,
+they have maintained their nationalism. Now the horrors of war have
+swept over the lands of the Flemings and Walloons. The Belgian army,
+consisting of 65 per cent. Flemings, has been decimated by German arms.
+North and south of the Meuse a wicked harvest of hate has sprung up. But
+the most remarkable point is that this hate is not directed against the
+Germans alone; the mutual dislike of Flemings and Walloons has turned
+into hatred. The Walloons cherish bitter suspicions of the Flemings;
+they scent the racial German, and are promising that after the war they
+will wage a life and death feud against the German part of the Flemish
+nature."[152]
+
+[Footnote 152: Ulrich Rauscher: "Belgien heute und morgen" ("Belgium
+to-day and to-morrow"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 35.]
+
+The same writer claims that the Germans had conquered Antwerp before its
+fall, by peaceful penetration. "In 1880 the British share of Antwerp's
+trade was 56 per cent., Germany's 9 per cent.; in 1900, British 48 per
+cent., German 23-1/2 per cent. Not only had the British flag been beaten
+in percentages but also in absolute figures; in the year 1912-1913
+German trade to Antwerp increased by 400,000 tons, while that of Great
+Britain decreased by 200,000 tons. The commercial future of Antwerp will
+be German!"[153]
+
+[Footnote 153: Ibid., p. 64.]
+
+"To-day Antwerp is the second largest port on the Continent, with over
+400,000 inhabitants, and now Germany's war banner waves above its
+cathedral. Germany's maritime flag has waved during the last twenty
+years above Antwerp's commercial progress. Antwerp's progress was German
+progress."[154]
+
+[Footnote 154: Ibid., p. 68.]
+
+After which follows a glowing account of Belgium's mineral wealth. "It
+is Belgium's mission to be a gigantic factory for the rest of the
+world," and of course this mission will be directed by--Germany!
+
+"Those who had warned us for years past that England is our greatest
+enemy were right. To-day every German recognizes who is our principal
+opponent in this world war. Against Russia and France we fight, as the
+poet expresses it, 'with steel and bronze, and conclude a peace some
+time or other.' But against England we wage war with the greatest
+bitterness and such an awful rage, as only an entire and great people in
+their holy wrath can feel. The words of Lissauer's 'Hymn of Hate' were
+spoken out of the innermost depths of every German soul.
+
+"When Hindenburg announces a new victory we are happy; when our front in
+the Argonne advances we are satisfied; when our faithful Landsturm beats
+back a French attack in the Vosges, it awakes a pleasurable pride in our
+breasts. But when progress is announced in Flanders, when a single
+square yard of earth is captured by our brave troops in the Ypres
+district, then all Germany is beside herself with pure joy. The seventy
+millions know only too well, that everything depends upon the
+development of events in Flanders, as to when and how, we shall force
+England to her knees.
+
+"Hence of all the fields of war, Belgium is the most familiar to us, and
+we love best of all to hear news from that quarter. May God grant that
+in the peace negotiations we shall hear much more and good tidings about
+Flanders."[155]
+
+[Footnote 155: Dr. Fritz Mittelmann: "Kreuz und Quer durch Belgien"
+("Round and about Belgium"). Stettin, 1915: p. 8. Dr. Mittelmann is a
+personal friend of the Liberal leader, Herr Bassermann, who accompanied
+him on some of his journeys.]
+
+Dr. Mittelmann's book is a prose-poem in praise of Germany's ineffable
+greatness. He sees in the present war, "a holy struggle for Germany's
+might and future," and like all his compatriots, makes no mention of
+Austria. If the Central Powers should be victorious, there is no doubt
+that Germany would seize the booty. In justifying the destruction of
+churches, cathedrals, etc., Herr Mittelmann asserts that "one single
+German soldier is of more worth than all the art treasures of our
+enemies" (p. 12).
+
+His book deserves to be read by all Britishers who imagine that we can
+win Germany's love and respect--by weakness and compromise. "In this war
+Germans and English soldiers are opposed to each other for the first
+time. All the scorn and hate which had accumulated for years past in the
+German nation has now broken loose with volcanic force. Whoever assumes
+that the English were ever other than what they are--is wrong. They have
+never had ideals, and seek singly and alone their own profit. Whenever
+they have fought side by side with another nation against a common foe,
+they have done their best to weaken their ally and reap all the glory
+and advantage for themselves."[156]
+
+[Footnote 156: Ibid., p. 29.]
+
+Pity for the Belgians suffering through Germany's brutal war of
+aggression does not appear to be one of Dr. Mittelmann's weaknesses.
+"The principal industrial occupation of the inhabitants seems at present
+to be begging. In spite of their hostile glances the crowd did not
+hesitate to gather round as we entered our car, and quite a hundred
+greedy hands were stretched towards us for alms. But in Liége, without
+the shadow of a doubt the best of all was the magnificent Burgundy which
+we drank there; perhaps we had never relished wine so much in our
+lives."[157] One wonders whether these pioneers of _Kultur_ relished the
+wine so much because they knew themselves to be surrounded by thousands
+of hungry, "greedy" Belgians.
+
+[Footnote 157: Ibid., p. 44.]
+
+On page 93, Mittelmann relates at length his genuine Prussian joy at
+humiliating a Belgian policeman before the latter's compatriots. None
+enjoy having their boots licked, so much as those who are accustomed to
+perform that service for others.
+
+Our author pays the customary compliments to the Flemings. It must be
+remembered that the above incident took place in Liége among the
+Walloons, but it would seem that the Germans try to behave with decency
+when among their Low German brothers.
+
+"One feels at home in the house of a Flemish peasant; the racial
+relationship tends to homeliness. The painful cleanliness of the
+white-washed cottages makes a pleasant contrast to the homes of the
+Walloons. War and politics are never mentioned, as these delicate
+subjects would prevent a friendly understanding."[158]
+
+[Footnote 158: Ibid., p. 90.]
+
+"A dream. An old German dream. A land full of quaintness which the rush
+of modern life has left untouched. On all sides cleanliness and order
+which makes the heart beat gladly. And this joyful impression is doubly
+strong when one comes direct from the dirty, disorderly villages of the
+Walloons.
+
+"Just as a mother may give birth to two children with entirely different
+natures, so Belgium affords hearth and home to two peoples in whose
+language, culture and customs there is neither similarity nor harmony.
+The Flemings are absolutely German, and in this war they treat us with
+friendly confidence. Their eyes do not glitter with fanatical hate like
+those of the Walloons."[159]
+
+[Footnote 159: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+102.]
+
+Herr Binder's meditations on the slaughter in the valley of the Meuse
+are not without interest. "A vale which has been won by German blood! In
+recent days the waters of the Meuse have often flowed blood-red. Many a
+warrior has sunk into these depths. Longing and hope rise in our hearts:
+May destiny determine that all these dead, after a triumphant war, shall
+sleep at rest in a German valley!"[160]
+
+[Footnote 160: Ibid., p. 122.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+SAIGNER À BLANC.[161]
+
+
+[Footnote 161: "To bleed white." Bismarck employed this phrase on two
+occasions in addressing the Reichstag; his purpose could have been no
+other than to bully France.--Author.]
+
+It would be superfluous to review here the history of Franco-German
+relations during the last half century; other writers have already
+performed the task. Yet the whole trend of development in the relations
+between the two powerful neighbours may be defined by two watch-words:
+_saigner à blanc_ in Germany, and the _revanche idée_ in France. But
+there is this difference: the former has become ever more and more, and
+the latter less and less, a factor in European politics.
+
+While the German nation has been gradually and systematically leavened
+with the teaching that might alone is right, the French revenge party
+has been weakened year by year by national prosperity, colonial
+expansion and the growth of a powerful anti-military party. Whatever may
+be said of French chauvinists, this much remains an immovable fact--the
+party was incapable of providing adequate national defences against the
+Germanic neighbour, while plans of reconquest can only be assigned to
+the domain of myths.
+
+On every occasion that the _revanche_ cry has been resuscitated, the
+direct cause is to be sought in Germany. Having displaced France in 1870
+from her position of the first military power in Europe, Germany has
+endeavoured by fair and foul means to prevent her neighbour from again
+raising her head, and that policy alone is to blame for the suspicion
+and hatred which have marked Franco-German relations during the whole
+period and plunged Europe into an era of armaments, ending in a world
+war. England and Russia prevented Bismarck from annihilating France in
+1875, an incident which aroused justified fear throughout France and
+gave an impulse to the revenge party.
+
+In 1881 the Iron Chancellor told the French Ambassador: "Outside Europe
+you can do what you like." Bismarck's intention was to divert reviving
+French energies to colonial work, and if possible involve her in
+conflicts with the other Colonizing Powers. In both of these plans he
+succeeded, but the common sense and loyalty of Great Britain and Italy
+prevented the conflicts from assuming a dangerous form--war--as desired
+by the Government in Berlin.
+
+As soon as the latter perceived that French genius and persistency were
+bearing fruit in a magnificent colonial empire, the innate jealousy and
+greed of the German nation led to a policy of colonial pinpricks on the
+part of the Kaiser's Government. This seems the most probable
+explanation of Germany's attitude during the last decade before 1914.
+The natural consequence was that those powers which had most to fear
+through German ill-will were welded together more firmly in a policy of
+self-protection.
+
+Germany cannot, or will not, recognize that the causes of the
+above-mentioned development are to be found solely and alone in her own
+actions. On the contrary, she designates the "consequences" a world-wide
+conspiracy against German interests. In naval affairs she adopts the
+same naïve line of argument. First and foremost Germany committed
+herself to a policy of unlimited--even provocative--naval expansion.
+When the Power most concerned--Great Britain--took precautionary
+measures to guarantee British interests in view of Germany's "peaceful"
+development, then the latter Power declared the consequences of her own
+actions to be a hostile initiative directed against her.
+
+A defence of this kind may be convincing for those who observe events in
+the German perspective, but it will be unable to withstand impartial
+historical criticism. Boxers expect a rebound when they "punch the
+ball," but none of them would be so foolish as to deny having delivered
+a blow when the rebound takes place. Yet that is the unscientific
+defence which Germany has adopted in her endeavours to explain away her
+aggressive attitude to Belgium, France, and Great Britain.
+
+In a word, the principles underlying _saigner à blanc_ have grown during
+the past four decades into a possible avalanche possessing huge
+potential energy; the momentum was given to it in August, 1914.
+
+If it were necessary, a picture of German popular opinion might be
+projected, showing how that opinion was influenced and formed during the
+critical days at the close of July last year. But from considerations of
+space only the outlines of the picture can be given. Before the war
+German newspapers abounded in reports of French unpreparedness and
+chaos. The German public was informed that France dreaded and feared war
+with Germany.
+
+"Without any exaggeration it may be said that a state of nerves has
+seized the French nation, such as we should seek for in vain at the time
+of Tangiers and Agadir. There is tremendous excitement, which in many
+reports suggests absolute panic."[162]
+
+[Footnote 162: _Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten_, August 1st.]
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Kölnische Zeitung_ (August 4th) on
+returning to Cologne wrote: "Conditions in France afford a striking
+picture of bad organization. War rage possesses the people; but such an
+enthusiasm as I found in Germany on my return is unknown to them."
+
+On the same day the _Hamburger Nachrichten_ reported: "A German refugee
+who has returned from the French capital says that there is no
+enthusiasm in Paris. Men and women may be seen weeping in the streets,
+while the crowds are shouting: 'Down with war!' 'We desire no war!'"
+
+Probably there is no better way to incite a ferocious bully than to tell
+him that his opponent is weak, unprepared and afraid. Almost
+simultaneously false reports of French troops crossing the frontier and
+of French airmen dropping bombs on Nuremberg were spread by the Berlin
+General Staff, and thus an excuse found for a declaration of war on
+France.
+
+From the French point of view events appeared quite different. "This
+morning German troops have violated French territory at three different
+points: in the direction of Longwy by Lunéville, at Cirey and by
+Belfort. War has thus been declared, and the endeavours for peace as
+described in the President's proclamation have been in vain. For the
+last eight days Herr von Schoen (German Ambassador in Paris) has lulled
+us to sleep with endearing protestations of peace. Meanwhile Germany has
+mobilized troops in a secret and malevolent manner.
+
+"The war upon which we must enter is for civilization against barbarism.
+All Frenchmen must be united not merely by the feeling of duty, but also
+in hatred for an enemy who seeks no other goal than our
+annihilation--the destruction of a nation which has always been a
+pioneer of justice and liberty in the world.
+
+"To-night our five covering-corps will take up their positions and face
+the enemy till our plan of concentration is completed. Russia is with
+us.
+
+"MESSIMY,
+
+"Minister for War."
+
+From the moment that Germany declared war on France, new tactics were
+adopted in the Press. A campaign of calumny began which is the exact
+counterpart of that against Belgium and the Belgians. Uncorroborated
+tales of Germans having been ill treated in all parts of France were
+spread broadcast. According to one journal[163] sixty to eighty Germans
+had been murdered on the platforms of the Gare de l'Est in Paris.
+
+[Footnote 163: _Kölnische Volkszeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+Still there is one accusation which even German newspapers have never
+dared to make, viz., that Frenchmen murdered and ill-treated Frenchmen,
+or that war delirium led them to destroy property on a wholesale scale.
+On the other hand, the picture obtainable of Germany during August,
+1914, proves that similar peaceful conditions did not prevail in the
+great nation of "drill and discipline."
+
+France was even "convicted" of having caused the war; instead of being
+unprepared, she had laid the fuse and was the guilty power in causing
+the European explosion. "The German Government has now obtained absolute
+proof that France has been standing at arms, ready to fall upon Germany,
+for many weeks past."[164]
+
+[Footnote 164: _Hamburger Fremdenblatt_, August 13th.]
+
+Above all, President Poincaré has been marked down in Germany's
+senseless, unnecessary hunt for a scapegoat upon whom to fix her own
+guilt. Even in the year 1915 there is a section of the German
+public[165] which believes that the French President--a native of
+Lorraine--has worked for years past in building up a _revanche_
+conspiracy ending in the European war.
+
+[Footnote 165: Dr. Max Beer: "Tzar Poincarew, die Schuld am Kriege"
+("Czar Poincarew, the War-guilty"). Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Germany despised France and has tried in vain to patronize her. For many
+years past the average German has held that the French are a nation of
+"degenerate weaklings." Inspired by these sentiments, with a mixture of
+hate, the German troops invaded France, and it is a promising symptom
+that during twelve months of war respect for French valour has taken the
+place of contempt.
+
+The first engagements are described in the official telegrams from the
+German army head-quarters. "August 11th. Enemies' troops, apparently the
+7th French army corps and an infantry division from the Belfort
+garrison, were driven out of a fortified position by Mülhausen. Our
+losses were inconsiderable, those of the French heavy.
+
+"August 12th. Our troops attacked a French brigade by Lagarde. The enemy
+suffered heavy losses and was thrown back into the Paroy forest. We
+captured a flag, two batteries, four machine guns and about seven
+hundred prisoners. A French general was among the killed.
+
+"August 18th. The fight by Mülhausen was little more than a skirmish.
+One and a half enemy corps had invaded Upper Alsace before our troops
+could be collected and placed on a war-footing. In spite of their
+numerical inferiority they attacked the enemy without hesitation and
+hurled him back in the direction of Belfort.
+
+"Meanwhile an artillery contingent from Strasbourg has suffered a check.
+Two battalions with cannon and machine guns advanced from Shirmeck on
+the 14th. They were attacked by hostile artillery fire while passing
+through a narrow pass. The cannon, etc., were badly damaged and
+therefore left. No doubt they were captured by the enemy.
+
+"The incident is of no importance and will have no influence on our
+operations, but it should serve as a warning to our soldiers against
+over-confidence and carelessness. The men mustered again and reached the
+fortress in safety: they had lost their guns but not their courage.
+Whether treachery on the part of the inhabitants had any part in the
+affair has not yet been ascertained.
+
+"August 22nd. Our troops are in pursuit of the French army defeated
+between Metz and the Vosges. The enemies' retreat became a flight. Up
+till now more than ten thousand prisoners have been taken and at least
+fifty cannon captured. The French had eight army corps in the field.
+
+"August 24th. Yesterday the German Crown Prince, advancing on both sides
+of Longwy, achieved a victory over the opposing forces and hurled them
+back.
+
+"The troops under the leadership of the Bavarian Crown Prince have also
+been victorious and crossed the line Lunéville-Blamont-Tirey. To-day the
+21st army corps occupied Lunéville.
+
+"The pursuit has brought rich booty. Besides numerous prisoners and
+standards the left wing of the Vosges army has already captured 150
+cannon.
+
+"To-day the German Crown Prince's army has continued the pursuit beyond
+Longwy.
+
+"The army under Duke Albrecht of Württemberg has advanced on both sides
+of Neufchâteau and completely defeated the French army which had crossed
+the Semois. Numerous cannon, standards and prisoners--among the latter
+several generals--were captured.
+
+"West of the Meuse our troops are advancing on Maubeuge. An English
+cavalry brigade which appeared on their front was defeated.
+
+"August 27th. Nine days after the conclusion of our concentration the
+armies in the West have gained victory after victory and penetrated the
+enemy's territory from Cambrai to the Southern Vosges. At all points the
+enemy has been driven out of his positions and is now in full retreat.
+
+"It is not yet possible to estimate, even approximately, his losses in
+killed, prisoners and booty; the explanation for this is the enormous
+extent of the battlefields, broken by thick forests and mountainous
+country.
+
+"General von Kluck's army defeated the English at Maubeuge and to-day
+has attacked them in an encircling move south-west of that place.
+
+"After several days' fighting about eight army corps of French and
+Belgian troops between the Sambre, Namur and the Meuse were completely
+defeated by the German armies under Generals von Bülow and von Hausen.
+
+"Namur has fallen after two days' cannonade. The attack on Maubeuge has
+commenced. Duke Albrecht's army pursued the defeated enemy over the
+Semois and has now crossed the Meuse.
+
+"On the other side of Longwy the German Crown Prince has captured a
+fortified enemy position, and thrown back a heavy attack from the
+direction of Verdun. His army is advancing towards the Meuse. Longwy has
+fallen.
+
+"New hostile forces from Nancy attacked the Bavarian Crown Prince's army
+during its pursuit of the French army before it. The attack failed.
+
+"General von Heeringen's army is pursuing the enemy in the Vosges, and
+driving him southwards. Alsace has been cleared of enemy forces.
+
+"Up till the present the lines of communication have been guarded by the
+various armies; now the troops left behind for that purpose are urgently
+required for our further advance. Hence His Majesty has ordered the
+mobilization of the Landsturm.
+
+"The Landsturm will be employed in protecting the lines of communication
+and for the occupation of Belgium. This land which now comes under
+German administration will be utilized for supplying all kinds of
+necessities for our armies, in order that Germany may be spared as much
+as possible."
+
+During the first month of hostilities on the Western front, the Germans
+claimed that their captures amounted to 233 pieces of heavy artillery,
+116 field guns, 79 machine guns, 166 wagons and 12,934 prisoners. On
+September 8th General Quartermaster von Stein announced: "Maubeuge
+capitulated yesterday; 40,000 prisoners of war, including four generals,
+400 cannon and immense quantities of war materials fell into our hands."
+
+A German war correspondent, who was present at the fall of Maubeuge,
+wrote:[166] "The march out of the prisoners began on the same day at
+2.30 p.m. and lasted over six hours. They were conducted to trains and
+despatched to Germany. Some of the infantry made a good impression,
+while the pioneers and artillery can only be classed as passable.
+
+[Footnote 166: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+96.]
+
+"To the great disappointment of our troops there were only a hundred and
+twenty English among the prisoners who had been cut off from the main
+army; young fellows about eighteen to twenty years of age. When marching
+out these English youths were so stupid as to offer the hand to their
+German victors in token of the gentlemanlike manner in which they
+accepted defeat. In accordance with Albion's ancient boxing custom, they
+desired to show the absence of any bitter feeling by a handshake; just
+as one does after a football match.
+
+"Our men returned a few cuffs for this warlike behaviour, whereupon the
+English--richer in experience--drew back astonished at German
+unfriendliness."
+
+Germany's rush for Paris reached as far as the Marne; they claim that
+patrols penetrated to within seven kilometres of the French capital. The
+report announcing the turn of the tide is worthy of quotation.
+
+"Chief Headquarters, September 10th. Our army in their pursuit of the
+enemy in the direction east of Paris had passed beyond the Marne. There
+they were attacked by superior forces between Meaux and Montmirail. In
+two days' heavy fighting they have kept the enemy back and even made
+progress.
+
+"When the approach of new, stronger hostile forces was announced our
+wing was withdrawn; the enemy made no attempt at pursuit. Up till now
+the booty captured in this battle includes fifty cannon and some
+thousands of prisoners.
+
+"West of Verdun the army is engaged in an advancing battle. In Lorraine
+and the Vosges district the situation is unchanged."
+
+This seems to be all that the German nation has heard from official
+sources of the German defeat on the Marne and the hurried retreat to the
+Aisne. Almost every report issued by the German headquarters during the
+succeeding three weeks informed the world that a "decision had not yet
+fallen."
+
+Evidently the nation awaited and hoped for a decision which would leave
+Paris at the mercy of the invading army. They are still awaiting that
+decision, but whether the waiting is seasoned by hope cannot easily be
+determined.
+
+A soldier present at the battle of the Marne has chronicled his
+experiences.[167] "We passed over long, undulating hills and valleys,
+and towards 1 p.m. obtained our first glimpse down the beautiful vale of
+the Marne. Standing on the heights of Château Thierry, we beheld the
+town nestling on both sides of the river in the valley below.
+
+[Footnote 167: H. Knutz: "Mit den Königin-Fusilieren durch Belgien und
+Frankreich,", p. 49 _et seq_.]
+
+"Then we entered the town and saw on all sides the tokens of street
+fighting. All the windows were smashed by shell fire; some houses had
+been entirely gutted. Dead Frenchmen lay around in heaps, some corpses
+so mutilated by shrapnel as to appear hardly human. With a shudder we
+turned our eyes from this horrible scene.
+
+"Crossing the Marne by a sand-stone bridge, we climbed the opposing
+heights under a burning sun. At the top we deployed, but for that day
+our artillery sufficed to drive the enemy in headlong flight to the
+south; the night we spent under the open sky.
+
+"Sunday, September 6th. Before breakfast we intended to bathe in a
+stream, when our dreams of a rest-day were dispelled by an order to hold
+ourselves ready for the march. 'The 17th division is under heavy rifle
+fire and the 18th must advance to their support.' Meanwhile, the chicken
+soup was almost ready, but the order 'form ranks' resounded, and with
+empty stomachs we marched through Neuvy up a hill and dug ourselves in
+behind a wood.
+
+"The thunder of the enemies' artillery is terrible; shrapnel is bursting
+on our left. Captain von Liliencron discusses the situation with the
+major and then turns to us. 'Our regiment attacks! go for the dogs,
+children!' he exclaims with gleaming eyes.
+
+"Next we advance round the wood and lie down behind a hedge; axes are
+held in readiness to hack a way through the latter. Five steps from me a
+machine gun hammers away at full speed; it is now impossible to hear
+commands, so they are roared from man to man--it could not be termed
+shouting. 'Ambulance to the right!' somebody is severely wounded, but
+the ambulance men have more than they can do on the left.
+
+"The hell-music is at its loudest; shrapnel is bursting in the wood
+behind us; suddenly there is an awful explosion half a dozen yards away;
+I hear the screams of my comrades, then we rush forwards. The rush
+across the field was awful--flank fire from the right. Here and there a
+comrade bites the grass.
+
+"At last I throw myself down, but there is no cover; the wounded crouch
+there too. None of my company are there; it seems that the two last
+shells have played havoc with them. The enemies' (French) main position
+is nearly a mile away in a forest.
+
+"Up the next slope our dead lie thick around, and here too a deadly
+bullet had found the breast of our heroic captain. But in the strip of
+forest French and Turko bodies are still thicker. The cat-like Turkos
+have climbed into the trees and are shot down like crows. A maddening
+infantry and artillery fire greets us as we reach the top. Every ten to
+twenty yards shells strike, and shrapnel bursts, filling the air with
+earth, dust, smoke and smell.
+
+"Forward! till almost exhausted I throw myself down again; a hundred to
+a hundred and fifty Fusiliers form a firing-line. Columns of infantry
+pour a murderous fire on to us from the forest. It cannot go on thus;
+one after the other is wounded or killed. We have advanced nearly eight
+hundred yards over open ground. On the right there is a small thicket of
+reeds. Some of the company have already sought shelter there, and I make
+a rush there with the same hope.
+
+"'For heaven's sake, lie down, corporal,' screamed a man as I came up.
+In fact, the reeds afford no cover whatever. Wounded and dead lie there
+and bullets keep hitting them. In front of me lay a man from the fourth
+company; a bullet had entered his chest and passed out of his back; the
+blood was oozing out of a wound about the size of a shilling. The horror
+was too much for me, and I crept to the other end of the strip.
+
+"There I found everything far worse, but I cannot describe the terrors
+which I saw. One poor fellow begs for a drop of water; there is just
+another draught in my bottle. With grateful eyes he hands it back to me,
+and in the same moment I feel a stinging pain in the shoulder. My arm is
+numbed and helpless; hardly one of us who is not wounded.
+
+"We can offer no resistance to the enemy; but the awful way back! At
+last the run back over eight hundred yards of open field begins. Now and
+again a comrade sinks to the ground, never to rise again. My breath is
+nearly gone; one last effort, and in truth I have escaped from the hail
+of bullets."
+
+It is remarkable and noteworthy that German writers charge the French
+armies with looting and destruction in their own country. Probably this
+is merely a device to get rid of unpleasant accusations raised against
+the German army. Furthermore, the most reckless charges of uncleanliness
+are made. In commenting on the lot of the Landsturm troops quartered in
+the villages of Northern France, one author[168] writes: "The Landsturm
+men pass their time as best they can in these holes, whose most
+conspicuous quality is their filth."
+
+[Footnote 168: Erich Köhrer: "Zwischen Aisne und Argonnen" ("Between the
+Aisne and the Argonnes"), p. 25.]
+
+The same author gives his impressions of a visit to Sedan. "Only one
+house has been completely and another partly destroyed, otherwise
+appearances are peaceful, and as far as possible, life goes on as usual.
+Here, too, many of the inhabitants have left their homes and fled. The
+stupidity of this flight becomes evident at every step. In numerous
+small hotels whose proprietors have remained, one sees German soldiers
+buying bottles of splendid Burgundy wine at a shilling a bottle.
+
+"But in another hotel whose proprietor had fled, is it a matter for
+surprise that the men caroused on discovering a cellar containing three
+thousand bottles of wine? On the route I have myself purchased some of
+the oldest and best wines from our men at a price of three cigars a
+bottle, and the recollection of them belongs to the pleasantest memories
+of my sojourn at the front.
+
+"Certainly the owner of Château Frenois, situated a few minutes' walk
+from the town, will be more unpleasantly surprised on his return than
+the hotel proprietor. In his home, French marauders and plunderers have
+destroyed and devastated the entire contents. It is impossible to
+comprehend the senselessness of this conduct, for which no reasons of
+military necessity can be advanced.
+
+"Ancient family pictures which could not be taken out of their frames
+have been ruined by bayonet stabs, and from the shape of the cuts they
+were certainly the work of French bayonets. Even the library, which
+contained a valuable collection of old prints, had been robbed.
+
+"Not far from this scene of desolation stands Château Bellevue, where
+King William met Napoleon in 1870. There, too, the traces of French
+plunderers are painfully evident; it was left to the 'Hun-Kaiser' to
+save this historic spot from complete annihilation. In September Wilhelm
+II. visited the château and seeing the signs of rapacity, ordered the
+place to be strictly guarded to prevent further desecration."[169]
+
+[Footnote 169: Ibid., pp. 22-3.]
+
+It did not occur to Herr Köhrer to connect the carousals with the
+plundering; in one sentence he admits that French soldiers respected the
+wine-cellars and in the next accuses them of stealing books, etc. Every
+German writer, in describing the German advance, comments on the immense
+number of haversacks, weapons and equipment thrown away by the French in
+their "wild flight." Yet they desire their readers to believe that the
+same soldiers had time to rob and destroy, indeed, carry their plunder
+with them!
+
+Since September no French troops have been in the district, yet the
+Kaiser found it necessary to place guards round Château Bellevue. Is it
+not more reasonable to assume that the precaution was taken against the
+predatory instincts of his own soldiery, who, admittedly, are in
+occupation of the province?
+
+Herr Köhrer finds it almost beneath his dignity to reply to charges of
+barbarism and Hunnism; yet he devotes several pages to the art of
+white-washing. "The inhabitants who remained in their homes, and those
+who have returned since the flight--unfortunately it is only a small
+part of the entirety--have recognized long ago that the German soldier
+is not a barbarian. The terrible distress which prevails among the
+French is often enough relieved by the generosity of the German troops.
+Throngs of women and children from the filthy villages of the Argonne
+and the Ardennes gather round our field-kitchens and regularly receive
+the remains of the meals; while many a German Landsturm man,
+recollecting his own wife and children, fills the mouths of dirty French
+children instead of completely satisfying his own hunger."[170]
+
+[Footnote 170: Ibid., p. 34. Herr Köhrer has evidently never visited
+many Bavarian villages: otherwise he would be more careful with his
+adjectives when describing the villages of France.--Author.]
+
+No one disputes the presence of kindly Germans in the Kaiser's armies,
+and it is pleasing to read about these acts of generosity in relieving
+distress which is entirely the result of Germany's guilt. But the point
+which all German writers miss is the explanation of positive evidence of
+brutal deeds. Their kindly incidents and proofs of German chivalry are
+all of a negative character, and do not overthrow one jot or tittle of
+the opposing positive evidence.
+
+Iron crosses have fallen in thick showers on the German armies; during
+the month of July, 1915, no fewer than 3,400 of these decorations were
+awarded to the Bavarian army alone. Still, as far back as November of
+last year, Herr Köhrer wrote: "In the villages on the slopes of the
+Argonnes and on the banks of the Aisne, nearly every second soldier is
+wearing an iron cross. One has the certain conviction that it is not an
+army of fifty or sixty thousand, but a nation of heroes which occupies
+the plains of France and fights for us.
+
+"They are all heroes at the front, including those who do not wear the
+outward symbol of personal bravery. When we see how our men live, it
+would seem that the earliest days of the human race have returned. They
+have become cave-dwellers, troglodytes in the worst form. Our heavy
+batteries are placed on the slopes of the Argonne forest, while the
+light field-howitzers occupy the summits.
+
+"Near them holes have been dug in the wet clay or chalk, and meagrely
+lined with straw; these dark, damp caves are the dwellings of our
+officers and men for weeks at a time, while the shells from the enemy's
+artillery whiz and burst around. In them the differences of rank
+disappear, except that one sometimes sees a couple of chairs provided
+for officers. When duty does not call them to the guns, they are free to
+remain in the open exposed to a sudden and awful death, or to spend
+their time in the womb of mother earth. Yet one never hears a word of
+complaint; rather the hardships of this strange existence are borne with
+rough good-humour."[171]
+
+[Footnote 171: Ibid., p. 28.]
+
+Contrary to the expectations of other nations, the war seems only to
+have increased the popularity of the military Moloch. Writers who look
+upon the Allies as deliverers who will free Germany from the degrading
+slavery imposed upon that country, will be disappointed to learn that
+Germans worship the _bunte Rock_ (gay uniform) more than ever.
+
+At a meeting of the National Liberal leaders held in Dortmund, July,
+1915, a resolution was passed calling upon the Government to pursue a
+still greater naval and army programme. Both the Liberals and
+Conservatives have adopted the motto: _Deutsche Machtpolitik frei von
+Sentimentalität_ (A German policy of might free from sentimentalism).
+
+"This war of the nations, which has overthrown so many accepted
+standards and created new ones, will also give a new basis to the
+privileged position of German officers in public life. Millions of
+German men have seen how in this war the German lieutenant has again
+merited his special position for some generations to come. I wish to
+emphasize this point over and over again.
+
+"During the first two months of hostilities nearly forty thousand iron
+crosses were awarded. To many of those at home this appeared to be
+overdoing it, like the many exaggerations in the domain of orders and
+honours with which we have become familiar during the last decade.[172]
+As a matter of fact, the number of crosses given was too small.
+
+[Footnote 172: _Vide_ "The Soul of Germany," Chapter XIII.]
+
+"Not forty thousand heroes are at the front, but a nation of heroes. In
+emphasizing why the work of our officers is so splendid I must lay down
+these premises. The bravery and joyous spirit of self-sacrifice in our
+men is above all praise, but the officers have higher and more
+responsible duties. They have not only to set an example of physical
+courage, but they must possess the mental capacity to lead and spur on
+their men--and that under conditions so hard and rude that the man at
+home has no conception of them.
+
+"I have been in the trenches on the slopes of the Argonnes, where
+officers lie side by side with the men in clay and chalk, unwashed and
+filthy cut off from the outside world, exposed to continuous fire and
+thrown entirely upon themselves. I have seen them in the artillery
+positions on the Aisne, in the mud-caves of the heavy batteries, where
+they sit in the dark on empty packing-cases, listening to the music of
+exploding shells and whistling bullets. And everywhere I received the
+same impression: the men are enthusiastic in praise of their leaders.
+
+"Many a one who has never voted for any other party than the Social
+Democrats has exclaimed: 'Lieutenants! _Donnerwetter_, yes! Hats off to
+them!' For the lieutenant is not only the first in the fight, but he is
+the soul of the company; untiring in his efforts to keep up their
+spirits in the intervals between the fighting.
+
+"And when we again witness the scenes which often disgusted us before
+the war--the monocled young gentlemen in gay uniform, walking through
+the streets, nose in the air--when we see all this again, and perhaps a
+bit of iron pinned on the breast, then we must remember that for their
+life of danger and hardship in Argonnes clay, and Russian mud, no
+earthly compensation can be too great.
+
+"No nation can ever imitate our lieutenant, and in this war of masses
+and technical perfection it is still the value of individual personality
+which will decide the issue. We may affirm that this value stands very
+high in our army--both as regards officers and men.
+
+"Only he who has seen for himself the burnt villages, devastated towns
+and desolate land of France can comprehend the full meaning of the awful
+word _Krieg_ (war). Mere words cannot express what it means to Germans
+and Germany that the horrors of war have been carried almost alone into
+the enemy's territory.
+
+"But then a spirit of irresistible ardour goes through the ranks of our
+warriors. From every eye, in every word, burns the deepest, most
+unbounded faith in victory. In the trenches, batteries and hospitals
+there is no doubt, no fear. One great thought hovers victoriously above
+all hardships, distress and suffering: Germany to the front in the
+world!
+
+"And from out the blood which flows--and that is shed plenteously, very
+plenteously--(this is the sacred faith which I brought back from the
+battlefields) out of this blood the proud harvest will grow, whose
+blessings we shall all feel--the world dominion of the German
+idea!"[173]
+
+[Footnote 173: Ibid., p. 50 _et seq_.]
+
+In spite of Köhrer's assurances that the relationship between officers
+and men in the German army is an ideal one, there is evidence that such
+is not always the case. The Social Democratic paper _Karlsruhe
+Volksfreund_ (July 23rd, 1915) contained a long article by "comrade"
+Wilhelm Kolb, attacking the anti-annexation fraction of his party. Kolb
+accused the opposition with "speculating on the question of food-prices
+and the ill-treatment of soldiers at and behind the front. The power of
+the censor makes it exceedingly difficult, or even impossible, to
+ventilate this matter."
+
+German writers are careful to impress their readers that the losses of
+the French were appalling, but here and there a stray word or sentence
+lifts the veil and discovers their own.
+
+"Just before me are the graves of some German officers adorned with
+wooden crosses and helmets, and a little farther on a _Massengrab_
+(large common grave) containing several hundred German soldiers. At this
+point (Sedan) the battle raged with awful fury, and the Germans had to
+make heavy sacrifices. It seems almost incredible that the Germans could
+have forced the position.
+
+"The country is hilly; not a tree or bush offered cover from the French
+bullets. French trenches at distances of from thirty to fifty yards,
+stretched across the land, and between them were wire entanglements and
+other obstacles. Besides which they had an open firing-range of over a
+mile in extent, with their artillery to cover them from a steep hill on
+the other side of the Meuse.
+
+"At 5 a.m. the attack commenced, and by the afternoon the French had
+been hurled across the river. Then came the most difficult part of the
+operations. From the Meuse the ground rises gradually to a steep hill,
+on which the French artillery and machine guns were placed. The only
+bridge over the river, at Donchery, had been blown up at the last moment
+by the enemy, and although our pioneers had hastily constructed a bridge
+of tree-trunks--what was this for so many regiments!
+
+"Many tried to ford or swim the stream. The French fire was murderous in
+its effect. Several times the ranks wavered, but again and again they
+pressed forward, till the heights were stormed and the enemy in flight.
+The battle raged on into the night and then the remains of the regiments
+gathered at the foot of the hill. They had won a costly but glorious
+victory. Those who have seen the successes which our troops have gained,
+even under the most difficult conditions, need have no fear as to the
+ultimate result of this war.
+
+"I stood long at this spot on the blood-drenched soil of France, just
+where the regiments from Trier[174] had fought so bravely and suffered
+so heavily. Serious thoughts arose in me as I gazed at the battlefield.
+What a dispensation! Two gigantic battles on the same spot in such a
+short space of time; two great victories over the French. And most
+remarkable of all, the nation which for forty-four years had desired
+_revanche_ for Sedan, was again completely defeated at the same
+place--almost on the anniversary of the first battle.
+
+[Footnote 174: The writer, Dr. W. Kriege, is a Roman Catholic priest
+from Trier (Trèves). His book "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz" (Pictures
+from the Seat of War"), published in 1915, is both interesting and
+illuminating.]
+
+"Twilight shadows fall deep upon the quiet fields where the dead rest.
+Squadrons of white clouds drift down the valley, as if to cover the
+sleeping heroes with a shroud of white. Above Sedan's heights appears
+the shining crescent of the moon and sheds a ghostly light over the wide
+field of death--the battlefield of Sedan."[175]
+
+[Footnote 175: Dr. W. Kriege: "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz," p. 45 _et
+seq_.]
+
+"At last we arrive at our destination--Somme-Py. But what a sight!
+Nothing remains of the once beautiful, spacious village but a heap of
+rubbish. A few black-burnt walls are still standing and about three
+houses; among them, fortunately, the house occupied by Kaiser Wilhelm I.
+in 1870-71, when the victorious German army was marching on Paris. At
+present it serves as a field-hospital. Yes, this is the second time that
+a German army has marched this way; but the battles were never so bloody
+as this time.
+
+"Somme-Py and the country round has a special meaning for us folk in
+Trier. For here our Trier regiments--above all the 29th and 69th--have
+fought with splendid valour, and here they have buried many a dear
+friend and comrade. Immediately before Somme-Py one of the largest
+mass-graves of the whole campaign may be seen.
+
+"A simple iron railing surrounds the spot where hundreds of those rest
+who lived so happily in our midst, who marched so gaily and to whom we
+waved farewell greetings as they tramped through our streets.
+
+"The fight for the village had been particularly fierce and bloody; the
+inhabitants had no time to flee. Half-burnt men and animals, soldiers
+and civilians, filled the houses and streets, or lay buried under the
+ruins--awful sacrifices to the war Fury! We must thank God and our brave
+soldiers that they have preserved our hearths and homes from such horror
+and misery."[176]
+
+[Footnote 176: Ibid., pp. 78-80.]
+
+It is cheering to find a growing feeling of respect for the French in
+German war literature. One of many such expressions will be sufficient
+to quote here. The writer of it is a German author who enjoys much
+esteem in his own country, and was a guest at the German Crown Prince's
+headquarters in May, 1915.
+
+"In conversations with numerous French prisoners I have found no traces
+of hate and rage either in their looks or words. The most are glad to
+have escaped in an honourable manner from the nerve-racking, trench
+warfare. In an honourable manner? Yes, for I have heard on all
+sides--from the highest officers and the simplest soldiers--that the
+French have fought well. For the most part they are well led--and always
+filled up with lies."[177]
+
+[Footnote 177: Rudolf Presber: "An die Front zum deutschen Kronprinzen"
+("At the Front with the German Crown Prince"), p. 33.]
+
+"Then we dined with the Crown Prince; soup, roast goose, fresh beans and
+dessert. The conversation was lively. In our small company--although the
+bravery of the enemy and his excellent leadership receives full
+recognition--there is not one who does not reckon with absolute
+conviction on complete victory on both fronts."[178]
+
+[Footnote 178: Ibid., p. 61.]
+
+Herr Presber's book is free, neither from adulation nor hero-worship. He
+is a poet, sentimentalist, and evangelist for Greater Germany. His book
+is a collection of incidents, reflections, and conversations, carefully
+assorted and arranged, so as to allow the limelight to glare on the
+statuesque figure of a mighty Germanic hero, fresh from
+Walhalla--incarnated in the Crown Prince.
+
+The Crown Prince's birthday dinner-party affords an excellent
+opportunity for the German nation to see the mighty one replying to the
+toast of his health. Presber affirms that the moment when his royal host
+raised his glass and uttered the words: "Ein stilles Glas den Toten!"
+("A glass in silence to the memory of the fallen") will for ever be
+"most solemn and sacred" in his memory.
+
+With genuine German inquisitiveness Herr Presber hunted through the
+various cupboards and drawers in his room and found a map of France as
+it was before the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. "The map is wrong and
+useless, and so I use it to line a drawer before placing my linen
+therein. This makes me think of the many changes which will be marked in
+the atlases which German children are now carrying to school in their
+satchels--after the cannon have ceased to roar. How the colouring of the
+maps has changed since I went to school, and yet once more a great
+'unrest of colour' is about to change the map of Europe. And as far as I
+can see, large notes of interrogation must be placed not alone round the
+Poles and in Central Africa!"[179]
+
+[Footnote 179: Ibid., p. 101.]
+
+"I spoke of the good understanding between the natives and our soldiers.
+Probably that is not so easy to attain everywhere. We drove long
+distances from the Prince's headquarters and once passed through a
+famous town which sees the German conquerors for a second time. (No
+doubt Sedan is meant.--Author.)
+
+"Most of the inhabitants know it is the Crown Prince by the signs of
+reverence shown him on all sides, by officers and men alike. But the
+citizens of the twice-conquered town bite their lips, turn their heads
+aside, and pretend indifference. The women too--many of them in deep
+mourning--turn away, or sometimes stand and stare as if with suddenly
+aroused interest. Here the ancient hate glowers in silence.
+
+"It seems as if a parole of mute non-respect has been passed round. This
+town, which has become world-famous on account of the _débâcle_ of the
+Third Empire, lives to see with gnashing of teeth the downfall of the
+Republic. But they do not believe it yet."[180]
+
+[Footnote 180: Ibid., p. 108.]
+
+"French and Russian prisoners are working on the roads, wheeling barrows
+of stone and filling the holes made by shell fire. Some of them, without
+thinking, touch their caps when their guards stand stiffly at the
+salute. (And how few guards are necessary to watch this tame herd!)
+Others gaze at our car as it rushes past without giving any salute;
+their faces express astonishment, curiosity, but no excitement."[181]
+
+[Footnote 181: Ibid., pp. 107-110.]
+
+Another illuminating page tells of the Crown Prince's anger on hearing
+that Italy had joined the Allies, and how they went for a motor-ride as
+an antidote to the royal rage.
+
+German humour is generally unconscious and mostly unintentional. After a
+policy of bullying towards France for forty-four years, Germany has
+discovered during the course of the war that France is the cat's-paw of
+Russia and Great Britain--principally the latter.
+
+One writer,[182] in some fifty pages of venom, endeavours to show that
+England is France's executioner. Another[183] gives our ally the advice
+"awake!" After Germany has played the _saigner-à-blanc_ game in Northern
+France for more than a year, the advice seems rather belated.
+
+[Footnote 182: Walter Unus: "England als Henker Frankreichs."
+Braunschweig, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 183: Ernst Heinemann: "Frankreich, erwache!" Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Herr Heinemann writes, p. 33: "France is not fighting for herself, but
+for England and Russia.
+
+"Poor deceived France! She has given fifteen milliards of francs to
+Russia so that she may at last draw the sword in defence of
+Russo-Serbian and British commercial interests. She has placed her money
+and her beautiful land at the disposal of her so-called friends--for the
+sake of a mad idea which these friends have cleverly exploited
+(_revanche idée_).
+
+"England has declared that she will continue the war for twenty years,
+twenty years--on French soil. If under these circumstances the French
+broke with their allies--who have exploited France for the last
+twenty-five years, and who have plunged her into this war---in order to
+arrive at a reasonable understanding with Germany; then they would only
+show that they do not intend to accept the final consequences of the
+mistakes committed by the French Government.
+
+"No one is compelled to eat the last drop of a soup prepared by false
+friends. In this sense, to seduce France to a direct breach of faith
+with her allies, would in truth, only mean the protection of France's
+best interests" (pp. 51-2).
+
+One other writer deserves mention--a lecturer in history, Bonn
+University--because he presents an opinion the exact contrary to the one
+last quoted. According to Dr. Platzhoff, France herself is the guilty
+party, who has tricked Russia and Great Britain into the service of
+revenge for 1870.
+
+"Therefore France found it necessary to extract herself from isolation,
+and acquire allies against her neighbour (Germany). In several decades
+of painful effort, French diplomacy has solved the problem in brilliant
+fashion. _Revanche_--and alliance policy are inseparable
+conceptions."[184]
+
+[Footnote 184: Dr. Walter Platzhoff; "Deutschland und Frankreich," p.
+18.]
+
+In contrast to most German authors, Platzhoff admits that the _Entente
+Cordiale_ was called into being by Germany herself. "This development
+caused great anxiety in Germany. But it seems certain that Germany could
+have prevented it by one means alone--an open agreement with England.
+And Berlin, after considering the matter carefully, had declined the
+latter."[185]
+
+[Footnote 185: Ibid., p. 22.]
+
+"That France would enter the field on Russia's behalf is a logical
+consequence not only of the Dual Alliance treaty, but also of the policy
+pursued during recent decades. In vain French ministers have protested
+their love of peace and their innocence in causing this war. The policy
+of alliances and revenge was certain to end in a world conflagration.
+
+"Already voices make themselves heard which prophesy a revolution in
+French policy and a later _entente_ with Germany."[186]
+
+[Footnote 186: Ibid., pp. 26-8.]
+
+Many such passages might be cited to prove that Germany would like to
+see a split among the allies. But France's honour and welfare are in her
+own hands, and it appears a futile hope that Germany, after failing to
+bring France to submission and self-effacement by threats of _saigner à
+blanc_, will succeed in her purpose by the reality.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR
+
+
+Mention has already been made that a large number of Germany's war books
+has emanated from the universities. Not the least important of these
+efforts is "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War.")[187] Twenty well-known university professors have contributed to
+the work; the fact being emphasized that special facilities have been
+accorded to them by the German foreign office. For British readers the
+chapters by Professors Marcks and Oncken are the most interesting, viz.,
+"England's Policy of Might" by the former, and "Events leading up to the
+War" and "The Outbreak of War" by the latter. They take up a fifth of
+the 686 pages of which the entire work consists.
+
+[Footnote 187: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," herausgegeben von Otto
+Hintze, Friedrich Meinecke, Hermann Oncken und Hermann Schumacher.
+Leipzig und Berlin, 1915.]
+
+The purpose of Professor Marcks' essay is to prove on historical and
+scientific lines the lessons which have been taught in German schools
+for nearly half a century, _i.e._, England is an astute but ruthless
+robber who respects no right, and no nation which stands in her way.
+
+"England's modern history begins with the Tudors and her world policy
+with Elizabeth. First of all, England had to liberate herself,
+economically and politically, from a position of dependence on the other
+Powers; then she took up her particular attitude to the world. Her
+separation from the Roman Catholic Church was exceedingly rich in
+consequences; this step assigned to her a peculiar place in the camp of
+the nations, and exercised a deep influence upon her intellectual
+development. It gave her an impetus towards internal and external
+independence.
+
+"But the determining factor for England's future was her insular
+position; this has been the case from the time Europe entered the
+ocean-period. Since the year 1600 England, by her commerce and politics,
+has influenced Europe from without, while she has maintained for herself
+a position of independence, and directed her energies across the ocean
+into the wide world. Successively she seized upon the Baltic, North Sea,
+and Atlantic Ocean; gradually she became the merchant and shipbuilder
+for most of the European nations.
+
+"The sea has given her everything--independence, security and
+prosperity--both in treasure and lands. The sea protected her and spared
+her the unpleasantness of mighty neighbours. It was the ocean which
+permitted free development to her internal life, parliament, government
+and administration, and saved her from the continental form of
+Government--a strong, armed monarchy.
+
+"The sea has allowed the English to develop, undisturbed, the
+peculiarities of their race--personal energy, trained by contact with
+the ocean; personal freedom, favoured but not oppressed by the living
+organism of the State. The sea afforded them liberty of action in every
+direction without fear of attack from behind. Freed from the chains
+which bound Europe, England went out into the wide world.
+
+"Yet she remained constantly associated with the continent, not only
+because Europe was her field of action. English statesmen have always
+seized upon every opportunity to influence European policy; at first
+this was from motives of defence, but afterwards from an ever-increasing
+spirit of aggression. The balance of power on the continent has always
+been one of the premises for England's security and existence.
+
+"She is indebted to her insular position for the supreme advantage of
+being able to exercise her influence in Europe without allowing her
+forces to be tied to the continent; European countries were bound by
+their own conflicts and differences, enabling England to exert her
+influence upon them without active participation. England has become
+thoroughly accustomed to a state of affairs under which she has no
+neighbours and never permits any--not even on the sea. She has come to
+consider this her God-given prerogative.
+
+"The barriers of geographical position which hampered other lands,
+nature did not impose upon England; the security afforded by her girdle
+of waves seemed as it were to impel her to strike out into the
+unbounded, and to look upon every obstacle as a wrong. There is a thread
+of daring lawlessness running through all England's world-struggles,
+through all periods of her history, right down to the present day.
+
+"When England speaks of humanity she means herself; her cosmopolitan
+utterances refer to her own nationality. She forgets too easily that
+other nations have arisen on the earth who esteem their own
+distinguishing traits and are inspired by the ardent desire to uphold
+their own institutions, forms of Government and culture. England
+believes all too easily that the world's map should be all one colour.
+But the soul of the modern world demands variety."[188]
+
+[Footnote 188: Ibid., 297 _et seq_.]
+
+There is no important objection to raise against Professor Marcks'
+statement of English history and Britain's favoured position on the
+surface of the globe. Germany did not choose her own geographical
+situation in the world--it is hers by nature and the right of historical
+succession. Britain has never envied her or endeavoured to deprive her
+of the advantages consequent upon her "place in the sun."
+
+Neither did the British select their island home; destiny and history
+were again the determining factors. But it would be a travesty of the
+truth to assert that Germany has not envied her that position, together
+with the advantages arising from it. Yet in the same degree as the
+inhabitants of these islands have used the "talents" entrusted to them
+through their favourable position, Germany's jealousy seems to have
+become more bitterly angry. By right of birth and national necessity
+Germany demands the domination of the Rhine, but she fails to recognize
+that right of birth and the demands of national existence compel Britain
+to claim the domination of the seas.
+
+The remainder of Professor Marcks' essay is devoted to proving that "the
+freedom of our world requires that it shall not be so in future."
+Whatever motives actuated Germany in precipitating the war, this much is
+now evident--it is her supreme desire and the aim of her highest
+endeavour to destroy Britain's favoured situation and every advantage
+accruing to her from it.
+
+To-day the issue is clear and simple for Germany--the annihilation of
+British power and influence in the world. Literally hundreds of German
+war books echo that cry, and, above all else, it is the hope of
+attaining this aim which has aroused the bitterest war fury in the
+entire German nation--man, woman and child. Reduced to first principles,
+this difference of geographical position and the varying advantages
+arising therefrom are the prime causes--if not _the_ cause--of the
+present world-struggle.
+
+It was solely the fear of perpetuating British supremacy[189] which has
+led Germany consistently to reject the extended hand of friendship.
+Standing side by side with Great Britain, either in friendship or
+alliance, Germany would have given her approval to Britain's historical
+position in the world. When this country departed from the policy of
+"splendid isolation" repeated attempts were made to establish more
+intimate relations with Germany (1898-1902).
+
+[Footnote 189: Graf Ernst zu Reventlow: "Der Vampir des Festlandes
+("England, the Vampire of the Continent"). Berlin, 1915, p. 117.
+"England's withdrawal from the policy which sought to establish a mutual
+plan of procedure in world politics between Germany and Britain dates
+from the time when Britain recognized that Germany would not allow
+herself to be employed against Russia. In Germany to-day, voices may be
+heard proclaiming that von Bülow chose wrongly in refusing England's
+offer, especially as Russia has repaid our loyalty and friendship with
+iniquitous ingratitude. The latter represents the truth.
+
+"But in judging the policy of that period two factors must be borne in
+mind. The acceptance of Great Britain's offer would have placed a tie
+upon the German Empire which would have been unendurable. Germany would
+have become the strong but stupid Power, whose duty would have been to
+fight British battles on the continent. Besides which the choice
+concerned Germany's world future, above all the development of the
+German war fleet."]
+
+But as Professor Marcks (p. 315) observes: "Germany refused the hand
+extended to her." Count Reventlow and a host of other writers have
+chronicled the fact too, yet on September 2nd, 1914, the German
+Chancellor dared to say to representative American journalists: "When
+the archives are opened then the world will learn how often Germany has
+offered the hand of friendship to England."
+
+It is only one more confirmation that the "law of necessity" is
+incompatible with the truth. The truth is that Germany preferred to
+drive Britain into another and hostile camp rather than have her
+friendship. Germany preferred British hostility rather than relinquish
+her plans for unlimited naval expansion--which she believed to be the
+only means of destroying Britain's position, and with that resolution
+already taken the Kaiser presented his photograph to a distinguished
+Englishman with this significant remark written on it with his own hand:
+"I bide my time!"
+
+Although Britain drew the sword to defend Belgium, the supreme
+issue--and the only one which occupies the German mind to-day--is
+whether this country shall continue to hold the position allotted to her
+by destiny and confirmed by history, or whether she is to be supplanted
+by Germany. That is the one political thought which permeates German
+intelligence at this moment, and no other considerations must be allowed
+to darken this issue.
+
+Professor Oncken reviews the events of the period 1900-1914 in
+considerable detail, and to him the policy of _ententes_ appears to be
+the main cause leading up to the world war. From this alone it is
+obvious that, consciously or unconsciously, he is wrong; the _ententes_
+in themselves are results, not prime causes. The prime causes leading to
+these political agreements are to be found in Germany's attitude to the
+rest of Europe. In a word they were defensive actions taken by the
+Powers concerned, as a precaution against German aggression.
+
+German aggression consisted in committing herself to unlimited
+armaments, cherishing the irreconcilable determination to be the
+strongest European power. According to her doctrine of might, everything
+can be attained by the mightiest. British advances she answered with
+battleships, simultaneously provoking France and Russia by increasing
+her army corps. The balance of power in Europe, Germany declares to be
+an out-of-date British fad, invented solely in the interests of these
+islands.
+
+In secret Germany has long been an apostate to the balance-of-power
+theory; the war has caused her to drop the mask, and it was without
+doubt her resolve never to submit to the chains of the balance in
+Europe, which forced three other States to waive their differences and
+form the Triple Entente. Simply stated this is cause and result. But
+Professor Oncken maintains--and in doing so he voices German national
+opinion--that the entire _entente_ policy was a huge scheme to bring
+about Germany's downfall.
+
+He goes further and proclaims that the Hague Conference (1907) was a
+British trick to place the guilt of armaments on Germany's shoulders.
+"England filled the world with disarmament projects so that afterwards,
+full of unction, she could denounce Germany as the disturber of the
+peace. At that time the Imperial Chancellor answered justly: 'Pressure
+cannot be brought to bear on Germany, not even moral pressure!'"[190]
+And in that sentence German obstinacy and sullen irreconcilability is
+most admirably expressed.
+
+[Footnote 190: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 495.]
+
+Having seen that Professor Oncken has failed to recognize the prime
+causes which provoked the _entente_ policy, it is not surprising to find
+him equally in error when discussing the diplomatic clashes between the
+rival camps. The professor calls them _Machtproben_ ("tests of power");
+but how he can dare to state that these diplomatic trials of strength
+were engineered by Great Britain--remains his own secret.
+
+"King Edward's meeting with the Czar at Reval in June, 1908, was
+followed by a far-reaching Macedonian reform programme, the commencement
+of the division of European Turkey. What Britain had failed to induce
+Germany to help her in executing, was to be attained with the sword's
+point directed against Germany. And Britain proceeded in cold blood to
+conjure up an era of might-struggles, which, in the island language, is
+called preserving the balance of power."[191]
+
+[Footnote 191: Ibid., p. 297.]
+
+The trials of strength recounted by Oncken are the Bosnian crisis, the
+Morocco question, and the Austro-Serbian quarrel which led to the
+present war. It seems banal to have to point out that Bosnia was
+unlawfully annexed by Germany's vassal--Austria; that Germany, herself,
+brought Europe to the verge of war by sending the _Panther_ to Agadir;
+and that the final catastrophic _Machtprobe_ was likewise provoked by
+Germany's eastern vassal.
+
+For good or evil Germany has been convinced for nearly two decades that
+the balance of power in Europe was an obstacle to her world future.
+Furthermore, she believed that the balance imposed fetters upon her
+which only mighty armaments could break. All Germany's energies in the
+domain of diplomacy have been set in motion to make the balance of power
+a mere figment of the imagination.
+
+In pursuing this end it has suited her purpose to declare all attempts
+at maintaining the outward appearances of equality between the Powers of
+Europe to be Machiavellian schemes against her existence; or to cite the
+Kaiser's own words, "to deprive Germany of her place in the sun."
+
+Britain's _entente_ policy was the only one calculated to preserve our
+own existence, and to restrain Germany from establishing a hegemony in
+Europe. She was completely convinced that the domination of Europe
+belonged to her by right of mental, moral and military superiority over
+her neighbours. Not in vain have Germany's educational institutions
+inculcated the belief in her population that the British Empire is an
+effete monstrosity with feet of clay; France a rotten, decaying empire,
+and Russia a barbarian Power with no new _Kultur_ to offer Europe except
+the knout.
+
+Inspired by such conceptions, together with an astoundingly exaggerated
+idea of Germany's peerlessness in order, discipline, obedience,
+morality, genius and other ethical values, as well as an unshaken belief
+in Germany's invincibility by land and sea--the entire nation, from
+Kaiser to cobbler, has long since held that by right of these
+virtues--by right of her absolute superiority over all other
+nations--Germany could and must claim other rights and powers than those
+which fell to her under an antiquated balance of European power.
+
+In few words that is the gospel of _Deutschland, Deutschland, über
+alles_. These are the motives which inspired Germany's naval expansion
+and forbade her to accept a compromise. The same ideals led to her
+endeavours to shatter the _ententes_, and it is alone the general
+acceptance of this gospel, which explains the remarkable unanimity with
+which the German nation has stood behind the Kaiser's Government in each
+trial of strength. They have learned to consider all attempts of the
+lesser peoples (Britain, France and Russia included) to maintain
+themselves against the Teutonic onset as impudent attacks on sacred
+Germany, which also illuminates the fact that Germans call the present
+struggle--"Germany's holy, sacred war."
+
+German statesmen were quite clear as to the national course at least
+fifteen years ago. Hence they have persistently pursued a policy of no
+compromise and no agreements. A compromise recognizes and perpetuates,
+in part at least, the very thing which stands in the way. An agreement
+with Britain in regard to naval armaments would have perpetuated British
+naval supremacy, as well as recognized its necessity. Likewise an
+agreement, or the shadow of an understanding with France on the question
+of Alsace-Lorraine would have been a recognition of French claims. Hence
+on these two questions--which are merely given as examples illustrative
+of German mentality--every attempt at an agreement has been a failure.
+
+A cardinal point in Germany's programme has been the consistent manner
+in which she has tried to separate her European neighbours from Britain
+in order to deal with them separately or alone. That her endeavours
+ended in failure is due to the instinct of self-preservation which has
+drawn Germany's opponents closer together, in exact proportion to the
+increasing force of her efforts. Both in peace and war, Germany desired
+and endeavoured to switch off Britain's influence in Europe.
+
+The diplomatic battles of 1905, 1908 and 1911 were a few of the efforts
+to dislodge Great Britain from her _ententes_, while her repeated
+attempts to buy this country's neutrality, down to the eve of war, are
+proof that Germany wanted a free hand in Europe.[192] If she had
+succeeded in her purpose, it is exceedingly doubtful whether any Power
+could have prevented her from exercising a free hand in the whole world.
+
+[Footnote 192: Professor Schiemann: "Wie England eine Verständigung mit
+Deutschland verhinderte" ("How England prevented an Understanding with
+Germany"). Berlin, 1915; pp. 20-21: "From the very commencement Berlin
+was convinced that the probability of a combined Franco-Russian attack
+was exceedingly small, if England's entrance to this Germanophobe
+combination could be prevented. Therefore we endeavoured to secure
+England's neutrality in case of war (1909), that is, if an Anglo-German
+alliance could not be achieved--an alliance which would have guaranteed
+the world's peace." (Schiemann's insinuation that Germany desired an
+alliance is an instance of _suggestio falsi_. Germany had decided in
+1902 never to conclude an alliance with this country.--Author.)]
+
+Coming down to the last trial of diplomatic power, we are confronted by
+the immovable fact, that it too was a challenge on the part of the
+Central Empires. The conditions seemed peculiarly favourable to them,
+for the British Ambassador declared to the Russian Government on July
+24th, 1914, that Britain would never draw the sword on a purely Serbian
+question. Moreover, in the preceding year, a British minister, says
+Professor Schiemann, had given what we may style a remarkable
+semi-official promise that Great Britain would never go to war with
+Germany.
+
+"On February 18th, 1913, Mr. Charles Trevelyan, M.P., paid me a visit,
+and assured me with the greatest certainty that England would under no
+circumstances wage war on Germany. A ministry which made preparations
+for war, would be immediately overthrown."[193]
+
+[Footnote 193: Ibid., p. 27. In the light of this revelation it would be
+interesting to know what was the real motive which induced Mr. Trevelyan
+to resign his office when war broke out. Either he was conscious of
+having seriously compromised his position as a Minister of the Crown, or
+he conscientiously believed that Britain was drawing the sword in an
+unjust cause. Unfortunately a section of the British public accepted the
+latter interpretation. In any case, Mr. Trevelyan's indiscretion affords
+overwhelming proof that he had an utterly false conception of
+Germany.--Author.]
+
+Professor Schiemann affirms that his good impression was strengthened by
+a visit to London during March and April, 1914, and reports a
+conversation which he had with Lord Haldane when dining privately with
+the latter in London. After returning to Berlin, he says he received a
+letter from Lord Haldane dated April 17th, 1914, but from Schiemann's
+quotation it is not evident whether the following is an extract or the
+entire letter:
+
+"It was a great pleasure to see you and to have had the full and
+unreserved talk we had together. My ambition is like yours, to bring
+Germany and Great Britain into relations of ever-closer intimacy and
+friendship. Our two countries have a common work to do for the world as
+well as for themselves, and each of them can bring to bear on this work
+special endowments and qualities. May the co-operation which I believe
+is now beginning become closer and closer.[194]
+
+[Footnote 194: Lord Haldane has stated during the war that his visit to
+Berlin in 1912 had filled his mind with doubt and suspicion in regard to
+Germany.--Author.]
+
+"Of this I am sure, the more wide and unselfish the nations and the
+groups questions make her supreme purposes of their policies, the more
+will frictions disappear, and the sooner will the relations that are
+normal and healthy reappear.[195] Something of this good work has now
+come into existence between our two peoples. We must see to it that the
+chance of growth is given."[196]
+
+[Footnote 195: A word or phrase appears to have been dropped in this
+sentence.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 196: Professor Schiemann's book, pp. 27-8.]
+
+It is not difficult to conceive that such utterances, on the part of two
+British ministers, would raise hopes in the German mind, for it would be
+useless to imagine that Professor Schiemann would keep them secret for
+his own private edification. And it is possible that they led the German
+Government into a false reckoning as to what this country would do under
+certain circumstances, and so encouraged Germany into taking up an
+irreconcilable attitude in the crisis of July, 1914.
+
+Whatever Germany expected must, however, for the present, remain a
+matter of conjecture. Schiemann's comment on the above letter leaves no
+doubt that he expected Lord Haldane[197] to resign. "When one remembers
+that Lord Haldane belonged to the inner circle of the Cabinet, and was
+therefore privy to all the secret moves of Sir Edward Grey, it is hard
+to believe in the sincerity of the sentiments expressed in this letter.
+Besides, he did not resign like three other members of the Cabinet (Lord
+Morley, Burns and Charles Trevelyan) when Sir Edward's foul play lay
+open to the world on August 4th."
+
+[Footnote 197: Lord Haldane seems to have injured his reputation both in
+Great Britain and Germany. Professor Oncken designates him: "the
+one-time friend of Germany, the decoy-bird of the British cabinet."
+_Vide_ "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 561.]
+
+The most regrettable side of the whole incident is that the resignation
+of the above gentlemen has been proclaimed by innumerable German writers
+as proof of Sir Edward Grey's double dealing, and proof that Britain is
+waging an unjust war. Still, it may console these gentlemen to know that
+the nation which wages war on women and children acclaims them to-day
+"all honourable men," and doubtless without the Shakespearian
+intonation.
+
+By reason of the above incidents, and more of a similar nature, Germans
+accuse the late Liberal Government with perfidy of the basest kind. The
+author is not in the least inclined to admit the charge, but thinks,
+rather, that the Government in question--individually and
+collectively--was astonishingly ignorant of European conditions and
+problems, especially those prevailing in the Germanic Empires.
+
+To what a degree Germany was obsessed by the idea that Britain was
+trying to strangle her by an encircling policy, is apparent in a
+diplomatic document quoted by Professor Oncken. Its author's name is not
+given, and it was doubtless a secret report sent to the German Foreign
+Office in 1912; its freedom from bias is also questionable. Moreover, it
+is probable that it belongs to the same category of documents as those
+quoted in the French Yellow Book--reports intended to exercise due
+influence on the mind of the Emperor.
+
+"French diplomacy is succeeding more and more in entangling England in
+the meshes of her net. The encouragement which England gives, directly
+or indirectly, to French chauvinism may one day end in a catastrophe in
+which English and French soldiers must pay with their blood on French
+battlefields for England's encircling policy. The seeds sown by King
+Edward are springing up."
+
+Another link in the chain of proof of Britain's guilt, is found in the
+documents seized by the Germans in Brussels. The enemy seems to attach
+great importance to them, for they are being employed in much the same
+way that parliamentary candidates use pamphlets during an election. Yet
+they do not contain a particle of proof that Britain had hostile
+intentions against Germany, but only confirm the presence of the German
+menace.
+
+The documents[198] in question are reports sent by the Belgian Legation
+Secretaries in London, Paris and Berlin to the Minister for Foreign
+Affairs in Brussels. These gentlemen held opinions identical with those
+expressed again and again in German newspapers, and even in some British
+and French organs. Messieurs Comte de Lalaing (London), Greindl
+(Berlin), Leghait (Paris), evidently believed that the activities of the
+Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente endangered the peace of Europe.
+
+[Footnote 198: Published by the Berlin Government as supplements to the
+_Nord-deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_, July 29th and 31st; August 4th, 8th
+and 12th, 1915.]
+
+Further they believed the latter constellation to be the more aggressive
+of the two, and formally reported these convictions to the Belgian
+Government. If read as a modern edition of "Pepys' Diary" they form
+entertaining literature, but by no stretch of the imagination could they
+be classed as historical sources. A gentleman who reports to his
+Government that King Edward took breakfast in company with M. Delcassé
+and that the Press had neglected to chronicle the incident, can hardly
+rank as an historian.
+
+Moreover, it is by no means clear why the German Press should laud M.
+Greindl as a gentleman of German origin. If this be true it would
+probably explain everything which deserves explanation in the said
+documents, and would probably account for the intimate, confidential
+treatment which M. Greindl received at the hands of German officials.
+
+German newspapers are gloating over the fact that the British Government
+has not deigned to reply to these "revelations." There is really nothing
+to which it can reply; three observers expressed their opinion on
+contemporaneous happenings during the years 1905-1911. But a brutal
+sequence of events in 1914 showed them--if they had not been convinced
+during the preceding three years--that they had drawn false conclusions
+from their observations.
+
+To return to the last trial of strength between the two groups of
+European Powers, it is interesting to note that Professor Oncken denies
+German participation in formulating the ultimatum to Serbia, or that
+Germany was aware of its contents. Germany merely left Austria a free
+hand in the matter. Oncken endeavours to show that Austria's demands
+were not excessive, and expresses astonishment that the opposing Powers
+found them exorbitant. He does not mention the fact that a large section
+of the German nation held the same opinion on July 25th, 1914.
+
+His comment on Sir Edward Grey's efforts for peace is characteristic:
+"England claims that she did everything possible to preserve the peace.
+It cannot be denied that Grey made a series of mediation proposals. But
+mere good-will is not everything. It is much more important to weigh
+their practical importance, and the goal at which they aimed: Whether
+they were intended to preserve the world's peace under conditions
+honourable for all parties, or calculated to obtain for the _Entente_ a
+one-sided diplomatic victory which would have established its future
+predominance."[199]
+
+[Footnote 199: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 544.]
+
+"Grey considered the moment suitable for a mediation proposal. On the
+evening of July 26th, after obtaining Russia's consent, he proposed to
+the Governments of France, Germany and Italy that their London
+ambassadors should meet in London to confer on a peaceful solution of
+the conflict.
+
+"The proposal was unacceptable to Austria, because it would have been an
+indirect recognition on her part of Russia's interest in the conflict.
+
+"Only those who had followed the growing intimacy of the mutual
+obligations between the Entente Powers, and their organization to a
+'London Centre' during the summer of 1914, are able to estimate the
+role--to say nothing of Italy--which Russia's two comrades would have
+played in the conference. During its course Russia would have continued
+her military preparations, while Germany would have had to pledge
+herself not to mobilize.
+
+"Finally, no unprejudiced observer would dare assert that the man (Sir
+Edward Grey) who was ready to transform himself at a suitable
+opportunity into an ally of Russia, would have been an impartial
+chairman in a conference held under the pressure of a Russian
+mobilization. The more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more
+convinced one becomes, that it would at least have worked for a
+diplomatic victory for the Entente Powers.
+
+"Grey put the whole machinery of the Triple Entente in motion in order
+to force back Germany and Austria-Hungary along the whole line."[200]
+
+[Footnote 200: Ibid., p. 545 _et seq_.]
+
+An analysis of Professor Oncken's theses gives the following results:
+First, Britain's efforts to preserve peace are admitted, but he fails to
+mention any friendly advances to meet them. Secondly, the fundamental
+principle underlying the Germanic attitude is again exposed, viz., that
+Russia had no right to intervene in a question affecting the balance of
+power in the Balkans and in Europe (_vide_, p. 63). Thirdly, a
+diplomatic struggle was in progress along the whole line, between the
+two groups of Powers.
+
+In weighing the second point it would be wrong to assume that the
+Central Empires were not fully aware of the presence of a far more vital
+question behind the Austro-Serbian conflict. They knew it from the very
+beginning and had already expressed threats in St. Petersburg, hoping to
+achieve the same effect as in the Bosnian crisis. If Austria had been
+allowed to destroy Serbia's military power the material forces of Europe
+would have been seriously disturbed; the ineffectiveness of the Triple
+Entente finally established, and its dissolution the inevitable
+consequence.
+
+If these considerations are correct then the statement attributed by M.
+de L'Escaille (see p. 281) to Sir George Buchanan that Britain would
+never draw the sword could only have served to strengthen the resolution
+of the Germanic Powers in enforcing their point Germany above all
+desired that the balance of power theory should be finally smashed, and
+it may be safely assumed that an Austro-Serbian conflict seemed to her a
+most fitting opportunity to realize her purpose.
+
+The third point suggests two questions. Who provoked the diplomatic
+conflict, and who would have benefited most by a diplomatic victory? A
+reply to the first question is superfluous, and the answer to the second
+is obvious from the preceding line of reasoning. Germany would have
+reached the goal towards which she had striven for more than a
+decade--the removal of all diplomatic hindrances to the unlimited
+assertion of her will in Europe. It may even be doubted whether the Dual
+Alliance would have survived the shock.
+
+Another phase of Professor Oncken's work is the open attack on Sir
+Edward Grey. Only three years ago this statesman was acclaimed in
+Germany as a man of peace--_the_ man who had prevented the Balkan War
+from becoming a European conflagration. To-day he is accused by the same
+nation of being the originator of the world war.
+
+Oncken[201] goes back to the year 1905 and states that Sir Edward Grey
+initiated only two members of the Cabinet--Mr. Asquith and Lord
+Haldane--into the details of the agreement with France, and these three
+gentlemen he refers to as the "inner circle." King Edward, and
+afterwards Sir Edward Grey in continuing the late King's policy,
+succeeded in harnessing the _revanche idée_ and the spirit of Russian
+aggression to the chariot of British Imperialism. All offers of
+friendship made by this country were insincere. (The professorial
+pleader does not say so, but he leaves his readers to infer that
+sincerity is a German monopoly.) Concerning the British Minister's
+declaration in Parliament that no secret treaty existed with France,
+Oncken remarks: "The declaration was just as true formally as it was a
+lie in essentials."
+
+[Footnote 201: The authorities (?) most frequently cited by Professor
+Oncken in making out his case are Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Hardie, G.
+B. Shaw and the _Labour Leader_.--Author.]
+
+Following the development of events after the conference proposal had
+been dropped, Oncken writes: "Meanwhile the Russian Government
+endeavoured to persuade England's leading statesman that the opinion
+prevailed in Germany and Austria, that England would remain neutral in
+every case, in consequence of this delusion the Central Powers were
+obdurate. England could only dispel the danger of war by destroying this
+false conception, _i.e._, openly joining Russia and France.
+
+"It is noteworthy how quickly Grey assimilated this train of thought.
+Disregarding the suggestions of the British Ambassador in St.
+Petersburg, he did nothing to exercise a moderating influence upon
+Russia and thereby further the success of the conversations between
+Vienna and St. Petersburg. On the other hand, he proceeded to take steps
+which probably in his opinion, were calculated to damp the supposed
+desire for war on the part of Germany. Practically, the result of all
+his actions was to exercise one-sided pressure upon Germany and Austria
+and simultaneously, through unmistakable declarations concerning
+England's eventual attitude, to encourage Paris and St. Petersburg to
+energetic measures.
+
+"But all hopes for peace were destroyed at a single blow by Russia. On
+the evening of July 30th after the conversations with Austria-Hungary
+had been resumed, Sasonow increased his demands--and in truth with
+England's co-operation--to such a degree that their acceptance would
+have meant the complete submission of the Dual Monarchy.
+
+"And as if this were insufficient, a few hours later, before a reply had
+been received and while negotiations were proceeding in Vienna, Russia
+suddenly broke off the communications with a momentous decision
+(mobilization). The certainty which she had gained from the moves of
+English diplomacy, that in case of war she was sure of France's support
+and with it England's, turned the scale--against peace.
+
+"That this calculation was decisive for Russia's change of front is
+confirmed by a witness whose impartiality even our opponents will
+admit."[202]
+
+[Footnote 202: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp. 553-4.]
+
+Professor Oncken then supports his argument with quotations from a
+letter written by the Belgian Legation Secretary in St. Petersburg to
+his Government. The letter was doubtless stolen while in transit by the
+Berlin postal authorities. Monsieur B. de l'Escaille wrote the letter on
+July 30th, despatched it by courier to Berlin, where it was posted on
+the following day. The outside envelope was addressed to Madame
+Costermans, 107 Rue Froissard, Bruxelles; inside was a letter addressed
+to M. Darignon, Minister for Foreign Affairs. German writers state that
+no letters were forwarded to foreign countries after martial law was
+proclaimed on July 31st (a statement which is untrue), thus it fell into
+their hands.
+
+Overwhelming importance is attached to this document by German war
+writers. The more important passages of the despatch run as follows:
+"The last two days have passed in the expectation of events which are
+bound to follow[203] upon Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against
+Serbia. The most contradictory reports were in circulation, without any
+possibility of confirming their truth or falsity.
+
+[Footnote 203: Thus the impartial witness whom Germans quote to prove
+their innocence definitely states that Russia had no other course left
+open to her by Austria's actions.--Author.]
+
+"One thing is, however, indisputable, viz., that Germany has done
+everything possible both here and in Vienna[204] to find a means of
+avoiding a general conflict, but has only been met with the
+determination of the Vienna cabinet, on the one hand, not to yield a
+single step, and on the other hand Russian distrust of Vienna's
+declaration that they merely intend a punitive expedition against
+Serbia.
+
+[Footnote 204: How could M. de l'Escaille know what had passed in
+Vienna?--Author.]
+
+"One must really believe that everybody wants war, and is only anxious
+to postpone the declaration in order to gain time. At first England gave
+out, that she would not allow herself to be drawn into a conflict. Sir
+George Buchanan said that definitely. But to-day they are firmly
+convinced in St. Petersburg, indeed they have received an assurance,
+that England will stand by France. This support is of extraordinary
+importance, and has contributed not a little to the war-party gaining
+the upper hand.
+
+"In the cabinet sitting held yesterday, there were differences of
+opinion, and the mobilization order was postponed. This morning at four
+o'clock mobilization was ordered.
+
+"The Russian army feels itself strong, and is full of enthusiasm. The
+reorganization of the navy is still so incomplete that it would be out
+of the count in case of war. For that reason England's assurance of help
+was of the greatest consequence."[205]
+
+[Footnote 205: "Kriegs-Depeschen, 1914" ("German War-Telegrams, 1914").
+Berlin, 1914; p. 96 _et seq_.]
+
+If Professor Oncken is correct in stating that Sir Edward Grey's
+measures were calculated to exercise a pressure on Germany and Austria,
+then he merely confirms what this country has hitherto believed--Sir
+Edward Grey acted rightly. Where else should he have exerted pressure
+except in the quarter from whence a provocative, insolent challenge had
+proceeded?
+
+With regard to the assertion that Russia--stiffened by England--took a
+"momentous decision" on the evening of July 30th, Professor Oncken is
+guilty of distortion. The decision to mobilize had been taken earlier,
+and as M. de l'Escaille wrote, was made public at four o'clock on the
+morning of July 30th.
+
+Whether Russia had increased her demands ("peremptorily sharpened" are
+Oncken's words) the reader can judge for himself by comparing the two
+texts.
+
+              I                            II
+  "If Austria, recognizing      "If Austria agrees to
+  that the Austro-Serbian        stay the advance of her
+  question has                   troops on Serbian territory,
+  assumed the character          and if, recognizing
+  of a European question,        that the Austro-Serbian
+  declares herself ready to      dispute has assumed the
+  eliminate from her ultimatum   character of a question
+  the points which               of European interest, she
+  infringe the sovereign         admits that the Great
+  rights of Serbia, Russia       Powers shall examine
+  engages to stop her            the satisfaction which
+  military preparations."        Serbia might give to
+  (Russian Orange Book,          the Austro--Hungarian
+  No. 60.)                       Government without
+                                 affecting her sovereign
+                                 rights and independence,
+                                 Russia undertakes
+                                 to maintain her waiting
+                                 attitude." (French
+                                 Yellow Book, No. 113.)
+
+Oncken, in making this comparison, comments: "It is most remarkable that
+the original formula chosen by Sasonow had been peremptorily sharpened
+(_einschneidend verschärft_) on July 31st at the request of the British
+Ambassador. This interference by England in the formulation of the
+proposal must arouse the gravest doubt regarding the peaceful tendencies
+of England's policy. Sasonow had every reason to thank Grey 'for the
+firm, amicable tone which he has employed in his pourparlers with
+Germany and Austria.'"[206]
+
+[Footnote 206: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 553. Oncken's
+quotation in the last lines taken from the Russian Orange Book, No. 69.]
+
+Sir Edward Grey had proposed five days earlier (July 26th) that all
+military measures should cease pending a settlement. Hence the
+introduction of this clause is not a new demand. Moreover, in the
+meantime Russia and Germany--in spite of the latter's denial--had
+commenced to mobilize; Austria had mobilized and commenced hostilities
+against Serbia. Thus there were far more urgent reasons to include the
+cessation of military measures on July 31st than before. Lastly, it was
+the only acceptable pledge of Austrian sincerity which Russia could
+accept. Whether the formula would have met with Austria's approval
+cannot be determined, for Austria was saved from what Oncken terms
+"complete submission" by Germany's ultimatum to Russia, despatched on
+the same day, July 31st.
+
+It is impossible to get rid of the suspicion that Germany thought
+Austria might accept the proposal; in any case, Germany deliberately
+shattered the last chance of a settlement by her demand that Russia
+should demobilize.
+
+If Germany outwardly worked for peace in St. Petersburg, as M. de
+l'Escaille states, it would be quite in harmony with the methods of
+German diplomacy. But, as the same gentleman testifies: "Austria would
+not yield a step"--the conclusion must be drawn that Germany had ordered
+her to stand firm. Austria did not yield a single inch, and so it is a
+matter of indifference as to the sincerity or otherwise of Germany's
+peace endeavours.
+
+Oncken further mentions Britain's refusal to remain neutral in return
+for a promise that French territory should not be annexed, but he omits
+the question of French colonies. His analysis of the Belgian question
+deserves quotation: "Grey was seeking an excuse for war, and he found
+one in the question of Belgian neutrality. It was just such a reason as
+he required in order to carry away the Cabinet, Parliament and public
+opinion. And since then that reason has been much discussed, accompanied
+by appeals to international law and humanity, by England's and the
+world's Press.
+
+"But there is more than one irrefutable proof at hand, to show that this
+reason for war, was merely a veil covering the real ones. Anticipating
+Grey's intentions, before the German Government had finally declared
+themselves on the subject,[207] Prince Lichnowsky put the question to
+Sir Edward Grey on August 1st, as to whether England would remain
+neutral if Germany undertook to respect the neutrality of Belgium.
+
+[Footnote 207: Britain had asked Germany a day or two before, whether
+she would respect Belgium's neutrality.--Author.]
+
+"Grey, however, refused to give the pledge with which he could--if he
+was really concerned about Belgium--have spared that unhappy land its
+terrible fate. But by these means the trump card of Belgian neutrality
+had been taken from our opponent's hand in advance. Yet Grey actually
+considered it permissible to conceal this offer from the British
+Cabinet. Yes, he dared even more.
+
+"After the matter had been mentioned by Ramsay Macdonald in the _Labour
+Leader_, Keir Hardie asked a question in the House of Commons on August
+27th, as to whether Lichnowsky's proposal had been submitted to the
+Cabinet, and why the same had not been made the basis of peaceful
+negotiations with Germany. Grey made a weak attempt to discriminate
+between official proposals made by a government, and a private question
+asked by an ambassador.
+
+"When the inconvenient questioner asked for further information, he was
+cried down. The Oxford theologian Conybeare gained the impression from
+this Parliamentary incident: 'That all Sir Edward Grey's answers to Mr.
+Keir Hardie's questions are examples of _suppressio veri_ and _suggestio
+falsi_.' His later revocation of this judgment does not alter its value
+as objective evidence.
+
+"After Grey's refusal, Prince Lichnowsky pressed him to formulate
+England's conditions for her neutrality. At the same time the Ambassador
+increased his offer of July 29th by proposing to guarantee the integrity
+of France and her colonies in return for England's neutrality. Grey
+suppressed this proposal too before the Cabinet, as any negotiation on
+this basis would have thwarted his pre-conceived plans. Only an
+immovable determination for war can explain this behaviour.
+
+"Even before he could assume that Belgian neutrality was in danger, he
+pledged English policy to the wishes of France. On the afternoon of the
+same August 1st, he gave the French Ambassador--who was anxiously
+pressing for a decision--reason to believe that he would be able to give
+a formal promise on the following day. At the Cabinet meeting on August
+2nd--the same in which he suppressed Germany's offer!--he got a motion
+accepted empowering him to assure Cambon that if Germany attacked the
+French coast, England would intervene."
+
+It is necessary to return to Germany's proposal in regard to Belgian
+neutrality. In simple language it means that Germany wanted to sell her
+pledged word, given in 1839, for British neutrality in 1914. In view of
+the fact that Professor Oncken looked upon this as a legitimate bargain,
+one wonders in silence at his standard of morality and honour. Is he not
+a scoundrel who first gives his word of honour and afterwards tries to
+strike a bargain with the same? Stripped of all verbiage that is
+Germany's proposal in its naked immorality, and the author chronicles
+with pleasure that the House of Commons cried down even its discussion.
+It recalls to his memory the fact, that the Reichstag--Germany's highest
+legislative assembly--cheered to the echo Bethmann-Hollweg's
+announcement that German armies, in violating the dictates of moral and
+international law, by breaking Germany's word of honour, had occupied
+Luxembourg and entered Belgium. The two incidents are drastic, concrete
+illustrations of the gulf which separates British and German conceptions
+of right and wrong.
+
+Furthermore, there are two questions of a disciplinary nature arising
+out of this incident which "the man in the street" has a perfect right
+to raise. Assuming that Sir Edward Grey exercised his discretion and
+concealed the "infamous proposal" from the Cabinet, which of his
+colleagues afterwards betrayed the fact and from what source--German or
+English--did he obtain his information?
+
+Full knowledge on these points would probably be of great assistance in
+destroying the "trail of the serpent" (_i.e._, German influence and
+intrigues) in the political and national life of Great Britain.
+
+Professor Oncken praises German disinterestedness in offering to
+guarantee the integrity of French continental and colonial territories
+in case Germany gained a victory in the war. Sir Edward Grey's refusal
+to guarantee British neutrality in return for this promise, the
+professor considers supreme and final proof that Britain was bent on
+war. The nation has rightly approved of this policy and the point need
+not be argued in this place; but Professor Oncken in the seclusion of
+his German study would do well to weigh two problems:
+
+If Germany had gained a victory--and in August, 1914, she was absolutely
+convinced that France and Russia would succumb if they faced her
+alone--then Germany would have obtained the long sought upper and "free
+hand" in Europe. What earthly powers could have compelled her in that
+moment to respect her promise in regard to French territories? Certainly
+Germany's sense of honour could not be counted upon to do so.
+
+The second problem refers to the bull and the china-shop. Presuming that
+the bull could talk, would Professor Oncken advise the guardian of the
+proverbial china-shop to accept the bull's promise to respect the
+_status quo ante_ of his property, before letting him (the bull) run
+amock amongst the china?
+
+Lastly, readers are advised when studying the German "case" to remember
+that Germany never offered to respect the integrity of French
+territories _and_, the neutrality of Belgium. Although German
+writers--with malice aforethought--seek to give that impression. Yet,
+had this combined offer been made, the author submits that in spite of
+such a promise, it would still have been ruinous to British interests to
+stand aside and see Germany gain the upper and "free hand" in Europe.
+Having obtained that, all else would have followed to the desire of
+Germany's heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE LITERATURE OF HATE
+
+
+"The English are wretched scoundrels."--_Frederick the Great_.
+
+"It must come to this, that not even a German dog will accept a piece of
+bread from an Englishman."--_Heinrich von Treitschke_.
+
+"England, the Vampire of Europe," by Count Reventlow.
+
+"Down with England," by Admiral Valois.
+
+"England, our Enemy in the Past, Present and Future," by Erich von
+Kabler.
+
+"A German Victory, Ireland's Hope," by Dr. Hans Rost.
+
+"England, the Scourge of Humanity," by Germanicus.
+
+"The Poisonous Press," by Germanicus.
+
+"England against England," by Mathieu Schwann.
+
+"A Woman's War Letters," by L. Niessen-Deiters.
+
+"Albion's Death Struggle," by Eugen Detmolder.[208]
+
+[Footnote 208: Written by Detmolder (a Belgian) during the Boer
+War.--Author.]
+
+"How John Bull recruits his Hirelings," by Dr. Herbert Hirschberg.
+
+"Advance on England! The Destruction of Britain's World Power,"
+Anonymous.
+
+"In English Captivity," by Heinrich Norden, late missionary.
+
+"British _versus_ German Imperium," by an Irish-American. Introduction
+by Sir Roger Casement.
+
+"Lousyhead goes on Lying." The latest war news of Messrs. Grandebouche
+(France), Lousyhead (Russia), and Plumpudding (England), by Karl
+Ettlinger.
+
+"England and Germany," by Houston Stewart Chamberlain.
+
+"Cable Warfare and the Campaign of Lies," by Dr. Meister, Professor in
+Münster University.
+
+"England and Continental Interests," by Captain H. Schubart.
+
+"The Annihilation of England's World Power," Essays by twenty-three
+different authors, including Professors Haeckel, Eucken and Lamprecht;
+State Secretary Dr. Dernburg; Dr. Sven Hedin, etc.
+
+"German Misery in London," by Carl Peters.
+
+"The English Face," by six university professors; Frischeisen-Köhler
+(Berlin); Jastrow (Berlin); von der Goltz (Greifswald); Roloff
+(Giessen); Valentin (Freiburg); von Liszt (Berlin).
+
+"Starvation, England's Latest Ally," by Friedrich Simon.
+
+"England and the War," by Professor Lujo Brentano.
+
+"Against France and Albion," by A. Fendrich.
+
+"The Land of Unlimited Hypocrisy," by Spiridion Gopevi.[209]
+
+[Footnote 209: Probably the most scurrilous and vulgar work of its type;
+but the writer of it is not a German.--Author.]
+
+"England"; "England and America," _Süddeutsche Monatshefte_ (South
+German Review) for January and May, 1915.
+
+"England's Tyranny and former Supremacy of the Seas," by Admiral
+Kirchoff.
+
+"England's Blood-Guilt against the White Peoples," by Woldemar Schütze.
+
+"The Greatest Criminal against Humanity; King Edward VII. of England. A
+Curse-pamphlet," by Lieut.-Col. R. Wagner.
+
+"England, tremble!" by J. Bermbach.
+
+"England as Sea-Pirate State," by Dr. Ernst Schultze.
+
+"In the Pillory! Our Enemies' Campaign of Lies," by Reinhold Anton.
+
+"London's Lie Factory: Renter's Office," by A. Brand.
+
+"England's Wicked Deeds in the World's History," by A. Kuhn.
+
+"Our Settlement with England," by Professor Hermann Oncken.
+
+"England's Betrayal of Germany," by M. Wildgrube.
+
+"England's Guilt," by Gaston von Mallmann.
+
+"English Character," by Professor Arnold Schröer.
+
+"England and We," by Dr. J. Riessner, President of the Hanseatic League.
+
+"How England prevented an Understanding with Germany," by Professor Th.
+Schiemann.
+
+"God Punish England," published by _Simplicissimus_.
+
+"Perfidious Albion," by Alfred Geiser.
+
+"Our Enemies among Themselves," Caricatures from 1792-1900 collected by
+Dr. Paul Weiglin.
+
+"Words in Season," Poems, including the "Hymn of Hate," by Ernst
+Lissauer.
+
+About sixty-five other titles might be added to those given above, but
+the author has restricted the list to books in his possession. Some of
+them are scurrilous and obscene, deserving no further attention than a
+record of their existence. Yet the fundamental idea running through
+these works is identical, differing only in the mode of expression.
+
+Hate in itself is a confession of weakness, to a certain extent an
+admission of defeat. The presence of hate in a nation or an individual
+may be explained as resulting from the desire to remove or destroy an
+obstacle, which has proved to be immovable and indestructible. A
+healthy, well-balanced mind admits defeat and endeavours to make a
+compromise--to adjust itself to the inevitable.
+
+But assuming other conditions--a false sense of honour, a morbid
+conception of self-importance--then hate seems to be a natural, although
+unhealthy result. Unfortunately there is evidence that these factors
+influence modern Germany. One of the roots of tragedy is to be found in
+the inequality between the will and power to perform. In its
+helplessness the will recoils upon itself, turning to gall and
+bitterness, or seeks a solution in self-destruction.
+
+It is noteworthy that some thirteen thousand individuals commit suicide
+every year in Germany. Unwilling or unable to adjust themselves to the
+phenomena of life, they choose death in preference to the
+compromise--life. A leaning towards the tragic characterizes the German
+of to-day; an inclination not to compromise, not to admit defeat,
+thereby admitting the "will" to be incapable of transformance into
+actuality.
+
+Between Germany and Britain fate has placed such a rock of destiny,
+_i.e._, this country's position in the world, above all, her naval
+supremacy. Germany has held that this rock hinders, even endangers, her
+just and historical development in the world. With wonderful energy,
+perseverance, self-sacrifice and heroism, Germany has endeavoured to
+surmount or destroy the obstacle. The united will of the nation was
+expressed in the momentum of the onslaught--in vain. And as no
+reconciling influences are at work, no tendency to accept the
+inevitable--Germany hates.
+
+Outside Germany there is, probably, no one who doubts the invincibility
+of the British Navy and the unchangeable will of the British
+(strengthened by the danger of the past year) to maintain its supremacy.
+Yet even to-day responsible Germans are appealing to their nation to
+fight till "modern Carthage" is finally destroyed.
+
+"In spite of the publications of our enemies, we in Germany, from the
+highest to the lowest, will believe unto all eternity that this war was
+caused by England alone. All Germany replied to England's declaration of
+war with a cry of indignation. The hate for the hypocritical island
+kingdom was so bitter that it took the form of demonstrations against
+the British Embassy, while the representatives of the other enemy
+countries were able to depart unharmed.[210]
+
+[Footnote 210: Admiral Valois appears to be unaware that both ladies and
+gentlemen from the Russian Embassy were beaten with sticks, fists and
+umbrellas before leaving Berlin.--Author.]
+
+"Up till then political England was little known in Germany, but now the
+bitter hate which reigns throughout the land characterizes her as the
+incarnation of all that is base and vile. It brings back to our minds
+the saying of the old Hanseatic towns:
+
+  'England, thou land of shame,
+  Why hast thou, Satansland,
+  The name of Angel-land?'
+
+"No sacrifice and no effort will be too great, for us to drag her from
+her imagined height into the dust. By force of arms, starvation and the
+power of lies, they hoped to force us back to unimportance, and now the
+issue is: Whether the categoric imperative of the East Prussian Kant, or
+the hypocrisy of British cant, shall gain the victory.
+
+"We are unalterably convinced that England is our mortal enemy, and that
+all endeavours to find a _modus vivendi_ will be in vain. Still our
+present naval forces are unequal to the task of overthrowing her. This
+will make it easy for the German Government to obtain even the greatest
+sums from the Reichstag in order to increase our fleet. Every other
+aim--no matter what it is--must be laid aside, till this one is
+attained: Down with England!
+
+"It is to be hoped that this attempt on England's part to get rid of a
+competitor will be the last. We Germans anticipate the future with an
+unshakable belief in victory. Possibly sooner or later, England's
+present allies will see that in reality they are serving English
+interests. When this unnatural alliance has crumbled to pieces under the
+might of our blows, then we shall at last stand face to face with
+England--alone!
+
+"Our life-work will then begin--to settle up with the pioneers of
+hypocrisy so that they shall never again cross our path! If at any time
+this high endeavour seems to slacken, then think of East Prussia!
+Remember that a third of the province was laid waste; that men, women
+and children were murdered and violated; that the lists of the missing
+contained the names of nearly fifty thousand fellow-countrymen. And all
+this had to happen so that every Englishman might become a few pounds
+richer.
+
+"Think of it as long as you live, and pass it on to your descendants as
+an inheritance. Give all your strength and your last farthing to
+increase our fleet and any other necessary means to attain our goal:
+Down with England!"[211]
+
+[Footnote 211: Admiral Valois: "Nieder mit England!" ("Down with
+England!") p. 5 _et. seq_.]
+
+"Truly it is no longer necessary either in this assembly or in all
+Germany to create popular opinion for the cry 'Nieder mit England!' It
+re-echoes daily from the lips of every German. But still we must
+continue to point out its necessity--it is a commandment which must
+banish every weak inclination to yield, and make us strong to hold out
+to the bitter end.
+
+"To some it may appear 'one-sided,' but yet it is a moral duty to
+emphasize and strengthen our hate for England. Not only because we
+_will_ hate, but because we _must_. Hatred ennobles when it is directed
+with full force against the evil and bad. And what is the evil? For an
+answer consider how the English pedlar-spirit with cunning and lies, has
+subjugated the world and holds it in bondage.
+
+"Even in the upper classes (English), ignorance reigns supreme. In their
+famous schools, _e.g._, Eton College, the young people--besides sports
+and so-called gentlemanlike behaviour--learn exceedingly little. Except
+in regard to purely English affairs most Englishmen possess an almost
+inconceivable ignorance of history and geography. The view held by so
+many Germans that the majority of the English nation, especially the
+so-called 'upper ten,' have enjoyed a thorough education--is utterly
+false. But in spite of this, English conceit and unexampled pride leaves
+little to be desired."[212]
+
+[Footnote 212: Vice-Admiral Kirchhoff: "England's Willkur" ("England's
+Tyranny"), p. 1 _et seq_.]
+
+All German naval writers whine in unison concerning the "protection of
+private property in naval warfare." The shoe appears to pinch at that
+point, but the complaints sound hollow when made by a nation which has
+shown so little respect for private property in land warfare.
+
+"Turkey was compelled to hand over Cyprus; in return she received an
+assurance of protection from England. What the latter understands by
+'protection' we have learned from her recent actions. The behaviour of
+England's last naval commission in Constantinople speaks volumes. The
+very men who were in Turkey's pay, destroyed the weapons (ships, _i.e._,
+cannon, machinery, etc.) entrusted to their care."[213]
+
+[Footnote 213: Ibid., p. 31.]
+
+Besides Kirchhoff, several other writers charge the British naval
+officers who were in Turkey's service before the outbreak of war, with
+acts of _sabotage_. Another writer (Heinrich Norden, late missionary in
+Duala, German Cameroons) sinks a little lower and states that English
+officers were guilty of thieving when Duala was captured.
+
+"Indeed, it is not saying too much when I maintain that the true
+historical purpose of this war, is only half fulfilled if we do not
+bring England to her knees--cost what it may in blood and treasure. That
+much we owe to our children and their children. We will not only be
+victorious, victory is only half the work; we must annihilate the power
+of our enemy.
+
+"All our dearly-bought victories in East and West will be of no avail
+if, at the conclusion of peace, we have not conquered and compelled
+England to accept our terms. There can never be justice or morality on
+earth, or keeping of treaties, or recognition of moral international
+obligations, till the power of the most faithless, hypocritical nation
+which ever existed, has been finally broken and lies prostrate on the
+ground. So long ago as 1829 Goethe said to Förster: 'In no land are
+there so many hypocrites and sanctimonious dissemblers as in England.'
+
+"We must wait in patience and with confidence in our leaders for the
+final settlement which the future will bring. The men in our navy are
+burning to imitate the deeds of their comrades on land. Whenever an
+opportunity has arisen, they have shown themselves equal to the enemy.
+Our navy knows, and that is a consolation for the men during inactivity,
+that the lofty task of breaking England's power will fall to their
+share. The men know that the final purpose of this world war can only be
+attained with their help, they know what is before them, and that the
+enormous stake demands and deserves all they have to give.
+
+"In this time of trial we can best help by waiting in patience. The
+fleet's turn will come; the fleet created by our Kaiser will fulfil its
+mission. Everyone of us recognizes that a well-thought-out plan is
+behind all this; even the enemy has premonitions of it.
+
+"In regard to England's downfall there can, may, and must be only one
+opinion. It is the very highest mission of German _Kultur_. Our war,
+too, is a 'holy war.' For the first time England's despotic power is
+opposed by an enemy possessing power, intelligence and will."[214]
+
+[Footnote 214: Ibid., p. 37 _et seq_.]
+
+Another of the fundamental reasons for German hate must be sought in the
+different conceptions of life and its duties in the two nations. In its
+chief results this has found expression in two totally different beings.
+Professor Engel (Berlin) once wrote that from the cradle to the grave,
+the German is "on the line," or, in other words, the State directs his
+every action.
+
+Probably it would be more correct to look upon the German State as a
+Teutonic Nirvana--with this distinction, that it is a negation of
+personal individuality, but at the same time a huge, collective
+positive. The individual German fulfils his life's mission by absorption
+into Nirvana and by having all his activities transformed in the
+collective whole for the benefit of the State. The will of the State is
+supreme; individuals exist in, through, and for, the whole. And, above
+all, the State's motto has been thoroughness and efficiency in every
+department of its manifold life; knowledge and power its aims.
+
+Britain's development has been along other lines; the widest possible
+room has been left to the individual, and the ties binding him to the
+whole have been loose in the extreme. German discipline is replaced by
+British liberty, with its advantages to the individual and corresponding
+disadvantages for the State. Liberty implies the right to rise by honest
+endeavour, but does not exclude the possibility of a wilful surrender to
+slothful inactivity, _e.g._, the human flotsam and jetsam of British
+cities, the casual ward and similar institutions. These and other
+phenomena of life in our islands have aroused bitter contempt among
+Germans. Contempt has been succeeded by envy and hatred. Rightly or
+wrongly the German has argued that the people who prefer sport to
+knowledge, self-will to a sense of duty to the community, selfishness to
+sacrifice,[215] wire-pulling and patronage to efficiency--this people is
+no longer worthy of the first place among the nations. By right of
+merit, morality and efficient fitness--that place belongs to Germany.
+
+[Footnote 215: An article by the present writer on "Some German Schools"
+in the _Times_ Educational Supplement, October 5th, 1915, gives some
+faint idea of the unprecedented sacrifices made by German schools.
+During the war all classes of the population have voluntarily renounced
+a part of their earnings for war charities. In the _Fränkischer Kurier_
+for October 13th, 1915, the Burgomaster of Nuremberg announced that the
+voluntary reduction of salaries agreed to by the municipal officials of
+that city had resulted in 264,000 marks (£13,000) going to charitable
+funds. The author could cite dozens of similar instances, but it would
+interest him most of all to know whether any town in the British Isles
+can show a better record than Nuremberg, with a population of 350,000.]
+
+Unfortunately the present war has brought many proofs that there is no
+small amount of truth in this indictment, and most unfortunate of all,
+neutral countries too accept Germany's version that Britain is
+unorganized, self-interested, inefficient and effete. And to just the
+same degree they are convinced that Germany is thorough. They love
+Britain's humanitarian idea, but admire German efficiency--although they
+fear the latter's militarism.
+
+Still when they are driven to choose to whom they shall confide their
+vital interests, _i.e._, future existence, they prefer to lean on
+successful German thoroughness, than on Britain's humanitarianism
+unsupported by the strong arm. At the moment of writing there is wailing
+and gnashing of teeth throughout the British Empire at the diplomatic
+failure in Bulgaria and the previous fiasco in Turkey. Sir Edward Grey
+has dealt with the question in Parliament, but he has not mentioned the
+true reason.
+
+The true reason is that this country has fallen into the habit of
+sending diplomatic representatives abroad who have not been keen enough
+to obtain a mastery of the language, or a full knowledge of the feelings
+and national aspirations of the peoples to whom they were accredited.
+Instead of being living ambassadors of the British idea, they have often
+been concrete examples before foreign eyes of British inefficiency. An
+example of the language question which came under the author's personal
+notice, deserves mention.
+
+In the spring of 1914 there seemed to be a danger that a German would be
+appointed British Consul in Nuremberg, and in order to prevent this the
+author wrote to a British Minister stationed in Munich. He was greatly
+surprised to receive a reply--the latter, of course, was in
+English--addressed on the outside to:
+
+  "Dr. T. Smith,
+  "_On the top_ of the University of Erlangen."
+
+That is to say, the German preposition _auf_ was employed instead of
+_an_. A mistake which even an elementary knowledge of German should have
+made impossible. In the British Legation at Munich there was a
+German-British Consul--a Munich timber-merchant. If readers imagine that
+Munich was an unimportant city in the diplomatic sense, then they are
+recommended to study the French Yellow Book, which contains final proof
+that an efficient French Minister was able to make important discoveries
+at the Bavarian Court.
+
+British prestige, confidence in British efficiency and power among
+neutrals has gravitated dangerously in the direction of zero, while
+admiration for Germany has correspondingly risen. That there is only too
+much reason for the change, the course of the war has given ample proof,
+and therein lies the hope of Britain's future. The war will reveal to
+the British both their strength and weakness, and if the war does not
+destroy the dry rot in the land, then it is merely the precursor of
+Britain's final downfall.
+
+There can be no greater mistake than closing one's eyes to the good
+points in a resolute enemy. As far as this war is concerned they can be
+summarized under two heads: (1.) The German Board of Education, which
+has developed and mobilized the last ounce of German brains and directed
+them into the service of the Fatherland.[216] (2.) The German War
+Office, which has mobilized Germany's physical and technical forces.
+
+[Footnote 216: Five years ago the present author wrote in the September
+number, 1910, of Macmillan's _School World_:--"Educational reforms and
+plans must come from the schoolmen; they never spring of themselves from
+out of the people; and this is perhaps the most deplorable admission of
+all, that modern England has no great educationist or statesman capable
+of formulating a national system of schools which shall develop the
+intellectual material of the nation to its highest powers, and direct
+those powers into the best channels. For several decades school
+inspectors, etc., have visited continental countries to study their
+educational systems, and have returned home with innumerable fads--but
+no system. Everything of the fantastic has been copied, but no
+foundations have been laid; with the result that England's educational
+system to-day resembles a piece of patchwork containing a rich variety
+of colours and a still greater variety of stuff-quality. It were better
+for us to have done with educationists who preach about 'the rigid
+uniformity of system which is alien both to the English temperament and
+to the lines on which English public schools have developed.' The said
+public schools have hopelessly failed to meet the necessity of a
+national system of education, or to form the nucleus from which such a
+system could or can develop itself. That the Falls of Niagara, however,
+dissipate untold natural forces is just as true as that England wastes
+immeasurable intellectual force because her forces are allowed to
+dissipate through not being disciplined and bridled by a fitting
+educational mechanism. Therefore let England turn to the prosaic work of
+organising!"]
+
+No other State possesses institutions to compare with them. They are the
+foundation of Germany's strength, and the present author's only regret
+is, that the overwhelming forces obtained by bridling the Teutonic
+Niagara of brains and muscle, have been directed by a false patriotism
+into the wrong channels. Still that is what Britain is up against, and
+Britain can only secure an honourable victory by surpassing them. And
+this much may be admitted even at this stage of the struggle: one part
+of the "German idea" is certain of complete victory along the whole
+line--German thoroughness and self-sacrifice.
+
+Because only by adopting that ideal is it possible for Germany's enemies
+to beat her. Political intrigues, hunger caused by blockade, cant,
+wire-pulling, hiding the truth, etc., etc., will break down before the
+German onslaught like waves break upon a rock. Britain has got to hark
+back to Strafford's watchword "thorough" and season it with the spirit
+of Cromwell's Ironsides.
+
+To-day Germans are seriously discussing measures by which Britain's
+financial supremacy--and therewith her naval supremacy--can be
+overthrown, after the present war. One writer proposes a return to
+Napoleon's Continental system, and concludes his plea:
+
+"The British Empire can and must be overthrown, so that the Continent of
+Europe may flourish and develop according to the dictates of Europe's
+will. According to Herbert Spencer's view, Europe must exercise the
+highest ethics, viz., 'give the highest possible total of human beings,
+life, happiness and above all harmony of work.'
+
+"England has never comprehended what 'the harmony of work' means. Her
+entire heroism consisted in brutally suppressing the weaker, and
+avaricious exploitation of everything foreign by means of cunning
+treaties and business tricks. Even an Englishman, Sir J. Seeley, in his
+book, 'The Growth of British Policy,' has defied this characteristic
+with objective clearness.
+
+"For sixty years England struggled against Holland--after which the
+latter lay prostrate before her. Now England's battle against her
+greatest and mightiest rival has commenced--against Germany. This
+struggle will last sixty years and longer if Great Britain does not
+succumb before. Every peace will only mean preparation for new battles,
+till the final result is attained; English history affords proof of
+this.
+
+"Shall Germany, the latest rival, be broken too? Or shall it be her
+mission to awaken Europe to war against greed and avarice, hypocrisy and
+theft, robbery and violence? Lands which have slept and dreamed for
+centuries, do not easily awake. And a part of Europe still dreams deeply
+under the hypnotic influence of English cant and altruism, or at least
+of her God-ordained hegemony.
+
+"This must be the goal of German statecraft and German diplomacy. The
+dream must be dispelled, and the mask torn from the hypocrite's face. If
+Germany desires to exist, then the weak, faltering expediency-policy of
+the German Empire must be at an end. Our one and only aim must be: Down
+with England!
+
+"Germany, however, may not strive to enter into England's heritage--that
+must fall to the Continent. England's heir shall be Europe, which will
+then be able to progress and develop as history intended."[217]
+
+[Footnote 217: Captain H. Schubart: "England und die Interessen des
+Kontinents" ("England and Continental Interests"), p. 50.]
+
+German hate has been fed by stories of British atrocities, ill-treatment
+of German civilians, the alleged use of dum-dum bullets by British
+soldiers, and the employment of coloured troops from India etc. A book
+has been published under the style of "The Black Book of Atrocities
+committed by our Enemies."[218] The charges concerning the use of
+dum-dum bullets by the British are dealt with on pp. 39-43.
+
+[Footnote 218: "Das Schwarzbuch der Schandtaten unserer Feinde." Berlin,
+1915.]
+
+In spite of the fact that von Treitschke advocates the employment of all
+available troops, irrespective of colour, by a State at war, and in
+spite of the fact that Germany has herself employed native troops in
+this war (Cameroons, etc.), their employment by Britain has aroused a
+wave of bitter hatred in Germany. As a justification for this
+indignation the Black Book quotes Earl Chatham's speech against the
+employment of Red Indians in the war with the American colonies.
+
+It is impossible to suppose that some of the charges of ill-treatment of
+Germans by the British are more than the squeals of the bully on feeling
+the pinch. Carl Peters' book "Das deutsche Elend in London" ("German
+Misery in London") must certainly be dismissed as belonging to the
+squeals. Another booklet[219] may perhaps be quoted, though with all
+reserve, because it involves the charge of endangering the white
+man--above all, the honour of white women--in Africa.
+
+[Footnote 219: "In Englischer Gefangenschaft" ("In English Captivity"),
+by Heinrich Norden, late missionary in Duala, Cameroons.]
+
+"In declaring my willingness to relate our experiences during the
+defence and surrender of Duala and my experiences in English captivity,
+my motive was not to add fuel to the fires of hate against England. But
+it would be an injustice if we were silent concerning English outrages.
+Thousands of our brother Germans lie in English prisoners' camps; their
+hands are tied and their mouths closed by the force of circumstances.
+But with inward wrath they endure in silence. Yet their position demands
+that we, who have suffered with them and have luckily escaped, should
+speak for them.
+
+"It is our bounden duty to the Fatherland to reveal the truth about
+English atrocities, and I am all the more conscious of that duty because
+some circles betray a certain amount of mistrust concerning the reports
+of English horrors.
+
+"On Sunday, September 27th, after all the necessary preparations had
+been made, the white flag was hoisted. In a few hours the town was
+teeming with black and white English and French landing parties, who
+were received with indescribable joy by the natives. The latter followed
+the soldiers about like dogs, and in real dog-manner began to show their
+teeth (against the Germans).
+
+"Everything remained quiet on Sunday, but on the following day robbery
+and plundering began in a way which we had never believed possible.
+Still less were we prepared for the brutal treatment which the English
+practised on us defenceless Germans. At first they made sure of those
+who had borne arms; with lies and deceit they were enticed into a trap.
+They were requested to give in their names, whereupon they would be set
+at liberty. However, when the English thought that the majority had been
+collected, the victims were driven on to a steamer which took them to
+French Dahomey.
+
+"During the months of our imprisonment I had ample opportunity to
+observe how the Germans have been ill-treated by the blacks. The English
+incited them like a pack of hounds to worry their own race--and looked
+on with a laugh. Yet the Germans bore all this degradation with proud
+calm, and with the consolation that a day will come when all this shame
+will be wiped out.
+
+"On the way to the harbour I met about twenty Germans; our company
+increased from hour to hour. Women were weeping who did not know the
+fate of their husbands, but this had not the faintest effect on the
+brutal hearts of the English. At last night fell; we were tortured by
+hunger and burning thirst. We were in anguish as to what would become of
+us. Why were our enemies so inconceivably bitter?[220] Why did they tell
+us no word of truth? They declared openly that everything German was to
+be destroyed, German thrones overthrown and the German devils driven
+out.
+
+[Footnote 220: Norden has had ample opportunities to learn the story of
+Belgium, but he and all other Germans writers, in apparently holy
+innocence, look upon all bitterness against their nation as a cruel
+injustice.--Author.]
+
+"Albion's heroic sons were only able to capture the Cameroons with the
+aid of native treachery. The blacks showed them the ways, betrayed the
+German positions, and murdered Germans in cold blood wherever
+opportunity occurred. The English even paid a Judas reward of twenty to
+fifty shillings for every German, living or half-dead, who was brought
+in by the natives.
+
+"Later I met various prisoners whose evidence corroborated the inhuman
+tortures which they had endured. Herr Schlechtling related how he was
+attacked at Sanaga by natives with bush-knives, just as he was aiming at
+an English patrol. Herr Nickolai was captured by blacks and his clothes
+torn from his body and numerous knife wounds inflicted on his body. The
+natives took him to an English steamer whose captain paid them twenty
+shillings.
+
+"Another German, Herr Student,[221] was compelled to look on while the
+natives drowned his comrade (Herr Nickstadt) in a river, while he
+himself was afterwards delivered up to the English. Yet another, Herr
+Fischer, was surprised while taking a meal, bound hand and foot, beaten
+and then handed over to the English."[222]
+
+[Footnote 221: Four of these men are still in British captivity. Another
+Teuton who has sent blood-curdling tales to Germany may be found in the
+person of Martin Trojans, prisoner on Rottnest Island. It would be good
+to give these men an opportunity of making statements in London before a
+commission of neutral diplomatists.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 222: "In englischer Gefangenschaft," pp. 1-30.]
+
+After all, the picture does not seem so terrible as this good missionary
+would make out. In any case he has failed to make out a case which will
+bear comparison with that already proved against the German army in
+Europe, or even so bad as the treatment dealt out by German civilians to
+their fellow-countrymen during August, 1914. Furthermore it may be
+safely assumed that the bitterness of the natives is to be ascribed to
+German tyranny, which culminated, as Norden relates on p.16 of his book,
+in the strangling of a number of natives, including chiefs of tribes
+just before the advent of the British.
+
+Still his book has had due influence on German public opinion. A German
+lady in a book full of hysterical hate[223] has based a foul charge upon
+Norden's statements (besides publishing his experiences the missionary
+has delivered many public lectures), that the English and French left
+German women to the mercies of the natives!
+
+[Footnote 223: Louise Niessen-Deiters: "Kriegsbriefe einer Frau" ("The
+War Letters of a Woman"), p. 56.]
+
+"In the hearts of all those Germans who in this great time, are banished
+from the Fatherland and who do not know how things really stand, there
+burns a great hate, hate for England and the ardent desire to fight
+against her--the basest and most hated of all our enemies.
+
+"I have come to the end of my report, which contains only a fraction of
+the outrages committed by Albion. And this nation talks of German
+atrocities! If all the lies spread by the English Press were true, even
+then England would have every reason to be dumb. Only he who has felt
+the effects of English hate upon his own person can understand the
+brutal deeds perpetrated recently on Germans in London and Liverpool.
+There, England's moral depth is revealed only too clearly, and before
+the world she seeks to drag us down to the same level."[224]
+
+[Footnote 224: Norden's book, p. 43 _et seq_.]
+
+Considering that the total number of Germans captured in the Cameroons
+is only equal to the number of civilians murdered or wounded in British
+towns by Zeppelin bombs, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds to
+the German Government, one begins to wonder whether Norden and his
+countrymen possess any sense of proportion. Germans are assiduous
+students of Shakespeare, but have seemingly overlooked the comedy: _Much
+ado about Nothing_.
+
+Ireland is another text for long and windy sermons of German hate, but
+the conclusion of one of these tirades[225] will suffice to show
+Germany's real motive.
+
+[Footnote 225: Dr. Hans Rost: "Deutschland's Sieg, Irland's Hoffnung"
+("Germany's Victory, Ireland's Hope"), p. 25 _et seq_.]
+
+"At present the direction of the Irish revolutionary movement is in the
+hands of Professor Evin MacNeill, Mac O'Rahilly and, above all, Sir
+Roger Casement. The final acceptance of the 'Constitution of Irish
+Volunteers' was carried on Sunday, October 25th, 1914, in Dublin. At
+that congress of Irish volunteers--who to-day number more than 300,000
+well-armed men--special stress was laid on the fact that the volunteers
+are Irish soldiers and not imperialistic hirelings.
+
+"Further the members of the organization have engaged not to submit
+under any circumstances to the Militia Ballot Act, a kind of national
+service law which, remarkable to say, is only enforced in Ireland.
+
+"The Irishmen are thronging to join the movement, and pamphlets are
+being distributed, and appeals made on all sides. Besides which, weapons
+are being gathered and money collected. The entire episcopacy of Ireland
+has warned the young men against enlisting in English regiments on the
+ground that they will be placed in regiments to which no Catholic priest
+is attached. The warning has been most successful in hindering
+recruiting. In order to break the opposition of the bishops, England has
+appointed a special representative to the Vatican.
+
+"When the German Emperor took steps to appoint Catholic priests in the
+prisoners' camps where Irish soldiers are interned, the English at once
+appointed forty-five Catholic priests with officer's rank, to the
+British army in France. Even this measure, as well as the sudden
+diplomatic activity at the Vatican, is little calculated to extinguish
+the hate for England in the Irish mind.
+
+"On November 24th (1914) James Larkin began a propaganda in America. He
+appealed to all Irishmen to send gold, weapons, and ammunition to
+Ireland, for the day of reckoning with England. 'We will fight,' said
+Larkin, 'for the destruction of the British Empire and the foundation of
+an Irish republic; we will fight to deliver Ireland from that foul heap
+of ruins called England.' The assembly broke into enthusiastic applause.
+
+"At that moment the curtain was raised, and on the stage a company of
+Irish volunteers and a number of German uhlans were revealed. The
+officers commanding the companies crossed swords and shook hands while
+the assembly sang the 'Wacht am Rhein' and 'God save Ireland.'
+
+"Sir Roger Casement has long been a thorn in the side of the English
+Government, therefore the latter has not shrunk from making a murderous
+conspiracy against the life of this distinguished Irish leader. In
+agreement with Sir Edward Grey, the British Minister in Christiania, Mr.
+Findlay, tried to bribe Casement's companion--named Christensen--to
+murder Sir Roger. The attempted murder did not succeed, but the original
+documents are in the possession of the German Foreign Office, so that
+all doubt is excluded as to the English Government's participation--with
+their most honourable Grey at the head--in this Machiavellian plan."
+
+This colossal Germanism concerning a plan to murder Sir Roger Casement
+has been assiduously spread throughout the German Press. The Berlin
+Government allows the German people to believe that incriminating
+documents are in their possession, and the vilest statements to blacken
+Mr. Findlay's character were printed in German newspapers when that
+gentleman was appointed to the Bulgarian Court in Sofia.
+
+There are so few utterances in German war literature, which display
+reason or even moderation, that the author feels glad to be in a
+position to cite two. In the May number of the
+_Süddeutsche-Monatshefte_, Professor Wilhelm Franz (Tübingen) reviewed
+one of the hate-books, viz., a work entitled "Pedlars and Heroes" by a
+German named Sombart. A few passages will suffice to show that Germany
+is not quite devoid of straight-forward men, who dare to castigate hate.
+
+"Towards the end of his book, Sombart solemnly assures the English that
+'they need not fear us as a colonizing power; we (the Germans) have not
+the least ambition to conquer half-civilized and barbarian peoples in
+order to fill them with German spirit (_Geist_). But the English can
+colonize and fill such peoples with their spirit--for they have none, or
+at least only a pedlar's.'
+
+"It would never occur to any sane man to refute effusions of this kind,
+for they cannot be taken seriously. Still I cannot but wish that an
+angry English journalist with his clever and fiery pen, would fall upon
+Sombart's book and give its author a sample of English spirit. The work
+teems with unjust, incorrect opinions; is full of crass ignorance and
+grotesque exaggerations, which lead the unlearned astray, injure
+Germany's cause, and annoy those who know better--so far as they do not
+excite ridicule.
+
+"What is one to think when Sombart asks his readers: 'What single
+cultural work has emerged from the great shop, England, since
+Shakespeare--except that political abortion the English State?'
+
+"If I had to answer Sombart I should say, the great shop has given the
+English State practically everything which makes for internal peace,
+solidarity and national health. It has enabled the nation to exercise
+tolerance within, and develop splendour and power without, which in
+their turn have made Britannia the mistress of the world's waterways,
+and the British the first colonial nation in the world.
+
+"England's cultural development has brought all these since
+Shakespeare's time; energy, willpower, united with high endeavour to
+realize great aims and overcome mighty resistance. And the basis of this
+splendid progress which compels the admiration of all other States, was
+what Sombart presumes to call an 'abortion.'"
+
+The other is taken from "Der englische Gedanke in Deutschland" ("The
+English Idea in Germany,") by Ernst Müller-Holm, p. 72. "It is not true
+that all Englishmen are scoundrels. It is not true that there is nothing
+but pedlar's spirit in England, and because it is not true it should not
+be said, not even in these times when war passions run high.
+
+"The fatherland of Shakespeare, Byron and Thackeray; the home of Newton,
+Adam Smith, Darwin and Lyell will ever remain a land of honour to
+educated Germans. Where would it end if I were to count up the heroes of
+English intellect whose names are written in letters of gold in
+humanity's great book?"
+
+It is well to conclude this chapter of hate with two quotations which
+breathe respect. The author does not believe that German hate will be so
+long-enduring as the hate-mongers would have us think. Rather, he is
+convinced that mutual interest will force the two nations together
+within one or two decades. Preparatory for that day, it is Britain's
+duty to compel Germany's respect.
+
+There are good, even magnificent forces in the German nation; there are
+still noble-minded, high-thinking Germans who yearn to work in the great
+civilizing world enterprises. But--and therein lies the tragedy--"the
+good, the true, the pure, the just" are not to-day the predominating
+powers. They must work out their own salvation; but if the time ever
+comes when the finest and best German thought directs Germany's
+destinies, then there will be no lack of sympathizers in this country,
+who will hail the day as the advent of a new world era. For the present,
+all mutual jealousies, all the burning ambitions, all quarrels and hate,
+are submitted to the arbitrament of the sword. If Britain only wields
+her sword so well and honourably, as to gain unstinted victory, that
+will prove to be the firmest basis for future respect and enduring
+peace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"
+_Scott_.
+
+
+Mention has already been made of German disrespect, even contempt for
+England and the English. One of the reasons for this contempt was the
+smallness of the British army, and the fact that our soldiers are paid
+servants of the country. Germans apparently never could comprehend why a
+man should receive payment for serving his country by bearing arms, and
+that fact appeared to them to afford overwhelming evidence of the
+pedlar-soul (_Krämergeist_). The second conclusion drawn, has generally
+been that the Britisher is devoid of all sense of duty and
+self-sacrificing patriotism. Probably the flocking of several million
+men to arms in defence of the Empire, and in defence of British
+conceptions of right and wrong has done something to convince Germans
+that the premises of the syllogism, were not so self-evident as they had
+imagined.
+
+"Among all the great European Powers, England is the only one which has
+not introduced national service and remained true to the principle of
+keeping an army of paid soldiers. Hence, when in all other lands at the
+outbreak of war, the entire people stands ready to defend the national
+honour, England is compelled to beat the recruiting drums before she can
+wage war."[226]
+
+[Footnote 226: Dr. H. Hirschberg: "Wie John Bull seine Söldner wirbt"
+("How John Bull recruits his Mercenaries"), p. 3. Hirschberg reproduces
+in facsimile a large number of the recruiting placards which have
+decorated the British Isles since the outbreak of war. "Your King and
+Country need you" is also given (English and German) with music.]
+
+"England wages war on business lines. It is not the sons of the land who
+bleed for Britannia's honour; mercenaries from the four corners of the
+world--including blacks--carry on the war as a trade for England's
+business world and nobility. England might well smirk as she uttered
+blessings on the Triple Entente, for has she not borne the brand of
+perfidy for centuries? Her breast conceals the meanest pedlar's spirit
+in the, world.
+
+"Every battle which Russia loses is a victory for England, and every
+defeat which France suffers means profit for England. She can afford to
+wait till her allies are beaten and then take over their business.
+'First come, first served' does not hold good in England's case; for her
+motto is, the last to come gets the prize.
+
+"Twelve Powers declared war on Germany. Then Japan, the thirteenth,
+poked out her yellow face and demanded Kiau Chou. A hyena had smelt
+corpses, but the blackmailing Mongol received no reply to his ultimatum.
+Grim laughter was heard in Germany--booming, bitter laughter at the band
+of thieves who hoped to plunder us. And in the wantonness of their
+righteous wrath, German soldiers scribbled on the barrack walls an
+immortal sentence: 'Declarations of war thankfully received!'"[227]
+
+[Footnote 227: A. Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion" ("Against
+France and Albion"). Stuttgart, 1915; pp. 11-12.]
+
+"How wickedly the war was forced upon Germany! A ring of enemies
+surrounded her. Envy and ill-will were their motives, but they lacked
+the right measure for Germany's greatness. Our people stand invincible,
+united, staking life and everything they have--till the last enemy lies
+in the dust.
+
+"Not much longer and the goal will be attained; the many-sided attack
+has been smashed and the war carried into enemy lands. Shining glory has
+been won by Germany's armies. The passionate _élan_ of our soldiers,
+their death-despising bravery and one-minded strength, have gained
+victory after victory.
+
+"Revenge begins to glow against the originator of the
+world-conflagration--against false England! Mute and astonished the
+world saw her baseness--wondering at her greatness and her sin. Envy and
+ill-will inspired her to cast the lives of millions into the scales, to
+open the flood-gates of blood, to spread pain and unspeakable
+misery--herself coldly smiling.
+
+"What are men's lives to England? She pays for them. Her army of
+mercenaries which was to force her yoke on Europe, is paid with the gold
+of blackmailers. She sends hirelings into the field to defend the
+inheritance of her ancestors; paid mercenaries fight for her most sacred
+possessions, while those who pay the blood-money throng to see the
+masterly exponents of football. And England is proud of her splendid
+sons who prefer this intellectual game to stern battle with the enemy.
+
+"How different it is with our men! With shouts of joy they march forth
+to meet the foe, offering their lives in a spirit of glad sacrifice for
+the highest and best which the world has to offer humanity. Storming
+forwards with the song, 'Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,' our
+youthful hosts, greeting death with a smile, hurl themselves upon the
+enemy. Truly, wherever and so long as men are men, the glory of our
+warriors will find remembrance in brave hearts."[228]
+
+[Footnote 228: J. Bermbach: "Zittere, England!" ("England, tremble!").
+Weimar, 1915; p. 5 _et seq_.]
+
+"It would be neither right nor just to accuse English soldiers of a want
+of courage. They have fought everywhere, by land and sea, with
+respect-inspiring gallantry--for mercenaries! But the warlike virtues of
+England's armies cannot atone for the cowardice with which she has
+conducted the struggle for naval supremacy. Albion means England's
+rulers. And this England of Messrs. Grey and Churchill, has covered
+herself with shame for all time by the manner of her warfare on sea.
+
+"Albion has not changed. She has hidden her battleships in the bays of
+northern Ireland, and conducts war on sea--not against our ships and
+soldiers, but against those at home, German women and children! 'The
+pinch of hunger makes the heart weak,' said the noble-minded
+Churchill."[229]
+
+[Footnote 229: Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion," p. 152 _et
+seq_.]
+
+"According to its composition the English army is an army of
+mercenaries. On that account, however, it would be a great mistake to
+despise the quality of the soldiers or to cherish contempt for them. The
+standard of physical fitness demanded of the recruits was--at least up
+till a short time ago--more severe than that imposed in other lands.
+There is no doubt, our German brothers who have met the English on the
+field of battle, admit that they fight not only with valour but with
+unyielding stubbornness.
+
+"This results not so much from barrack-yard drill and field manoeuvres,
+as from the practical experience of warfare gained in many campaigns.
+England is occupied almost uninterruptedly, in warlike enterprises in
+some part of the world or other. Further, the officers--belonging mostly
+to the upper circles--have distinguished themselves in the field by a
+rash bravery which was marked perhaps, not so much by military as
+sportsmanlike behaviour.
+
+"All in all the strategic value of the English army in regard to
+leadership, training, discipline and the spirit of the troops, cannot
+compare with the conscript armies of other lands--especially the German
+army. Yet the contempt which has been expressed for it in the Press as
+an army of hirelings, is just as little merited to-day as it was in the
+past when it added many a glorious page to England's history.
+
+"These remarks are intended as a refutation to the reproaches made
+against the English army. It is true, those unjust criticisms did not
+originate with experts, or they would imply a dangerous under-estimation
+of the enemy. But in consequence of the widespread acceptance among the
+masses they unjustly feed the fires of hate."[230]
+
+[Footnote 230: Dr. G. Landauer: "England." Vienna; 1915, pp. 74-5.]
+
+"For the last ten days we have been resting to the west of Lille not far
+from Armentières; an English army is opposed to us. My battery is one of
+the links in the long chain of growlers[231] which daily pour fire and
+iron on to the enemy. We gave up counting the days and fights, for every
+day has its battle. Besides the English there are Indian troops, and a
+few French batteries in front of us.
+
+[Footnote 231: The Germans call their big guns "Brummer," _i.e._,
+growler.--Author.]
+
+"Every day confirms our experience that we are faced by an enemy with
+incomparable powers of resistance and endurance. An enemy who can hardly
+be shaken by the sharpest rifle-fire or the most awful rain of shell and
+shrapnel. We gain ground slowly, exceedingly slowly, and every step of
+soil has to be paid for dearly.
+
+"In the trenches taken by storm the English dead lie in rows, just like
+men who had not winced or yielded before the bayonets of the stormers.
+From the military point of view it must be admitted that such an enemy
+deserves the greatest respect. The English have adapted the experiences
+gained in their colonial wars to European conditions in a particularly
+clever manner.
+
+"Every attempt to cross the canal was thwarted by artillery fire and in
+many places the enemy was more advantageously situated than our men. His
+trenches were at least dry while ours were flooded with water. I went
+into the front trenches by Dixmude and found them lined half a yard deep
+with faggots and wood, yet at every step our feet sank into the water
+and slush.
+
+"On the other bank of the Yser lay the enemy and fired continuously.
+Anyone who saw our soldiers under these conditions and heard their jokes
+will never forget the sight. All the folk at home who grumbled at the
+slow progress ought to have been sent for a single day and night into
+that mud-swamp!
+
+"In those fields and canals, in this endless morass--made impassable by
+flooding--many, many brave German soldiers have sacrificed their lives.
+During the autumn and winter months of 1914 the whole Yser domain was
+transformed into a vast graveyard.
+
+"The battle-front was determined by the nature of the land. It stretched
+from the sea through Ramscapelle, Dixmude, Roulers, Paschendaal to Ypres
+and the rage of battle swayed like a tossing ship in ocean storm. Even
+now Germany does not know the greatness and terror of the battles fought
+there. Only names are known, such as Middelkerke, Zonnebeeke, Warneton,
+etc.
+
+"The Belgians fought with the courage of despair. Their battle-cry was
+'Louvain!' and 'Termonde!' Highlanders, Indians, Sikhs, Ghurkas,
+Zouaves, Turkos, Canadians, Belgians, French and English were thrown
+into the line, and ever-new regiments landed at Calais. Houses and
+villages were taken and re-taken at the point of the bayonet, as many as
+seven times. Towns and bridges were conquered and lost often eight times
+in succession, accompanied by heavy artillery duels and incredible
+losses."[232]
+
+[Footnote 232: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+123 _et seq_.]
+
+"We[233] have just gone into billets. Not far off are the positions of
+_the_ enemy--the English. There will be a battle to-morrow and everybody
+is serious. Mostly by the evening, we are too tired to think, but it is
+not so to-day.
+
+[Footnote 233: Extracts from the diary of a German soldier, published in
+"Der Weltkrieg" ("The World War"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 632 _et seq_.]
+
+"Again and again I arrive at the same conclusion--war is too great a
+thing to comprehend. Now we are going into battle with the
+black-white-gold band on our breasts. Greetings to you all at home,
+above all to you, father. I have your blessing, haven't I?
+
+"October 24th.--We are lying before the road from Ypres to Paschendaal.
+The Lt. Colonel has just told us that 'the losses cannot go on at this
+rate.' By the side of the brook, on this side the road, English
+sharpshooters are in hiding. They shoot damned straight. Our artillery
+is not yet up; the reason for our heavy losses yesterday.
+
+"The infantry advance with a rush towards the windmill, but we no sooner
+top the hill than the English machine guns begin to rattle. Our front
+ranks are mown down. Every attempt to advance fails. The order was given
+to lie down and there we remained for four hours. Then we rush one after
+the other through a hedge. When darkness fell we had nearly reached the
+English trenches, but were recalled and spent the night in our trench.
+
+"The next morning passed quietly, except for rifle-fire. Captain von K.
+was hit, and rolled over in front of the trench. Three comrades crept
+out one after the other to fetch him--all three fell. At last our
+wounded captain was still too--killed by a second bullet. Being
+compelled to watch this scene without power to help, was the beginning
+of our day.
+
+"Just after mid-day the music began. Crash! a shell lands in our trench
+on the right. A short pause, and crash follows crash as the shells are
+dropped into our trench at distances of four yards. Death walks slowly
+up the trench towards us. We know that he is coming, we see him.
+Everybody is lying flat on the ground. We are waiting for 'our' shell.
+
+"If we had a communication trench we could escape--but there isn't one.
+We reckon the distance: twenty-five yards away another direct hit.
+Crash! only twenty yards. Fifteen yards! We have only five minutes to
+live. Thoughts of God and home and parents rush through the mind; yet
+they are only numb feelings. Crash! ten yards; one more and then comes
+'ours.' But no, the next boom was in the trench behind, and in the same
+manner that trench was cleared from end to end.
+
+"'Lieutenant T. killed, Lieutenant K. takes command' was passed along.
+We have hardly left the trench when bullets begin to whistle round our
+heads. Man after man remains behind. At last night sinks and hides the
+horrors of the day. I have lost my company and spend the night in the
+open with a few others.
+
+"The next morning the sun shone brightly; the morning wind blows coldly
+over the furrows and over the dead. I have no words to describe what I
+saw--but my heart bled! Near Paschendaal I found my company. Altogether
+there are thirty of us--out of two hundred and fifty."
+
+German war literature affords a complete picture of the transformation
+of German contempt for the British army into profound respect. As
+witness the following:
+
+"It cannot be denied that the English have supported Joffre's offensive
+with valour, strength and vigour. The battles which have raged since the
+end of September on the front between Givenchy la Gobelle and
+Armentières, have confirmed the deadly seriousness of the English. And
+if they have not obtained great successes, still, in this gigantic
+grapple, they have displayed desperate courage which compels the
+admiration of their opponents.
+
+"The Commander of a division, with whom I spent the last few days, said
+to me in a tone of deep conviction: 'Nobody must talk lightly of English
+soldiers in my presence. Their bravery and the extraordinary courage of
+English officers compels my admiration. Regimental commanders and staff
+officers advanced in the first line of their troops. They fight and fall
+by the side of their men. I saw several high officers killed myself.'
+Besides, I have heard his Excellency's words confirmed by many of his
+officers."[234]
+
+[Footnote 234: Julius Hirsch; War Correspondent with the German Army, in
+the _Fränkischer Kurier_, October 22nd, 1915.]
+
+In a previous work the author has expressed the opinion that Great
+Britain must employ all her strength in this, the greatest of all wars,
+and in concluding this work he repeats that warning still more
+emphatically. Only a true realization of the inevitable fact that
+British democracy is on trial by battle--"man to man and steel to
+steel"--will give the necessary courage, endurance, faith and hope to
+bring the issue to a victorious end.
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+Alleged Ill-Treatment of Germans in Belgium
+Appreciation, a German, of England
+Atrocities
+Attack on Liége by a Zeppelin
+Attitude of Germany and Austria
+Austrian mobilization
+
+Battle of the Marne
+Belgian kindness to Germans
+Belgrade during the crisis
+Bethmann-Hollweg falsely accuses Russia of causing the war
+Bismarck
+Britain's position in the world
+British
+  accused of plundering
+  Army
+  General Staff's guide-books to Belgium
+  inefficiency
+  Navy
+  Socialists
+Brutal treatment of foreigners in Germany
+
+Courage of British Army
+
+Demonstrations in Favour of War
+Diplomatic battles
+
+England's Attitude
+  heir
+  neutrality, German offers for
+Excitement in Germany
+
+French Airmen, Alleged Attack near Nuremberg
+  alleged attack on Frankfort
+
+German Brutality towards Germans
+  Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag
+  comment on the conference proposal
+  Crown Prince
+  frontiers, alleged violation by the French
+  General Staff, did it conspire to bring about war?
+German efficiency
+  invasion of France
+  losses
+  methods
+  mobilization
+  nerves
+  opinion of England
+  plundering
+  Press plays Germany a foul trick
+  provocation to Belgians before the war
+  State, a Nirvana
+German Socialists
+  and conscription
+  and universal peace
+  cheer the announcement that Germany had invaded two neutral countries
+  help Kaiser's government
+  support the war
+  vote for a war of aggression
+  why they supported the war
+German Socialists' attitude to England
+  campaign against Russia
+  class-war
+  peace programme
+  proclamation on August 1st, 1914,
+German troops enter Belgium and Luxembourg
+  unity
+  war against civilians
+German White Book on atrocities by the Belgians
+Germans charge French with looting
+  enter Brussels
+  invade Belgium
+Germany declares war on France
+  declares war on Russia
+  made peace impossible
+  rejects British friendship
+Germany's alleged efforts  for peace
+  case
+  case against Belgian civilians
+  hunt for phantom gold
+  hunt for spies
+  re-birth
+  ultimatum to Russia
+Grey, Sir Edward
+Grey's, Sir Edward, conference proposal
+
+Haldane Lord
+Hate literature
+Heligoland prepared for war
+
+Ill-treatment, alleged, of Germans by British
+Ireland and Germany
+Iron Crosses
+Italian Socialists condemn their German comrades
+
+Japan
+
+Kaiser's return to Berlin
+  threat
+  threat to England
+_Königin Luise_ starts to lay mines round the English coast
+
+Lassalle's opinion of Austria
+Last protest against war
+Legend of gouged-out eyes
+Letter of Belgian Legation Secretary
+Louvain
+Lying, a foundation-stone of German policy
+
+Macdonald, Mr. Ramsay
+Martial law proclaimed in Germany
+Militarism, spirit of
+
+Necessity knows no law
+Neutrality of Belgium
+"Now there are only Germans"
+
+Oncken, Professor Hermann
+Opinion in France at the outbreak of war
+
+Peace, did Germany work for?
+Poisoned water-supply scare
+Press, German, condemns the Austrian ultimatum
+Prince Heinrich's telegram to King George
+Proclamation of the Social Democrats, July 25th, 1914
+Propaganda for the annexation of Belgium
+
+Reconciliation with Germany
+Roman Catholic Church refutes German atrocity legends
+Russia ignores the German ultimatum
+Russia's attitude during the crisis
+  military measures
+  right to intervene
+
+Secret Belgian documents seized in Brussels
+Social Democratic demonstrations against war
+Social Democrats' report on Belgium
+Socialists, German, vote for war
+Spy scare and its results
+Status of German professors
+Swiss Neutral on Belgian neutrality
+
+Terms of Triple Alliance
+Treatment of Belgian civilians
+Trevelyan's, Mr. Charles, remarkable promise
+Tricks of the German Press
+
+Unprepared Condition of the Franco-Belgian Frontier
+
+Violation of Belgian Neutrality
+_Volksstaat_ (People's State)
+
+War Delirium
+Warsaw citadel blown up
+Wolff's News Agency
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
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+Title: What Germany Thinks
+       The War as Germans see it
+
+Author: Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+Release Date: November 21, 2003 [EBook #10166]
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+Language: English
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+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHAT GERMANY THINKS ***
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+
+<h1>What Germany Thinks</h1>
+<center>or the War as Germans see it</center>
+<br>
+<center><b>By Thomas F.A. Smith, Ph.D.</b></center>
+<br>
+<center>Late English Lecturer in the University of
+Erlangen</center>
+<center>Author of "The Soul of Germany: A Twelve Years' Study of
+the People from Within, 1902-1914"</center>
+<center>1915</center>
+<hr>
+<a name="TOC"><!-- TOC --></a>
+<p>CONTENTS</p>
+<p><a href="#CH1">CHAPTER I&mdash;The Causes of the War</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH2">CHAPTER II&mdash;On The Leash</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH3">CHAPTER III&mdash;The Dogs Let Loose</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH4">CHAPTER IV&mdash;Mobilization</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH5">CHAPTER V&mdash;Wars and Rumours of Wars</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH6">CHAPTER VI&mdash;The D&eacute;b&acirc;cle of the
+Social Democrats</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH7">CHAPTER VII&mdash;"Necessity Knows No
+Law"</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH8">CHAPTER VIII&mdash;Atrocities</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH9">CHAPTER IX&mdash;The Neutrality of Belgium and
+Germany's Annexation Propaganda</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH10">CHAPTER X&mdash;Saigner &Agrave; Blanc</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH11">CHAPTER XI&mdash;The Intellectuals and the
+War</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH12">CHAPTER XII&mdash;The Literature of Hate</a></p>
+<p><a href="#CH13">CHAPTER XIII&mdash;"Man to Man and Steel to
+Steel"</a></p>
+<p><a href="#IDX">INDEX</a></p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH1"><!-- CH1 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+<center>THE CAUSES OF THE WAR</center>
+<p>In many quarters of the world, especially in certain sections of
+the British public, people believed that the German nation was led
+blindly into the World War by an unscrupulous military clique. Now,
+however, there is ample evidence to prove that the entire nation
+was thoroughly well informed of the course which events were
+taking, and also warned as to the catastrophe to which the national
+course was certainly leading.</p>
+<p>Even to-day, after more than twelve months of devastating
+warfare, there is no unity of opinion in Germany as to who caused
+the war. Some writers accuse France, others England, while many lay
+the guilt at Russia's door. They are only unanimous in charging one
+or other, or all the powers, of the Triple Entente. We shall see
+that every power now at war, with the exception of Germany and
+Italy, has been held responsible for Armageddon, but apparently it
+has not yet occurred to Germans that the bearer of guilt for this
+year's bloodshed&mdash;is Germany alone!</p>
+<p>It is true that the conflict between Austria and Serbia forms
+the starting point. Whether or not Serbia was seriously in the
+wrong is a matter of opinion, but it is generally held that Austria
+dealt with her neighbour with too much heat and too little
+discretion. Austria kindled the flames of war, but it was Germany's
+mission to seize a blazing torch and set Europe alight.</p>
+<p>When the text of Austria's ultimatum became known, a very
+serious mood came over Germany. There was not a man who did not
+realize that a great European War loomed on the horizon. A
+well-organized, healthy public opinion could at that period have
+brought the governments of the Germanic Powers to recognize their
+responsibility. Had the German Press been unanimous, it might have
+stopped the avalanche. But there were two currents of opinion, the
+one approving, the other condemning Austria for having thrown down
+the gauntlet to Serbia and above all to Russia.</p>
+<p>One paper exulted over the statement that every sentence in
+Austria's ultimatum "was a whip-lash across Serbia's face;" a
+phrase expressing so aptly the great mass of popular opinion. This
+expression met with unstinted approval, for it corresponded with
+German ideals and standards in dealing with an opponent. Yet there
+was no lack of warnings, and very grave ones too. A glance at
+German newspapers will suffice to prove this statement.</p>
+<p>On July 24th, 1914, Krupp's organ, the
+<i>Rheinisch-Westf&auml;lische Zeitung</i>, contained the
+following: "The Austro-Hungarian ultimatum is nothing but a pretext
+for war, but this time a dangerous one. It seems that we are
+standing on the verge of an Austro-Serbian war. It is possible,
+very possible, that we shall have to extinguish East-European
+conflagrations with our arms, either because of our treaties or
+from the compulsion of events. But it is a scandal if the Imperial
+Government (Berlin) has not required that such a final offer should
+be submitted to it for approval before its presentation to Serbia.
+To-day nothing remains for us but to declare: 'We are not bound by
+any alliance to support wars let loose by the Hapsburg policy of
+conquest.'"</p>
+<p>The <i>Post</i> wrote on the same date: "Is that a note? No! it
+is an ultimatum of the sharpest kind. Within twenty-four hours
+Austria demands an answer. A reply? No! but an absolute submission,
+the utter and complete humiliation of Serbia. On former occasions
+we have (and with justice) made fun of Austria's lack of energy.
+Now we have a proof of energy which terrifies us. This 'note'
+represents about the very uttermost which can be said to any
+government, and such things are only said when the sender of the
+'note' has absolutely determined upon war."</p>
+<p>The principal organ of Germany's largest political party, the
+Social Democrats, contained a still more emphatic protest on July
+25th. A telegram from the Belgrade correspondent of the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> runs: "Since the presentation of Austria's
+note, public opinion has become exceedingly serious, although the
+city is still very calm. The general view held is that Austria's
+ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign State. In Belgrade no one
+doubts that Russia will stand by Serbia. Everyone is certain that
+in consequence of Austria's excessively sharp tone, Russia will not
+remain inactive should Austria resort to armed force. The populace
+is prepared for war."</p>
+<p>In view of the subsequent attitude of Germany's Social
+Democrats, an official proclamation, published in all their
+seventy-seven daily papers on July 25th, is of supreme importance.
+At that date they had apparently no doubt whatever as to the guilty
+party. The change of front in the Reichstag on August 4th would
+seem in the light of this proclamation, as nothing other than a
+betrayal of conscience. Further, the split which has arisen in
+their ranks during the war leads to the supposition that
+Liebknecht, Kautsky and Bernstein have been troubled by the inward
+voice.</p>
+<p>This is the full text of the proclamation as it appeared in the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i>:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"An Appeal! The Balkan plains are still
+steaming with the blood of thousands of murdered; the ruins of
+desolate towns and devastated villages are still smoking after the
+Balkan War; hungry, workless men, widowed women and orphan children
+are still wandering through the land, and yet again Austria's
+Imperialism unchains the War Fury to bring death and destruction
+over all Europe.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Even if we condemn the doings of the
+Greater-Serbian Nationalists, still the wicked war-provocation of
+the Austro-Hungarian Government calls forth the most stinging
+protest. The demands made by this government are so brutal, that in
+the history of the world their like has never been presented to an
+independent State, and they can only be calculated to provoke
+war.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Germany's proletariat, conscious of its
+mission, raises herewith, in the name of humanity and civilization,
+the most fervent protest against this criminal action of the war
+party (<i>Kriegshetzer</i>). It (the Social Democratic Party)
+demands imperatively that the German Government should exercise all
+its influence on the Austrian Government to preserve peace, and in
+case this infamous war cannot be prevented then to abstain from any
+warlike interference. No single drop of blood of a single German
+soldier may be sacrificed to gratify the lust for power of the
+Austrian autocracy, the Imperial profit-interests.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Comrades! we call upon you to give
+expression to the working-classes' unshakable will for peace in
+mass meetings. This is a serious moment, more solemn than any in
+the last few decades. There is danger in delay. A world war
+threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave, despise and exploit
+you in times of peace desire now to misuse you as cannon-fodder.
+From all sides the cry must ring in the ears of those in authority:
+We don't want war! Down with war!</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Long live international brotherhood!</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Berlin, July 25th, 1914.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"<i>The Leaders of the Party</i>."</p>
+<p>Two days later the <i>Leipziger Tageblatt</i> announced that the
+Public Prosecutor had commenced proceedings against the editors of
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> for having distributed the above appeal in
+pamphlet form in the streets of Berlin. From this fact we may
+conclude that the charges thrown out by the Social Democratic Party
+were by no means congenial to the plans of the German
+Government.</p>
+<p>The Liberal <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> (July 24th), gave its
+unreserved support to Austria's action. "The Austrian Government
+has voiced its demands in a calm and serious tone which contains
+nothing offensive to the Serbian monarchy. Everyone who has
+considered the results of the inquiry into the tragedy of Serajewo,
+and the burrowing of Serbian propagandists in Austria, must give
+his absolute sanction to the latter's demands. Much as every
+right-thinking man must desire that peace should be preserved,
+still he must admit that Austria could not have acted
+otherwise."</p>
+<p>Even the <i>Vossische Zeitung</i>, the organ of army circles,
+was more conservative in its judgment. In the issue for July 24th a
+leading article runs: "It cannot be denied that nearly every point
+raised by Austria in her note is an encroachment on Serbia's
+sovereign rights. Austria appears as the policeman, who undertakes
+to create order in Serbia, because the Serbian Government,
+according to Austria's claim, is unable to hold in check those
+'subversive elements' within its frontiers, which disturb Austria's
+peace. But only in this manner can Austria protect herself against
+the criminals who are sent from Serbia to the territories of the
+Hapsburg monarchy. No consideration whatever can be shown to
+Serbia, as Austria's first duty is self-defence."</p>
+<p>In the German Press two widely-differing opinions found
+expression with regard to the equity of Austria's demands, but the
+Press and people were unanimous in believing that if these demands
+were ruthlessly pressed home they could only lead to a European
+conflagration.</p>
+<p>In view of this latter danger, national opinion was again
+divided into two camps: the first against war, the second
+determined to support Austria and pursue the path chosen by the
+Berlin Government, no matter what the consequences might be. The
+latter party included the vast bulk of the nation; and Chauvinism
+dominated in the Press, theatres, concert-halls, churches and
+music-halls. "Patriotic" demonstrations were held before Austrian
+consulates, in restaurants and coffee-houses. The Berlin Government
+was overwhelmed with telegrams from all kinds of
+bodies&mdash;especially those with a military colouring, such as
+veterans' clubs, societies of one-year volunteers, university
+societies, etc.&mdash;calling upon it to defend Germany's honour
+against Slavonic murder and intrigue. In short, all Germany gave
+itself up to a veritable <i>Kriegsrausch</i> (war intoxication)
+which found expression in the wildest attacks on Russia and a
+perfervid determination to see the matter through, should Russia
+venture to intervene in any way to protect Serbia from whatever
+measures Austria thought proper to take.</p>
+<p>It is little to be wondered at that Russia in face of this
+spontaneous outbreak did take military precautions, for all Germany
+made it perfectly clear that no kind of intervention on Russia's
+part in the Austro-Serbian dispute would be tolerated by Germany.
+It is true that, late in the day, Austria avowed that she had no
+intention of annexing Serbian territory, a declaration which
+Germans did not believe, and certainly one which Russia had no
+reason to accept after Austria's annexion of Bosnia and Herzegowina
+in 1908.</p>
+<p>Furthermore, Austria gave Russia every reason to cherish
+suspicion as to her intentions. On July 25th Austria issued
+official orders for the mobilization of eight of her sixteen army
+corps, in addition to which a part of the <i>Landsturm</i> was
+called up. The corps mobilized were: one each in Upper and Lower
+Austria, Dalmatia, Buda-Pest, Croatia and Bosnia and two Bohemian
+corps. Three-eighths of the forces called up were thus placed very
+near to the Russian frontier.</p>
+<p>Vienna was wild with war-enthusiasm which found expression in
+demonstrations lasting all through the night, July 25-26th.
+Austrian officers, who have always been hated by the populace, were
+cheered, embraced and carried shoulder-high wherever they were met.
+The effect which this had in Berlin may be seen from the
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> of July 26th: "An enormous mass of people
+gathered before the Russian Embassy last night between the hours of
+twelve and one. The crowd howled and hissed, and cries were raised:
+'Down with Russia! Long live Austria! Down with Serbia!' Gradually
+the police cleared the masses away."</p>
+<p>Russia ignored the incident, but when about a hundred Frenchmen
+demonstrated before the Austrian Embassy in Paris at exactly the
+same time, the Ambassador at once protested at the Quai d'Orsay and
+the Director of the French Foreign Office immediately
+apologized.</p>
+<p>On the whole the reports of excesses in various parts of Germany
+against any and all who dared to show any anti-war sympathies
+proves clearly that the blood-lust aroused by the German
+Government's policy had already passed beyond the control of the
+authorities. In Munich one of the most modern coffee-houses
+(Caf&eacute; Fahrig) was completely gutted because the proprietor
+endeavoured to keep the demonstrants within reasonable bounds.
+Serbs and Russians were attacked and ill-treated. One such incident
+occurred at mid-day, Sunday, July 26th, in Munich, of which a full
+description is given in the <i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung</i> for the following day.</p>
+<p>A few days later (August 2nd) the Princess Caf&eacute;, Berlin,
+was demolished because the guests believed that there were Russians
+in the band. In Hamburg on the following day a newly-opened
+restaurant was completely destroyed because a young Dane had failed
+to stand up when the national hymn was being played. "Yesterday a
+young Dane remained sitting during the singing of the national
+hymn, for which reason the persons in the hall became greatly
+excited. 'Russian, stand up!' was shouted to him. In the same
+moment blows began to rain down upon him, so that, streaming with
+blood, he was carried out." (<i>Berliner Zeitung am Mittag</i>,
+August 4th.)</p>
+<p>These are only a selection of many such incidents which show
+that the national brutishness was appearing through the veneer. In
+the light of such events where, on German soil, Germans murderously
+attacked their fellow-countrymen on such ridiculous pretexts, it
+requires little imagination to explain the outburst of brutality
+against Belgians who dared to defend hearth and home.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile the smaller party which desired peace had not been
+entirely idle. On July 28th the Social Democrats held thirty-two
+mass meetings in Berlin to protest against war. "The attendance was
+in every case enormous, but the meetings were all orderly and calm.
+The police had taken extensive precautionary measures. The speakers
+were mostly members of the Reichstag or the Berlin Town Council.
+Throughout they were guilty of the most fiery and tactless attacks
+on Austria, <i>to whom alone they ascribed the guilt for the
+warlike developments</i>. Each meeting adopted a resolution against
+war. The chief of police had forbidden all processions or
+demonstrations to take place after the day before. In spite of
+this, many of the Socialists who had attended these meetings tried
+to form processions, especially in Unter den Linden. As large
+bodies of troops had closed the streets, small parties of the
+Socialists managed to reach the Linden by means of trams and
+omnibuses. At about 10 p.m. hisses and cries of 'Down with the war
+party!' were heard before the Caf&eacute; Kranzler. In a moment the
+number of Democrats swelled to large proportions and the workmen's
+Marseillaise was struck up, followed by a short, sharp order. The
+mounted police advanced with drawn swords against the rioters; the
+air was filled with shouts and cries of <i>Pfui</i>! (Shame!). On
+the other side of the road the crowd sang the national hymn. The
+masses clashed together, and the police advanced again and again
+till the street was cleared. At the corner, however, the Socialists
+formed up again, and began to demonstrate anew, so that the police
+were compelled to attack them without any consideration in order to
+preserve the peace. They cleared the pavements and galloped up the
+promenade. Again the cry echoed 'Down with war!' and as answer came
+'die Wacht am Rhein.' But it was some considerable time before the
+struggle ceased to surge to and fro." (<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung</i>, July 29th.)</p>
+<p>Thus the great Socialist-International-Pacifist movement, with
+four and a quarter million German voters behind it, fizzled out on
+the pavements of Unter den Linden. Probably there were
+demonstrations in other parts of Germany, but this much is certain,
+that the members of Catholic and Protestant
+<i>Arbeiterverb&auml;nde</i> (Workmen's Societies) held meetings
+and demonstrated in favour of war. On the other hand the Women's
+Union of the German Peace Society in Stuttgart sent a telegram to
+the Kaiser, begging him in the name of "millions of German mothers"
+to preserve the peace.</p>
+<p>The most interesting protest against the war movement is
+undoubtedly the following: "This, then, is the cultural height to
+which we have attained. Hundreds of thousands of the healthiest,
+finest, most valuable forces in the nation are trembling from
+anxiety that chance, or a nod of Europe's rulers, malevolence, or a
+fit of Sadism, a Caesar-madness or a business speculation, an empty
+word or a vague conception of honour, will drive them to-morrow out
+of their homes, from wife and child, from all that which they
+treasure and have built up with so much pain and trouble&mdash;into
+death. The mad coincidence may arise to-day, may call them
+to-morrow, or at any minute, and all, all of them will
+go&mdash;obeying damnable necessity, but still obeying. At first
+they will whine on seeing their bit of earthly happiness snatched
+away, but soon, however&mdash;although their consciences may not be
+quite clean&mdash;they will be possessed by the general frenzy to
+murder and be murdered." Franz Pfemfert in <i>die Aktion</i>.</p>
+<p>Although this article appeared on August 1st, it had evidently
+been written before the proclamation of martial law. It was one of
+the last political articles which the paper published, for the next
+number but one contains the announcement that "the <i>Aktion</i>
+will in future only publish articles on art and literature." The
+reasons are not far to seek.</p>
+<p>In justice to the pacifist elements it must be stated that they
+were up against bayonets. The only pity is that British public
+opinion, or any section of it, had been led to believe that it
+could ever have been otherwise. Austria had committed an
+unpardonable act of provocation, which at first reasonable opinion
+in Germany openly condemned. Simultaneously the German Government
+set in motion an avalanche of racial feeling to play off against
+the just and moderate measures taken by other powers to checkmate
+Austrian aggression. In addition to the racial hostility, which had
+been lashed into bitterness during the spring of 1914, came
+Germany's morbid conception of national and personal honour. Lastly
+the fear of a Russian invasion was astutely inoculated into the
+nation.</p>
+<p>It is the author's firm conviction, and the military events in
+Poland and Galicia have only strengthened this opinion, that from
+the very beginning Germany could have prevented any Russian
+invasion of her territory, but she did not desire that end, but
+rather that the fear of Russia should complete the "Kriegsrausch"
+of the German nation. After frightening the people the Berlin
+Government struck its blow in the direction of their political
+ambitions&mdash;to the West, and after the Russians had been
+allowed to penetrate German territories they were hurled over the
+Eastern frontiers at the end of August. While the Kaiser was
+sending peaceful telegrams to Petrograd and Vienna, the Press was
+full of horrible pictures of Cossack barbarism and the dread
+terrors of the Russian knout, both of which&mdash;the public was
+led to believe&mdash;were about to strike Germany.</p>
+<p>In this manner the Kaiser and his advisers created a national
+psychology which left open only two alternatives: the absolute
+humiliation of Russia and the consequent hegemony of Germany in
+Europe&mdash;or war.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH2"><!-- CH2 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+<center>ON THE LEASH</center>
+<p>Russia gave the world to understand by an official declaration,
+issued on Friday, July 24th, 1914, that she was not an indifferent,
+but a keenly interested spectator to the Austro-Serbian conflict.
+On the following day Russia's declaration was published in almost
+the entire German Press, and from that moment the same Press was
+flooded with all kinds of attacks directed against the Eastern
+neighbour. Russia was frankly told to mind her own
+business&mdash;the quarrel did not concern her.</p>
+<p>The German public immediately accepted this point of view, so
+that every subsequent move on Russia's part appeared in the light
+of an unwarrantable offensive. Undoubtedly the Bismarckian tactics
+of publishing inspired articles in all parts of Germany were
+employed, and their colouring left no doubt on the public mind that
+the much-talked-of Slavonic danger had assumed an acute form.</p>
+<p>A request on Russia's part, made on July 25th, that the space of
+time (forty-eight hours) allowed to Serbia for an answer should be
+extended, only increased popular irritation in the Germanic
+Empires. This irritation was accompanied by an unmistakable
+bellicose spirit which called forth its natural counterpart in
+Petrograd.</p>
+<p>Nevertheless the fact remains that up till July 25th Russia had
+only asked for time, and the reply given by the Berlin mob (?)
+during the following night, was echoed throughout Germany. The view
+that Russia had no right to interest herself on behalf of Serbia
+(passing over Russia's right to preserve the newly-established
+balance of power in the Balkans) is untenable. If Canada had a
+quarrel&mdash;just or unjust&mdash;with the United States, it would
+be ridiculous to assert that England had no right to intervene.</p>
+<p>This was, however, not the first occasion on which Germany had
+advanced so preposterous a claim. During the tariff conflict
+between Germany and Canada some years ago, a wave of indignant
+anger went over the whole Fatherland, because England ventured to
+interfere.</p>
+<p>In any case, during the last week before war broke out, the
+German Government succeeded in imposing upon public opinion the
+feeling that the quarrel was a racial one; together with the
+conviction that Russia was interfering in order to protect a band
+of murderers from just punishment, and had neither rights nor
+interests at stake in the quarrel. This conspiracy succeeded, but
+the whole German nation must still be held responsible for the
+outbreak of war, because, as has been shown in the preceding
+chapter, the nation had already been warned by newspapers of
+various political parties. They had been plainly told that Austria
+had exceeded the limits of all diplomatic dealings between two
+sovereign States, and that Austria's provocation could easily
+kindle a world war.</p>
+<p>Warnings and truths were alike forgotten, and the voices which
+uttered them were now raising another hue and cry.[<a href=
+"#note-1">1</a>] Racial hatred was ablaze; the warlike instincts of
+a military people were calling for action, and a diseased
+conception of national honour was asking why Berlin did not act
+against the Russian barbarians. In one paper the author remembers
+reading a violent demand for action against Russia before the
+national ardour had time to cool down.</p>
+<p><a name="note-1"><!-- Note Anchor 1 --></a>[Footnote 1: The last
+mention of Austria as the guilty party is the account of the Social
+Democratic demonstrations in Berlin on July 28th; reported in the
+papers of the following day.]</p>
+<p>On July 26th Austrian mobilization was in full swing, and Russia
+admittedly took precautions of a similar nature soon after that
+date. We may be sure that Russia understands her neighbours better
+than the inhabitants of the British Isles understand them. In 1909
+she had suffered a severe diplomatic defeat and corresponding loss
+of prestige, because she could only use words in dealing with
+Germany and Austria.[<a href="#note-2">2</a>] Now she was faced
+with the alternative of withdrawing from her declared attitude
+(July 24th) or taking measures of a military character. In order
+not to sacrifice her position as a European power and her special
+position as the leader of the Slavonic peoples, Russia chose the
+latter course, the only honourable one open to her. German papers
+and public speakers retorted that Russia is the patron and
+protector of assassins&mdash;a calculated distortion of the facts
+intended to have due effect on public opinion. On all sides it was
+said that Russia had given Serbia secret assurances of help which
+caused her to become stiff-backed and unrepentant. Fortunately, it
+is possible to refute the accusation through the pen of a German
+journalist, who described Belgrade's desperate position on July
+25th, the day when the ultimatum expired.</p>
+<p><a name="note-2"><!-- Note Anchor 2 --></a>[Footnote 2: "The
+interests of Russian and German imperialism have continually
+clashed during the last ten years, and more than once Russia has
+had to beat a retreat before Germany's threats." Dr. Paul Lensch,
+member of the Reichstag, in his "German Social Democracy and the
+World War," p. 35. Published by "Vorw&auml;rts Co." Berlin,
+1915.]</p>
+<p>"At last the inhabitants of Belgrade have become aware of their
+serious situation. 'We are lost! Russia has left us in the lurch!'
+is being shouted in the streets. Journalists, who at 2.30 p.m. had
+assured me that Russia had intervened in Vienna with success,
+succumbed now to the general depression. The people believe that
+they have been betrayed and sold; rumours of assassination pass
+from mouth to mouth. The ministerial council has been characterized
+by violent recriminations, ending in blows. Others asserted that
+the Crown Prince Alexander had been stabbed by a leader of the
+war-party. Another whispers that King Peter is dying from an
+apoplectic fit or as the result of an <i>attentat</i>. The reports
+become wilder, and each increases the dread of some unutterable,
+imminent catastrophe.</p>
+<p>"The streets are crowded with terror-stricken citizens. Curses
+resound on all sides. Certainly a most unusual struggle is going on
+between the two parties for peace and war. Shortly after three
+o'clock it seems to be settled that Austria's demands will be
+fulfilled. It is true the mobilization decree has been posted up on
+all public buildings, but that means nothing. We still have nearly
+three hours in which all can be righted. How will this
+gallows-respite be employed?</p>
+<p>"It is four o'clock. Messengers rush from one Embassy to the
+other. In the coffee-houses the rumour goes round: 'Italy is our
+saviour in distress.' Cries of 'shame!' against Russia are raised,
+while the '<i>vivas</i>!' for Italy sound louder and louder. The
+crowd marches to the Italian Embassy, but are received with long
+and astonished faces. No! there is nothing to hope for from Italy.
+Next they go to the French Embassy; now there are about two
+thousand of us. Another disappointment! A young diplomat receives
+the thronging masses and talks empty nothings, including a great
+deal about France's sympathy for Serbia. But in this dark hour
+sympathy is of no avail. Downcast and silent, the people go next to
+the representative of Albion&mdash;who declines to appear.</p>
+<p>"The confusion in the minds of the masses caused by the
+Government's indecision increases from minute to minute;
+indescribable scenes are witnessed before the General Post Office.
+It is alleged that thousands and thousands of telegrams have
+arrived from Russia, begging the members of Serbia's royal family
+not to give way to Austria. It may easily be possible that the
+Russian telegrams all emanate from one person and have been forged,
+in order to counteract the disposition to yield on the part of the
+royal family. Without doubt both the King and Crown Prince have
+lost all personal influence on the final decision. They are being
+slowly carried along by the conflagration-party which obtained the
+upper hand soon after four o'clock."[<a href="#note-3">3</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-3"><!-- Note Anchor 3 --></a>[Footnote 3:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, July 28th.]</p>
+<p>This picture gives no support to Germany's accusation that
+Russia had stiffened Serbia into resisting Austria's unacceptable
+demands. It rather leads one to consider that an action which
+drives a weak nation to arrive at a decision on so awful an issue
+in so short a time, is an action discreditable to a stronger, and
+impossible on the part of a morally great, power. If Serbia chose
+wrongly in refusing to bite the dust, then the guilt is still
+chargeable to Austria for forcing her little neighbour to take a
+choice in haste. Sir Edward Grey emphasized in his speech of July
+27th the shortness of the time which all the Powers had had at
+their disposal to formulate a plan, by which the conflict could be
+restricted to the East, or amicably settled.</p>
+<p>The leaders of the Germanic States had purposely willed it so.
+Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to break up the Triple
+Entente, the only barrier to the Germanization, <i>i.e.</i>,
+Prussianization, of Europe, and in the tragedy of Serajewo the
+Central Powers (or, at least, the dominating factor of the two)
+believed they had found a lever with which to break down the
+opposition by diplomacy. If that failed an immediate appeal to the
+sword should follow. The diplomatic forty-eight hours'
+<i>coup-de-main</i> failed, and the programme contained no other
+item except war. In a few words this means that the dastardly crime
+of Princip and his fellow conspirators was exploited by Germany,
+acting through Austria, to disturb the European balance of power
+under the guise of a just vengeance.</p>
+<p>Sir Edward Grey formulated and circulated his conference
+proposal on the next day, July 26th. Some persons to whom I spoke
+at the time welcomed the idea; they belonged principally to the
+lower middle classes. One well-known Pan-Germanist (Dr. Beckmann,
+professor of history in Erlangen University) said that the proposal
+was an admission of a diplomatic defeat and a sign that the Entente
+Powers were afraid to draw the sword. If the three Powers in
+question were prepared to pocket this smack in the face, then
+Germany would be satisfied, because such a defeat would mean that
+the Triple Entente would never be able to work together again.</p>
+<p>It is interesting to compare with this opinion those of two
+leading newspapers:</p>
+<p>(1.) "We understand that the German Government is not absolutely
+hostile to England's endeavours to bring about a mediation between
+the contending Powers by those not directly interested in the
+conflict. But the German Government makes its participation in the
+mediation dependent upon whether Austria-Hungary would accept this
+procedure, and in which respect Austria wishes the mediation to
+follow. The German Government cannot support any action which
+Austria-Hungary does not desire, as that would mean exercising
+pressure.</p>
+<p>"From Sir Edward Grey's declaration in the House of Commons it
+is clear that he was not thinking of mediation between Austria and
+Serbia, but between Austria and Russia. This shade of meaning
+requires attention. We think that any attempt at mediation between
+Austria and Serbia would have no prospect of success, because in
+Vienna they do not seem inclined to accept such an action.
+Diplomatic relations have not been broken off; the Russian Minister
+for Foreign Affairs confers still with the Austrian Ambassador, and
+it is not easy to see why the other Powers Should not further this
+discussion in a mediative sense.</p>
+<p>"But then Sir Edward Grey gave his idea more exact form and
+proposed a conference between the German, Italian and French
+ambassadors and himself. This conference of ambassadors is to seek
+a basis for an agreement and then submit the result to the cabinets
+in Vienna and St. Petersburg. In his yesterday's speech he
+emphasized the point that no hostilities may take place till the
+conference has concluded its work.</p>
+<p>"Here, of course, is the difficulty which mars his plan, for it
+is questionable whether Austria will consent to a postponement of
+her military operations. Negotiations concerning Sir Edward Grey's
+proposal are at present occupying the cabinets, and it is to be
+hoped that a means will be found to make it acceptable to the
+Powers most interested in the conflict."[<a href=
+"#note-4">4</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-4"><!-- Note Anchor 4 --></a>[Footnote 4:
+<i>Berliner Tagtblatt</i>, July 28th.]</p>
+<p>(2.) "Germany not only cherishes, in a platonic manner, the
+desire of the Western Powers to prevent the conflict between
+Austria and Serbia spreading to the great Powers, but the Berlin
+cabinet has already been active in more than one European capital
+in favour of a mediation which will secure European peace. In this
+respect we are pleased (<i>Man begr&uuml;sst es hier</i>) that, in
+consequence of Sir Edward Grey's initiative, the mediation idea has
+assumed an official form and is open for public discussion. There
+is, however, reason to doubt whether a conference between four
+great Powers as an organ for the mediation is the most suitable way
+out of the difficulty. Everyone is quite agreed that the details of
+the Austro-Serbian conflict, which concerns these two States alone,
+cannot be brought before the forum of a conference; but as regards
+the removal in good time of any difficulties which may arise
+between Austria and Russia, the question must be raised as to
+whether the Governments of these States are willing to entrust an
+official mediation to a conference of four other great Powers. For
+the success of the mediation proposal it would be more practical if
+the means to this end were made as simple as possible, and that use
+was made of the current diplomatic discussions, in immediate
+communication with the capitals of the Empires in question, in
+order to carry through a mediatory action to the result desired on
+all sides.</p>
+<p>"In the employment of these means Germany would not fail to
+support the Western Powers as she has already done up to the
+present."[<a href="#note-5">5</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-5"><!-- Note Anchor 5 --></a>[Footnote 5:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>, July 28th.]</p>
+<p>I have carefully searched the official publications of the
+Central Powers (Germany's White Book; Austria's Orange Book), and
+can find no record in them of any pacific action on Germany's part
+in either of the European capitals; hence the claims made in the
+above article seem to be an exaggeration.</p>
+<p>It appears incredible that these Powers should have omitted to
+give proof of such action when making their case public for the
+sole purpose of proving their innocence before the world. On the
+other hand, the impression given by these books is that Germany and
+Austria's attitude was:</p>
+<p>To SERBIA: The conditions must be accepted <i>ad hoc</i> to the
+smallest tittle and comma. Alternative, war.</p>
+<p>To RUSSIA: What we have determined upon is unalterable and
+inevitable, and you must submit to this decision. Alternative,
+war.</p>
+<p>The <i>G&ouml;rlitzer Nachrichten</i> published the following
+paragraph on July 30th: "Vienna, July 29th. After having made
+inquiries in official circles, the morning papers make this
+announcement: Count Berchtold has informed the English Ambassador
+that the Austro-Hungarian Government is grateful for Grey's
+mediation proposal, and appreciates the good intentions of the
+British Government. A peaceful solution of the conflict with Serbia
+is, however, no longer possible, as the declaration of war had
+already been signed."</p>
+<p>Before leaving this all-important episode, it is instructive to
+compare three other versions of the reason for refusing a
+conference. Sir Edward Grey mooted the proposal for a conference to
+the ambassadors in London on Friday, July 24th. On the afternoon he
+requested the British Ambassador in Berlin to propose the
+conference to the German Government.</p>
+<p>In spite of this, document No. 12 in the German White Book, a
+telegram from the German Chancellor to Prince Lichnowsky in London
+runs: "We know nothing here of a proposal from Sir Edward Grey to
+hold a conference of four in London, etc." Another telegram,
+document No. 15, bearing the same date and likewise from
+Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky is as follows: "We have immediately
+commenced the mediatory action in Vienna in the sense desired by
+Sir Edward Grey. Furthermore, we have informed Count Berchtold of
+M. Sasonow's desire to communicate with him direct."[<a href=
+"#note-6">6</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-6"><!-- Note Anchor 6 --></a>[Footnote 6: This
+message leads to the assumption that direct communications between
+Vienna and Petrograd had already ceased, although the
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i> told the German public on the
+following day that they had not.]</p>
+<p>The next document in the German White Book is dated July 28th.
+It is a telegram from the German Ambassador in Vienna to the German
+Chancellor in Berlin. "Count Berchtold begs me to express his
+thanks to you for communicating the English mediation proposal. He
+replies, however, that in consequence of the commencement of
+hostilities by Serbia and after the declaration of war which has
+meanwhile been made he must look upon England's step as being too
+late."</p>
+<p>In the Austrian Orange Book, p. 122, we find this passage in a
+telegram from Count Berchtold to the Austrian representative in
+London: "When Sir Edward Grey speaks of the possibility of avoiding
+an outbreak of hostilities he is too late, for yesterday Serbians
+shot at our frontier guards, and to-day we have declared war on
+Serbia."</p>
+<p>There are two points in these telegrams which require
+explanation. Firstly, why should Sir Edward Grey's proposal take so
+long to reach Vienna. Apparently it took from Monday to Wednesday
+to go by telegram from London via Berlin to Vienna. Two German
+newspapers (already quoted) knew of this conference idea on the
+27th of July and commented upon it in their morning editions of the
+following day.</p>
+<p>The other point is the Austrian statement that Serbia commenced
+hostilities. If this were the case, one would expect that
+Austria-Hungary, in declaring war subsequently to the alleged
+shooting by Serbians at frontier guards, would make mention of the
+acts as a <i>casus belli</i>. On p. 117 of the Red Book the text of
+the declaration of war is given in full, but there is no mention of
+any resort to arms on the part of Serbia.</p>
+<p>We are forced to the conclusion that Germany and Austria are
+mutually responsible for preventing the conference; they desired
+war, and a conference might have preserved peace. During the
+present summer (1915) an important work has been published in
+Germany from which the following passage is taken:</p>
+<p>"Grey thought the time had now arrived to formulate a mediation
+proposal. This idea was from the very beginning unacceptable to
+Austria, because that would indirectly be a recognition of Russia
+as an interested Power in the Austro-Serbian conflict. Only those
+who have followed the development of mutual obligations between the
+Entente Powers are able to understand the role which Russia's two
+comrades (France and England)&mdash;to say nothing at all of
+Italy&mdash;would have played in this conference. During its
+sittings Russia would have continued her military preparations,
+while Germany would have been pledged not to mobilize. Finally,
+nobody could assert that the man (Sir Edward Grey) who would have
+presided over these negotiations, could have been impartial. The
+more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more clearly one
+recognizes that it would have made for a diplomatic victory of the
+Triple Entente."[<a href="#note-7">7</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-7"><!-- Note Anchor 7 --></a>[Footnote 7:
+Professor Hermann Oncken: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp.
+545-6.]</p>
+<p>Even the claim that Austria showed some inclination to permit
+mediation on the points in her ultimatum to Serbia which were
+incompatible with Serbia's sovereignty, has been categorically
+denied. The Vienna <i>Fremdenblatt</i> for September 24th, 1914,
+contains this official announcement:</p>
+<p>"Vienna, September 24th. In a report of the late British
+Ambassador published by the British Government, there is a passage
+which maintains that Austria-Hungary's Ambassador, Count Szapary,
+in St. Petersburg had informed Monsieur Sasonow, Russia's Minister
+for Foreign Affairs, that Austria-Hungary 'was willing to submit
+the points in her Note to Serbia which seemed incompatible with
+Serbian independence, to mediation.'</p>
+<p>"We have been informed officially that this statement is
+absolutely untrue; according to the nature of the step taken by the
+monarchy in Belgrade, it would have been absolutely unthinkable.
+The passage cited from the British Ambassador's report, as well as
+some other phrases in the same, are evidently inspired by a certain
+bias. They are intended to prove, by asserting that Austria-Hungary
+was prepared to yield on some points at issue, that German
+diplomacy was really responsible for the outbreak of war.</p>
+<p>"Such attempts cannot obscure the truth, that Austria-Hungary
+and Germany concurred in the wish to preserve European peace. If
+this wish has not been fulfilled, and a European conflict has
+arisen out of a local settlement, it can only be ascribed to the
+circumstance that Russia first threatened Austria-Hungary and then
+Germany by an unjustifiable mobilization. By this she forced war
+upon the Central Powers and thus kindled a general
+conflagration."</p>
+<p>In dealing with Germany's endeavours for peace Professor Oncken
+writes on p. 546 of "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and
+the World War"): "The work of German diplomacy took the form of
+giving warnings and peaceful explanations." On July 26th she
+pointed out to the Russian Government that "preparatory military
+measures on Russia's part would compel Germany to take
+corresponding steps, viz., the mobilization of the army.
+Mobilization means war." Oncken does not quote any of the "peaceful
+explanations" (<i>friedliche Erkl&auml;rungen</i>), and much as the
+present writer would like to fill up this gap in his work, he must
+admit his utter inability, because in the diplomatic correspondence
+he can only find exasperating threats, thrown out to Russia by the
+two Germanic Empires.</p>
+<p>The whole problem allows of a very simple digest: On July 23rd,
+Austria-Hungary handed her ultimatum to Serbia, therein stating her
+demands, and on the following day informed all the European powers
+of her attitude. The neutral Press of the world and an unusually
+large section of the German Press, immediately pronounced Austria's
+position to be indefensible and untenable. The German Government,
+in spite of these facts, gave its official and unreserved support
+to Austria's attitude on July 26th. After eight weeks of war (on
+September 25th), Austria officially declared that she had never
+swerved from her original claims, nor ever felt any inclination to
+do so.</p>
+<p>It is true that the usages of everyday life do not always hold
+good in diplomatic dealings, but it is instructive to state the
+case in the terms of everyday affairs. Mr. A. (Austria) informs Mr.
+B. (Serbia) that he has a quarrel to settle with him and states his
+demands. Mr. C. (Russia) who is a relation, patron and friend of
+B.'s, interferes to see fair play. Whereupon Mr. D. (Germany), a
+friend and relation of A.'s, informs C. in unmistakable fashion
+that he must neither speak nor act in the affair or he will be
+immediately thrashed. Messrs. A. and D. are unanimous in this view
+and repeat the threat in mutual form. Meanwhile A. attacks B. Mr.
+C, seeing that they will not accord him a hearing, takes steps to
+compel them to hear him, at which point Mr. D. fulfils his threat
+and falls upon C.</p>
+<p>It is not yet clear whether Austria would have permitted Russia
+to take over the r&ocirc;le of adviser and second to Serbia in her
+unequal struggle with Austria. But from the moment Germany appeared
+on the scene the situation becomes perfectly simple: Russia has
+absolutely no right either to speak or move in the matter. On this
+rock of immovable Germanic obstinacy the Russian ship of State, was
+intended to meet with diplomatic shipwreck. Should Russia attempt
+to avoid this fate, then the German sword could be trusted to
+arrange matters in the way desired by Germany.</p>
+<p>The German language contains a very expressive phrase,
+<i>Stimmungsmacherei</i>, which means creating or preparing a
+certain frame of mind. How Germany's public opinion was tuned to
+the war melody is seen by a study of the German newspapers
+published between July 25th and August 1st. A great part of the
+German nation had welcomed Austria's expressed determination to
+compel Serbia "to lick her shoes," as a London paper put it at the
+time. Only the Social Democratic Party persisted in asserting that
+Austria was the provocative and guilty party down to the evening of
+July 28th.</p>
+<p>But three days earlier the process of educating public opinion
+against Russia commenced. In fact, it required little tuning to
+arouse a national chorus, which was swelled subsequently by the
+Social Democratic voices, demanding that Russia too must bite the
+dust.</p>
+<p>At the psychological moment the terms of the alliance between
+Germany and Austria were launched in the Press. One paper[<a href=
+"#note-8">8</a>] wrote: "It is interesting at the present moment to
+call to mind how the treaty existing between Germany and Austria
+regulates the question of mutual support." Then the various
+paragraphs are cited, and the article concludes: "That is to say:
+(1.) Assuming Austria attacks Serbia, and Russia as a precautionary
+measure sends troops to the Austrian frontier without commencing
+hostilities against the latter, then Germany is under no obligation
+to intervene. (2.) Assuming that Serbia is the attacking party, and
+Russia gives her support by military measures which threaten
+Austria, then the German Empire must immediately assist the
+Hapsburg monarchy with the whole of her military forces.</p>
+<p><a name="note-8"><!-- Note Anchor 8 --></a>[Footnote 8:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, July 27th.]</p>
+<p>"Hence it all depends upon who attacks; the interpretation of
+'attack,' however, is debatable both in politics and international
+law. Again and again it has been asserted that that Power which
+declares war is not the attacker, but the one which makes a
+continuance of peaceful relations impossible."</p>
+<p>Innumerable notices of Russia's alleged mobilization appeared
+and, probably with a view to encouraging Germans to stand fast,
+ghastly pictures of the weakness and unpreparedness of the Russian
+army, in a word Russian rottenness and corruption. Persistent
+rumours of revolutions in Russia were current.</p>
+<p>A Vienna telegram published in Berlin[<a href="#note-9">9</a>]
+informed the German public that: "News received from Warsaw deny
+the rumours that a revolution has broken out in Russian-Poland, but
+it is true that yesterday the entire citadel in Warsaw was blown
+up. Official Russian reports endeavour to prove that the explosion
+was caused by lightning. The extent of the damage is not yet known,
+but in any case it amounts to hundreds of thousands of roubles. It
+is also not certain whether any or how many lives were lost."</p>
+<p><a name="note-9"><!-- Note Anchor 9 --></a>[Footnote 9:
+<i>Vossische Zeitung</i>, July 29th.]</p>
+<p>A few days later the German official organ <i>Norddeutsche
+Allgemeine Zeitung</i> and the semi-official <i>K&ouml;lnische
+Zeitung</i> published the following report of the explosion.
+"According to the statement of the Governor of Warsaw it was caused
+by revolutionaries. No proof of this was forthcoming, therefore it
+was ascribed to lightning, and as nobody believed this
+explanation&mdash;there was not a cloud on the sky at the
+time&mdash;the guilt remained finally with the revolutionaries.</p>
+<p>"Now it has been proved, not to the satisfaction of the Russian
+authorities of course, that Russian officers of high rank blew the
+magazine up, because they would have to supply the troops with
+ammunition after the mobilization&mdash;and the ammunition was not
+there. The money for the same had found its way into the officers'
+pockets."</p>
+<p>On July 30th the <i>Vossische Zeitung</i> announced: "To-day
+even more alarming news has been in the air than in the last few
+days. The <i>Lokal Anzeiger</i> stated during the afternoon that an
+order for the mobilization of the army and navy had been signed by
+the Kaiser. On making inquiries in official quarters, we were
+informed that the 'news' is false. At three o'clock Wolff's Bureau
+issued an official <i>dementi</i>: 'We have received an official
+statement to the effect that the news published in an extra edition
+of the <i>Berliner Lokal Anzeiger</i> that the Kaiser had ordered
+the general mobilization is untrue.' Great excitement was caused by
+the <i>Lokal Anzeiger's</i> announcement, and the public visibly
+disquieted."</p>
+<p>The above report refers, of course, to incidents which happened
+on the preceding day. The 30th of July was marked by the
+suppression of three Berlin papers, including the <i>Berliner
+Neuester Nachrichten</i>, for divulging the fact that the 1st, 5th
+and 17th Army Corps had been mobilized. An account of this <i>faux
+pas</i> appeared on July 31st in the <i>Kreuz Zeitung</i> and
+concluded, after denying the truth of the mobilization, with the
+following paragraph: "If bodies of troops have been moved to
+various points of our Eastern frontier, then it only means the
+so-called frontier protection (<i>Grenzschutz</i>), which has been
+made necessary by our Eastern neighbour strengthening his customary
+frontier guards by troops of the line. Frontier protection is not
+generally intended to prevent a serious attack, but means rather a
+kind of police action."</p>
+<p>Two other passages will suffice to illuminate the mobilization
+question. "Yesterday Russia gave official notification in Vienna
+and Berlin of mobilization against Austria. Is it to be wondered at
+that a feeling of disquietude is spreading throughout all classes
+of the nation. By delay on our side, valuable military advantages
+may be lost if the people once suspect that there is an absence of
+that firmness and joy of responsibility
+(<i>Verantwortungsfreudigkeit</i>) which marked the action of the
+Austrian Government and was hailed with jubilation by the German
+nation.</p>
+<p>"<i>Summa summarum</i>: The German Government has taken honest
+pains during the last week in showing its peace-loving disposition
+and in seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis. Nevertheless the
+political situation on all sides and in every respect, has become
+worse from day to day through the fault and according to the
+intention of the Triple Entente."[<a href="#note-10">10</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-10"><!-- Note Anchor 10 --></a>[Footnote 10:
+<i>Kreuz Zeitung</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>"The others are mobilizing. We&mdash;issue denials. We deny
+everything which might mean mobilization or look like preparation
+for that step. It is done for the sake of 'peace,' so that Russia,
+who is gathering her national strength together in masses, may not
+be offended. Are we being led? We look to the Kaiser. The Peace
+Societies and some of Germany's enemies are looking to him.</p>
+<p>"Can we remain indifferent in our hour of dread need, when the
+gleaming promise of a bright future appears in the distance, if the
+inability to resolve and dare has made Berlin its headquarters. All
+efforts are for 'peace' with honour. But in politics one must be
+able to recognize when it is impossible to continue at peace; when
+peace is at the cost of our friends, our own security, and the
+future of European peace. In view of this one must be able to
+act."[<a href="#note-11">11</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-11"><!-- Note Anchor 11 --></a>[Footnote 11:
+<i>Deutsche Zeitung</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>The internal tactics of the German Government had been
+successful all along the line. Insignificant Serbia had dropped out
+of the reckoning. Russia must be humbled. The German nation,
+believing itself entirely peaceful, and convinced that its leaders
+had done everything possible for peace, now demanded in no
+unmistakable voice&mdash;action! mobilization! war!</p>
+<p>Announcements of mobilization on all sides (Switzerland,
+Holland, Belgium) doubtless added to the popular belief that
+Germany desired above all things&mdash;peace. Still, in spite of
+the warlike spirit of the nation and the burning desire to settle
+off Russia once and for all, there was an undercurrent of
+overstrained nervousness. A Dresden paper of July 30th relates that
+between the hours of two and four on the preceding afternoon a
+Berlin newspaper had been asked thirty-seven different questions on
+the telephone relating to rumours of assassinations, mobilization,
+etc.</p>
+<p>The process of inspiring national confidence, however, had by no
+means suffered through neglect. France was represented as being
+unprepared and, together with England, desiring only peace. As
+early as July 27th in the <i>T&auml;gliche Rundschau</i> the public
+had been told that Italy, had officially declared herself ready and
+willing to stand by the Central Powers as an ally.</p>
+<p>Even Japan was used to stiffen Teutonic courage. The
+<i>Deutscher Kurier</i> told its readers in a telegram from New
+York (?) that Americans fully expected Japan to attack Russia in
+the back and Japanese ministers were holding conferences all day
+and night. According to the <i>Weser Zeitung</i>, August 1st, Japan
+was arming for war, while the <i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger
+Zeitung</i> published details of an alliance concluded between
+Austria and Japan in Vienna on the afternoon of July 30th.
+According to this source Japan had pledged herself to support
+Austria in case the latter was attacked by Russia, while Austria
+declared her absolute disinterestedness in the Far East. On August
+1st the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> repeated this legend; but advised
+its readers to exercise reserve in accepting it.</p>
+<p>"During the evening (August 2nd) the news spread in the streets
+of Berlin that Japan was mobilizing and had already declared war on
+Russia. Huge crowds flocked to the Japanese Embassy and spent hours
+in cheering Japan, Germany, and the Triple Alliance."[<a href=
+"#note-12">12</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-12"><!-- Note Anchor 12 --></a>[Footnote 12:
+<i>Der Montag</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>Meanwhile Russia, having failed to get her simple rights
+recognized and knowing that Germany had made extensive military
+preparations, decided on July 31st to mobilize her entire forces.
+The German Ambassador immediately informed his Government of this
+step, and the Kaiser placed Germany under martial law. On the same
+day the Emperor proceeded from Potsdam to the Imperial Palace in
+Berlin.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH3"><!-- CH3 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+<center>THE DOGS LET LOOSE</center>
+<p>"Just after three o'clock a company, at war strength, from the
+'Alexander' regiment marched under the command of a young
+lieutenant, down Unter den Linden. Drums were beaten; a huge crowd
+listened in solemn silence as the lieutenant read the articles
+placing the German Empire under martial law. The crowd was fully
+alive to the awful sternness of this historic moment.</p>
+<p>"After the proclamation was ended a deep silence ensued, then a
+loud voice cried: 'The Kaiser! Hurrah!' Three times the shout rang
+to the heavens. 'The German army! Hurrah!' Once more the caps were
+swung three times. The boy-like lieutenant, with head erect, sword
+in hand, commands: 'Attention! Slope arms!' The regular beat of
+marching men follows as they proceed in the direction of the
+Imperial Residence. Berlin is under martial law!"[<a href=
+"#note-13">13</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-13"><!-- Note Anchor 13 --></a>[Footnote 13:
+<i>Deutscher Kurier</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>"During the afternoon enormous masses of people collected in the
+streets and open spaces of Berlin. Unter den Linden, in expectation
+of the Kaiser's return, was overfilled with excited, waiting
+throngs. Just before a quarter to four a great movement was seen
+from the direction of the Brandenburger Tor, which spread like a
+wave along the street. Everybody rushed on to the road, and the
+police were pushed aside. Then the suppressed excitement of the
+last few days gave vent to a hurricane of hurrahs as the populace
+greeted their monarch. The Emperor was wearing the uniform of the
+<i>Garde-K&uuml;rassiere</i>; beside him sat the Empress. His
+countenance was overshadowed by deep gravity as he returned the
+welcome of his subjects. At a quarter to four the Kaiser was in the
+royal castle, and immediately the Imperial Standard was fluttering
+aloft."[<a href="#note-14">14</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-14"><!-- Note Anchor 14 --></a>[Footnote 14:
+<i>Vossische Zeitung</i>, July 31st.]</p>
+<p>The next twenty-four hours are so full of fateful events that
+they seem one big blur on the memory. Although everyone was
+convinced that an appeal to the sword was inevitable, there was
+still a tense feeling of dread expectation hanging like a cloud
+over the land. During the whole of that long night the author was
+an observer from an overcrowded train which left Nuremberg at 9
+p.m. and rumbled dismally into Cologne the next morning at ten
+o'clock. Every station, great and small, was crowded with anxious,
+expectant crowds; the smaller stations full of spectators and
+relatives bidding farewell to departing soldiers, and the greater
+ones crowded with fleeing tourists.</p>
+<p>On the platforms at Frankfort and Cologne many tons of luggage
+were stacked in huge piles. It would be interesting to know what
+became of them.[<a href="#note-15">15</a>] Few Germans could have
+slept that night; the anxiety was too great. The whole railway line
+was guarded by patrols, many of whom were in civilian attire. Here
+and there a "field-grey" uniform was visible. On many stations
+armed guards awaited the arrival of reservists and gave them
+conduct to the barracks.</p>
+<p><a name="note-15"><!-- Note Anchor 15 --></a>[Footnote 15: The
+<i>K&ouml;nigsberger Hartungsche Zeitung</i> contained a paragraph
+on August 7th to the effect that 120,000 trunks and portmanteaux
+had been collected on Berlin stations alone.]</p>
+<p>The Kaiser spoke words of cheer from a window of the royal
+palace on Friday evening, after which the restless crowd thronged
+to the official residence of the Chancellor to receive as a
+watchword the words which Prince Friedrich Karl had spoken on a
+memorable occasion to his Brandenburger troops: "Let your hearts
+beat to God, and your blows on the enemy."</p>
+<p>An ultimatum was despatched to St. Petersburg and presented at
+midnight to the Russian Government. The latter was requested to
+cancel all mobilization orders within twelve hours, or war would
+ensue. Simultaneously the French Government was asked what its
+attitude would be in case of a Russo-German war. In these measures
+it is safe to conclude that the German nation was heart and soul
+behind the Government, otherwise the tremendous outbreak of
+national enthusiasm throughout the length and breadth of the land
+would be entirely inexplicable.</p>
+<p>Throughout the day the nation awaited, under tense strain, an
+answer from Russia. "At five o'clock the excitement of the masses
+in Unter den Linden had increased to a degree almost beyond
+endurance. The crowd surged from side to side when a court carriage
+or an officer drove by in a motor-car. Everyone felt that the
+fateful decision might fall at any minute, when the German nation
+would know its fate.</p>
+<p>"Suddenly motor-cars full of officers appeared from the gates of
+the royal residence. They shouted to the excited crowd that the
+general mobilization had been ordered. One officer waved his drawn
+sword, another his handkerchief, while others stood up and waved
+their caps. Then an indescribable scene of jubilation followed; the
+parole 'mobilization' was passed on by the police, and in less time
+than it takes to write, the hundreds of thousands of human beings
+surging to and fro between the monument to 'Old Fritz' and the
+Lustgarten, knew that Germany would now speak with her
+sword."[<a href="#note-16">16</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-16"><!-- Note Anchor 16 --></a>[Footnote 16:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 2nd.]</p>
+<p>"Our hour of destiny has struck! Germany, the strongest and most
+peaceful nation on earth, appeals to the sword. The last call which
+we sent across the Eastern frontier has remained unanswered. The
+enemy is mute. Now Germany speaks!</p>
+<p>"The Kaiser calls the Empire to arms! Our King will lead
+Bavaria's armies to him. The nation is ready, armed to the teeth.
+Challenged by a dishonest opponent who envies us the fruit of our
+peaceful toil, the hands of German men leave their work and grasp
+the sword. Our enemy shall learn to his terrible cost, what it
+means to summon a nation in arms to the battlefield. The German
+army goes out to fight for our country, in a cause which is more
+stainless and pure than the light of the sun. The disgraceful
+Muscovite conspiracy, creeping in the footsteps of Serbian
+murderers, believes the moment has arrived in which they will be
+able to fall upon, overthrow and plunder us; Russia desires to
+kindle a world war.</p>
+<p>"We believe that he will not succeed; but should it thus fall
+out, we Germans will defend not only our land and ourselves; but,
+in this war which has been forced upon us in the basest manner
+possible, we shall defend the civilization of the world, the
+culture of the earth, against debased 'unculture' and the spreading
+roots of decay. This is a lofty and tremendous task. If we are
+victorious, as we confidently trust, then the ever-increasing
+number of civilized peoples honestly toiling in the blessings of
+peace, will thank us for centuries to come.</p>
+<p>"Brothers! Sisters! such an hour has come that the history of
+the world has never witnessed before. In the struggle which now
+begins&mdash;a deadly grapple frivolously conjured up by Russia's
+monarch&mdash;the whole earth will groan. The German people,
+however, will prove that it is worthy to retain and develop its
+leading place in the intellectual and cultural progress of the
+world. Our enemy envies us this position because in his land,
+stupidity and confusion reign supreme; his own uncivilization and
+barbarism cannot be rooted out.</p>
+<p>"We will prevent him from throwing Europe back to the conditions
+in which he and his likes dwell. May God grant that the civilized
+peoples of Europe may have true understanding for this historic
+hour, just as their heroic ancestors understood the danger when
+they hurled themselves against the invasions of the Mongols.</p>
+<p>"First of all the German nation will march against the armies of
+the East, and, hand in hand with our ally, we hope will so grip the
+enemy that he will lose all desire ever to attack us
+again."[<a href="#note-17">17</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-17"><!-- Note Anchor 17 --></a>[Footnote 17:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 2nd.]</p>
+<p>The last lines of this perfervid article, give an instructive
+clue. A mere quibble had arisen between the Central Powers and
+Russia. The former immediately adopted an arrogant, even
+threatening, attitude which thoughtful Germans condemned. Russia's
+willingness to submit the question to an arbitration conference
+consisting of four neutral ambassadors seems only to have
+intensified Teutonic lust to humiliate the opponent. In any case,
+it is interesting to note that between July 24th and 31st the whole
+German nation had been converted to the uncompromising attitude of
+the Government.</p>
+<p>Further, it is evident that the German people believed they were
+about to march against Russia. The very last remark which I heard
+from German lips as we entered the train to leave Erlangen on July
+31st was: "Jetzt werden die Russen abgekl&ouml;pft." ("Now the
+Russians will get a whacking.")[<a href="#note-18">18</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-18"><!-- Note Anchor 18 --></a>[Footnote 18: We
+left Erlangen at 3.30 p.m. Martial law had been proclaimed some
+time previous to that. But the proclamation in Berlin occurred at
+3.30 p.m. on the same day. The <i>Berliner Abendblatt</i> published
+on the same evening states that the Kaiser had been waiting and
+hoping for a peaceful answer from Russia. The Bavarian authorities
+could not have taken so serious a step without an order from the
+Highest War Lord, which leads to the conclusion that it was a
+device to get military preparation well under way.]</p>
+<p>The Berlin cabinet mobilized Germany's armed strength, as they
+alleged, against Russia, and the Government succeeded in arousing
+and enlisting national enthusiasm against the Eastern neighbour.
+Yet when the time came to strike, Germany's might was hurled
+against neutral Belgium and unwilling France, while Russia was left
+free to overrun the Eastern part of Germany. The blood-guilt rests
+in the first place with the Kaiser and his Government, and in the
+second place (although in no less a degree) with the German people,
+because they condoned the crime and acquiesced in the
+duplicity.</p>
+<p>While the war fury seethed through the nation the cry echoed on
+all sides: "We want peace! We have worked for a peaceful solution!"
+Yet a study of the workings of the national mind as revealed in the
+German Press, and of diplomatic doings as shown in the German White
+Book, affords not a single instance&mdash;excepting the Socialists'
+demonstrations&mdash;of any tangible, concrete effort made either
+by the German people or its representative diplomacy to avoid a
+catastrophe. On the other hand it must be said that the latter
+(German diplomacy) deliberately baulked the only practical proposal
+(Sir Edward Grey's) which could have brought about a solution. The
+German nation <i>did</i> desire peace, but only on the condition
+that their opponents granted Germany and Austria's arrogant claims
+down to the smallest tittle.</p>
+<p>Exactly at six minutes to one (midday) on August 1st, a telegram
+left Berlin instructing the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg to
+declare war on Russia at 5 p.m. if the latter State had not given a
+satisfactory answer to Germany's ultimatum by that time. Count
+Pourtal&egrave;s performed this duty, and therewith the sands of
+fate ran out.</p>
+<p>On the previous day summonses had been issued calling a meeting
+of the Reichstag for Tuesday, August 4th. The opening ceremony took
+place at 1 p.m. and all the political parties were present, except
+the Social Democrats, who, according to their traditions, did not
+appear, and thus escaped the famous hand-shaking scene. The Kaiser
+and two of his sons appeared in field-grey uniform. His theatrical
+appeal for the leaders of each party to swear fidelity to the
+national cause by shaking hands with him, as well as his saying
+that "Now there are only Germans," may have been spontaneous; but
+it is far more probable that they were meant to be a diplomatic
+appeal to the sentimental vanity of the German nation.</p>
+<p>It would be superfluous to deal with the speech from the throne
+in this place, but at the close of the ceremony an incident
+occurred which deserves mention. "After taking leave of the
+Reichstag's representatives the Kaiser stretched out his hand to
+the famous professor of jurisprudence in Strasbourg University, Dr.
+van Calker. The Kaiser looked steadily at Professor van Calker for
+a moment, then, after the handshake, clenched his fist and struck
+downwards uttering these words: 'Nun aber wollen wir sie
+dreschen!'[<a href="#note-19">19</a>] ('Now we will jolly well
+thrash them!'); nodded to the professor and walked away."[<a href=
+"#note-20">20</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-19"><!-- Note Anchor 19 --></a>[Footnote 19: This
+utterance has since become a common theme for composition exercises
+in German schools.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-20"><!-- Note Anchor 20 --></a>[Footnote 20:
+<i>T&auml;gliche Rundschau</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>The sitting in the Reichstag was a solemn event. On that
+occasion the Chancellor expressed himself at length in defining
+Germany's position.</p>
+<p>"A tremendous fate has fallen upon Europe. While we have
+endeavoured to maintain the prestige of the German Empire in the
+eyes of the world, we have lived for forty-four years in peace and
+protected European peace. In this work of peace we have become
+strong and mighty&mdash;therefore we are envied. We have suffered
+with long-enduring patience; while in the East and West, under the
+excuse that Germany is lusting for war, hatred for us has been
+nourished and fetters wrought where-with to bind us. The wind which
+blows there has now become a storm.</p>
+<p>"We desired nothing but to live on in peaceful toil, content
+with an unspoken oath that was echoed from the Emperor down to the
+youngest recruit. Our sword shall only leap from its sheath in
+defence of a just cause. (Loud applause.) The day on which we must
+draw it, has dawned against our will and contrary to our honest
+endeavours. Russia has set a burning torch to the house of peace.
+(Loud cries of 'Quite true.') We stand to-day in a forced war with
+Russia and France.</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, a number of documents, collected in the haste caused
+by these overwhelming events, have been laid before you. Permit me
+to emphasize the facts which characterize our attitude.</p>
+<p>"From the moment that the Austrian conflict broke out we have
+striven and worked to limit the quarrel to Austria-Hungary and
+Serbia. All the cabinets, in particular England, accept this view;
+only Russia has declared that in the settlement of this conflict,
+she must be allowed to express her wishes. Therewith the danger of
+European complications raised its threatening countenance.</p>
+<p>"As soon as the first certain news of Russian military
+preparations reached us, we caused it to be made known in St.
+Petersburg, in a friendly but unmistakable manner, that warlike
+measures and military preparations would compel us also to take
+corresponding steps. But mobilization is next to war. Russia
+assured us in a friendly tone (cries of indignation) that she was
+making no military preparations against us.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile England tried to mediate between Vienna and St.
+Petersburg and was warmly supported by us. On July 28th the Kaiser
+telegraphed to the Czar begging him to remember that it was
+Austria-Hungary's right and duty to stop the Greater-Serbian
+agitation, as this threatened to undermine Austria's existence.
+(Cries of indignation.) The Kaiser pointed out to the Czar the gulf
+between monarchical interests and the outrage at Serajewo; he
+begged him to give his personal support to the Kaiser's endeavour
+to smooth out the antithesis between Vienna and St. Petersburg.</p>
+<p>"Just before this telegram came into the Czar's hands, the Czar,
+on his side, begged the Kaiser for his help: the Kaiser should
+advise Vienna to be more moderate. The Kaiser undertook the task of
+mediator, but the action ordered by him was hardly in motion, when
+Russia began to mobilize all her forces against Austria-Hungary.
+(Excited shouts of indignation and disgust.) But Austria had only
+mobilized certain army corps against Serbia, besides which she had
+only two corps, and these were far from the Russian frontier.</p>
+<p>"At this juncture the Kaiser informed the Czar that the
+mobilization of his armies against Austria would increase the
+difficulties of mediation, a task which he had undertaken at the
+Czar's express wish, and perhaps render it impossible.
+Nevertheless, we continued our mediatory action in Berlin, and
+indeed in a form which went to the limits permitted by our
+alliance. (Great excitement.) During this time Russia renewed her
+assurances that she was taking no military measures against us.</p>
+<p>"We come to July 3ist. In Vienna a decision was to be arrived at
+on that day. By our representations we had already brought it about
+that Vienna, which for a time was not in direct communication with
+St. Petersburg, had commenced direct discussion again. But before
+Vienna could come to a final decision, the news came that Russia
+was mobilizing&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>, against us too&mdash;her whole
+forces. (Cries of indignation.) The Russian Government, although
+fully aware from our repeated representations what a mobilization
+on our frontiers means, did not notify this step to us, and gave us
+no explanations concerning it.</p>
+<p>"As late as the afternoon of July 31st a telegram came from the
+Czar to the Kaiser in which the former pledged himself that his
+army should take up no provocative attitude against us. (Great
+excitement.) But the hostile mobilization on the Russian frontier
+was in full swing during the night July 30th-31st. While we were
+mediating in Berlin the Russian armies appeared on our long and
+almost entirely open frontier. France was not yet mobilizing, but,
+as she admits, was already taking precautionary measures.</p>
+<p>"And we? Up till then we had not&mdash;the Imperial Chancellor
+spoke with great emotion and repeatedly struck the table while
+uttering these words&mdash;called up a single reservist, out of a
+loving regard for the peace of Europe. (Loud cries of 'Bravo!')
+Were we then to wait on in patience till the Powers between which
+we are wedged should choose their moment to strike? (A hurricane of
+voices, 'No!') To expose Germany to this danger would be a crime.
+(Stormy, general and long continued cries of 'Quite true!' and
+'Bravo!' in which the Social Democrats joined too.)</p>
+<p>"Therefore on July 31st we requested Russia to demobilize as the
+only measure which could save the European peace. (Loud applause.)
+The Imperial Ambassador in St. Petersburg further received
+instructions to inform the Russian Government, that in case our
+demand was rejected, we should consider ourselves in a state of war
+with Russia. The Imperial Ambassador has carried out these
+instructions.</p>
+<p>"What answer Russia accorded to our demand for demobilization we
+do not know even to-day. Telegraphic announcements on this point
+have not reached us, although matters of far less importance have
+been sent over the wires. Hence, long after the expiration of the
+stated time, the Kaiser saw himself compelled to mobilize our
+forces at 5 o'clock on August 1st.</p>
+<p>"Simultaneously, it was necessary for us to inquire regarding
+France's attitude. In answer to our definite question whether, in
+case of a Russo-German war, France would remain neutral, the French
+Government has replied that they will act as their interests
+dictate. (Laughter.) This was at least an evasion, if not a
+negative answer to our question.</p>
+<p>"In spite of this, the Kaiser ordered that the French frontier
+should be respected. This order was strictly obeyed with one single
+exception. France, who mobilized at the same time as ourselves,
+declared that she would respect a ten-kilometre zone along her
+frontiers. (Cries of indignation.) And what happened in reality?
+Their airmen have thrown bombs, cavalry patrols have violated our
+territory, and companies have broken into Alsace-Lorraine.
+(Indignation.) Therewith, France, although war has not yet been
+declared, has attacked our territories.</p>
+<p>"As regards the single exception which I have referred, I have
+received the following report from the Chief of the General Staff:
+In respect to French complaints of violations of her frontiers,
+only one case is admitted. Against express orders an officer with a
+patrol from the 14th Army Corps crossed the French frontier on
+August 2nd. Apparently they were shot down; only one man has
+returned. But long before this single instance occurred, French
+airmen had penetrated into Southern Germany and dropped bombs, and
+French troops had attacked our frontier-protection-troops in the
+Schlucht Pass. Up till now our soldiers have confined themselves
+entirely to protecting the frontier.</p>
+<p>"So far the report from the Chief of the General Staff.</p>
+<p>"We are now in a position of self-defence, and necessity knows
+no law![<a href="#note-21">21</a>] (Cries of 'Quite right!') Our
+troops have occupied Luxembourg, perhaps they have already entered
+Belgium. (Loud applause.) That is a breach of international law.
+The French Government, it is true, had declared in Brussels that
+they would respect Belgian neutrality so long as their opponent
+respected it. But we knew that France stood ready to invade it.
+(Cries of indignation.)</p>
+<p><a name="note-21"><!-- Note Anchor 21 --></a>[Footnote 21: This
+sentence seems so important that I give the original: "Wir sind
+jetzt in der Notwehr, und Not kennt kein Gebot!"]</p>
+<p>"France could wait, we could not; and a French attack in our
+flank on the Lower Rhine might have been disastrous for us. Thus we
+were compelled to ignore the protests of the Luxembourg and Belgian
+Governments.</p>
+<p>"The injustice which we commit thereby, we shall try to make
+good again as soon as our military goal is attained. Anyone who
+fights for the highest, as we do now, may only think of how he may
+hack his way through. (Hurricanes of applause; long continued
+hand-clapping in the whole house and on the tribune.)</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with
+Austria-Hungary. Concerning England's attitude, the declaration
+made by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons yesterday has made
+the standpoint which the English Government takes up quite
+clear.</p>
+<p>"We have declared to the English Government that as long as
+England remains neutral, our fleet shall not attack the North Coast
+of France. Further, that we shall not disturb the integrity and
+independence of Belgium. I repeat this declaration before the whole
+world and I may add that if England will remain neutral, we are
+prepared&mdash;assuming mutual treatment&mdash;to undertake no
+hostile operations against France's commercial marine.
+(Applause.)</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, so much for events up till now! I repeat the words
+of the Kaiser: 'We enter the struggle with a clear conscience!'
+(Great enthusiasm.) We are fighting for the fruits of our labours
+in peace, for the heritage of a great past, and for our future. The
+fifty years are not yet ended within which Moltke said we should
+stand at arms to defend the heritage and the achievements of 1870.
+The hour of great trial has struck for our nation. But we look
+forward to it with absolute confidence. (Tremendous applause.)</p>
+<p>"Our army is in the field, our fleet is ready, and behind them
+the entire German nation (roars of never-ending applause and
+hand-clapping in the whole house)&mdash;the whole German nation!
+(These words were accompanied by a gesture towards the Social
+Democrats.&mdash;Renewed outburst of applause, in which the Social
+Democrats also joined.)</p>
+<p>"Gentlemen, you know your duty in its entirety. The vote of
+credit requires no further argument, I beg you to pass it quickly.
+(Loud applause.)"[<a href="#note-22">22</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-22"><!-- Note Anchor 22 --></a>[Footnote 22:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>Unfortunately this eloquent exposition of Germany's case
+contains inaccuracies which can only be described as conscious
+untruths. I have already made myself responsible for the statement:
+"Lying has always been the foundation stone of German
+policy."[<a href="#note-23">23</a>] Earl Cromer, in commenting on
+this, gives additional evidence of its veracity.[<a href=
+"#note-24">24</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-23"><!-- Note Anchor 23 --></a>[Footnote 23: "Soul
+of Germany," p. 192.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-24"><!-- Note Anchor 24 --></a>[Footnote 24:
+<i>The Spectator</i>, August 7th, 1915, p. 169.]</p>
+<p>The German Chancellor, when he justified his policy by the
+dictum: "Necessity knows no law," evidently meant that necessity
+also recognizes no law of truth. In any case, he remained faithful
+to the traditions of his country. Although the German Press is both
+venal and supine, we shall see that it has done the world a service
+and played its own Government a foul trick. (Der deutschen
+Regierung einen b&ouml;sen Streich gespielt.)</p>
+<p>When Bethmann-Hollweg was thumping the table before him, and
+assuring his immediate hearers and the world in general that the
+Berlin cabinet had not called up a single reservist before five
+o'clock on Saturday, August 1st, he was guilty of a deliberate
+falsehood. On July 31st, I left Erlangen by the 3.31 train for
+Nuremberg; travelling in the same train was Dr. Haack, professor of
+the history of art in Erlangen University. He was accompanied by
+his wife and various colleagues, including Professor Busch, who
+bade him farewell on the platform. Dr. Haack is an artillery
+reserve officer, and he was then going to join his regiment. At
+8.30 p.m. on the same day, we spoke to Frau Haack on Nuremberg
+station. The lady's face was very tear-stained and she was about to
+return to Erlangen alone. She told us in a broken voice that her
+husband had been called up.</p>
+<p>In "The Soul of Germany" I have given names and dates of other
+cases. I do not propose to disgrace my word of honour by playing it
+off against the German Chancellor. But acting on the principle of
+"Set a thief to catch a thief," I shall adduce some instances from
+German newspapers.</p>
+<p>The Paris correspondent of the <i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>
+travelled home via Brussels; his adventures are related at length
+in the <i>K.Z.</i> for August 4th. On August 1st he was in Brussels
+and complained bitterly, in his article, about the hotel service,
+and excuses it by writing: "The German waiters had all left
+Brussels the day before (July 31st) to join the army."</p>
+<p>An article dated Strasbourg, August 3rd, was published in the
+<i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i> on the 6th of the same month. The writer
+describes the martial scenes which he had witnessed during the
+preceding week, and mentions that the officers in the garrison had
+received a special order to send their wives and children away from
+the city several days before martial law was proclaimed. Friday,
+presumably, the order came for the garrison to march to the French
+frontier, for on Saturday the regiments were entrained and left
+Strasbourg. Our good German friend describes the scene in the
+streets: "Alongside the ranks were the wives and children of the
+called-up reservists, trying to keep step with the quickly moving
+troops. Before sunset the regiments, all on a war-footing, had left
+the city."</p>
+<p>Every layman knows that a reservist cannot enter a barracks in
+civilian attire, and emerge five minutes later in full war-kit
+ready for the march. The German Imperial Chancellor affirms that
+not one of them had been called up before five o'clock in the
+afternoon of that day. It is true that neither the age of miracles
+nor the age of lies has passed away. Perhaps Herr Bethmann-Hollweg
+could explain why it was impossible to send trunk-messages on
+Germany's telephone system during the last three days of July,
+1914. At least, the local papers in Bavaria asserted that that was
+the case.</p>
+<p>The <i>Elbinger Zeitung</i>, August 13th, contained a
+reservist's letter with this illuminating passage: "During the last
+few days everybody was in readiness; our linen, etc., had been
+packed and sent off in advance. On Friday, July 31st, the order
+arrived that I should present myself; mobilization had begun. With
+feelings of joy I changed into my uniform and rushed to join my
+company. The streets were full of frightened people with tears in
+their eyes. We officers pressed each others' hands and with ardent
+glances exclaimed: 'At last it has come!'"</p>
+<p>The Chancellor based his assertion that French troops had
+crossed the German frontier, on the report from the Chief of the
+General Staff. This authority admitted that German soldiers on
+August 2nd (Sunday) had violated the French frontier and continues
+with these words: "But long before that French airmen had dropped
+bombs in Southern Germany, and French soldiers had attacked our
+frontier-guards in the Schlucht Pass."</p>
+<p>The <i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i>, July 31st, gives
+Bethmann-Hollweg and the Chief of the General Staff the lie direct.
+The paragraph is dated July 30th, Kolmar, and runs: "The Schlucht
+Pass has just been barricaded by German frontier guards. This is to
+prevent motor-lorries and such-like vehicles from entering French
+territory without our permission. Several papers have announced the
+alleged occupation of the Schlucht (gorge) by French troops. The
+report is an absolute invention. (Die Meldung ist v&ouml;llig aus
+der Luft gegriffen.) I have taken the trouble to look round, and
+may say that the usual tourist traffic is going on as usual."</p>
+<p>The remainder of the charge is that "long before August 2nd,"
+French airmen had dropped bombs on South German towns. The towns in
+question are Frankfort and Nuremberg. The <i>K&ouml;lnische
+Zeitung</i> contained this paragraph on August 2nd: "A military
+report has just come in, stating that French airmen dropped bombs
+in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg this morning. As war has not yet
+been declared between France and Germany, this is a breach of
+international law."</p>
+<p>Two remarks are necessary to supplement the above "news."
+Firstly, in the Reichstag, the Chancellor said this attack had
+occurred "long before August 2nd." Secondly, the <i>Cologne
+Gazette</i> received the report from the <i>military
+authorities</i>. That betrays the source from which all these lies
+emanated.</p>
+<p>The author has in his possession a Nuremberg paper
+(<i>Fr&auml;nkische Tagepost</i>) for the whole of August, 1914. It
+contains absolutely no mention of any air raid on or near
+Nuremberg. If bombs had been dropped in the vicinity, it is quite
+unthinkable that the local papers should contain no report of the
+affair.</p>
+<p>President Poincar&eacute;, on July 15th, 1915, declared the
+Nuremberg flight to be a fable. The <i>Fr&auml;nkischer Kurier</i>
+(a Nuremberg newspaper) on August 1st, 1915, contains an article
+which states that the news of these alleged airmen, whom nobody
+saw, was spread throughout the length and breadth of the German
+Empire. This same paper ridicules the whole affair.</p>
+<p>Another extract gives the key to the whole mystery. "Yesterday
+(Monday, August 3rd), at 8 p.m., the following official
+announcement was given out for publication.</p>
+<p>"Up till now, the German troops, in obedience to orders given,
+have not crossed the French frontier. In contrast to this
+<i>since</i> yesterday (August 2nd) French troops have attacked our
+frontier posts without any declaration of war. They have crossed
+the German frontier at several points, although only a few days ago
+the French Government assured us that they would keep a zone ten
+kilometres wide free from their troops. <i>Since</i> last night
+French troops hold German places in occupation. <i>Since</i>
+yesterday bomb-dropping airmen have come into Baden and Bavaria;
+further, by violating Belgian neutrality, they have fled over
+Belgian territory into the Rhine province and tried to destroy our
+railways. Thus France has begun an attack upon us, and thereby
+created a state of war. The safety of the Empire compels us to take
+defensive measures. The Kaiser has given the necessary orders. The
+German Ambassador in Paris has been instructed to demand his
+passports."[<a href="#note-25">25</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-25"><!-- Note Anchor 25 --></a>[Footnote 25: From
+the <i>Berliner Lokal Anzeiger</i> of August 4th.]</p>
+<p>Germany had no earthly excuse to begin war on France, and
+imitating the noble example of Bismarck in forging the notorious
+Ems telegram which precipitated the 1870 war, the German military
+authorities forged the "news" of alleged attacks by French airmen
+and French troops. The German Official Press Bureau completed this
+vile, criminal work.</p>
+<p>Although the point is proved, a few more examples of the
+"airmen" legend will be of interest. "Berlin, August 2nd. <i>Last
+night</i> a hostile airship was observed flying from Kerprich to
+Andernach. Hostile aeroplanes were observed flying from D&uuml;ren
+to Cologne. A French aeroplane was shot down by Wesel." (From the
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 3rd.)</p>
+<p>The <i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i>, August 4th, contains three
+separate detailed accounts of French airmen dropping bombs on
+Frankfort railway station during the previous night. The third
+account will suffice.</p>
+<p>"The military authorities in Frankfort were informed last night
+that a hostile airman was flying in the direction from Darmstadt to
+Frankfort. At ten minutes past one the noise of the propellers as
+well as bursting bombs was heard by those standing on the
+command-bridge of the Central Station. In the dark night it was
+impossible to see the flying-machine. As it approached the station,
+where all lights were out, fifty to sixty soldiers stationed on the
+command-bridge fired at the aeroplane, which soon moved off in the
+direction of the Southern Station. There, too, it came under a
+heavy fire from soldiers and policemen. Nothing whatever has been
+found on the ground or at the station, not even parts of the bombs.
+It is assumed that the hand-bombs exploded in the air."[<a href=
+"#note-26">26</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-26"><!-- Note Anchor 26 --></a>[Footnote 26: Yes,
+they burst in the air, <i>aus der sie gegriffen worden sind!</i>
+Author.]</p>
+<p>In peace times no German editor would dare to refuse any
+contribution sent to him by the military authorities. The above
+airman-story sufficiently illustrates the state of affairs in war
+time.</p>
+<p>"Chemnitz, August 4th. During the past night, between 3 and 4
+a.m., a French airman dropped bombs on Chemnitz. Bombs exploded in
+the streets without, however, doing any damage. Apparently the
+shots fired at the aeroplane were unfortunately without result."
+<i>Magdeburgische Zeitung</i>, August 5th.</p>
+<p>This is an excellent example of how the Press trick is worked. A
+lying report is published in a city hundreds of miles away from the
+scene of the alleged occurrence. The extract where it was alleged
+that a French airman was shot down at Wesel, on the Dutch frontier,
+was published in a Munich paper, four hundred miles away.</p>
+<p>The last and supreme lie in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech is the
+most insidious of all. The Chancellor sketched a truly moving
+picture of Germany beseeching Austria to find a <i>modus
+vivendi</i> between herself and Russia. Germany claims that up to
+the last minute of the last fatal week she was working for peace.
+Bethmann-Hollweg insinuates that on July 31st a last decision was
+to have fallen in Vienna; he does not tell us what that decision
+would have been, but he maintains that Russia's military
+preparations forestalled it and so the decision was never arrived
+at. Thus Russia destroyed the last hope of peace; the Chancellor
+falsely led his hearers to believe that it was a certain hope and
+that the European peace would have been saved.</p>
+<p>It is useless to choose one's words in writing of German
+diplomacy. This is a base lie. Austria arrived at her decision
+previous to sending her ultimatum to Serbia. This momentous
+decision was, that Russia had no right to intervene in the quarrel,
+which means, in other words, that Russia had absolutely no right to
+speak or use her influence in a crisis affecting the destiny of the
+Slavonic peoples, neither had Russia any right to move in a crisis
+which would disturb the balance of power in the Balkans and in
+Europe. It was merely these rights which Russia throughout the
+crisis endeavoured to establish; if they had been recognized there
+would have been no war.</p>
+<a name="redbook"></a>
+<p>In order to prove what the Austro-German standpoint was, and
+that from first to last never changed, reference must be made to
+the Austrian Red Book.[<a href="#note-27">27</a>] On page 24: Sir
+Edward Grey was informed by Count Mensdorf on July 24th, "and I
+(Mensdorf) repeated to him (Grey) many times, that we should stick
+to that view."</p>
+<p><a name="note-27"><!-- Note Anchor 27 --></a>[Footnote 27:
+Oesterreichisch-ungarisches Rotbuch. Vienna, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Page 25. Count Cz&eacute;csen in Paris informed French Minister:
+"It is a question which can only be settled between Serbia and
+ourselves," on July 24th.</p>
+<p>On the same day the Austrian Ambassador emphasized the same
+point in an interview with the Russian Foreign Minister&mdash;pp.
+27-8.</p>
+<p>During the evening Monsieur Sasonow had interviews with both the
+German and Austrian Ambassadors. The latter telegraphed to Vienna:
+"My German colleague at once pointed out to M. Sasonow that Austria
+would not accept any interference in her differences with Serbia
+and that Germany would also not permit it."&mdash;p. 29.</p>
+<p>That gives the situation in its simplest form, and without
+making further quotations, it will suffice to cite the dates on
+which it was re-emphasized:</p>
+<pre>
+  July 25th  in St. Petersburg,   p. 89
+    "  27th  "  "       "         p. 101
+    "  28th  " Berlin by Germany, p. 116
+    "   "    " London by Austria, p. 123
+    "  29th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 128
+    "  30th  " Berlin,         "  p. 130
+    "  30th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 131
+    "  31st  " Vienna,         "  p. 133
+  August 1st " St. Petersburg, "  p. 136
+</pre>
+<p>Moreover, no less a personage than the Kaiser's brother
+confirmed this view. In Prince Heinrich's telegram to the King of
+England, July 30th, the following passage occurs: "If you really
+and sincerely wish to prevent this terrible misfortune (a European
+war), may I propose that you should exercise your influence on
+France and Russia to keep them both neutral (in the Austro-Serbian
+quarrel). In my opinion this would be of the greatest service. I
+consider this a certain means and perhaps <i>the only possibility
+of preserving European peace</i>."</p>
+<p>Prince Heinrich expressed no hope that Austria could be
+persuaded to make any concession, but merely requested King George
+to exercise his influence to get Russia to accept a position
+impossible to herself and incompatible with the balance of power in
+Europe.</p>
+<p>The rock of Germanic obstinacy was seated in Vienna, whether
+Germany was the prime mover in erecting it remains to be proved.
+Germany knew full well that European peace would be shattered on
+that rock, yet there is no fragment of evidence to show that she
+tried to remove it; but there is overwhelming proof that she
+encouraged Austria to stand by it, thus causing a European
+conflagration.</p>
+<p>And as if the above were insufficient to prove that the German
+Imperial Chancellor was guilty of conscious falsification, Austria
+put one more nail in the coffin of European peace on September
+24th, 1914, when it issued an official communication to the Press,
+reiterating that Austria had never dreamed of departing from the
+attitude which she first took up.[<a href="#note-28">28</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-28"><!-- Note Anchor 28 --></a>[Footnote 28: "Die
+Schuld am Weltkriege" ("The Guilt for the World War"), by an
+Austrian. Vienna, 1915, p. 59.]</p>
+<p>Germany's aim was to employ the Serajewo crime as a lever to put
+Russia, as a vital force, out of the domain of European politics.
+In spite of denials, there is reason to believe that Austria was
+inclined to listen to reason, but Germany forestalled and prevented
+this by despatching an ultimatum to Russia and then declaring
+war.</p>
+<p>A few other points in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech deserve brief
+notice. He quotes Germany's threats, but not one word from the
+peaceful overtures which were so often mentioned. He fails to cite
+any single point which Austria had yielded at Germany's advice.
+Further, no proof of Germany's vaunted "mediatory action" is
+discoverable either in the speech or the diplomatic documents
+published by the Central Powers.</p>
+<p>In regard to his justification of the violation of Belgian
+neutrality, the civilized world has already passed judgment, and in
+this place it only remains to point out that the four hundred
+members of the Reichstag cheered the Chancellor's announcement.
+This alone is a sufficiently severe comment on the conceptions of
+right and justice which direct the proceedings of Germany's highest
+legislative body.</p>
+<p>It evidently did not occur to the Reichstag or Germany's
+Imperial Chancellor that, if necessity knows no law which respects
+a neutrality guaranteed by Germany, then at a later date necessity
+would also recognize no law which protected Belgian territory after
+Germany had conquered it. A lamb in the jaws of a lion is in a
+truly dangerous position, and although the outlook may be black, it
+is still wiser for the lamb to try and avoid the lion's jaws.</p>
+<p>Bethmann-Hollweg saw the mote of Greater-Serbianism in Serbia's
+eye, but he was peculiarly anxious not to perceive the beam of
+Pan-Germanism which has blinded Germany's vision for a generation,
+and is the one and only cause for the rapid increase in European
+armaments.</p>
+<p>Before consigning the German Chancellor's Pecksniffian oration
+to well-deserved oblivion, there is one other fact to state,
+because it is of immediate interest to Great Britain. In the person
+of Bethmann-Hollweg the German Government stood before the world on
+August 4th, 1914, and endeavoured to prove that Germany was
+attacked, and that her conscience was clear. There are even Britons
+who have got stuck in Bethmann-Hollweg's peace-lime. Yet it would
+be interesting if the German Government would explain why the
+civilian population was ordered to leave Heligoland on the
+afternoon of Friday, July 31st. They were allowed twenty-four hours
+within which to leave the island, and one who was in the exodus
+describes the scene in the <i>Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten</i> for
+August 12th. Early on Saturday morning the civilians proceeded on
+to the landing-stage, where several steamers were waiting.
+"Suddenly the <i>K&ouml;nigin Luise</i> started off without taking
+any passengers on board, and soon disappeared under full
+steam."</p>
+<p>This was the boat which laid mines round the mouth of the
+Thames. Although the German Chancellor protested his desire for
+peace with England as late as August 4th, it seems quite evident
+from the events in Heligoland that war with this country had been
+decided upon on July 31st.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH4"><!-- CH4 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+<center>MOBILIZATION</center>
+<p>"Munich.&mdash;Evening after evening masses of people thronged
+the streets. The heavy, oppressive atmosphere weighed upon the
+spirit&mdash;a leaden pressure which increased with every hour.
+Then came the stirring events on the evening of July 3ist, when the
+drums beat 'general march' on the Marienplatz, and a commissioner
+read the articles of war to a crowd numbered by thousands. Thirty
+drummers and commissioners in motors rushed through the streets of
+the city.</p>
+<p>"On Saturday evening, August 1st, the general order for
+mobilization was proclaimed from the offices of the
+<i>M&uuml;nchener Neuesten Nachrichten</i>. A deep solemnity fell
+upon the masses of spectators and the crowd fell into rank to march
+to the Royal Palace, from a window of which King Ludwig spoke words
+of comfort and inspiration. Still singing the 'Wacht am Rhein,'
+this river of humanity flowed on to the 'Englischen Garten,' at the
+corner of which stands the Austrian Legation. A gentleman addressed
+the representative of our beloved ally, who sounded in his reply
+the note of 'faithfulness unto death.'</p>
+<p>"And now from out the stifling depression of the leaden weight
+of the previous days there arose a terrible, united will, a single
+mighty thought. The whole of a great and powerful people was
+aroused, fired by one solemn resolve&mdash;to act; advance on the
+enemy, and smash him to the earth!</p>
+<p>"Dresden.&mdash;I was sitting in the garden of a suburban
+restaurant; above me were the dark masses of chestnut trees, while
+before us, above the railway, was a long strip of bright,
+summer-night sky. There seemed to be something gloomy and uncanny
+in the air; the lamps blinked maliciously; a spirit of still
+expectation rested on the people; furtive glances were cast from
+time to time at the near embankment. Military trains were expected,
+and we listened nervously to the noises of the night. The first
+troop-transports; where were they going&mdash;against Russia or to
+the French frontier? It was whispered that the troops would only be
+transported by night.</p>
+<p>"At last a pounding thud came through the stillness of the
+night, and soon two colossal engines were silhouetted against the
+sky, like fire-spitting monsters. Their roar seemed more sinister
+than usual. Heavy forebodings rumbled out in the rocking and
+rolling of the endless coaches&mdash;the clang of a future,
+pregnant with death and pain. Suddenly the tables were empty;
+everyone rushed towards the lighted compartments of the train, and
+a scene of indescribable jubilation followed as train after train
+of armed men rushed by into the night.</p>
+<p>"Sometimes a troubled father was heard to exclaim: 'If only the
+first battles were fought and won!' Yet calm confidence prevailed
+from the very beginning. But the sight of the quiet, machine-like
+completion of the mobilization strengthened our trust, even though
+a justifiable indignation and rage filled our hearts at Europe's
+dastardly attack on the Central States. Hate flamed highest,
+however, when England declared war against us.</p>
+<p>"There are several reasons for this. In the north of Germany,
+the Englishman is looked upon as the European who stands nearest
+the German, and with whom we have the most sympathy. His personal
+reliability and the manly firmness of his bearing, the culture of
+English social life, English art and style, have given Imperial
+Germany many points of contact and grounds for sympathy. Our
+historical interests have never collided. Then we suddenly became
+aware that this country, under the mask of friendship, had egged on
+the whole of Europe to attack us. Not because we had injured
+English feelings or interests, but solely to destroy a competitor
+and divide his coat of many colours.</p>
+<p>"No political necessity compelled modern Carthage to declare war
+on us, but merely the avowed aim to do a good piece of business by
+the war. Without England's intrigues Europe would never have dared
+to attack us. In our case, therefore, hate has sprung out of
+disappointed love. England has become our mortal enemy, just as
+Russia is Austria's. In a word, the two Central Powers are inspired
+by moral superiority over their enemies, and are determined to wage
+war on them to the last drop of blood, and if fate permits it, to
+settle them off and settle up with them once for all.</p>
+<p>"At the commencement of the mobilization the railway time-tables
+in force were cancelled; railway traffic ceased, and only slow
+local-trains ran, stopping at every station to pick up the men.
+During the nights a gigantic transport of troops went on to the
+frontiers. From that moment the sale of alcohol on the stations was
+prohibited. The publication of news concerning troop movements was
+suppressed, in order to veil our objective and to keep secret our
+strength on the various frontiers.</p>
+<p>"The trains in the Tyrol were decked with wreaths and flowers.
+They bore Germans from the most southerly corners of our neutral
+ally&mdash;Italy. Members of the <i>Wehrkraftverein</i> (Boy
+Scouts) inspected the trains at every station, and it is said that
+a Serb was found bound fast underneath one of the carriages.
+Serbian scoundrels were found on all sides; if one of them had
+succeeded in destroying the Brenner line the whole plan of
+mobilization would have been disturbed. Therefore sentinels were
+placed along the whole line and strong guards protected every
+tunnel. At night all lights were put out and those on the engines
+covered up; even the stations were not illuminated&mdash;everywhere
+darkness.</p>
+<p>"Slowly feeling its way, the train crept over the
+Brenner&mdash;it took twelve hours; in Innsbruck the station was
+crowded with Germans to welcome the warriors, and the ancient hills
+echoed again and again the 'Wacht am Rhein.' The solemnity which
+had marked the first days in Munich had given place to boisterous
+joy. Thousands of men in mountain costume had flocked into Munich
+to offer themselves as volunteers, and the streets and station rang
+with their <i>jodeln</i>! (the peculiar cry of Alpine
+herdsmen).</p>
+<p>"Outside the station lay vast quantities of materials for the
+Flying Corps, and innumerable motor-cars. A regiment of artillery
+was just leaving, while a band was in the centre of the station;
+the rhythm of the kettle-drums rolled mightily, and the music
+clashed in the huge central hall; thousands of voices joined in,
+then helmets, hats, caps, rifles and swords were waved and the
+train moved off amid shouts: 'Go for them! Cut them down!' ('Drauf
+auf die Kerle! Haut sie zusammen!')"[<a href="#note-29">29</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-29"><!-- Note Anchor 29 --></a>[Footnote 29:
+Colonel Frobenius: "Durch Not und Tod" ("Through Distress and
+Death"). Leipzig, 1915, p. 12 et seq.]</p>
+<p>"If I live to be a hundred I shall never forget these days. They
+are the greatest in our history. We never dreamed that anything so
+overwhelming could be experienced on earth. Only three weeks ago
+and we should have been quite incapable of imagining its like. The
+feeling that we have experienced something overpowering, something
+which we cannot utter, overwhelms us all. We see it in each other's
+faces and feel it in the pressure of a hand. Words are too weak, so
+each is silent about what he feels. We are conscious of one thing
+alone: Germany's heart has appeared to us!</p>
+<p>"At last we see each other as we are, and that is the
+indescribable something&mdash;the birth of this great time. Never
+have we been so earnest and never so glad. Every other thought,
+every other feeling has gone. What we have thought and felt before
+was all unreality, mere ghosts; day has dawned and they have fled.
+The whole land bristles with arms and every German heart is filled
+with trust. If we were always as we are to-day&mdash;one heart and
+one voice&mdash;then the whole world would have to bow before us.
+But we no longer knew ourselves, we had forgotten our real nature.
+We were so many and so divided, and each wanted only to be himself.
+How was it that such madness could have blinded us, and discord
+weakened us?</p>
+<p>"Now we realize our strength and see what we can achieve, for in
+spite of all we have retained our integrity; we have suffered no
+injury to the soul. Germany's soul had slept awhile and now awakes
+like a giant refreshed, and we can hardly recollect what it was all
+like only three weeks ago, when each lived for himself, when we
+were at best only parties, not a people. Each knew not the other,
+because he knew not himself. In unholy egoism everyone had
+forgotten his highest will. Now each has found his true will again,
+and that is proved&mdash;for we have only one.</p>
+<p>"In all German hearts flames the same holy wrath. A sacred wrath
+which sanctifies and heals. Every wound heals; we are again healthy
+and whole. Praise be to God for this war which delivered us on the
+first day from German quarrelsomeness! When the days of peace
+return we must prove that we deserve to have lived through this
+holy German war. Then no word must be spoken, no deed done on
+German soil which would be unworthy of these sublime days.</p>
+<p>"Groups stand at the street corners reading the latest news. One
+counts aloud how many enemies we have: there are already six. A
+silence ensues, <a name="note-says">
+<!-- Note Anchor says --></a>till someone says: 'Many enemies,
+great honour, and we shall win, for our cause is just!' Such
+utterances can be heard every day. That is German faith; human
+might does not decide, but God's justice! That is the Supreme
+blessing of this great time; we put our trust in the spirit. Modern
+Germans have never breathed before so pure an atmosphere, for
+Germany's soul has appeared to us.</p>
+<hr>
+<p>"I am going to pronounce a blessing on this war, the blessing
+which is on all lips, for we Germans, no matter in what part of the
+world we are, all bless, bless and bless again this world war. I do
+not intend to become lyrical. Lyric is so far from me that in all
+these three months I have not composed a single war poem. No, I
+shall endeavour to count up quite calmly, unlyrically, what we have
+seen during these three months: point for point, the whole list of
+surprises, for they have all been surprises, one after the
+other.</p>
+<p>"Only a few days ago a high State official said to me: 'Let us
+confess at once that in all Europe nobody believed in this war;
+everybody had prepared for it, but nobody thought it
+possible&mdash;not even those who wanted war.'</p>
+<p>"All thinking men considered that the interwoven economic
+dependence on each other among the nations, was so strong that none
+dare commit suicide by commencing a war. Thus we spoke to each
+other, and that seemed an axiom. Further, it seemed to be true that
+even if a madman let loose the dogs of war, then it would be all
+over in a fortnight. The man in the street imagined that it would
+be a kind of parade (<i>Aufmarsch</i>), a mobilization test, and
+the power which succeeded best would be the victor, for no country
+in the world was strong enough to stand the enormous cost for
+longer than three weeks.</p>
+<p>"Now three months have gone, and we have stood the strain, and
+we can bear it for another three, six months, a year, or as many
+years as it must be. The calculation was wrong, all the
+calculations were wrong: the reality of this war surpasses
+everything which we had imagined, and it has been glorious to
+experience on so grand a scale that reality always surpasses the
+conception. Even that is not true which we learned in all the
+schools and read in all the books&mdash;that every war is an awful
+misfortune. Even this war is horrible; yes, but our salvation. It
+seems so to us, and so it has appeared to us from the very first
+day onwards.</p>
+<p>"That first day will remain in our memories for ever; never in
+all our lives had we experienced anything so grand, and we had
+never believed it possible to experience anything so magnificent.
+Word for word Bismarck's prophecy (1888) has come true: 'It must be
+a war to which the whole nation gives its assent; it must be a
+national war, conducted with an enthusiasm like that of 1870, when
+we were ruthlessly attacked. Then all Germany from the Memel to
+Lake Constance will blaze up like a powder-mine and the whole land
+bristle with bayonets.' The war which Bismarck prophesied was this
+war, and what he foretold came to pass, and we saw it with our
+eyes. We saw the German mobilization with eyes which since then
+have been consecrate.</p>
+<p>"All enthusiasm is splendid, even in an individual, be he who he
+may and for whatever cause you like. In enthusiasm everything good
+in a man appears, while the common and vulgar in him sinks away.
+Any enthusiasm either of groups or societies in which the
+individual ego loses itself is grand, but the mighty enthusiasm of
+a powerful people is overwhelming. This was, however, an enthusiasm
+of a peculiar sort&mdash;it was well disciplined, an enthusiasm
+combined with and controlled by the highest order.</p>
+<p>"In this the fundamental secret of German power was revealed: to
+remain calm in enthusiasm, cold amidst fire and still obedient to
+duty in a tornado of passion. Then we were all inspired by the
+thought and feeling: 'Nobody can achieve that, for in order to be
+able to do it we have had to perform a huge intellectual and
+spiritual task. It is not alone the result of the last century and
+a half; no, that work has been going on for nearly a thousand
+years.'</p>
+<p>"What is the spirit of our German mysticism, the spirit of
+Eckhart and Tauler, except: Drunkenness of the soul in a waking
+condition? The accepted law on which all great German deeds rest,
+is: to dovetail enthusiasm with discipline and order. From our
+Gothic, through German <i>barock</i> to Frederick the Great and
+Kant, on to the classical period&mdash;what does all that mean if
+it is not the architecture of one huge feeling? The soul runs riot
+in its imaginings and therewith the intellect builds. The ravings
+of the soul provide the materials with which the mind builds.</p>
+<p>"What is German music from Bach to Beethoven and from Beethoven
+to Wagner&mdash;yes, even to Richard Strauss&mdash;but enthusiasm
+with discipline? German music has been our mobilization; it has
+gone on just as in a <i>partitur</i> by Richard
+Wagner&mdash;absolute rapture with perfect precision!</p>
+<p>"Hence when we saw the miracle of this mobilization&mdash;all
+Germany's military manhood packed in railway trains, rolling
+through the land, day by day and night after night, never a minute
+late and never a question for which the right answer was not ready
+and waiting&mdash;when we saw all this, we were not astonished,
+because it was no miracle; it was nothing other than a natural
+result of a thousand years of work and preparation; it was the net
+profit of the whole of German history.</p>
+<p>"At the German mobilization not only our brave soldiers,
+reserves and militia (<i>Landwehrm&auml;nner und
+Landst&uuml;rmler</i>) entered the field, but the whole of
+Germany's historic past marched with them. It was this which
+inspired the unshakable confidence which has endured from the first
+day of war. In truth, the dear Fatherland has every reason to be
+calm.</p>
+<p>"In the meantime something more has happened: all in a moment we
+became Germans! We held our breaths when the Kaiser uttered these
+words. This too arose out of the deepest depths of Germany's
+yearnings; it sounded like an eagle-cry of our most ancient
+longings. Germany's soul has long pined to tear itself from its
+narrow confines (<i>verwerden</i>, as Eckhart, or <i>sich
+entselbsten</i>, as Goethe put it), to lay aside self-will and
+sacrifice itself, to be absorbed in the whole, and yet still to
+serve (Wagner). And this eternal German yearning had never reached
+fulfilment, but self-interest and egoism have always been stronger;
+every German has been at war with all the others. 'For every man to
+go his own way,' said Goethe, 'is the peculiar characteristic of
+the German race. I have never seen them united except in their hate
+for Napoleon. I am curious to see what they will do when he is
+banished to the other side of the Rhine.' And Goethe was right: no
+sooner was the land freed from the oppressor, than each began again
+to think and act only for himself. Hence, when we first learned of
+the Kaiser's words we felt almost a joyous fear. If it were only
+true that now there were only Germans! But on the very next day our
+eyes saw and our ears heard that at last there were only Germans,
+and with that, all pain and fear was forgotten. If war is awful,
+even a just war, a holy war&mdash;even for the victor too, we will
+endure all that, for it is as nothing; no sacrifice is too great
+for this prize&mdash;that we are all only Germans.</p>
+<p>"Since the Emperor spoke those words three months have passed,
+and there have only been Germans in the land. These three months
+have brought much sorrow to German hearts, for there is hardly a
+home which does not lament a father, a son, or a brother.
+Nevertheless, one may say that since our existence as a nation,
+Germany has never been more joyous, in the best sense of the word,
+than in this time of suffering. Through our tears the noblest joy
+has shone; not alone at the success of our arms; it is not from
+pride at fighting against a world of enemies; it is not the fact
+that we are now assured of a future which in July last we could not
+have imagined; it is not the feeling of power, of which even we
+ourselves did not know. That shining joy springs from deeper
+reasons. We are glad because we have found each other; we did not
+know each other before. Indeed, no one knew himself. Now we know
+each other, and above all, each knows himself.</p>
+<p>"It was Bismarck who uttered these terrible words: 'When the
+unoccupied German must give up the struggle and strife which has
+become dear to him, and offer the hand of reconciliation, then he
+loses all joy in life. Civil war is always the most terrible thing
+which any land can have. But with us Germans it is still more
+terrible, because it is fought out by us with more love for the
+strife than any other war.'</p>
+<p>"Does it not sound truly horrible for the greatest benefactor of
+a nation, which has to thank him for having realized its
+century-old dream of unity, to say in all calm and as something
+quite obvious, that his own nation engages in a civil war 'with
+more love' than any other war? And wherever we look in Bismarck's
+speeches, the same complaint is found which had been the eternal
+lamentation of Goethe&mdash;the lament over the lack of faith and
+will of the Germans.</p>
+<p>"How will it be this time? Will it be as after the Seven Years'
+War, after the War of Liberation, after 1870? Will it be again all
+in vain? As soon as the Fatherland is secure, will every German
+once again cease to be a German in order to become some kind of
+-crat or -ist or -er? This time it will be more difficult, for from
+this war he will return no more into the same Fatherland. It will
+have expanded; the German Fatherland will be greater. Arndt's poems
+must be written over again: no longer merely 'as far as the German
+tongue is spoken.' Germany will stretch beyond that limit, and in
+it the German will have work to do.</p>
+<p>"In his speech Bismarck spoke of the 'unoccupied'; but in all
+probability after this war, for years to come, there will be no
+'unoccupied' Germans. They will be fully occupied with the new
+organization. What the sword has won, we shall keep. 'The pike in
+the European carp-pond,' said Bismarck once, 'prevent us from
+becoming carp. They compel us to exertions which voluntarily we
+should hardly be willing to make. They compel us to hold together,
+which is in direct contradiction to our innermost nature.'</p>
+<p>"As we cannot change our nature, it will be good if we take over
+for good and all a number&mdash;a very considerable
+number,&mdash;of these European pike. That will occupy the German
+peasant and give an outlet to his superfluous energies. There will
+be no leisure-energy to discharge itself in party strife. Further,
+we must build Europe up again. It stood on rotten foundations, and
+now it has fallen to pieces. We shall erect it again on a German
+basis, and there will be work enough."[<a href=
+"#note-30">30</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-30"><!-- Note Anchor 30 --></a>[Footnote 30:
+Hermann Bahr: "Kriegssegen" ("The Blessings of War"). Published in
+Munich, 1915, p. 5 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH5"><!-- CH5 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+<center>WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS</center>
+<p>It would be more than human if the German nation had actually
+realized the lyrical picture painted by two well-known writers in
+the preceding chapter. German newspapers, it is true, prove that
+the national unity so loudly acclaimed was no empty word; moreover,
+they show conclusively that grumblers and half-hearted enthusiasts
+were not lacking. It would probably be more correct to describe
+them as "sober-minded patriots." These elements had, however, to
+use a colloquialism, an "exceedingly rough time."</p>
+<p>The author has already contended that the German is innately
+brutal, and in proof thereof quoted the awful statistics of brutal
+crimes published by the Imperial Statistic Office, Berlin. The
+present work will contain a picture of the natural unfolding of
+this "innate brutality" in Germany itself during war time, and on
+the battlefields of Belgium and France.</p>
+<p>There is no doubt whatever that a systematic,
+officially-organized press campaign was carried on to madden the
+people and arouse blood-lust, successively against Russians,
+Belgians, French and English. One is almost inclined to exclaim:
+Providence caused some of the fruits of this blood-lashing to be
+reaped in Germany!</p>
+<p>"Yesterday evening in the Riebeckbr&auml;u another free fight
+took place, and quieter guests who refused to take part in the
+patriotic screaming of the students and other mob elements were
+badly ill-treated. Beer-glasses, ash-trays, chairs and other
+missiles were thrown about freely. One man was struck on the back
+of the head with a beer-glass, causing the blood to flow in
+streams. Helpless women, too, were beaten and threatened."[<a href=
+"#note-31">31</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-31"><!-- Note Anchor 31 --></a>[Footnote 31:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 1st, 1914.]</p>
+<p>Three days later the same journal contained a public appeal from
+the Mayor of Leipzig, begging the inhabitants to preserve public
+order: "If the disturbances in the streets, public houses, etc.,
+should&mdash;contrary to our expectations&mdash;continue, then we
+shall be compelled to take severe steps to suppress them."</p>
+<p>On the same page there is another report of similar scenes, in
+one of which a workman was "horribly ill-treated" by eight others.
+The army authorities were compelled to issue a still more drastic
+warning on August 6th.</p>
+<p>A victim reported his adventures in another Leipzig
+paper[<a href="#note-32">32</a>]: "I have just read your article
+admonishing the 'hot-heads' to keep cool. The General commanding
+Leipzig has also warned members of the public not to allow
+excitement to lead them to 'deeds of brutality and crime.' I am a
+good German patriot, and yet nearly lost my life at the hands of my
+own countrymen."</p>
+<p><a name="note-32"><!-- Note Anchor 32 --></a>[Footnote 32:
+<i>Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p>The "good patriot" then relates that during the week he had
+spent an evening at a concert in a beer-garden. Patriotic music was
+the order of the day, and as each national song was sung he stood
+up with the rest of the company. Towards the close of the evening
+he felt unwell and remained sitting, an indiscretion which he
+truthfully says "nearly cost him his life." Three skull wounds
+several inches long, his body beaten black and blue, and ruined
+clothes, was the punishment for not joining in with the
+"hurrah-patriots."</p>
+<p>Dozens of similar instances might be cited, but for the sake of
+impartiality it is preferable to allow a German to generalize: "The
+rage of the populace has found vent not only against foreigners,
+but also against good German patriots, indeed even against German
+officers."[<a href="#note-33">33</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-33"><!-- Note Anchor 33 --></a>[Footnote 33:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 12th.]</p>
+<p>Probably one of the most glaring instances of German
+indifference to brutality is afforded by the following incident. A
+commercial traveller named L&uuml;deritz, aged twenty-three,
+murdered his sweetheart in a Leipzig hotel by strangling her with
+his necktie. He alleged that he had killed the girl at her wish,
+and the judge sentenced him to three years, six months'
+imprisonment&mdash;not even penal servitude! The report
+concludes[<a href="#note-34">34</a>]: "As the accused has been
+called up to serve in the army, he was allowed to go free for the
+present." Which means that if he survives the war he may be called
+upon to undergo his sentence.</p>
+<p><a name="note-34"><!-- Note Anchor 34 --></a>[Footnote 34:
+Ibid., August 28th.]</p>
+<p>A South German newspaper[<a href="#note-35">35</a>] advised
+"German wives and maidens to avoid wearing striking costumes,
+dresses and hats. Such restrictions are not only desirable in the
+serious time through which our dear Fatherland is passing, but such
+precautions are urgently necessary in the interests of personal
+safety. For amidst the excitement which has unfortunately taken
+possession of our people, ladies are not safe, either from insult
+or assault, in spite of the fact that the police do their best to
+protect them."</p>
+<p><a name="note-35"><!-- Note Anchor 35 --></a>[Footnote 35:
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>These are the bare facts, in a very limited selection, as
+regards German brutality towards Germans. In the light of these
+events the question suggests itself: How did foreigners fare in the
+midst of this <i>Kulturvolk</i>? The answer is simple and
+expressive: "Not half has ever been told;" yet the German
+newspapers contain more than sufficient materials to prove that the
+floodgates of barbarism were opened wide.</p>
+<p>When martial law was proclaimed the Berlin Government caused
+official announcements to be issued throughout the whole country,
+requesting the public to assist in preventing tunnels, bridges,
+railways, etc., from being destroyed by foreign agents and spies.
+The whole country at once became a detective office of madmen!</p>
+<p>Ample proof is at hand to show that this lashing of the public
+mind into brutal fury was the calculated work of the German
+authorities. "We are now absolutely dependent upon reports issued
+by the authorities; we do not know whether they are correct or
+whether they are merely intended to inflame public opinion. Thus
+reports have been officially circulated of Russian patrols crossing
+our frontiers, and from Nuremberg of French airmen dropping bombs
+on the railways in that neighbourhood, whereupon diplomatic
+relations with both countries were broken off."[<a href=
+"#note-36">36</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-36"><!-- Note Anchor 36 --></a>[Footnote 36:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>The whole Press, with the exception of at least some Social
+Democratic organs, joined in a chorus of hatred and suspicion
+against Russians residing in Germany. In bitterness towards the
+Russian State the Socialist journals were solid in their hostility,
+but the author has only discovered expressions of abhorrence in
+their columns concerning the ill-treatment, even murder, of
+innocent foreigners in Germany. This fact must be recorded to their
+honour.</p>
+<p>"Certain circles of Leipzig's population are at present
+possessed by patriotic delirium and at the same time by a spy-mania
+which luxuriates like tropical vegetation. In reality, love of
+Fatherland is something quite other than those feelings which find
+expression in the present noisy and disgusting scenes. These mob
+patriots must remember that in their mad attacks on 'Serbs' and
+'Russians'&mdash;that is to say, everybody who has black hair and a
+beard, whom they at once conclude must belong to those
+nations&mdash;they are endangering the lives of hundreds of
+thousands of Germans in France and Russia."[<a href=
+"#note-37">37</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-37"><!-- Note Anchor 37 --></a>[Footnote 37:
+Ibid., August 4th.]</p>
+<p>On the following day the same journal contained another detailed
+report: "In spite of official appeals to the public to display
+self-possession in these serious times, the nationalist mob
+continues to behave in the most scandalous manner, both in the
+streets and public restaurants, etc. The wildest outbreaks of
+brutal passions occur, and no one with black hair and dark
+complexion is secure from outbursts of rage on the part of the
+fanatics. Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday a gentleman in the
+uniform of a German artillery officer was sitting with a lady in
+the Caf&eacute; Felsche; apparently somebody 'denounced' him for a
+Russian officer in disguise. The police accompanied by army
+officers arrested and led him into the street, where they were
+received by a yelling crowd. The enraged mob forced its way past
+the guards and beat the 'spy' with sticks, umbrellas, etc., till
+streams of blood ran down his face, his uniform being torn to
+shreds. The officers and police guarding him drew their weapons,
+but were unable to protect him from further brutal treatment;
+indeed, it was with the greatest difficulty that they succeeded in
+bringing him to a place of safety."[<a href="#note-38">38</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-38"><!-- Note Anchor 38 --></a>[Footnote 38: The
+unfortunate suspect was in truth a German officer.]</p>
+<p>On the last page of the same edition there is an advertisement
+which helps to explain why the appeals for cool blood were
+useless.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"APPEAL!"</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Among the foreigners in our country,
+especially Russians, there are a large number who, it is to be
+feared, are guilty of espionage and attempts to disturb our
+mobilization. While the Russians engaged in work on our farms may
+be allowed to continue their work in peace, it is necessary to
+watch carefully those who are studying here, or are permanent
+residents.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"I call upon the inhabitants to take part in
+the task of observation, and when strong suspicion is aroused to
+see to it that the suspects are arrested and handed over to the
+civil authorities.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The protection of our railway lines and
+stations, telegraph wires, etc., demands the most careful attention
+during the next few days.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="blockquote">     "VON LAFFERT,<br>
+"General in Command.<br>
+"Leipzig, August 4th."</p>
+<p>An interesting contrast to the above is a police order, issued
+by the Director of the Stuttgart police.[<a href=
+"#note-39">39</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-39"><!-- Note Anchor 39 --></a>[Footnote 39:
+<i>Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Policemen! The populace is going absolutely
+mad. The streets are crowded with old women of both sexes who have
+nothing else to do but disgrace themselves. Each sees in his
+neighbour a Russian or French spy, and imagines that it is his duty
+to thrash both him <i>and</i> the policeman who intervenes, till
+the blood flows; if not that, then at least to cause an enormous
+crowd to gather in giving the alleged spy over to the police.
+Clouds become hostile airmen, stars are mistaken for airships and
+the cross-bars of bicycles are thought to be bombs; bridges have
+been blown up, telegraph and telephone wires cut in the middle of
+Stuttgart; spies have been shot and water supplies poisoned! It is
+impossible to imagine what will happen when serious events really
+come.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"It has been proved that up till now there
+has not been the slightest reason for all this alarm; but yet,
+judging by appearances, we are living in a huge lunatic asylum.
+Everyone, if he is not a coward or a dangerous idler, should be
+quietly doing his duty, for the times are already serious
+enough.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Policemen! continue to keep your heads cool.
+Be men as you were formerly, and not women. Do not allow yourselves
+to be frightened at straws; keep your eyes open and do your
+duty!</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"BILLINGER,<br>
+<br>
+"Director of Police.<br>
+<br>
+"Stuttgart."</p>
+<p>It is not surprising that this humorous police commander
+expressed his indignation in the forceful Swabian manner. Here are
+a few telegrams which had been sent to Berlin from Stuttgart, or
+still more probable, manufactured by the official Press Bureau in
+Berlin.</p>
+<p>"A considerable number of Russians and French&mdash;including
+several women&mdash;have been arrested in Stuttgart to-day under
+the suspicion of practising espionage. One of these arrests was
+made in the top-floor of the Central Post Office, where the
+apparatus connected with the telegraph office are to be found.</p>
+<p>"More arrests are about to be made in the environs. It has been
+established that numerous attempts have been made during the last
+few days to blow up the railway bridges. In Freudenstadt a gypsy's
+wagon was seized which contained a quantity of
+explosives."[<a href="#note-40">40</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-40"><!-- Note Anchor 40 --></a>[Footnote 40:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>"Some of our contemporaries (Oh, shade of
+Pecksniff!&mdash;Author) announced yesterday that in Stuttgart
+eighty, according to other reports, ninety millions in French gold
+had been seized. In answer to our inquiry at the principal office
+of the W&uuml;rtemberg State Railways we were informed that the
+statements are pure inventions."[<a href="#note-41">41</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-41"><!-- Note Anchor 41 --></a>[Footnote 41:
+<i>Berliner Lokal-Anzeiger</i>, August 4th.]</p>
+<p>Another Socialist paper which denounced this campaign of lies in
+its columns deserves quotation. "The spy-mania luxuriates; every
+Russian is in danger of assault by over-heated patriots. The
+nation, however, ought to know that the Russians in our midst are
+labourers, students, travellers and business men; it is exceeding
+rare for one of this class, to sell himself to the scoundrels who
+follow the dirty practices of espionage.</p>
+<p>"Civilization and good-breeding demand that everyone should
+respect the dictates of international law, and treat the peaceful
+citizens of a land with which we are at war, with decency.</p>
+<p>"Especially those wretches deserve to have their knuckles rapped
+who circulate such infamous bear-baiting news as the alleged
+attempt on the Crown Prince's life by Russian students."[<a href=
+"#note-42">42</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-42"><!-- Note Anchor 42 --></a>[Footnote 42:
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i>, August 7th.]</p>
+<p>"The General commanding the Leipzig district has issued the
+following reply in answer to an inquiry by the civil authorities:
+We know nothing at all of an alleged attempt on the life of the
+Kaiser or the Crown Prince. The commanding General von Laffert has
+never uttered the words ascribed to him, that the Kaiser had been
+murdered. These reports must be contradicted with the greatest
+energy."[<a href="#note-43">43</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-43"><!-- Note Anchor 43 --></a>[Footnote 43:
+<i>Leipziger Tageblatt</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>The following extracts are of the greatest importance, for they
+prove beyond doubt the source of these lies, and the cold-blooded,
+calculated manner in which they were circulated by the German
+authorities:</p>
+<p>"The decision as to what may be published in newspapers, is now
+in the hands of the military commander in each district.</p>
+<p>"The regulations issued by the military authorities, force
+certain restrictions upon us and threaten the existence of our
+journals. As regards our principles and convictions no change has
+taken place."[<a href="#note-44">44</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-44"><!-- Note Anchor 44 --></a>[Footnote 44: The
+editor of the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> to his readers on August
+1st.]</p>
+<p>"Berlin, August 10th.&mdash;Major Nicolai, director of the Press
+department of the General Staff, received representatives of the
+Press to-day and communicated to them, <i>inter alia</i>, the
+following details: Our army commanders decline to enter into
+competition with the lie-factories abroad. They will convince the
+world that truth is on our side, and that we spread neither lies
+nor coloured reports. We hope in a short time to be able to prove
+how much our enemies have sinned against the truth.</p>
+<p>"What have we achieved up till now? The dreaded invasion of
+Russian cavalry was broken up by our frontier guards alone. Indeed,
+in many cases only the Landwehr was needed to throw back the
+invaders. What about the destruction of important buildings,
+railways, bridges and such like? Nothing at all has
+happened."[<a href="#note-45">45</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-45"><!-- Note Anchor 45 --></a>[Footnote 45:
+Condensed translation of the report in the <i>Leipziger
+Volkszeitung</i>, August 11th.]</p>
+<p>On another page of the same issue a long official army order to
+the Press is given in which this paragraph occurs: "All news given
+out by Wolff's Telegraph-Bureau may only be quoted literally as
+they stand and the source named by the initials W.T.-B."</p>
+<p>It is thus clear that the news-agency mentioned performs two
+separate functions, although the German army authorities do not
+draw this distinction. First, the circulation of reports issued by
+the Army Headquarters in the field, for the truth of which the
+Berlin General Staff guarantees. Secondly, the spreading of their
+own news, and information supplied to them by other German
+Government departments. All news published by the agency has thus
+received the stamp of official authority, and the German public is
+too ignorant to recognize the palpable fraud.</p>
+<p>"Metz, August 3rd.&mdash;A French doctor, accompanied by two
+officers in disguise, was caught yesterday while trying to infect
+the water supply with cholera bacilli. He was at once shot under
+military law."[<a href="#note-46">46</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-46"><!-- Note Anchor 46 --></a>[Footnote 46:
+<i>Deutsche Tageszeitung</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>"The report of the Metz water supply being infected, which was
+given out by Wolff's Bureau yesterday, proves to be a pure
+invention. The agency informs us that there is no ground for
+uneasiness, but the state of affairs at present makes it imperative
+to exercise great care."[<a href="#note-47">47</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-47"><!-- Note Anchor 47 --></a>[Footnote 47:
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 4th.]</p>
+<p>"Coblence, August 2nd.&mdash;The Government-president in
+D&uuml;sseldorf reports that twelve motor-cars containing eighty
+French officers in Prussian uniforms tried this morning to cross
+the Prussian frontier by Walbeck, west of Geldern. The attempt
+failed."[<a href="#note-48">48</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-48"><!-- Note Anchor 48 --></a>[Footnote 48:
+Ibid., August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>Referring to this episode another paper wrote: "The alleged
+attempt of whole caravans of French officers, masquerading as
+German lieutenants, to enter the Rhine province as spies is too
+adventurous to be believed. Especially as it is known that the
+Dutch frontier is very strictly guarded.</p>
+<a name="agency"></a>
+<p>"But Wolff's Bureau, which at present takes every precaution,
+circulated the news. Hence we have here an instance of France
+violating Dutch neutrality."[<a href="#note-49">49</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-49"><!-- Note Anchor 49 --></a>[Footnote 49:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Volkszeitung</i>, August 3rd.]</p>
+<p>As far as the author is aware, the German Government has not yet
+protested to the Dutch authorities for this breach of their
+neutrality.</p>
+<p>The poisoned-water-supplies lie deserves further attention. It
+was scattered broadcast throughout the land, and millions of
+credulous Germans reduced to a state of absolute panic
+and&mdash;what was intended by those who spread the lie&mdash;blind
+hate against Germany's opponents. I have before me a number of
+descriptions of scares in various parts of the Fatherland. A few
+notices will suffice as illustrations.</p>
+<p>"A most terrifying report spread like wild-fire through the town
+last Monday morning, and reached to the farthest suburbs. The
+waters of the Mangfall had been poisoned by Russian spies, and
+everyone's life was in danger. It is hardly possible to conceive
+the effect of this terrible rumour. Messengers of despair rushed
+from house to house, knocking at strangers' doors in order to
+spread the warning. 'That is a devilish deed!' stammered the white
+lips of women. 'Only barbarians wage war in this manner!' hissed
+the men, trembling with rage and hate."[<a href=
+"#note-50">50</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-50"><!-- Note Anchor 50 --></a>[Footnote 50: The
+full report of this Munich scare occupies more than a column in the
+<i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>, August 10th.]</p>
+<p>The <i>Breslauer-Morgenzeitung</i> for August 10th contains an
+announcement from the Breslau municipality warning the inhabitants
+that the waters of the Oder have possibly been poisoned, and
+appealing for every precaution to be taken before drinking from the
+town supply, till a fresh supply can be provided.</p>
+<p>"The authorities in Danzig have declared the waters of the
+Weichsel to be under suspicion of having been infected with cholera
+bacilli. It is presumed that cholera is raging on the upper
+Weichsel in Russia, and that the Russians have not allowed this to
+become known. Water from the river must not be used for any
+purposes connected with human food or drink."[<a href=
+"#note-51">51</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-51"><!-- Note Anchor 51 --></a>[Footnote 51:
+<i>Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten</i>, August 20th. A lying report
+put in circulation hundreds of miles away from Danzig.]</p>
+<p>Finally the originator of these rumours piously contradicts them
+all and announces, "lieb Vaterland magst ruhig sein," in the
+following words:</p>
+<p>"Wolff's Bureau reports: There is absolutely no reason for
+anxiety on account of the alleged poisoning and infection of
+rivers, water supplies and springs which have been reported
+unauthoritatively from all parts of the country, and published in
+the Press. These rumours, which have caused grave anxiety, on
+closer investigation have all proved to be utterly
+unfounded."[<a href="#note-52">52</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-52"><!-- Note Anchor 52 --></a>[Footnote 52:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 27th.]</p>
+<p>The war had lasted for four weeks, and although no rivers had
+been poisoned, the same could not be said of the currents of
+popular opinion.</p>
+<p>"While I was walking down a street in Breslau a tram suddenly
+stopped, loud cries proceeding from within it. The occupants had
+discovered a Russian, dragged him out and handed him over to a
+policeman who led the man away. But the official was unable to
+protect him, and blows with fists and sticks literally rained on
+the defenceless fellow. The couple, surrounded by a howling crowd,
+had just moved away, when a nun attracted the attention of the
+crowd. On account of a report that a Russian spy disguised as a nun
+had been arrested the same morning, the people imagined the nun to
+be a man in disguise.</p>
+<p>"Smiling at the ridiculous supposition and the maddened howls of
+the ever-increasing throng, the lady endeavoured to enter a tram.
+Men placed themselves in front of the car, others dragged the
+frightened woman out again and with blows and kicks she was driven
+before them to the next police station. But the saddest part of
+these excesses&mdash;and I am only describing a few of which I was
+accidentally a witness&mdash;is that members of the so-called
+educated classes participated in them."[<a href=
+"#note-53">53</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-53"><!-- Note Anchor 53 --></a>[Footnote 53: A
+special correspondent in the <i>Frankfurter Zeitung</i>, August
+7th.]</p>
+<p>"On one of the most frequented open places in Breslau a soldier
+approached a lady and looked searchingly into her face. She
+understood him, and remarked with a smile: 'I am not a spy!' The
+man replied: 'But you have short hair. I am sorry, you must come
+with me.'</p>
+<p>"She at once recognized that the wisest plan was to accompany
+him, and turned to do so. The movement worked like a signal; the
+bystanders immediately threw themselves in blind rage upon the
+defenceless woman. In vain the single soldier tried to protect her,
+and equally in vain was the assistance of two policemen who had
+come up. Her cries to be taken into a neighbouring house for safety
+met with no response.</p>
+<p>"Her garments were literally torn from her body, a spectacle
+which finally proved to her persecutors that she actually was a
+woman, but that fact no longer protects her. Brutal instincts, once
+let loose, are mad and unrestrained. Blows continue to fall on her
+head and kicks rain against her body. She only tries to shield her
+eyes. 'Take her to the police station' was shouted, but that is
+some distance away. And any second may mean death&mdash;a horrible,
+disgraceful death.</p>
+<p>"Having arrived in the guard-room the officials are soon
+convinced that they have to do with an absolutely innocent woman.
+Outside the throngs yelled in triumph."[<a href=
+"#note-54">54</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-54"><!-- Note Anchor 54 --></a>[Footnote 54:
+<i>Breslauer Generalanzeiger</i>, August 6th.]</p>
+<p>A German officer wrote the following account to the <i>Berliner
+Zeitung am Mittag</i> (August 5th): "May I supplement your article
+'Spies and Spy-hunting' with a few facts from my own personal
+knowledge. On August 3rd no fewer than sixty-four spies (?) were
+brought into the police station at the Potsdamer Railway Station
+(Berlin). Not one was kept in arrest, for the simple fact that they
+were all innocent German citizens.</p>
+<p>"Among others who were 'captured' and threatened with death by
+the raging crowd on the Potsdamer Platz were: A pensioned Prussian
+major, who was waiting for his son; a surgeon in the Landwehr; a
+high official from the Courts of Justice; and lastly, a pensioned
+Bavarian army officer who, on account of his stature, was thought
+to be a Russian. A drunken shop-assistant egged on the crowd
+against this last suspect, so that his life was really in danger.
+He was rescued by four Prussian officers, who pretended to arrest
+their Bavarian colleague, and were in this way able to lead him
+into safety."</p>
+<p>This twentieth-century reign of terror is not, however, without
+a ray of humour. The semi-official <i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>
+(August 4th) contained a legend which set all Germany hunting for
+French motor-cars. "Several motor-cars with ladies in them, taking
+gold to Russia, are on their way across Germany. They must be
+stopped and a communication sent to the nearest military or police
+station."</p>
+<p>"The occupants of the motor-cars carrying gold to Russia are
+said to have transferred the precious metal to cyclists dressed as
+bricklayers."[<a href="#note-55">55</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-55"><!-- Note Anchor 55 --></a>[Footnote 55:
+<i>Das Kleine Journal</i> (Berlin), August 5th.]</p>
+<p>"The official announcement that French and Russian motor-cars
+had been seen on our country roads has aroused the otherwise
+leaden, heavy imaginations of the country people to the most
+incredible delirium. We will limit ourselves to a single instance.
+One of our cars met a peasant with a hand-waggon near Nerchau. As
+soon as he perceived the motor he bolted in mad fright into a
+neighbouring corn-field.</p>
+<p>"Our man called in a friendly voice: 'My good fellow, what are
+you running away for?' Then the hero answered in a trembling voice:
+'I thought it was a French motor!'"[<a href="#note-56">56</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-56"><!-- Note Anchor 56 --></a>[Footnote 56:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 6th.]</p>
+<p>On August 6th every important paper in the German Empire
+contained the following paragraph issued by the "Army Direction" in
+Berlin:</p>
+<p>"The hunt for alleged hostile motor-cars must stop. It endangers
+the motor-car communications so necessary to our armies."</p>
+<p>This warning was repeated in stronger terms on the following
+day, and the roll of murdered victims began to leak out.
+"Unfortunately through this hunt several persons have been
+wrongfully shot. In Leipzig a doctor and his chauffeur have been
+shot, while between Berlin and Koepenick a company of armed
+civilians on the look-out for Russian motor-cars tried to stop a
+car. The chauffeur was compelled to put the brakes on so suddenly
+that the motor dashed into a tree, with the result that the
+occupants&mdash;several persons connected with the army&mdash;were
+hurled on to the road and received dangerous injuries.</p>
+<p>"In Munich a chauffeur was shot dead by a sentinel because he
+did not stop soon enough. Even children are not spared in this
+degrading fear of spies.</p>
+<p>"Near B&uuml;ren (Westphalia) the twelve-year-old daughter of
+Town Councillor Buddeberg in Bielefeld was returning with her
+mother from Marburg in a motor. Somebody must have telephoned that
+the car was suspect, for the Landwehr Society placed armed
+sentinels at various points on the road. They cried 'Halt!' to the
+chauffeur; just as the car was stopping, shots were fired, and the
+girl sank dead in the arms of her mother.</p>
+<p>"Even the nationalist journals have expressed their astonishment
+that a civilian society is permitted to hold the public highways
+with armed guards. At Coblence a teacher and organist named Ritter
+was shot by a sentinel."[<a href="#note-57">57</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-57"><!-- Note Anchor 57 --></a>[Footnote 57:
+<i>Leifziger Volkszeitung</i>, Supplement I., August 7th. Here we
+have proof that Germany allowed armed civilians to murder supposed
+Frenchmen, a fact to be remembered when weighing Germany's
+accusations against Belgian civilians. The German Government has
+published a White Book (328 quarto pages) during the summer, 1915,
+indicting Belgian civilians with all kinds of atrocities. Waiving
+the point that if Germany first laid aside international law she
+had no right to expect Belgium to respect its dictates, it may be
+safely assumed that the evidence cited by the Germans is of little
+or no value. The oath which German soldiers are compelled to take
+precludes the possibility that they would or could give evidence
+which reflected on the conduct of the German army either in peace
+or war, even if the evidence is absolutely true. "In the interests
+of military discipline" the truth must be suppressed. The same oath
+is, however, proof that the German soldier must be prepared to lay
+down either his life <i>or his honour</i> in defence of the army,
+and in a later chapter irrefutable evidence from German sources
+will be adduced to show that the White Book in question contains
+"sworn lies" emanating from members of the German army.]</p>
+<p>In its issue for August 11th the same newspaper gave the names
+of four more victims who had been shot in Westphalia. Among them
+was a poor woman of weak intellect; she was near a bridge, and
+failing to comply with a sentry's challenge, was shot. The bullet
+passed through her leg and killed a little girl who was working
+near her.</p>
+<p>Wolff's Bureau in Berlin reports: "In spite of the most urgent
+appeals which the Army Direction has issued during the last few
+days, begging the public not to place hindrances in the way of
+motor-cars, blundering mistakes are still being made every hour in
+all parts of Germany, accompanied by the most serious
+consequences.</p>
+<p>"The morning papers again contain reports of gold-motors having
+been captured. There are neither gold-motors nor foreign motors in
+Germany. Anyone who interferes with motor traffic is committing a
+sin against the army."[<a href="#note-58">58</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-58"><!-- Note Anchor 58 --></a>[Footnote 58:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 10th.]</p>
+<p>Another warning appeared in all the papers of August 12th in a
+still more imperative form. Yet a section of the public seemed to
+find a source of humour in this tragic hunt. A correspondent of the
+<i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> gave an interesting report of his
+motor-ride (joy-ride?) from Lindau to Munich.</p>
+<p>"We were hardly two kilometres out of Lindau when we were
+stopped by a barricade of hay-wagons. On each side peasants stood
+with threatening mien, armed with pitchforks, revolvers and ancient
+carbines at full-cock. 'Hands up!' First visitation; we show our
+papers, everything in order. Off again.</p>
+<p>"About every two kilometres this scene was repeated: road jammed
+with huge, long wagons, the same excitement, the same discussion,
+but now and then somewhat sharper. In some villages the duty to
+defend the Fatherland has turned into madness.</p>
+<p>"'Here, get out! Where was this paper stamped? Yes, it is
+possible to forge!' They refuse to believe anything; not even a
+passport from the Chief in Command, nor papers proving me to be a
+German and my companion a German officer. When I tell them that I
+am an author and journalist from Berlin, they parry with a 'What
+the devil is that?'</p>
+<p>"These brave peasants defend their Fatherland well. Once we had
+to wait half an hour till a <i>gendarme</i> came and ended the
+comedy with a few short words. Then we are allowed to get in again,
+and as I turn round a peasant shouts a last greeting: 'Really, I
+took you for a common hussy in disguise!'</p>
+<p>"They threaten us from the houses. Now and then the trigger of a
+gun clicks as it is levelled at us from a window. The roads are
+lined with peasants armed with all sorts of weapons, iron spikes,
+dung-forks, clubs, scythes, and old swords from the time of our
+great-grandfathers.</p>
+<p>"Up to the suburbs of Munich they stand at every village by day
+and by night to see that nothing happens to the Fatherland! And
+even if we were stopped twenty-eight times in this short distance;
+even if we did have to put up with hard words and black
+looks&mdash;we suffered all this gladly. We rejoiced to see with
+our own eyes how valiantly our peasants defend the frontiers of
+their Fatherland."[<a href="#note-59">59</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-59"><!-- Note Anchor 59 --></a>[Footnote 59:
+Edmund Edel in the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p>In due time the bloodthirsty Pecksniff who had set the avalanche
+in motion appeared to express his holy indignation.</p>
+<p>"Wolff's Bureau has circulated the following warning. Berlin,
+August 14th. This fatal hunt for motor-cars has claimed yet another
+victim. Recently an Austrian countess was shot while working for
+the Red Cross, and now a cavalry captain and his chauffeur have
+been killed by a forest-keeper on the look-out for Russian
+<i>automobile</i>.</p>
+<p>"The General Staff has again and again issued the most urgent
+demands that this unhappy hunt for foreign motorists&mdash;which
+has already caused the death of several good Germans&mdash;should
+cease.</p>
+<p>"It is unadulterated madness (<i>es ist heller Wahnsinn</i>) to
+search for enemy motors in our land. Neither enemy officers, nor
+cars loaded with gold, are driving around in Germany. Would that
+our people would stop this horrible murder of their own countrymen
+and lend an ear to the warning voice of our Army Direction. Our
+Fatherland needs every single man in this serious hour."[<a href=
+"#note-60">60</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-60"><!-- Note Anchor 60 --></a>[Footnote 60:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 15th.]</p>
+<p>Only one more nail requires to be driven home to prove the
+blood-guilt of the German authorities for the murder of their own
+citizens.</p>
+<p>"Innumerable reports are in circulation about the capture of
+spies and the prevention of plots against persons and buildings. In
+spite of the fact that the military authorities have repeatedly and
+urgently appealed for the exercise of the greatest discretion in
+publishing such reports, the nationalist Press exploits every
+opportunity to disquiet the masses and excite them to senseless
+delirium.</p>
+<p>"It is obvious that we shall not join in this game. We exercise
+our most careful judgment before publishing anything; in these
+serious times we must decline to speculate in the thirst for
+sensation which has been bred in the public. Rather, on the
+contrary, we must beg our readers always to accept all news, WHICH
+NOW EMANATE ALMOST ENTIRELY FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES,[<a href=
+"#note-61">61</a>] with the necessary reserve."[<a href=
+"#note-62">62</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-61"><!-- Note Anchor 61 --></a>[Footnote 61: The
+emphasis is mine. Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-62"><!-- Note Anchor 62 --></a>[Footnote 62:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 7th.]</p>
+<p>The author has ventured to lead his readers on a mad-brained
+chase after non-existent motor-cars and mythical French gold. He
+hopes that his readers' patience has not been exhausted, because
+the ride may prove an instructive education in German methods and
+the standards of truth accepted in a country where only might is
+right.</p>
+<p>The object in view, in submitting these modern fairy-tales to
+the British public, is to lay bare the pillars of truth which
+support the Fatherland. During the first month of the war there was
+an outbreak of brutality in Germany; contemporaneously with these
+horrors some million members of the same nation flooded Belgium
+with dread deeds of an indescribable nature. This is a noteworthy
+coincidence.</p>
+<p>We have seen how Germans treat Germans, which makes it easier to
+comprehend how Germans treated Belgians. The present chapter gives
+a picture of how the German Press is worked, how popular opinion is
+created and blood-lust awakened. When dealing with Germany's
+defence of her Belgian horrors, we shall find that her entire case
+rests alone upon the utterances of her oracles of truth: Wolff's
+Telegraphic Bureau and Germany's venal, lying newspapers.</p>
+<p>That was the reason for this mad joy-ride from end to end of the
+German Empire, and that is the only apology which the author has to
+make for introducing the latest contributions to Germanic mythology
+into an otherwise serious work.</p>
+<p>Incidentally we have observed that German civilians were
+permitted to bear arms and did not hesitate to use them "in defence
+of the Fatherland," as Edmund Edel put it. The civilians were
+doubtless inspired by the noble desire to grab French gold. Yet
+when Belgian civilians&mdash;as Wolff's Bureau alleges&mdash;dared
+to defend their homes, wives and children against the most
+treacherous and dastardly invasion in the world's
+history&mdash;then, of course, Germany was perfectly justified in
+murdering all and sundry, burning towns and hamlets and laying
+waste a fertile land.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH6"><!-- CH6 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+<center>THE D&Eacute;B&Acirc;CLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS</center>
+<p>In the second paragraph of the Social Democratic programme
+published after the Halle Congress in 1890, we read: "The German
+workmen's socialistic party, although working for the present on
+national lines, is aware of the international character of the
+workmen's movement, and is determined to fulfil all duties accruing
+thereby to the working classes, in order to make the brotherhood of
+all men a reality."</p>
+<p>At that meeting&mdash;the first to be held after the repeal of
+Bismarck's anti-socialist law&mdash;the president claimed that they
+had secured more votes at the Reichstag election than any other
+party; they were the strongest political party in Germany.</p>
+<p>Since that year they have consistently increased their power,
+till in the present Reichstag they have no fewer than one hundred
+and eleven members, giving them almost an absolute majority.</p>
+<p>It seems an irony of fate that at Halle in 1890 one of the
+speakers who dilated on international brotherhood and the
+inseparable bonds which bound Belgian and German workmen&mdash;was
+a Belgian delegate! Singer, in reporting on the doings of the
+representatives in the Reichstag, said: "We consider peace among
+the nations to be an indispensable preliminary for the improvement
+of social conditions. We vote against expenditure for military
+purposes, because we are convinced that this continuous arming,
+accompanied by the constant improvement of murderous weapons, must
+be ended. It is contradictory to the civilizing task of the nations
+for them to be armed to the teeth, lying in wait for the moment
+when they can devour each other.</p>
+<p>"Militarism is an evil for the nations; its burdens cannot be
+borne for ever, and even to-day the nations are collapsing under
+them. Modern conditions are unbearable; out of them spring
+ever-increasing armaments, and at last a time will come when war
+must break out, because the state of modern armed peace will one
+day have become impossible."</p>
+<p>Another authoritative pronouncement from the report[<a href=
+"#note-63">63</a>] of the Social Democratic Congress in Erfurt,
+1891, deserves mention. It is a passage from a speech delivered by
+the elder Liebknecht in the Reichstag: "As regards the defence of
+the Fatherland all parties will be united when it is necessary to
+meet an outside enemy. In that moment no party will shirk its
+duty."</p>
+<p><a name="note-63"><!-- Note Anchor 63 --></a>[Footnote 63:
+"Protokoll &uuml;ber die Verhandlungen des Parteitags der Soz. Dem.
+Partei Deutschlands zu Erfurt, 1891."]</p>
+<p>This is an instance of what Germans call
+<i>R&uuml;ckversicherung</i>, or a covering insurance. Having
+pledged themselves never to leave the Fatherland in the
+lurch&mdash;and the pledge was repeated on many
+occasions&mdash;they were free to babble to French, English and
+Italian Socialists about the blessings of internationalism, general
+strikes, and eternal peace. But there is no single instance on
+record to show that German Socialists considered any other benefits
+of internationalism, except those which served the purposes of
+their own nationalism.</p>
+<p>At Halle, 1890, Liebknecht said: "These ideas are indisputably
+correct. Nobody,[<a href="#note-64">64</a>] no matter how
+enthusiastic he may be for the international cause, will dare to
+maintain that we have no national duties. National and
+international are not opposing principles. The word 'national' must
+be rightly understood. It includes only a certain, limited portion
+of international humanity. The part belongs to the whole, and
+international merely means going beyond the boundary-posts of the
+nation, the narrower limits of the native land; to extend one's
+horizon to include the whole; to consider humanity as one family
+and the world as a home."</p>
+<p><a name="note-64"><!-- Note Anchor 64 --></a>[Footnote 64:
+Liebknecht was wrong. There are dupes who hold that their
+international obligations come before their national duties, and
+unfortunately in the ranks of these traitors, English M.P.'s may be
+found, who receive &pound;400 per annum from the British State,
+presumably to aid them in injuring the British cause.]</p>
+<p>The error into which British Socialists have fallen&mdash;or
+been led&mdash;is their attitude towards militarism. German
+Democrats have never denounced the bearing of arms; they have
+admitted that arms will always be necessary, pre-supposing that the
+world continues along the same lines of development as
+heretofore.</p>
+<p>They have only objected to the existing <i>form</i>[<a href=
+"#note-65">65</a>] of militarism, but otherwise they have always
+been unanimous that military training should be compulsory and
+universal. Their British <i>Genossen</i> (comrades) have either
+misunderstood or wilfully perverted these teachings. German
+Socialists have unswervingly insisted upon every man learning the
+use of arms, while their British followers have preached absolute
+disarmament and done their utmost to betray this country into
+weakening herself below the minimum necessary to guard the land,
+and to maintain the country's pledges to the world.</p>
+<p><a name="note-65"><!-- Note Anchor 65 --></a>[Footnote 65:
+Kautsky: "Die Internationalit&auml;t und der Krieg" (Vorw&auml;rts
+Publishing House, Berlin, 1915), p. 26. "We have fought against the
+military system not to make the land defenceless, but in order to
+introduce another system in its place, which will give us the
+necessary guarantees that the army will always be the tool of the
+civil authorities and never their master. When the latter is the
+case we call such a condition 'militarism,' and it is against that
+alone that we fight." Seeing that military power is absolutely
+subordinated to the civil authorities in the case of Great Britain
+(Mutiny Acts), then according to the principles of German
+Socialists their British colleagues were wrong in all the efforts
+which they have made against the armed powers of these
+islands.]</p>
+<p>In Halle, Herr Bebel made this statement: "I have already made
+it clear that I consider the efforts of the so-called peace friends
+towards disarmament to be useless (<i>aussichtslos</i>), because it
+is unthinkable that the rival States would agree to legal
+restrictions concerning disarmament. If such were made, each would
+endeavour by secret preparations to out-do the other. War and
+national enmity are necessary products of society, and the existing
+class distinctions."</p>
+<p>The Germans were quite logical in this matter; in effect they
+said&mdash;the existing States and forms of government make
+militarism necessary, and war inevitable. Therefore we declare war
+to the knife on every existing government, including Russian
+Czarism, British constitutionalism, German autocracy and American
+republicanism. They are one and all rotten, unjust and inhuman. Our
+programme includes their complete overthrow and the erection in
+their stead of a <i>Volksstaat</i> (People's State).</p>
+<p>The position is perfectly simple, and to those who are
+sufficiently ignorant and na&iuml;ve this programme promises an
+universal salvation, as delirious in its joy as that expected by
+African races when bending the knee before images of wood and
+stone. German Socialists are pledged just as irrevocably to the
+doctrines of brute force as are the Junker and military powers in
+the German Fatherland. What is their industrial and class warfare
+but an attempt to enforce the doctrine of might is right?</p>
+<p>In the official programme drawn up at Erfurt, 1891, there is a
+paragraph stating a claim for <i>uneingeschr&auml;nktes
+Koalitionsrecht</i> (absolute and unlimited right of coalition),
+which means that the masses may unite to enforce what they will,
+and annihilate whom they please. The same rights of coalition are
+denied to anyone else, and in the coal-strikes in South
+Wales[<a href="#note-66">66</a>] we have a lurid example&mdash;such
+instances could not be found in Germany&mdash;of the absolute and
+unlimited right of coalition at the risk of undoing any and every
+other right.</p>
+<p><a name="note-66"><!-- Note Anchor 66 --></a>[Footnote 66: The
+strikes during the present war.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>The point is this: German Socialists have declared their
+intention to give no allegiance to any existing form of government
+and to overthrow them at the earliest possible moment. Do British
+Socialists accept this part of the programme?</p>
+<p>Throughout German Social Democratic literature we find Mr.
+Ramsay Macdonald referred to as <i>Genosse</i> Ramsay Macdonald,
+which means that he is considered a full member of the brotherhood.
+If that is really the case, and if he accepts their programme as
+one to be followed here he would be favouring the substitution of
+the <i>volksstaat</i> for the British constitutional monarchy.</p>
+<p>In face of this it may be asked why do British members of the
+Socialist party take an oath on entering the House of Commons, and
+why do they accept &pound;400 per annum to support a national
+State, if they have pledged themselves internationally to overthrow
+it?</p>
+<p>The author admits his inability to solve the riddle, but during
+the years 1902-1914 he has heard members of all non-Socialist
+German parties assert that the German Socialists do not recognize
+any religious oath, and sections of the Socialists admit this
+position. As a party they are professedly atheistic; therefore when
+the might of the German State compels them to take an
+oath&mdash;they take it with an inward
+<i>R&uuml;ckversicherung</i>.</p>
+<p>In a word, false-swearing is permitted, when one is obliged by
+circumstances, to take an oath to authorities whose right and might
+the oath-taker does not admit. So long ago as 1892 the Social
+Democrats were publicly charged with condoning perjury in order to
+rescue fellow members from the results of breaches of the law.
+Judge Schmidt in a court at Breslau said in that year: "Social
+Democrats have never concealed the fact that they are hostile to
+any religious form of oath. For them the religious importance and
+responsibility of an oath has no meaning whatever." Numerous German
+judges and authors have expressed themselves in a similar
+strain.</p>
+<p>Readers who are interested in the point are referred to the
+report[<a href="#note-67">67</a>] of the Socialist Congress held in
+Berlin, October, 1892. The party leaders endeavoured to gloss the
+matter over with righteous indignation and ambiguous phrases, but
+it nevertheless remains a fact that the desire to counteract
+effectively, a tendency to perjury among Socialists led the German
+Government a few years later to make perjury punishable by penal
+servitude up to ten years.</p>
+<p><a name="note-67"><!-- Note Anchor 67 --></a>[Footnote 67: All
+these reports may be seen in the British Museum Reading Room. Press
+mark is: 08072d.]</p>
+<p>Before leaving the <i>Volksstaat</i> the author only wishes to
+state that it lays the axe on every conception of morality,
+religion and social order which we esteem. In the place of existing
+conditions, it would erect a mob tyranny more degrading to the
+individual than Czarism or Republicanism. The mines of Siberia and
+the tinned-meat factories of Chicago may enslave the body, but the
+<i>Volksstaat</i>, as portrayed by Socialist writers and speakers,
+promises an intellectual tyranny&mdash;hopeless alike to body and
+soul; and those who have had an opportunity to observe the brutal
+tyranny called "party discipline" which rules the German Social
+Democrats, will bear the present writer out in saying that its
+like, could only be found inside the German army.</p>
+<p>The strongest, best organized and most thoroughly disciplined
+political party in the world has repeatedly expressed its
+unalterable determination to place national before international
+interests, whenever these two should seem to be at variance. In the
+light of these declarations, the action of German Socialists in
+giving unreserved support to the German Government in this war, is
+not altogether surprising.</p>
+<p>Furthermore, this foundation-stone in their policy ought never
+to have been left out of consideration when pondering over their
+ecstatic utterances on peace and internationalism.</p>
+<p>The communistic manifesto of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels,
+first published in London in the German language in 1847, contains
+the following: "Men say that we Communists wish to destroy the
+nationality of the native land. Workmen have no Fatherland. It is
+impossible to take away what they do not possess. The Communists
+scorn to conceal their views and intentions. We declare openly,
+that their aims can only be attained by the violent overthrow of
+all existing social orders. Let the ruling classes tremble before a
+communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing but their
+chains to lose, while they have a world to gain."[<a href=
+"#note-68">68</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-68"><!-- Note Anchor 68 --></a>[Footnote 68: "Envy
+and greed are the two powerful levers by which the Social Democrats
+are endeavouring to lift the world off its hinges. They live by the
+destruction of every ideal." Treitschke in the "Preussische
+Jahrb&uuml;cher," vol. 34.]</p>
+<p>German Socialists have incorporated these principles <i>in
+theory</i> in their programme, but <i>in practice</i> they do not
+hold them, especially if their own skins are endangered, together
+with the Government which is threatened by "violent overthrow."
+That is the sum total of their extensive defence&mdash;literature
+published <i>since</i> the outbreak of the present war. In its
+naked reality that is what the guarantee-insurance policy covered.
+So long as no danger threatened their own lives, goods and
+chattels, such eloquence as the following extracts were shouted
+into the world; but when they personally stood face to face with
+the Moloch upon which for years they had heaped contemptuous abuse,
+then national (<i>i.e.</i>, personal) interests came first.</p>
+<p>Herr Fischer, in his capacity as president of the Socialist
+Congress in Berlin, 1892, said:</p>
+<p>"The reception of French delegates at Halle, and of Liebknecht
+at Marseilles, have proved incontrovertibly that the struggling
+French proletarians are of one mind and heart with German Social
+Democracy. Let the chauvinists, burning with hate on this and that
+side the Rhine, urge us on to war; let the diplomats and
+Governments of both countries sacrifice the well-being of the two
+nations to militarism and the war-bogey. The working-men in the two
+countries stretch out their hands to each other over the frontiers
+as pioneers of true culture and morality. They are convinced that
+there is only one enemy which separates them, and that it is their
+common task to fight against and annihilate this one
+enemy&mdash;capitalism."</p>
+<p>"Now as ever, we Social Democrats reply to the Government's
+military and economic policy this parole: Not a man and not a
+farthing will be voted for this system!"[<a href=
+"#note-69">69</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-69"><!-- Note Anchor 69 --></a>[Footnote 69:
+Social Democrat members of the Reichstag in their report to the
+annual congress held in Cologne, 1893.]</p>
+<p>These quotations have been intentionally taken from speeches,
+etc., published in the early nineties of the last century. If
+necessary, it would be an easy matter to fill several volumes of
+similar matter from the annual congress reports down to 1913; from
+the vast mass of German Social Democratic literature published
+between 1890 and 1914; and from the hundred party newspapers and
+reviews circulated in the Fatherland, Yet in the face of all these
+assurances it seemed to us that the German Socialists had
+shamefully betrayed their principles on August 4th, 1914, by giving
+their unreserved support to "Germany's Holy War."[<a href=
+"#note-70">70</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-70"><!-- Note Anchor 70 --></a>[Footnote 70: In
+all Germany, and among all classes, this has become the popular
+designation of the European war: "<i>Unser</i> heiliger
+Krieg."]</p>
+<p>Probably the betrayal was not so shameful as it seemed, because
+the fact was not made known in this country that the German
+Socialists had but imitated Bismarck's policy with Russia and
+Austria. (Bismarck concluded a treaty, with the one Power, then
+behind that Power's back he concluded a
+<i>R&uuml;ckversicherungsvertrag</i> with the other, <i>i.e.</i>, a
+covering insurance policy intended to protect him against all
+risks.)</p>
+<p>During a quarter of a century, German Social Democrats have been
+the most ardent and insistent pioneers of internationalism and
+anti-militarism. But it has not been so generally known that they
+too have protected their rear by a <i>R&uuml;ckversicherung:</i>
+(1.) They have consistently taught that every man must learn to
+bear arms, and that both man and woman must be prepared to make any
+sacrifice for their Fatherland. (2.) They have always held that
+national interests must be considered before international
+palaver.</p>
+<p>In Chapter I. we have seen that up till July 28th, 1914, the
+German Social Democratic Party considered Austria and Germany to be
+entirely responsible for the European crisis. They had then no
+shadow of doubt, that Austria alone was guilty for bringing the
+danger of a European war to their very doors; from that point we
+again take up the story.[<a href="#note-71">71</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-71"><!-- Note Anchor 71 --></a>[Footnote 71: In
+all the mass of literature published by German Socialists during
+the war I have found only one mention of their first attitude to
+the war danger. On the first anniversary of the ultimatum to Serbia
+(July 23rd, 1915) the <i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i> contains these
+lines in a leading article: "To-day we may not repeat that which we
+wrote about the ultimatum in our issue of July 24th, 1914. But
+there was no doubt in any section of the Press, that Europe stood
+on the brink of war from the moment that ultimatum was
+despatched."]</p>
+<p>Three days later they tacitly agreed that Russia was the guilty
+party and acquiesced in the mobilization of the German army. On
+August 1st this proclamation occupied the front page of their
+seventy-seven daily papers:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"PARTEIGENOSSEN! Military law has been
+proclaimed. Any hour may bring with it the outbreak of the world
+war. Thereby the severest trials will be imposed upon, not only our
+nation, but upon the whole of our continent.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Up till the last minute the
+internationalists have done their duty, and on the other side of
+our frontiers every nerve is being strained to preserve peace and
+to make war impossible.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"If our earnest protests, our repeated
+endeavours have been without success, it is because the conditions
+under which we live have once again proved stronger than our will,
+and the will of our workmen brothers. Hence, whatever comes, we
+must now face it with firmness.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The horrible self-laceration of the European
+peoples, is the cruel confirmation of our warnings to the ruling
+classes for more than a generation; we have spoken admonishingly
+and in vain.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"<i>Parteigenossen</i> (comrades), we shall
+not live through coming events in fatalistic indifference; we shall
+remain true to our cause; we shall hold firmly together, permeated
+by the sublime greatness of our cultural mission.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The women, on whom the burden of events
+presses two and threefold, have above all, in these serious times,
+the task of working in the spirit of Socialism for the high ideals
+of humanity, so that a repetition of this dreadful catastrophe may
+be averted, and this war may be the last.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"The stern regulations of martial law strike
+the workmen's movement with terrible force. Imprudent actions,
+useless and falsely-conceived sacrifices, damage in this moment not
+only the individual, but also our cause.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Comrades, we appeal to you to persevere in
+the unshakable confidence that the future belongs, in spite of all,
+to nation-binding Socialism, to justice and humanity.</p>
+<p class="blockquote"><br>
+"DER PARTEIVORSTAND.<br>
+(The leaders of the party.)<br>
+<br>
+"Berlin, July 3ist, 1914."</p>
+<p>With these words, millions of German Socialists, represented by
+four and a quarter million voters and a hundred and eleven members
+of the Reichstag, tacitly denied their previous protestations, that
+Austrian Imperialism was letting loose the war-fury on Europe.
+There are rumours of a secret consultation with the German
+Chancellor, but that is of little import in this place. The leaders
+of this huge party proclaimed on July 25th that Austria was the
+blood-guilty power and maintained this attitude in spite of
+bloodshed till 11 p.m. on July 28th. By what lightning-change
+Austria's original guilt was transferred to Russia by July 31st is
+not recorded.</p>
+<p>With regard to the text of the above proclamation, there are
+variations to be noted. In the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> it runs "within
+and without our frontiers" in the second paragraph; the text as I
+have given it is taken from the <i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>. In
+the fifth paragraph the Nuremberg <i>Fr&auml;nkische Tagespost</i>
+gives "capitalistic" for "fatalistic."</p>
+<p>A few extracts from Socialist newspapers will suffice to
+illustrate the complete change of front which happened in three
+days:</p>
+<p>"We Social Democrats in this solemn hour are at one with the
+whole German nation, without distinction of party or creed, in
+accepting the fight forced upon us by Russian barbarism, and we are
+ready to fight till the last drop of blood for Germany's national
+independence, fame and greatness." <i>Der Folksfreund</i>
+(Karlsruhe), August 1st.</p>
+<p>"We desired peace and we have done everything humanly possible
+to secure that end. But when war is forced upon us by Russian
+Czarism, then, whatever the final decision may be, we must drop all
+class distinctions and differences of every kind, to form a single,
+determined people, prepared to defend Germany's independence and
+greatness against the enemy&mdash;even to the last drop of blood."
+<i>Volksstimme</i> (Mannheim), July 31st.</p>
+<p>"A defeat would mean collapse, annihilation and horrors most
+dreadful for all of us.[<a href="#note-72">72</a>] Our imaginations
+revolt at such a possibility. Our representatives in the Reichstag
+have unanimously declared on innumerable occasions that the Social
+Democrats could not leave their Fatherland in the lurch when the
+hour of destiny strikes; the workmen will now redeem the promise
+given by their representatives. The 'Fatherlandless
+fellows'[<a href="#note-73">73</a>] will do their duty, and in
+doing it, will allow themselves to be surpassed in no wise by the
+patriots," <i>M&uuml;nchener Post</i>, August 1st.</p>
+<p><a name="note-72"><!-- Note Anchor 72 --></a>[Footnote 72: These
+sentiments did not occur to this journalist when Germany began a
+ruthless war of invasion on Belgium.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-73"><!-- Note Anchor 73 --></a>[Footnote 73: A
+phrase of contempt employed by the Kaiser when speaking of the
+Social Democrats in 1889, and which became proverbial.]</p>
+<p>"Whatever our opponents have done to us, at this moment we all
+feel the duty to fight against Russian knout-rule. Our women and
+children shall not be sacrificed to Russian bestiality, nor the
+German people become a booty for the Cossacks." <i>Die
+Volksstimme</i> (Chemnitz), August 2nd.</p>
+<p>It is possible that even at the end of the war no explanation
+will be forthcoming for this astounding change of attitude. Some
+have suggested that the Russian or Slavonic danger caused it. Yet
+just these journals, and this party, had maintained, so long as any
+degree of free speech was permitted, that Austria had provoked the
+danger, and they were fully aware that the German Government had
+from first to last approved of and openly assisted in provoking,
+nay challenging, Russia on a question which involved the latter's
+prestige and diplomatic existence.</p>
+<p>Bethmann-Hollweg gave the alleged Russian mobilization as the
+immediate cause of the war, but doubtless the Social Democrats knew
+full well that for several days before Russia's mobilization was
+announced, Germany had been secretly mobilizing her army. From July
+26th till July 30th German papers contained many reports that
+Russia was mobilizing; they may have been true or not, but the
+diplomatic correspondence published by Austria and discussed on
+<a href="#redbook">page 63</a> shows conclusively that the Central
+Powers were baiting Russia into taking that step, and when the
+greatest Slavonic power had made the desired move, Germany replied
+with an ultimatum which brought about the war, so ardently desired
+by the great majority of Germany's warlike tribes.</p>
+<p>Britishers who sympathize with German Social Democracy may
+advance the plea: If Germany's military preparations were secret,
+how could the Social Democrats know of these proceedings? The
+answer is direct and simple: Every individual Social
+Democrat&mdash;and men, women, and children, they number some
+twenty millions&mdash;has for years past been a spy and informer in
+the interests of the <i>Umsturzpartei</i> (overthrow-party). All
+the happenings of the workshop, barracks, farmyard, shop and office
+have been systematically reported to the local Press, and local
+committees of the Democratic Party; the ammunitions thus obtained
+have been just as systematically employed to fire insidious
+paragraphs and Press articles at governments, local authorities,
+employers, officers, and even the employers of servant-girls. Of
+late years it has been dangerous to have a difference even with a
+maid-servant; a few days later the inevitable insidious, anonymous
+attack would certainly appear in one or other of the S.D.
+journals.</p>
+<p>One instance will suffice to illustrate the everyday routine of
+the class-war (<i>Klassenkampf</i>) in which the whole energies of
+the Social Democrats have been absorbed for a quarter of a century.
+An acquaintance of the author's, Major Schub, in the 19th Infantry
+Regiment, stationed in Erlangen, dared some years ago to send his
+orderly with a she-goat to a peasant in the district who kept the
+indispensable he-goat. Two days later he was pilloried in a Furth
+paper for calling upon a private soldier to fulfil such a degrading
+office. German workmen do not read the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> (its
+circulation is well under 100,000), but they read one or other of
+the seventy purveyors of filth and class hatred which form the
+stock-in-trade of the Social Democratic Party.</p>
+<p>The author of this work, knew as early as July 25th, that
+reserve officers had been warned to hold themselves in readiness;
+on succeeding days he saw tangible evidence that mobilization was
+proceeding stealthily, and it would be ridiculous for him to claim
+greater knowledge than the hundred and eleven S.D. members of the
+Reichstag, and the seventy-seven editors of their party
+papers&mdash;especially when these have an army of millions of
+spies at their command.</p>
+<p>In order to obtain a correct judgment of the motives which
+actuated German Social Democrats in their complete support of the
+German Government it is necessary to consult the works published by
+them during the war. Karl Kautsky writes:[<a href=
+"#note-74">74</a>] "That which under these circumstances, was most
+immediate and pressing in determining the attitude to war, not only
+for the masses, but also many of our leaders, was the fear of a
+hostile invasion, the urgent necessity to keep the enemy out of our
+territory, no matter what the causes, object or results of the war
+may be. This fear was never greater and more justified than on this
+occasion; never have the devastating results of invasion been more
+terrible. Belgium and East Prussia speak plainly.</p>
+<p><a name="note-74"><!-- Note Anchor 74 --></a>[Footnote 74: "Die
+Internationalit&auml;t und der Krieg." Berlin, 1915; p. 32.]</p>
+<p>"The increased size of the armies greatly extends the
+unavoidable desolation of war, and in addition to this a second
+strongly-working popular motive decides the attitude of a nation to
+war, viz., the interest of the entire people in the fate of an army
+in which every family is represented."</p>
+<p>It thus becomes evident that no motives of justice, right or
+wrong, or politics played any part in the decision arrived at, but
+merely a great fear which impelled the Social Democrats to consider
+first and foremost how to save their own skins.</p>
+<p>All protest meetings were cancelled on August 1st, and the Press
+restricted itself to chronicling rumours and events. The sitting of
+the Reichstag was awaited with impatience as that was expected to
+bring more light on the crisis. The effect which Bethmann-Hollweg
+produced upon his hearers was to convince them that Russia alone
+was to blame. "The question of supporting the war by voting a loan
+was all the easier for us to decide, because the provocation had
+come, not from France or England, but from Russia. I admit openly
+that while I was travelling to Berlin to the Reichstag I had very
+little time to hunt for precedents in the party's history to
+determine my vote. For me the force of circumstances alone was
+decisive; the material interests of the working classes and the
+entire nation; common sense and the realization of a practical
+policy."[<a href="#note-75">75</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-75"><!-- Note Anchor 75 --></a>[Footnote 75: "Die
+Kriegssitzung des deutschen Reichstags" ("The War Sitting of the
+Reichstag"), by Karl Hildenbrand, Member for Stuttgart. Published
+1915; p. 13.]</p>
+<p>"At the time of voting on August 4th, we were not in a position
+to take England into consideration, because at the moment she had
+not yet declared war. But by England's intervention our attitude on
+August 4th has been still more emphatically justified."[<a href=
+"#note-76">76</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-76"><!-- Note Anchor 76 --></a>[Footnote 76:
+Ibid., p. 16.]</p>
+<p>This statement is a gross distortion of the truth. It is true
+that England had not yet declared war, but Sir Edward Grey had made
+England's attitude quite clear on the previous day. His speech had
+been published in the Berlin papers. Furthermore, the Chancellor
+informed the Reichstag that England's position was perfectly clear,
+although he suppressed the fact that Germany had begun preparations
+for war with this country five days before, by ordering civilians
+to leave Heligoland, and despatching the <i>K&ouml;nigin Luise</i>
+to lay mines on our coasts.</p>
+<p>In any case, the action of the Social Democrats on that occasion
+is an example of unfaithfulness to principles. Accepting the
+invasion fear as a ground for voting a loan for a war of defence,
+there is still no evident reason why they should vote funds for a
+war of aggression against Belgium. On the surface, there is no
+explanation for their cheers when Bethmann-Hollweg announced the
+invasion of two neutral States by Germany's armies.</p>
+<p>Had they been tricked into supporting an alleged defensive war,
+there was still time to protest against German hordes overrunning
+two weak neighbouring countries. In spite of their terror that they
+personally might suffer through the horrors of war, their vaunted
+humanitarianism led to no outcry against those same horrors being
+wilfully and ruthlessly forced upon their Belgian
+<i>Genossen</i>.</p>
+<p>The only anxiety which the speech of their chosen spokesman,
+Herr Haase, betrays, is the anxiety to avoid responsibility. "In
+the name of my party I am empowered to make the following
+declaration: We are standing in an hour of solemn destiny. The
+consequences of the imperialistic policy&mdash;which brought about
+an era of armaments and made international difficulties more
+acute&mdash;have now fallen upon Europe like a storm-flood.</p>
+<p>"The responsibility for this recoils upon the leaders of that
+policy; we decline to accept it. Social Democracy has fought
+against this ominous development with all the forces at its
+command. Up to the very last hour we have worked for the
+maintenance of peace through mighty demonstrations in every land,
+especially in intimate cooperation with our French brothers.
+(Applause from the Social Democrats.) Our efforts have been in
+vain.</p>
+<p>"Now we are face to face with the stern reality of war. We are
+threatened by the terrors of a hostile invasion. To-day we have not
+to decide either for or against war, but only concerning the
+necessary means for the defence of our country. Now we have to
+think of the millions of our <i>Genossen</i> who are innocently
+swept into this fate. They will suffer most through the
+devastations of war. Our ardent wishes accompany also our brothers
+who are called to the flag without distinction of party. (Loud
+applause.)</p>
+<p>"We think, too, of the mothers who must give their sons and of
+the women and children who are robbed of their bread-winners, and
+to whose fear for their loved ones is added the dread of hunger.
+Tens of thousands of wounded and mutilated warriors will soon be
+added to these. We consider it our most compelling duty to help
+them, to lighten their burdens and relieve their distress.[<a href=
+"#note-77">77</a>] (Loud applause.)</p>
+<p><a name="note-77"><!-- Note Anchor 77 --></a>[Footnote 77: There
+is every reason to believe that the party has worked hard to keep
+this promise.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"In case of a victory for Russian despotism, which is already
+stained with the blood of Russia's best sons, much&mdash;if not
+everything&mdash;is at stake for our people and our free future. It
+is a question of averting this danger, and of securing the culture
+and independence of our own country. (Loud applause.)</p>
+<p>"Now we will redeem our oft repeated pledge: In the hour of
+danger we shall not leave our Fatherland in the lurch. (Loud
+applause.) Thereby, we feel ourselves in unison with the principles
+of internationalism which have always admitted the right of each
+single people to national independence and national defence. We
+condemn, as internationalism does, every war of conquest.</p>
+<p>"We demand, that, as soon as the goal of security has been
+attained and our enemies are inclined to make peace, the war shall
+end by a peace that will make friendship with neighbouring
+countries possible. We demand this, not only in the interests of
+the international solidarity for which we have uniformly fought,
+but also in the interests of the German nation.</p>
+<p>"We hope that the cruel school of war's sufferings will awaken a
+horror for war in new millions, and win them over to the
+socialistic ideal and international peace. Guided by these
+principles we vote in favour of the war loan. (Loud
+applause.)"[<a href="#note-78">78</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-78"><!-- Note Anchor 78 --></a>[Footnote 78:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>A short historical comparison will assist in making the Social
+Democratic action still clearer. In 1870, when Bismarck asked the
+Reichstag for a war credit to prosecute the campaign against
+France, the Socialists were few and helpless. Yet Liebknecht and
+Bebel refused to vote in its favour. "Their moral demonstration was
+in itself perfectly logical, for Bismarck's and Napoleon III.'s
+intrigues equally deserved condemnation."[<a href=
+"#note-79">79</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-79"><!-- Note Anchor 79 --></a>[Footnote 79:
+Kautsky: "Die Internationalitat und der Krieg," p. 19.]</p>
+<p>Apparently it did not occur to the Democrats in 1914, that
+probably Germany had again been guilty of intrigues. It is
+noteworthy, however, that the small party in 1870 protested when a
+national issue was at stake, while the mighty party of 1914 made no
+protest whatever, although, as they had previously announced and
+denounced, the issue had been raised by the unjust actions and vile
+intrigues of Austrian imperialism.</p>
+<p>The campaign against Russia conducted by the nationalist Press
+up till August 1st was taken up by the organs representing Social
+Democracy, immediately war broke out. Their papers were flooded
+with appalling pictures of Russian (generally termed Asiatic)
+barbarism, tyranny and misrule. Passages from the speeches and
+writings of Bebel, Liebknecht and others were quoted to show the
+fiendishness of Russian policy, and the justice of every German
+doing his utmost to smash Czarism and deliver millions of fellow
+workmen from its thrall. Even a blood-and-thunder story of the
+Russian police was turned on as a serial story in their daily
+papers.[<a href="#note-80">80</a>] In short, nothing was omitted
+which goes to make <i>Stimmung</i>.</p>
+<p><a name="note-80"><!-- Note Anchor 80 --></a>[Footnote 80: "Der
+Polizeimeister, ein russischer Polizeiroman," by Gabryela Zapolska.
+The story commenced in the Nuremberg party organ on August 11th,
+and in Kautsky's <i>Leipztger Volkszeitung</i> on August 18th.]</p>
+<p>Had they been honestly impartial a still blacker picture of
+Austria, painted by one of the founders of the workmen's movement,
+might have been quoted, yet it might have been indiscreet to tell
+Germans what Lassalle wrote. "Austria? Russia is a mammoth,
+barbarian Empire which its despotic rulers endeavour to civilize,
+just so far as suits their despotic interests. In that country
+barbarism is excusable, because it is a national element. But the
+case is very different with Austria. There it is the government
+which represents the barbaric principle and crushes beneath it by
+artifice and violence, the civilized peoples under its
+rule."[<a href="#note-81">81</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-81"><!-- Note Anchor 81 --></a>[Footnote 81:
+Bernstein's edition of Lassalle's "Reden und Schriften," vol. I.,
+p. 306.]</p>
+<p>With the exception of a few Britishers, the Socialists of all
+countries have unanimously condemned the attitude of the German
+party. Not the least interesting is the condemnation expressed by
+the Italian section. Dr. S&uuml;dekum, Reichstag member for
+Nuremberg, was sent to Italy to discuss the situation with Italian
+Socialists and justify their own action in supporting the war. The
+following account of the meeting appeared in the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> for September 12th: "The meeting lasted from
+3.30 p.m. till 7 p.m. S&uuml;dekum declared that he had come to
+inform their Italian comrades of the situation in which the German
+Socialists found themselves, and in order to learn whether the
+Italians had taken any steps to keep up communications with
+Democrats in other lands.</p>
+<p>"We hold firmly to the contention that the German Socialists
+could have done nothing except what they did. My presence here is a
+proof that we Germans are aware of our duties towards
+internationalism.[<a href="#note-82">82</a>] We believed that the
+German Government had given proof of its peaceful tendencies and
+was forced into war against its will. Therefore, the Social
+Democratic Party supported it.</p>
+<p><a name="note-82"><!-- Note Anchor 82 --></a>[Footnote 82: There
+is no evidence to show that S&uuml;dekum's Italian visit had any
+other purpose than winning over the sympathies of Italian
+Socialists and with them, the whole Italian nation for the purposes
+of German nationalism.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Delia Seta answered that this was no justification for giving
+their support. The Italian Socialists would not have given their
+assistance under the same circumstances, just as they had refused
+to vote in favour of the Libyan war.</p>
+<p>"Dr. S&uuml;dekum replied that the German Socialists were
+compelled to defend their Fatherland against Czarism. Further, he
+repeated Haase's declaration in the Reichstag and continued: 'I am
+astonished that the Italian Socialists are able to believe, that so
+strong a party as the German Democrats, had denied their ideals,
+and been untrue to their task. You must admit that no other way was
+open to us, except to grant the credit demanded.'</p>
+<p>"After this, he asserted the nationalist Press of France and
+Italy was working against Germany, and it seemed as if the Italian
+comrades were in agreement with Italian nationalists in
+endeavouring to maintain the existing condition of affairs[<a href=
+"#note-83">83</a>] in Italy.</p>
+<p><a name="note-83"><!-- Note Anchor 83 --></a>[Footnote 83: "The
+existing condition of affairs" seems to mean Italian
+neutrality.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Finally S&uuml;dekum concluded by pointing out that the German
+Democrats had neither the intention, nor the right, to influence
+the attitude of the Italian Socialists, but were merely
+endeavouring to link up hearty international intercourse again.</p>
+<p>"In reply Delia Seta said he found it remarkable that the German
+Socialists had appealed to their Italian comrades in this solemn
+hour, all the more remarkable because intentions might easily be
+ascribed to this intervention. 'This is a serious motive which
+impels us to state our opinions with unreserved frankness.'</p>
+<p>"He continued: 'Your defence does not convince us. You speak of
+France being allied with us, and of England, Germany's enemy. But
+we speak of our France, revolutionary France, Jaur&eacute;'s
+France. The French Socialists opposed the military preparations
+made by France, you Germans did not do the same in your country, or
+at least, only up to the point where the imperialistic feelings of
+the Kaiser and his party might be hurt.</p>
+<p>"'The point of view of German Democrats coincides with that of
+German imperialism. German predominance means for us a far greater
+danger than Czarism, because Czarism prevents the German army from
+marching on Paris, and thus protects the banner of France, which in
+spite of all mistakes and errors, is still the most
+revolutionary.</p>
+<p>"'Germany's motto is: <i>Deutschland &uuml;ber alles</i> and you
+have not opposed it; but you have published in the
+<i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> an appreciation of the Kaiser alleging that he
+had worked during twenty-five years for peace.</p>
+<p>"'You speak of German civilization being in danger. But in this
+civilization we can find no trace of culture, when you attack and
+torture neutral Belgium, and complete the destruction of Louvain.
+Taken as a whole, German Socialists are just as plausible and use
+the same excuses as the Ministers of the German
+Government.[<a href="#note-84">84</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-84"><!-- Note Anchor 84 --></a>[Footnote 84: Might
+not this also be said of Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Bernard Shaw,
+etc., and the <i>Labour Leader</i>, whose writings on the war have
+been scattered broadcast throughout Germany during the last six
+months?]</p>
+<p>"'We are enraged at the terrible fact that Germany has violated
+Belgium's neutrality, and you have not even protested. We tell you
+quite openly that we honour and weep for devastated Belgium, and
+tremblingly follow the fate of France.'"</p>
+<p>S&uuml;dekum had no words with which to answer this terrible
+indictment, and the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> could only add the
+following comment:</p>
+<p>"We consider the judgment of our Italian comrades to be
+one-sided, but for reasons easy to understand, desist from
+discussing it in the present situation. Unfortunately we must
+recognize the fact, however, that the Italian view is widespread
+among the Socialists of other neutral countries."</p>
+<p>Germany's revolutionary party lost no time in hoisting the
+banner of "no annexations." The <i>Leipziger Folkszeitung</i>,
+second in importance only to the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> nailed down a
+phrase in the Kaiser's speech from the throne, which stated: "We
+are inspired by no desire for conquest." In commenting on this
+phrase, Kautsky's organ said:</p>
+<p>"The part of the speech which excites most sympathy in us is the
+admission that Germany cherishes no lust for conquest. At the
+proper time we shall refer to that again.</p>
+<p>"It is with sincere regret that we see the French Government on
+the side of the criminal Powers, which have enslaved and robbed the
+Russian people. If Germany, in a delirium of victory, should raise
+claims which mean annexation, then we shall&mdash;that must be
+repeated again&mdash;recall the speech from the throne of the
+German Kaiser on August 4th, 1914."[<a href="#note-85">85</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-85"><!-- Note Anchor 85 --></a>[Footnote 85:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 4th.]</p>
+<p>During the first year of war a split among the Social Democrats
+has become evident, and it appears certain that it is the
+annexation question which is causing the cleavage. In December last
+Liebknecht abstained from voting when the second war loan was
+granted by the Reichstag. Evidently doubts have arisen in a small
+section of the party either as to the origin of the war, or in
+regard to the objects which the German Government hopes to
+attain.</p>
+<p>On August 20th, 1915, Dr. Liebknecht put this question in the
+Reichstag: "Is the Government prepared to enter into immediate
+peace negotiations on the basis that Germany renounces all
+annexation claims and assuming that the other Powers in question
+are willing to negotiate?" Von Jagow replied: "I believe the great
+majority of the members will agree with me, when I refuse to answer
+the question, as being at present beside the purpose."</p>
+<p>The reply evoked a hurricane of "bravos."</p>
+<p>A parallel may be found in the year 1870. The central committee
+of German Social Democrats passed a resolution that: "It is
+absolutely necessary for the party to organize simultaneously in
+all parts of the country great popular demonstrations against the
+annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, and pass resolutions in favour of an
+honourable peace with the French republic."</p>
+<p>Nothing came of the movement, for on September 9th the committee
+was placed under arrest and prosecuted. If Germany should be
+victorious in this war, it is to be assumed that the Socialists
+would again prove powerless to prevent annexation. What the allies
+cannot hinder, the Social Democrats would be still more helpless to
+prevent; especially as the great majority of them are unreservedly
+on the side of the Kaiser and his Government. When in need, the
+latter flattered and persuaded the Democrats to vote for an alleged
+war of defence; but should German arms be victorious the German
+Government would neither seek, nor accept advice on her national
+projects, from her quondam internationalists.</p>
+<p>There are grounds for suspicion that the party is playing a game
+desired by the Berlin Government. For some months past they have
+tried every means possible to arrange personal interviews with the
+leaders of the corresponding party in France&mdash;the French
+"comrades" have refused to meet them. The <i>Leipziger
+Volkszeitung</i> for July 16th, 1915, contains more than a column
+about "We and the French," in which the German party spreads the
+usual Teutonic lime of sophistry and empty phrases.</p>
+<p>One passage betrays the entire intrigue. They wish their "French
+brothers" to agree to a peace without annexations, which means, in
+so many words, that the French Socialists are to renounce
+Alsace-Lorraine for ever. Had they been, or should they be in the
+future, so foolish as to enter this German mouse-trap, then before
+the war has reached a decisive conclusion, a large section of the
+French nation would be pledged to renounce the lost provinces even
+in case of a German defeat. This is an excellent instance of the
+manner in which German Social Democracy works in an enemy country
+to assist its own Government. In like manner, the Independent
+Labour Party and Union of Democratic Control are forces exceedingly
+sensitive to German influence, and in a decisive moment can be set
+in motion by the German "comrades."</p>
+<p>The hundred and eleven Social Democrats in the Reichstag have no
+real power in Germany. If they possess any degree of power, then
+fear for their own skins, prevents them from risking its exercise.
+Their real opinion concerning Alsace-Lorraine appeared in the same
+journal four days later. "According to our opinion it would be a
+crime, if France made the return of these provinces a condition of
+peace." In the same article an accusation of one-sidedness is made
+against the Socialists in France for supporting the French
+Government. After which, it is not surprising that every time the
+names of the <i>Genossen</i> Macdonald, Snowden, Hardie and Newbold
+occur in the <i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, they are mentioned with
+awe and reverence.</p>
+<p>"Besides Ramsay Macdonald and Philip Snowden, our friend J.T.
+Walton Newbold has got on the nerves of the English
+patriots."[<a href="#note-86">86</a>] These gentlemen invariably
+receive polite mention, but French Socialists are evidently in
+disfavour&mdash;presumably because they know too well the German
+game.</p>
+<p><a name="note-86"><!-- Note Anchor 86 --></a>[Footnote 86:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, July 23rd, 1915.]</p>
+<p>The peace programme of the German Socialists has been published.
+An official declaration of the party which appeared on August 23rd,
+1915, gives the following conditions.</p>
+<p>"While caring for the national interests and rights of our own
+people, and at the same time respecting the vital interests of all
+nations, German Social Democracy strives for a peace which bears
+the guarantee of permanence, and will bring the European States
+closer together in matters of justice, culture, and commerce. In
+this sense we have drawn up the following scheme:</p>
+<p>"I. The security of German independence and the entirety of the
+German Empire, which implies the rejection of all annexation plans
+on the part of our opponents. That includes the French plan to
+re-incorporate Alsace-Lorraine with France, no matter in what form
+that end may be sought.</p>
+<p>"II. In order to secure free economic development for the German
+nation, we demand:</p>
+<p>"(<i>a</i>) The 'open door,' <i>i.e.</i>, equal rights for
+commercial and such-like activities in all colonial
+territories.</p>
+<p>"(<i>b</i>) The inclusion of the most-favoured-nation clause in
+the articles of peace of all the nations now at war.</p>
+<p>"(<i>c</i>) The furthering of an economic entente by abolishing
+tariffs, etc., as far as possible.</p>
+<p>"(<i>d</i>) The equalization and improvement of the
+social-political institutions according to ideals aimed at by the
+workmen's international party.</p>
+<p>"(<i>e</i>) The freedom of the seas is to be guaranteed by an
+international treaty. To this end the right of capture at sea must
+be abolished, and all straits and narrows of importance for world
+commerce, must be internationalized.</p>
+<p>"III. In the interests of Germany's security and the free
+exercise of commercial and economic efforts in South-Eastern
+Europe, we reject all the warlike aims of the Quadruple Alliance to
+weaken or disintegrate Austria-Hungary and Turkey.</p>
+<p>"IV.&mdash;In consideration of the fact that the annexation of
+territories inhabited by another race transgresses the rights of
+nations to govern themselves; furthermore because thereby, the
+unity and strength of Germany would be weakened and her foreign
+relations seriously and permanently injured, we oppose the plans in
+that direction cherished by shortsighted
+conquest-politicians.[<a href="#note-87">87</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-87"><!-- Note Anchor 87 --></a>[Footnote 87: There
+are two and a half lines of dots at this point. Probably the German
+censor has cut out a sentence.]</p>
+<p>"V.&mdash;The terrible destruction and sufferings brought upon
+humanity by this war have won over millions of hearts to the ideal
+of a world peace, permanently secured by an international court of
+justice. The attainment of this end must be recognized as the
+highest moral duty of all those who are appointed to the work of
+framing a peace. Therefore we demand that an international
+arbitration court shall be created which shall settle all future
+difference between the nations."[<a href="#note-88">88</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-88"><!-- Note Anchor 88 --></a>[Footnote 88:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 23rd, 1915.]</p>
+<p>This imaginary peace-treaty is what Germans would call a
+<i>Zankapfel</i> (apple of discord). It may represent the serious
+opinions of Germany's greatest political party, but the German
+Government will welcome it because it will give Germany's
+sympathizers in France, England, Italy and Russia an excellent
+weapon with which they can attack their respective Governments, and
+hamper them in protecting their national interests. It will
+doubtless be an inspiration to the members of the I.L.P. and the
+U.D.C.[<a href="#note-89">89</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-89"><!-- Note Anchor 89 --></a>[Footnote 89: Above
+prophecy written end of August; fulfilled in the <i>Labour
+Leader</i> October 28th.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>If the German Government seriously formulated such proposals,
+the author believes that all Britishers worthy of the name would
+simply answer: "Fight on!" On this assumption the proposals deserve
+no discussion.</p>
+<p>Yet the document is interesting as revealing the mind of Social
+Democratic Germany. These sublime Pharisees are unconscious of
+Belgium's wrongs and Germany's crimes. The former deserve no
+compensation and the latter no penalty. Here we are on the bed-rock
+of their ideas of justice and humanitarianism. Still we are not
+altogether surprised, because the Democratic newspaper organs have
+openly defended and justified the atrocities committed by German
+soldiers, and whenever any particularly damning evidence has been
+produced their parole has consistently been: "At any rate, now is
+not the time to discuss it." According to their comprehension the
+only time for discussion is when Europe is under the German heel.
+They are willing to discuss&mdash;when discussion can no longer
+injure the Fatherland, when Germany has gained all she wants.</p>
+<p>The most remarkable metamorphosis which the German Democrats
+have undergone, is shown in their changed attitude to England. This
+country gave a home to Marx and Engels; the former is buried in
+Highgate cemetery. For many decades the party professed
+enthusiastic admiration of British institutions and our ideals of
+personal freedom. Their admiration for England was not always
+convenient to the German Government, and was certainly a thorn in
+the side of the Kaiser.</p>
+<p>In 1898 the party published a "Handbook for Social Democratic
+Voters," which contains lengthy explanations of their entire
+policy. Therein they justify their opposition to German naval
+expansion, and while conceding that naval supremacy is vital and
+indispensable to England, continue: "Boundless plans are veiled
+beneath the Navy Bill (1897). The hotspurs among the water-patriots
+dream of a first-class navy which might rival, yes, even surpass
+the British fleet.</p>
+<p>"For the water-patriots the Navy Bill means an instrument to
+further their unlimited <i>Weltpolitik</i> and schemes of conquest;
+a weapon with which to realize their mad imaginings of a greater
+Germany. They desire to employ it as a tool for their absolutist
+plans and adventurous world enterprises.</p>
+<p>"It increases the risk of foreign conflicts. At the same time it
+brightens the prospects of success of those influential circles
+which&mdash;impelled by an overpowering impulse to deeds, and
+inspired by a diseased longing for prestige&mdash;press on from
+excitement to excitement, from daring to daring, and from crisis to
+crisis."</p>
+<p>This remarkable prophecy has been verified by history, but with
+its realization, the party which made it has been converted to the
+side of their former opponents. To-day the Social Democrats are
+just as hearty in the desire to see Britain overthrown and British
+naval supremacy smashed as is the Kaiser's Government.</p>
+<p>No impartial thinker dare deny that the British fleet has been
+the principal factor in preventing Europe's subjugation to German
+autocracy, and the world to German militarism. Yet the so-called
+party of freedom prays earnestly that this fleet may be destroyed.
+This represents the tone of their daily Press, and the change of
+attitude has been proved to be scientifically correct in various
+books published by their leaders during the present year. One of
+these works will be quoted at considerable length, because of its
+importance in showing what the "pioneers of liberty" wish, may be
+the end of the "home of liberty." The work bears the title, "German
+Social Democracy and the World War;"[<a href="#note-90">90</a>] its
+author is a Socialist member of the Reichstag.</p>
+<p><a name="note-90"><!-- Note Anchor 90 --></a>[Footnote 90: "Die
+deutsche Sozialdemokratie und der Weltkrieg," by Dr. Paul Lensch,
+published by the Vorw&auml;rts Publishing House. Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>In dealing with England he refers to their former admiration for
+this country and proceeds to prove that it was wrong&mdash;wrong in
+the interests of Germany, and the world. England's fight against
+Napoleon for European freedom Dr. Lensch disposes of in a sentence:
+"Consumed by greed, England took the long-yearned-for opportunity
+and fell upon her rival, France" (p. 16).</p>
+<p>He informs his readers that England and Russia are two beasts of
+prey. England's disarmament proposals were only intended to secure
+her naval supremacy, because Germany seemed to be escaping from the
+strangulation cord which. England had drawn tight round her throat.
+Therefore three problems present themselves to Dr. Lensch, which
+the war must solve:</p>
+<p>(1.) Shall the German people continue to exist as an independent
+nation?</p>
+<p>(2.) Shall the danger of Czarism continue to threaten West
+European culture?</p>
+<p>(3.) Shall Britain's naval supremacy be eternalized or
+overthrown, seeing that Britain only allows other nations to
+develop, so far as they are compatible with her national interests?
+(p. 15).</p>
+<p>"England's oft-praised freedom is based upon the enslavement of
+the world; the peoples now recognize that England's wealth,
+freedom, and greatness are merely the corollary to their poverty,
+slavery and wretchedness (p. 20).</p>
+<p>"International Socialism has not the slightest interest in
+helping to bolster up this supremacy (p. 22).</p>
+<p>"When this monopoly is broken the English working classes will
+lose their present privileged position. They will be reduced to the
+same level as the workmen of other lands. Then Socialism will
+flourish in England (p. 23).[<a href="#note-91">91</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-91"><!-- Note Anchor 91 --></a>[Footnote 91: The
+author had fondly imagined that the British workman stood foremost
+as the result of his own battles. In any case, it is to be hoped
+that British Socialists will be grateful for "Genosse" Lensch's
+prayers for their downfall.]</p>
+<p>"No party stands to lose more by a British victory than Social
+Democracy. The overthrow of England's world-position would clear
+the way for the continuation of the world's progress on the right
+historical lines, and its economic development (p. 25).</p>
+<p>"In the present world war the interests of the internationalists
+are bound up in a German victory. Hence a German victory would be a
+victory for Marx's internationalism, and only then, would the
+hearts and heads of English workmen be open to the intellectual
+schooling of the Socialistic idea (p. 27).</p>
+<p>"As early as the eighties in the last century, Friedrich Engels
+proved that the ruin of England's industrial monopoly had begun.
+What the scientist had foretold, became evident to all eyes two
+decades later. The social system of the greatest, world-ruling
+industrial State was shaken to its foundations. International
+Socialists had every reason to welcome this peaceful downfall of
+England's world power" (pp. 21-22).</p>
+<p>"Marx once wrote that war is like a locomotive in the history of
+the world. May this war have that effect and under full steam lead
+to a finish the work which peaceful development had already
+commenced, <i>i.e.</i>, the downfall of English supremacy. If the
+war hastens and concludes this process, then the sacrifices in
+blood and treasure will not have been in vain. A great
+stumbling-block to human progress and especially to the proletarian
+fight for freedom will have been hurled out of the way" (pp.
+27-8).</p>
+<p>Having failed during a peaceful fight of over forty years, to
+hurl German autocracy and militarism out of the world, these
+hot-headed pioneers of liberty (Kaiserdom?) wish to destroy the
+very State which was their place of refuge when German "liberty"
+overwhelmed them with its kindly attentions.</p>
+<p>Still we cannot be too grateful to Dr. Lensch for his lucid
+statement. It is an effective reply to Germany's sympathizers in
+this country, and if British workmen should ever see these lines,
+it will interest them to know that German Socialists are anxious to
+pull them down a little, in the belief that if British workmen are
+cut short in their luxuries they will become better Socialists and
+Internationalists.</p>
+<p>Dr. Lensch has only one step more to take, and he will certainly
+gain the highest German order&mdash;<i>pour le m&eacute;rite</i>.
+The famous Communist manifesto of Marx and Engels concludes with
+the words: "Proletarians of all lands, unite!" It is much to be
+desired that Dr. Lensch should amend this by adding to Marx's
+phrase a few words, so that the amended form would run:</p>
+<p>"Proletarians of all lands, unite to sing 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland, &uuml;ber alles.'" By this simple means the learned
+doctor would condense the entire teachings of his book into a
+single sentence.</p>
+<p>"The position to-day is that the interests of freedom and
+democracy are utterly at variance with a French victory (p.
+42).</p>
+<p>"Greater Prussia was founded by the war of 1866, while the 1870
+struggle established a Little Germany. Through the present war
+Great Germany will be created" (p. 46).</p>
+<p>On another page this Socialist-Chauvinist proclaims that "the
+freedom of the oppressed must be the work of the oppressed
+themselves," which is a principle that the I.L.P. and U.D.C., etc.,
+would do well to note. "The peculiarity of our situation is to be
+found in the fact that extraordinarily advanced ideals have
+penetrated into our unripe conditions."[<a href=
+"#note-92">92</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-92"><!-- Note Anchor 92 --></a>[Footnote 92: Louis
+Bamberger in an essay on German Social Democracy in the <i>Deutsche
+Rundschau</i>, vol. 14, p. 243.]</p>
+<p>It is to these "unripe conditions" that Lensch, Liebknecht,
+David, Hildenbrand and the remaining leaders of German Social
+Democracy should give their undivided attention. Last year the
+Berlin Government published a record of crimes committed in
+Germany. It is the most awful record of any nation in the world,
+and the above gentlemen would do well to study Volume 267 of the
+<i>Vierteljahrshefte</i>. There were hundreds of thousands of
+brutal crimes committed in Germany by German proletarians during
+the year 1912.</p>
+<p>For half a century Marx, Lassalle, Bebel, Liebknecht and their
+successors have been busily engaged in intellectualizing Germany's
+proletarians; now it is advisable for the Socialist party to begin
+the work of humanizing them. Their efforts to internationalize the
+world have resulted in a hopeless <i>d&eacute;b&acirc;cle</i>; let
+them now begin the task of humanizing Germany. They have all
+evidently forgotten the German proverb: <i>Kehr vor deiner eignen
+T&uuml;r!</i> (Sweep first before your own door.)</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH7"><!-- CH7 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+<center>"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"</center>
+<p>On August 2nd, 1914, Belgium announced her neutrality in the
+European war; France had already declared her intention to respect
+Belgian neutrality at all costs. On the other hand we have
+Bethmann-Hollweg's word that he knew French armies were standing
+ready to strike at Germany through Belgium. This statement he has
+never supported by any proof, nor even mentioned his authority for
+the same.[<a href="#note-93">93</a>] In view of the facts that no
+military preparations had been made on the Franco-Belgian frontier,
+and that the German armies first came into contact with French
+forces long after the fall of Li&eacute;ge, we are compelled to
+declare the German Chancellor's statement to be a pure
+invention.</p>
+<p><a name="note-93"><!-- Note Anchor 93 --></a>[Footnote 93:
+So-called "evidence" has been given by Richard Grasshoff in his
+book "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt"), pp. 14-20. Grasshoff
+quotes the sworn statements of a German corporal who resided in
+Boitsfort, near Brussels. The corporal states that he saw two
+French and one English officer in Brussels on July 26th, and eight
+French soldiers on July 29th.</p>
+<p>The statements of three French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, are also cited; these men maintain that they entered
+Belgium on the 31st of July and the 2nd of August.</p>
+<p>With regard to this "evidence," we must note that Grasshoff is a
+German official, the corporal a German spy, and that the Frenchmen
+have made these statements in a prisoners' camp, a place where they
+were exposed to the temptation of German gold and the influence of
+Teutonic bullying. Lastly, the Berlin General Staff has recorded
+that the German armies first came in touch with French troops on
+August 19th, near Namur.]</p>
+<p>Moreover Germany's excuse for invading Belgium is given in the
+title of this chapter. Had Germany possessed any proof that French
+officers in disguise were organizing preparations in Belgium, or
+that French airmen had crossed the latter's territories in order to
+drop bombs by Wesel, etc., then Bethmann-Hollweg would have had no
+reason to admit in the Reichstag that his country was committing a
+breach of international law. Under such circumstances Belgian
+neutrality would no longer have existed; the Chancellor, instead of
+"necessity," could have pleaded justification and the world could
+scarcely have withheld its approval.</p>
+<p>In the early hours of August 4th the Germans crossed the Belgian
+frontier, although the <i>Cologne Gazette</i> had published a
+notice three days before announcing that Germany had no intention
+whatever of taking the step, and that no German troops were near
+the frontier.</p>
+<p>General von Emmich immediately issued this proclamation in
+French: "To my great regret German troops have been compelled to
+enter Belgian territory. They are acting under the compulsion of
+unavoidable necessity, for French officers in disguise have already
+violated Belgian neutrality by trying to reach Germany, via
+Belgium, in motor-cars.[<a href="#note-94">94</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-94"><!-- Note Anchor 94 --></a>[Footnote 94: One
+wonders what military purpose these officers had in view. They
+would have been inevitably arrested at the German frontier. The
+fable was made public by Wolff's Agency, and has been ridiculed
+even by the German Press, <i>vide</i> <a href="#agency">pp.
+96-7</a>.]</p>
+<p>"Belgians! it is my most ardent desire that it may yet be
+possible to avoid a struggle between two peoples which up till now,
+have been friends, formerly even allies. Remember the glorious days
+of La Belle Alliance, when German arms helped to found the
+independence and future of your Fatherland.</p>
+<p>"Now we must have a free way. The destruction of tunnels,
+bridges and railways will be considered hostile actions. Belgians!
+you have to choose. The German army does not intend to fight
+against you, but seeks a free path against the enemy who wishes to
+attack us. That is all we desire.</p>
+<p>"Herewith I give the Belgian people an official pledge that they
+will not have to suffer under the terrors of war; that we will pay
+ready money for all necessaries which we may have to requisition;
+that our soldiers will show themselves the best friends of a nation
+for which we have the highest esteem and ardent affection. It
+depends upon your prudence and your patriotism whether your land
+shall be spared the horrors of war." (Appeared in the <i>Cologne
+Gazette</i>, August 6th.)</p>
+<p>A Dresden paper of the same date contains an illuminating
+statement. "We have just received official information that the
+German General Staff had been informed by an absolutely reliable
+source that the French intended to march through the valley of the
+Meuse into Belgium. The execution of this plan had already
+commenced, therefore France was by no means prepared to respect
+Belgian neutrality."</p>
+<p>"For years past the King of Belgium has conspired with England
+behind the backs of his ministers, to damage German interests. His
+telegram to the King of England was a trick planned long ago. These
+facts will soon be supplemented by a large number of documentary
+proofs; from this the necessity has arisen to direct Germany's
+advance through Belgium irrespective of neutrality
+considerations."[<a href="#note-95">95</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-95"><!-- Note Anchor 95 --></a>[Footnote 95:
+<i>Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten</i>, August 9th.]</p>
+<p>Here we have the first clumsy attempts to prove that Belgian
+neutrality did not exist. These after-thoughts have grown during
+the past year into no inconsiderable literature. Probably the two
+motives which have inspired Germany&mdash;official and
+unofficial&mdash;to print many volumes on Belgian neutrality have
+been the indignation aroused in neutral countries and the fact that
+a complete German victory was not obtained in three months of
+war.</p>
+<p>German newspapers again betray the plot against Belgium, and a
+search through their files reveals in the clearest manner possible
+how Wolff's Bureau was again the source of a widespread campaign to
+prove that Germany was right, and simultaneously to lash public
+opinion into hatred for the Belgian "barbarians and beasts."</p>
+<p>In the first few days of August the Press was filled with
+reports concerning the murder and ill treatment of Germans in
+Belgium, before any act of war had taken place. No doubt a
+justified fear for the mighty, brutal neighbour existed in the
+popular imagination, and fear may be the father of ill-considered
+deeds. Nevertheless, there is no proof that mob law prevailed in
+Belgium, as it did in Germany. Moreover, the latter country
+outlawed herself when she proclaimed the law of necessity. In the
+light of this consideration the German outcry that the Belgians
+were breaking both the laws of humanity and international
+jurisprudence lacks sincerity and remains unconvincing.</p>
+<p>A country which announces her intention to ignore existing laws
+and "hack a way through at all costs," should surely be the last to
+declaim on the alleged offences against the laws of war by a small,
+weak, unprepared neighbour. If these considerations are
+insufficient, there remains the fact that Germany herself began war
+against unarmed Belgian civilians.</p>
+<p>During the night following the unsuccessful <i>coup de main</i>
+against Li&eacute;ge, a Zeppelin attacked the town and dropped
+bombs. "On Thursday, August 6th, at 3.30 a.m. Z6 returned from an
+air-cruise over Belgium. The airship took a conspicuous part in the
+attack on Li&eacute;ge, and was able to intervene in a markedly
+successful manner. Our first bomb was dropped from a height of
+1,800 feet, but failed to explode. The ship then sank to 900 feet
+above the city, and a non-commissioned officer dropped twelve more
+bombs, all of which exploded, setting the city ablaze in several
+places."[<a href="#note-96">96</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-96"><!-- Note Anchor 96 --></a>[Footnote 96:
+German official report in the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i>, August
+10th.]</p>
+<p>An Austrian who was in the town afterwards described the attack
+in the <i>Grazer Tagespost</i>. According to this witness it was
+already daylight when the airship appeared, and the effect of the
+bombs was truly awful. In view of the circumstance that it was
+already light, Germany cannot put forward the defence that the
+bombs were intended for the twelve forts which surround
+Li&eacute;ge at a distance of some miles.</p>
+<p>This is the earliest official record of an attack upon
+civilians&mdash;and it came from the German side! The crew of Z6
+were the recipients of a tremendous ovation on their return, while
+the news of this dastardly murder was received with jubilation
+throughout the German Empire. In Lun&eacute;ville fifteen civilians
+were killed by airship bombs two days earlier; shortly afterwards
+followed the attack by airship on civilians in Antwerp.</p>
+<p>The author has before him about one hundred different newspaper
+reports, alleging the most awful barbarism on the part of the
+Belgians. Among the numerous statements that Germans were murdered,
+only two names are mentioned, and both these men are alive to-day;
+the one is Herr Weber, proprietor of an hotel in Antwerp.</p>
+<p>"We have now received full details of the murder of the German,
+Weber. He had fled from his pursuers and hidden himself in a
+cellar. As the raging mob could not find him they burnt sulphur in
+the house, which caused Weber to break into a violent fit of
+coughing. This betrayed his hiding-place; he was dragged out and
+murdered."[<a href="#note-97">97</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-97"><!-- Note Anchor 97 --></a>[Footnote 97:
+<i>Hamburger Fremdenblatt</i>, August 12th, and simultaneously in
+many other journals. On the following day the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i>
+announced that Herr Weber had returned to Germany in the company of
+their own correspondent.]</p>
+<p>"The German pork-butcher, Deckel, who had a large business in
+Brussels, was attacked in his house by a crowd of Belgian beasts
+because he had refused to hang a Belgian flag before his shop; with
+axes and hatchets the mob cut off his head and hewed his corpse in
+pieces."[<a href="#note-98">98</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-98"><!-- Note Anchor 98 --></a>[Footnote 98:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Volkszeitung</i>, August 10th.]</p>
+<p>A few days later the <i>Berliner Tageblatt</i> informed its
+readers that Herr Deckel was residing in Rotterdam, and had
+suffered no harm whatever.</p>
+<p>Readers who are acquainted with the official record of brutal
+crimes committed year by year in Germany and the haughty contempt
+for civilian rights which the whole German army has consistently
+shown in the Fatherland, during the orderly times of peace, will
+require little imagination to conceive that this same army would
+show still less consideration for civilians in a country which they
+were wrongfully invading.</p>
+<p>The German Press during the last thirty years, as well as many
+books published in the Fatherland, contains ample proof of German
+brutality at home, and above all, of the legal brutality of German
+non-commissioned and commissioned officers. How can Germany expect
+the world to believe, that these same men, were transformed into
+decent human beings by the mere act of stepping over the Belgian
+frontier?</p>
+<p>Granted that vulgar elements of the Belgian population did
+transgress, there still remains incontrovertible evidence that
+almost unheard-of kindness was shown to the invading army, and that
+Germans had displayed brutal insolence to Belgians before a state
+of war had been declared. Nearly every single letter from soldiers,
+published in German papers, records the fact that in the villages
+through which they passed they were given water, wine and food,
+while payment was in many cases refused.</p>
+<p>It is part of Germany's policy to blacken Belgium's character in
+order to justify her own ruthlessness&mdash;naturally Wolff's
+Agency was one of the principal tools to that end.</p>
+<p>"Much as we condemn the excesses of the Belgians, still we must
+not wreak vengeance on the whole nation as a section of our Press
+demands. Have not harmless and defenceless foreigners been terribly
+ill-treated in Germany without distinction of sex? Have not shops
+and restaurants been demolished in hundreds, wherever a French word
+was to be met? And the rage of the German masses has found an
+outlet not only against foreigners, but against good German
+patriots and even German officers."[<a href="#note-99">99</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-99"><!-- Note Anchor 99 --></a>[Footnote 99:
+<i>Leipziger Volkszeitung</i>, August 12th. This journal as well as
+the <i>Fr&auml;nkische Tagespost</i> names Wolff's Agency as their
+authority in more than one issue.]</p>
+<p>The same journal on the preceding day deplored that "we
+ourselves are not free from guilt." It recounts how German
+reservists, when leaving Antwerp and Brussels, had sung their
+national songs in a loud, provocative manner, and taunted the
+bystanders with such remarks as: "In three days we shall be here
+again!"</p>
+<p>According to the same authority German residents had insulted
+the populace by displaying their national flag; and German
+employers had been among the first to discharge employees of their
+own nationality, without salary in lieu of notice, thus increasing
+the difficulties of German residents in Belgium.</p>
+<p>German official pronouncements are much more reticent in their
+judgment on these allegations of Belgian cruelties. None the less
+the Berlin Government must be held responsible for them being
+scattered throughout the land. After Germany's official
+representative had returned from Brussels to Berlin he made a
+statement to the Press. Considering that von Below was in the
+Belgian capital at the time, his views are instructive.</p>
+<p>He expressed his great astonishment that such things should have
+happened, and asserted that up till the very last minute he had
+been treated with the greatest kindness and politeness. Neither he
+nor any of his Legation Staff had experienced the slightest
+unpleasantness. Further, von Below expressed the conviction that
+only single instances of such excesses had occurred and these were
+a result of the quarrelsome Walloon character. No village
+<i>f&ecirc;te</i> passes off among them without such outbreaks,
+accompanied by bloodshed.[<a href="#note-100">100</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-100"><!-- Note Anchor 100 --></a>[Footnote 100:
+This may be true, but von Below could have said the same with
+absolute truth of German village fairs, <i>Kirmesse</i>,
+etc.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>German papers of August 15th reported this official version, and
+four days later a proclamation was issued by State Secretary Dr.
+Delbr&uuml;ck, calling upon all persons who had been ill-treated in
+Belgium to report themselves, so that the "numerous" newspaper
+reports could be confirmed or refuted. The result of the inquiry
+has never been published.</p>
+<p>From a number of witnesses who testified whole-heartedly to
+Belgian kindness, one will suffice. A lady reported her adventures
+in the <i>Vorw&auml;rts</i> of September 6th, from which the
+following sentences have been gleaned. "Even if it is true that
+Germans were subjected to inconsideration and ill-treatment during
+their flight from Belgium, still there are hundreds of Germans who,
+like myself, met with generous sympathy and unstinted help.</p>
+<p>"A Flemish servant refused her month's wages, saying that her
+employers would need it on the journey. Many Germans were offered
+homes in Belgian families till the war was over. My own landlord in
+Brussels placed an empty flat at my disposal for German refugees.
+At parting he and his wife were as deeply moved as we, and when I
+began to make excuses for being unable to pay the rent, she at once
+prevented me from speaking another word. My husband was provided
+with a hat which looked less 'German;' they filled our pockets with
+provisions for the journey, and after his wife had embraced me and
+my child we left the house in silence.</p>
+<p>"German refugees whom I met afterwards, related hundreds of
+similar acts of kindness. When such severe accusations are raised
+against the entire Belgian people, justice demands this statement
+that Belgians in hundreds of cases, uninfluenced by the prevailing
+bitterness, showed themselves kindly, helpful and humane towards
+the Germans."</p>
+<p>In the second month of the war two representatives of the Social
+Democratic Party received special permission from the General Staff
+to visit Belgium and the theatre of war in Northern France. Their
+report has been issued by the Vorw&auml;rts Publishing
+House.[<a href="#note-101">101</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-101"><!-- Note Anchor 101 --></a>[Footnote 101:
+"Kriegsfahrten durch Belgien und Nordfrankreich" ("Journeys in War
+Time through Belgium, etc."), by Dr. Adolph Koester and G.
+Noske.]</p>
+<p>"Concerning the events and conditions in Belgium many false
+reports have been spread abroad. That is especially the case in
+regard to the terrible persecutions of Germans immediately before
+the outbreak of war. The civil authorities (German) are now
+permitting full investigation in those parts of Belgium occupied by
+our troops, and it is already obvious that many exaggerations were
+circulated by German newspapers. Without doubt beer-houses and
+business houses were wrecked, but the Tartar stories which were
+reported in Germany and Belgium, Herr von Sandt, Chief of the Civil
+Administration, puts down to hysterics, and the desire of some
+people to make themselves important."[<a href=
+"#note-102">102</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-102"><!-- Note Anchor 102 --></a>[Footnote 102:
+Ibid., pp. 14-15.]</p>
+<p>No correct judgment on the apportionment of right and wrong
+between the Belgian civilians and the German army is possible
+without taking into consideration the status of militarism in each
+of these countries before the war. As far as Belgium is concerned,
+the army was looked upon as a necessary evil. The Social Democratic
+doctrines imported from Germany had obtained such a hold upon the
+people that the Belgian Government experienced ever-increasing
+difficulty in getting supplies voted in the House of Deputies, for
+defence purposes. Belgian Socialists unfortunately played into the
+hands of the German Government by doing their utmost to prevent
+money from being spent for the defence of their country.
+Consciously or unconsciously, German Socialists have rendered the
+Kaiser and his army inestimable service. Their propaganda against
+armaments has borne fruit in Belgium, England and France, but did
+not prevent a single German battleship from being built, nor a
+single regiment from being added to the German army.</p>
+<p>In Germany militarism is a gospel. All classes and all political
+parties have been unanimous for years past, that every man should
+be a soldier. The military ethos has ruled supreme, and whenever
+civilianism has dared, merely to cherish thoughts contrary to the
+ideals of the ruling caste, no time was lost in seeking an
+opportunity to challenge a quarrel which invariably ended in
+humiliation for the civilian ethos. Characteristically, therefore,
+the contemptuous phrase has become current both in the German army
+and navy&mdash;"das Civil"&mdash;when speaking of the non-military
+elements of the nation.</p>
+<p>Imbued with these traditions and inspired by this contempt for
+everything civilian, the German armies invaded Belgium, and it may
+be safely assumed that in a country where the civilian ethos
+predominated, looks, words, and even deeds, expressed hostility.
+Such "provocation" would certainly rouse the military ego to a
+revenge ten thousand-fold greater than that taken at Zabern. German
+militarism brooks neither contempt, criticism, nor opposition from
+German civilians, and much less so from the civilians of another
+nation.</p>
+<p>When it is possible to obtain cool and clear accounts of the
+events in Belgium, the author has no doubt whatever, that proofs of
+civilian-baiting will be forthcoming in that unhappy country. The
+policy of frightfulness was not only intended to drive an enemy
+into abject submission and as a punishment for resistance to
+Germany's imperious will, but it was the military ethos in strife
+with the civilian spirit.</p>
+<p>In order to hinder the march of the invaders the trees lining
+the roads were cut down and formed into barriers, but the civilian
+population was compelled at the bayonet's point to remove all
+obstacles and thus assist in the conquest of their native
+country.</p>
+<p>"The magnificent tall fir-trees which are so characteristic of
+Belgian roads, had been felled across the highways. But all the
+civilian population which could be found, without regard to age,
+rank, or sex, was forced by our advancing cavalry to clear it all
+away. One can imagine the joy of the Belgians in performing this
+task!"[<a href="#note-103">103</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-103"><!-- Note Anchor 103 --></a>[Footnote 103:
+"Unser Vormarsch bis zur Marne" ("Our advance to the Marne"), by a
+Saxon officer, p. 22.]</p>
+<p>This writer, too, chronicles many instances of kindness. "I was
+billeted in a peasant's house at the western exit of the village.
+Three beautiful children, trembling with fear, watched us come in,
+for besides me there were twenty-four men. We had received emphatic
+warnings from headquarters not to allow soldiers to be billeted
+alone. The woman gave us everything she could find and it was
+almost necessary to use force to get her to accept
+payment."[<a href="#note-104">104</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-104"><!-- Note Anchor 104 --></a>[Footnote 104:
+Ibid., p. 25.]</p>
+<p>"A load of shot struck the ground at the feet of my horse.
+Before I had calmed the animal a N.C.O. marching at my side had
+finished off the dirty Belgian scoundrel, who was now hanging dead
+from a roof window.</p>
+<p>"Foaming with rage, my field-greys surrounded the house, in
+which only a few of the dogs were taken captive, the others were
+immediately slaughtered. A boy hardly fifteen years old was dragged
+out of a wet ditch with a gun in his hand. Before being brought to
+me, this youthful swine had been thrashed from head to foot.
+Besides the men, two women and a girl were taken.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile a terrible hand-to-hand fight was going on throughout
+the long, scattered village. Infantry and artillerists smashed the
+doors and windows; no mercy was shown to anyone, and the houses
+were set alight. An attempt to storm the church-tower failed
+because the occupants fired from above. Bundles of straw were
+brought, paraffin poured on them, and the tower set on fire. Above
+the roar of the flames we could distinctly hear the shrieks of the
+murderers shut in there.</p>
+<p>"I gave orders to a squad to shoot our prisoners, but a deadly
+bullet finished the career of the lying, scoundrelly priest as he
+was trying to escape. Our losses were remarkably small, only two
+men being killed and a number wounded."[<a href=
+"#note-105">105</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-105"><!-- Note Anchor 105 --></a>[Footnote 105:
+Ibid., p. 43-4.]</p>
+<p>In all cases where German soldiers asked for water from the
+inhabitants, the latter had to take a drink first. "Before tasting
+the water both man and wife had to drink first, and as this scene
+was repeated on innumerable occasions, it was delightful to observe
+the comic desperation with which the people took their involuntary
+'water cure.'"[<a href="#note-106">106</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-106"><!-- Note Anchor 106 --></a>[Footnote 106:
+"Mit der Kluck'schen Armee nach Belgien" ("With von Kluck's Army
+into Belgium"), by Dr. Jos. Risse, p. 17.]</p>
+<p>Dr. Risse's interesting diary contains one or two important
+passages illustrating the relation between conquerors and
+conquered. Like many other German writers, he saw no hostile act on
+the part of the civilian population, but they came to him as
+rumours. "That night we slept in a barn. Here we heard that a
+village near Dahlem had been burned down because the inhabitants
+had cut the throat of a sleeping ambulance attendant.</p>
+<p>"On continuing our march we suddenly entered a wide vale. The
+horizon was blood-red and huge clouds of smoke drifted heavenwards.
+On all sides the villages were in flames. In the last village
+before Louvain the sight was terrible in the extreme; houses
+ablaze; pools of blood in the street; here and there a dead
+civilian; pieces of Belgian equipment, haversacks, boots and
+trousers lay around; while the inhabitants stood about with their
+hands raised above their heads.</p>
+<p>"It was said that hostile cavalry had hidden in the village and
+together with a part of the inhabitants had fired on our troops. We
+only saw the consequences.</p>
+<p>"After a long rest before Louvain we entered the town at 7 p.m.
+Our artillery had taken up a semi-circular position on the heights
+around and directed their cannon on to the town."[<a href=
+"#note-107">107</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-107"><!-- Note Anchor 107 --></a>[Footnote 107:
+Ibid., pp. 22-3.]</p>
+<p>The above events occurred on August 19th, exactly six days
+before the sack of Louvain. It strikes one as remarkable that the
+German cannon were even on that day directed against an unfortified
+city.</p>
+<p>Risse was among the first German troops to enter Brussels. "Our
+route took us through some of the principal streets, and various
+splendid buildings including the Royal palace. Joy shone in our
+faces and a feeling of pride swelled our breasts at being the first
+to enter Belgium's capital. These feelings found expression in our
+talk and shouts. The man behind me shouted to every bewildered,
+staring Belgian whom we passed: 'Yes, young fellow, you are
+astonished, you blockhead!' On we marched with the air of
+victors.</p>
+<p>"The inhabitants were exceedingly kind, so that one had not at
+all the feeling of being in the capital of an enemy. They brought
+us water, lemonade, beer, cigars, cigarettes, etc., without asking
+for any payment."[<a href="#note-108">108</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-108"><!-- Note Anchor 108 --></a>[Footnote 108:
+Ibid., pp. 26-7.]</p>
+<p>The same writer refers to similar hospitality in various parts
+of his book. After passing through Brussels he continues his diary:
+"Sunday, August 23rd. Nothing came of our hopes for a rest-day.
+Shortly after 5 a.m. we were ready for the march. A fine rain was
+falling as we passed through village after village. We saw the
+villagers with frightened faces hurrying to church, carrying
+prayer-books. Notices from the Belgian Government were placarded on
+the houses, warning the people to avoid every kind of hostility
+towards the Germans."[<a href="#note-109">109</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-109"><!-- Note Anchor 109 --></a>[Footnote 109:
+Ibid., p. 31.]</p>
+<p>From the last sentence it is evident that the Belgian
+authorities did not incite the civilian population to resistance.
+Other German war-writers state that the Belgian and French
+Governments had organized a <i>franc-tireur</i> warfare long
+before, and this accusation is one of the pillars of Germany's
+defence for the destruction of Louvain.</p>
+<p>"Soon after crossing the frontier we saw the first ruined house.
+Our route led us down the same road on which a few days before the
+violent and bitter struggles had taken place between German troops
+and Belgian soldiers, aided by the inhabitants. The Belgians have
+supported their troops in a manner which can only be described as
+bestial and cruel. From the houses they have shot at troops on the
+march, and of course their homes have been reduced to ashes.</p>
+<p>"The road from Aix-la-Chapelle to Li&eacute;ge is one long, sad
+line of desolation.[<a href="#note-110">110</a>] Otherwise the
+district is fertile; now, however, sadness and devastation reign
+supreme. Nearly every second house is a heap of ruins, while the
+houses which are still standing are empty and deserted.</p>
+<p><a name="note-110"><!-- Note Anchor 110 --></a>[Footnote 110: On
+September 8th, 1914, the Kaiser sent a long telegram to President
+Wilson, in which he defended the German armies against the charges
+of ruthless atrocities. He euphemistically stated that "a few
+villages have been destroyed."]</p>
+<p>"On every side signs of destruction; furniture and house
+utensils lie around; not a pane of glass but what is broken. Still
+the inhabitants themselves are to blame, for have they not shot at
+our poor, tired soldiers?"[<a href="#note-111">111</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-111"><!-- Note Anchor 111 --></a>[Footnote 111:
+"Mit den K&ouml;nigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien" ("With the Queen
+Fusiliers through Belgium"), by H. Knutz, p. 13.]</p>
+<p>That is the utmost sympathy which any German has expressed for
+Belgium. The German public is fully informed of all that has been
+done, and considers that <i>they</i> have been brutally, wrongfully
+treated. Lord Bryce's report as well as the French and Belgian
+official reports have been dealt with at considerable length in the
+German Press, but receive no credence whatever; they are lies, all
+lies invented to blacken the character of poor, noble, generous
+Germany!</p>
+<p>Germans are well aware of the awful number of brutal crimes
+which their men-folk commit year by year at home. Yet they are
+absolutely convinced that these same men are immediately
+transformed into chivalrous knights so soon as they don the
+Kaiser's uniform. They seem incapable of conceiving that a race
+which debauches its own women, can hardly be expected to show the
+crudest forms of respect to the women of an enemy people.</p>
+<p>Herr Knutz&mdash;an elementary school-teacher in civilian
+attire, and a non-commissioned officer when in the German
+army&mdash;seems to possess some rays of human feeling. "Just as I
+was leaving the fort I saw seven or eight Belgian civilians guarded
+by our men with fixed bayonets. They were charged with firing on
+German soldiers. I must say that the lamentations of these
+men&mdash;aged from 20 to 50&mdash;made a deep impression on me.
+They had thrown themselves upon their knees, and with raised hands
+were weeping and beseeching that their lives might be spared.</p>
+<p>"The villagers are exceedingly ignorant, and when their land is
+in danger, believe themselves justified in seizing any old shot-gun
+or revolver which lies at hand. Probably some of the more prudent
+are aware that it is a mad enterprise, but the instinct of
+self-defence is so innate in the simple country people that advice
+does not help in the least." (Von Bethmann-Hollweg and von Tirpitz
+justify the use of gas, the sinking of merchant vessels containing
+women and children, the dropping of bombs on open towns, etc.,
+etc., by the plea of self-defence.&mdash;Author.)</p>
+<p>"But it is otherwise with regard to the atrocities on our
+wounded; these are a stain on Belgium's national honour which will
+not easily be wiped out. A German would never perpetrate such
+monstrous crimes,[<a href="#note-112">112</a>] and that we can say
+without any overweening opinion of ourselves."[<a href=
+"#note-113">113</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-112"><!-- Note Anchor 112 --></a>[Footnote 112:
+This is hypocrisy or ignorance.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-113"><!-- Note Anchor 113 --></a>[Footnote 113:
+Ibid., pp. 18-19.]</p>
+<p>Herr Knutz offers no proof of the alleged atrocities; he has
+heard of them, believes and repeats the story. I have some fifty
+German books describing the war in Belgium, and in all of them
+similar legends are mentioned, but in no single instance is a case
+proved and nailed down. No victim is named, and the scene of the
+alleged atrocity is never given, hence it seems to be the usual
+German artifice to make <i>Stimmung</i>, <i>i.e.</i>, to raise
+feeling.</p>
+<p>One thumb-nail picture from the teacher's diary shows that the
+Germans created only too well a <i>Stimmung</i> of abject terror
+among the Belgians.</p>
+<p>"This morning, August 19th, we searched a small wood for
+Belgians, but found none. On leaving the wood a touching picture
+met our eyes. Several families were fleeing with their children,
+and the barest necessaries of life, into a neighbouring village. An
+old woman on crutches was trying in vain to keep up; a young mother
+with a sucking child was sobbing and pressing the babe to her
+bosom. The boys were weeping bitterly and holding their hands high
+to prove that they were harmless. We passed by the ruins of
+Roosbeck, where civilians had shot on the 20th Artillery Regiment,
+for which reason it was burnt down."[<a href=
+"#note-114">114</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-114"><!-- Note Anchor 114 --></a>[Footnote 114:
+Ibid., p. 27.]</p>
+<p>Among the various interesting pictures of the Fatherland
+sketched by German authors perhaps the following is the most
+na&iuml;ve: "English, French and Belgians, hand in hand; how nicely
+it was all thought out; Belgian neutrality&mdash;so solemnly
+pledged by all the Powers&mdash;was nothing but a screen behind
+which they wrought the most devilish plans against Germany. It was
+a neutrality which had long since been betrayed and sold by the
+Belgian Government.</p>
+<p>"But the German people&mdash;a pure fool-like Parsifal, who
+could not conceive such treachery and knavery because it was
+incapable of such things itself&mdash;toiled and worked day by day,
+enjoyed the blessings of peace, was happy in its existence and
+ignorant of the looming clouds gathering on its frontiers. All hail
+to our chosen leaders who kept watch and ward over a dreaming
+people, and did not allow themselves to be lulled into
+watchlessness by the lies of our enemies, who while talking of
+peace intrigued for our annihilation."[<a href=
+"#note-115">115</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-115"><!-- Note Anchor 115 --></a>[Footnote 115:
+"Von L&uuml;ttich bis Flandern" ("From Li&eacute;ge to Flanders"),
+by Wilhelm Kotzde. Weimar, 1914; p. 5.]</p>
+<p>The same author's opinion of the Belgians coincides with that
+expressed by many of his fellow countrymen. "What did our troops
+find by the roadside? On all sides haversacks, straps, cartridges,
+caps, tunics and rifles. To our soldiers this was a remarkable sign
+of flight, for they are accustomed to military training of a
+different sort. In the forts, it is true, they found among the
+soldiers also civilians wearing patent-leather shoes. Indeed, the
+whole Belgian campaign has shown how badly the army was prepared
+and equipped.</p>
+<p>"The lack of discipline and order is evident, however, in every
+department of Belgium's national life, and these virtues they
+endeavoured to replace by cunning and cruelty&mdash;at least among
+the Walloons."[<a href="#note-116">116</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-116"><!-- Note Anchor 116 --></a>[Footnote 116:
+Ibid., pp. 61-2.]</p>
+<p>A Knight of the Order of St. John[<a href="#note-117">117</a>]
+is still more cynical in his condemnation of the conquered enemy:
+"The greatest misfortune in this land is unemployment; factories
+are inactive and shops closed. The horrors of famine draw nearer,
+and we, as well as some neutral countries, are endeavouring to
+relieve the tortures of want. But charity only encourages the
+laziness of the inhabitants. Just as the refugees in Holland, the
+Belgians who have remained in their land would like to put their
+hands in their pockets and be fed. Of course, that is not
+permissible, and the German Government does its best to rap these
+lazy wretches on the fingers."</p>
+<p><a name="note-117"><!-- Note Anchor 117 --></a>[Footnote 117:
+"Kriegsfahrten eines Johanniters," by Fedor von Zobeltitz, pp.
+86-7.]</p>
+<p>"It was characteristic that the Belgians always placed their
+hopes on foreign help and never dared to rely on the strength of
+their own army. This alone is a serious symptom of national
+weakness. Still, the Belgian army has fought bravely. It is true
+they had not the discipline and preparation which distinguish the
+German troops, but everything which a badly equipped and trained
+army could achieve they have done."[<a href=
+"#note-118">118</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-118"><!-- Note Anchor 118 --></a>[Footnote 118:
+Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von L&uuml;ttich bis Flandern," p. 71.]</p>
+<p>It is not necessary for the author of this work to write a song
+of glorification for Belgium; she has herself composed an epic of
+valour and self-sacrifice written in immortal deeds. At present her
+only reward seems to be a desolate land in the hands of the
+conqueror, and the graves of her fallen sons. Germany's evident
+intention is the annexation of that part of Belgium where Flemish
+is spoken. At the moment of writing, Goliath has vanquished David.
+France and England have a supreme duty to fulfil: they are called
+to avenge Belgium's wrongs, and thereby establish the principle
+that even necessity must recognize law.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH8"><!-- CH8 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+<center>ATROCITIES</center>
+<p>The question of Belgian atrocities is so important that no
+apology is required for giving the British public every possible
+opportunity to sift evidence, and above all, to hear the German
+side.</p>
+<p>In the interests of fair play we will allow a German
+lawyer[<a href="#note-119">119</a>] to state the case against the
+Belgians. Herr Grasshoff is armed with two doctorates and is in
+practice as an advocate in one of the higher courts of law
+(<i>Kammergericht</i>). Chapter III of his work is entitled: "The
+Belgian Outrages;" in the foregoing chapter he endeavours to show
+that the Belgian Press had worked upon public opinion and lashed it
+into such a state that atrocities and mutilations of Germans by
+Belgian men, women, boys and girls were the natural
+consequences.</p>
+<p><a name="note-119"><!-- Note Anchor 119 --></a>[Footnote 119:
+Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt").]</p>
+<p>"That the goaded rage of the lower classes found expression in
+nameless horrors is unfortunately a sorry truth. The proofs? We are
+not in a position to satisfy the desire for sensation with a
+cabinet of horrors. The equipment of the German army does not
+include either the jars or the chemical fluids for preserving
+hacked-off limbs, hence it is impossible to display exhibits as in
+a museum. Our hospitals do not admit the dead.</p>
+<p>"If Germany should be compelled to conduct a second campaign
+against the cultured peoples of Western Europe, then she will not
+forget to add the above articles to her equipment in any future war
+against such opponents. Pitying mother earth covers the murdered
+victims."</p>
+<a name="dumdum"></a>
+<p>This eloquent lawyer has overlooked the aid which the art of
+photography affords, and as the German army was well equipped with
+cameras, some tangible proofs could still have been
+procured&mdash;assuming there were any shred of truth in Germany's
+accusations. The Berlin Government has circulated photographs of
+dum-dum bullets, <i>i.e.,</i> English and French bullets with the
+points cut off. It is true no statement is offered regarding the
+time and place of the points being cut off, which leaves us free to
+believe that captured ammunition was "doctored" in this manner by
+the Germans themselves. "Necessity knows no law" is a principle
+capable of the widest application.</p>
+<p>Grasshoff's work was only published a few months ago, so that he
+had ample time to collect facts and proofs&mdash;the result is, six
+detailed cases with the names of his German informants and their
+regiments. In each case the "evidence" is of an exceedingly
+doubtful character; in view of the gravity of the charges, the lack
+of corroboration (each case is "proved" by one witness alone), and
+the partisanship of all concerned, we may safely conclude that no
+court of justice would convict on it.</p>
+<p>The same criticism applies to the official White Book, published
+in June or July of the present year. Every witness had previously
+sworn an oath to protect the German flag (<i>der Fahneneid</i>)
+which precludes the probability of all impartiality in the witness
+and makes bias (<i>Befangenheit</i>) his simple duty. Another
+important factor to be borne in mind is the hysterical, morbid
+self-importance of the German nation in general, which causes
+police and members of the German army to shoot or cut down with the
+sword their own civilians for the most trivial offences, even in
+times of peace.</p>
+<p>The White Book in question contains a six-page introduction
+stating the charges against Belgian civilians, and three hundred
+and seventeen pages of sworn evidence of German officers and
+soldiers taken for the most part in Belgium and France. A few
+extracts from the introduction will suffice to make the German side
+clear.</p>
+<p>"Finally, there is not the slightest doubt that Belgian
+civilians robbed and killed German wounded; in short, mutilated
+them in a barbarous manner; even women and young girls participated
+in these atrocities. Hence German wounded have had their eyes
+gouged out, noses, ears, fingers and genitals cut off and their
+bodies cut open; in other cases German soldiers have been poisoned,
+hanged on trees, or had burning liquids poured on them, causing
+death in a most terrible form.</p>
+<p>"This bestial behaviour on the part of the civilian population
+is a breach of Article I., Convention of Geneva,[<a href=
+"#note-120">120</a>] and the principles of military law, as well as
+the principles of humanity" (p. 4).</p>
+<p><a name="note-120"><!-- Note Anchor 120 --></a>[Footnote 120:
+Self-proclaimed outlaws cite the law when it suits their
+purpose!&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"The guilt for these transgressions of international law lies
+largely at the door of the Belgian Government. The latter has made
+an attempt to rid itself of responsibility by ascribing the guilt
+to the rage for destruction in the German troops, who are accused
+of proceeding to deeds of violence without any reason or
+ground.[<a href="#note-121">121</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-121"><!-- Note Anchor 121 --></a>[Footnote 121:
+Certainly, just as in Germany in peace time.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"An examining commission has been appointed by the Belgian
+Government to inquire into the alleged cruelties of German
+soldiers, and the evidence thus obtained has been made the subject
+of diplomatic complaints. This attempt to pervert the truth has
+absolutely failed.</p>
+<p>"The German army is accustomed to wage war against hostile
+troops, but not against peaceful citizens.[<a href=
+"#note-122">122</a>] Investigations conducted by any examining
+commission whatsoever, can never dispose of the irrefutable fact
+that German troops were forced by Belgium's native population to
+take defensive measures in the interests of self-preservation.</p>
+<p><a name="note-122"><!-- Note Anchor 122 --></a>[Footnote 122:
+German non-commissioned officers are accustomed to kick and beat
+German privates, and the behaviour of German soldiers to
+fellow-subjects is aptly illustrated by Lieutenant F&ouml;rster
+fighting a pitched battle with a lame old cobbler in
+Zabern.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"The refugees' tales collected by the Belgian commission and
+declared by them to be the result of an impartial investigation
+bear a stamp which makes them unworthy of belief. According to the
+nature of things, the commission is not in a position to test the
+veracity of such rumours or to apprehend the association of events.
+Hence, their accusations against the German army are nothing other
+than base slanders which are completely invalidated by the
+accompanying documents" (pp. 5-6).</p>
+<p>It must be assumed that readers are acquainted with the official
+publications of the Belgian and French Governments accusing the
+German army with waging war in an atrocious manner, as well as the
+report of Lord Bryce's commission and Professor Morgan's report in
+the "Nineteenth Century" for June. In the above extract the Berlin
+Government rules them one and all out of court, which is the
+author's justification for making no use of their evidence.</p>
+<p>Fortunately the Roman Catholic Church of Germany has published a
+refutation of Germany's White Book, and surely this authority
+deserves credence. The work in question bears the title: "Der
+L&uuml;gengeist im V&ouml;lkerkrieg," Kriegsm&auml;rchen gesammelt
+von Bernhard Duhr, S.J. ("The Spirit of Lying in the War of the
+Nations," War Legends collected by the Rev. Bernhard Duhr,
+S.J.).[<a href="#note-123">123</a>] The reverend gentleman
+castigates all the nations at war with the same
+offence&mdash;lying. His work should have permanent value in the
+literature of war psychology, but he only undertakes to expose
+German lies, and in his 72-paged booklet he proves to the hilt the
+charges made in this work.</p>
+<p><a name="note-123"><!-- Note Anchor 123 --></a>[Footnote 123:
+The author hopes to publish a complete translation shortly.]</p>
+<p>In his introduction the Rev. Duhr states that the office of the
+Priests' Society "Pax" in Cologne has taken great pains to expose
+and refute lies as fast as they have appeared. The original
+documents are preserved in the above office and may be seen by
+anyone who cares to apply.</p>
+<p>Probably one of the motives actuating the Society "Pax" and the
+Rev. B. Duhr was the intention to refute the accusations of cruel
+outrages by Belgian and French Catholic priests. Whatever their
+motives may have been, one thing is certain, they have produced
+most convincing proof of German mendacity. It is to be hoped that
+the "Pax" will give the world the benefit of all the documents in
+their possession.</p>
+<p>Even the Kaiser had the audacity to state in his telegram of
+September 8th, 1914, to President Wilson that "women and priests
+have been guilty of atrocities in this guerilla warfare." For
+reasons easy to understand the reverend gentleman does not
+introduce the Kaiser's name into his booklet, but in the
+introduction he remarks: "Finally the refutation of such
+fairy-tales is a patriotic duty. Nothing is more essential for us
+Germans, especially in war time, than unity; but this harmony is
+necessarily endangered by religious bitterness and strife. Of a
+necessity it must cause deep pain and embitterment to our Catholic
+population when again and again ENTIRELY UNTRUE ACCUSATIONS are
+made against the priesthood of their Church."</p>
+<p>The Rev. Duhr's exposure of what he calls "erlogener
+Schauergeschichten" ("lying horror tales") kills most of the
+"fairy-tales" accusing the Russians, French and Belgians of
+atrocities on German soldiers. A few illustrations will suffice to
+show the absence of all foundation for the charges against the
+Belgians; charges, we must remember, which the German soldiery
+believed, and which convinced them they were performing a holy task
+at Louvain, Tirlemont, Dinant, etc.</p>
+<p>"On October 1st, 1914, a telegraphic agency (Wolff's?) issued
+the following notice: 'A high Bavarian officer writing from the
+front has informed the <i>M&uuml;nchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung</i>
+of this incident. South of Cambrai a column of German motor-cars
+was attacked by a company of French cyclists. For the most part the
+guard was killed by rifle fire, while the cars were all burnt.
+Later a German patrol discovered the remains, and on investigation,
+found that the dead Germans had all had their eyes gouged
+out.'"</p>
+<p>The reverend Father comments as follows: "On following up this
+case, it was impossible to prove whether the patrol had seen
+rightly or whether they had really made the report at all. So much
+is certain, however, that in the matter of eyes being gouged out,
+an absolute mania of gruesomeness broke loose. An innumerable swarm
+of such horrible tales were told, passed on, and finally guaranteed
+as true&mdash;AND YET THEY WERE ALL FAIRY-TALES. A few cases will
+suffice.</p>
+<p>"In September, 1914, the following paragraph appeared in the
+papers: 'Several ladies engaged in Red Cross work on Cologne
+Station were informed with every assurance of truth, that a
+hospital at Aix-la-Chapelle contained a whole ward full of wounded
+whose eyes had been gouged out on the battlefields of Belgium.'</p>
+<p>"On September 26th the editor of the Catholic <i>K&ouml;lnische
+Volkszeitung</i> wrote to Dr. Kaufmann, a high Roman Catholic
+dignitary in Aix-la-Chapelle, begging him to ascertain whether the
+report were true. Two days later that gentleman replied: 'As
+regards the rumour mentioned in your letter, I beg to inform you
+that I at once put myself in communication with the authorities. I
+inquired of the doctor in charge of a hospital here (he is, by the
+way, a famous specialist for the eyes), and he assures me that in
+all the local hospitals there is no ward for wounded whose eyes
+have been put out, AND SUCH A CASE HAS NEVER BEEN OBSERVED in the
+town, although the place is full of wounded.'</p>
+<p>"A second report which the same journal exposed dates from
+October, 1914. Recently Dean A., who is the Superior in a military
+hospital in the Franciscan Nunnery at S., came to us and reported
+that a wounded soldier had told him that he had heard[<a href=
+"#note-124">124</a>] that in the monastery Bl. by V., in Holland,
+there were twenty-two wounded German soldiers whose eyes had been
+gouged out by Belgians. The Dean begged us to write to the Mother
+Superior and ask for confirmation of the story. We did write, and
+the lady answered that there was no hospital at all in the cloister
+Bl."[<a href="#note-125">125</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-124"><!-- Note Anchor 124 --></a>[Footnote 124:
+The words "hear" and "heard" occur very frequently in these
+legends.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-125"><!-- Note Anchor 125 --></a>[Footnote 125:
+The Rev. Duhr's book, pp. 11-12.]</p>
+<p>The same lie travelled to Bonn, Sigmaringen, Potsdam, Bremen,
+and was successively nailed down by the <i>Volkszeitung</i>.
+Inquiries were made in all directions wherever a case of gouged-out
+eyes was reported, the result being everywhere the same&mdash;a
+fairy-tale.</p>
+<p>Yet when the German Imperial Chancellor received a party of
+American journalists (representatives of the United Press and the
+Associated Press) on September 2nd, 1914, he communicated this
+statement: "The English will inform your countrymen that German
+troops have burnt down Belgian villages and towns, but they will
+conceal the fact that Belgian girls have gouged out the eyes of our
+helpless soldiers lying on the battlefields."</p>
+<p>"Berlin papers informed the public that 'a large number of
+Belgian civilians were prisoners in M&uuml;nster. They are the same
+bestial creatures who shot from their houses on our unsuspecting
+troops, and who, before the arrival of our invading armies in
+Belgium, had perpetrated all sorts of cruelties on helpless German
+citizens. Indeed, when they were searched on their arrival at the
+prisoners' camp fingers with rings on them, which they had hacked
+off their victims, were found in their pockets. Justice will soon
+strike down these Belgians, among whom a very large number of
+priests are to be found. Twenty to thirty have already been
+condemned to death by a court-martial.'</p>
+<p>"The 'Pax' Society of Priests immediately wrote to the commander
+of the prisoners' camp, and received this reply: 'The ridiculous
+assertion of a Berlin paper that fingers had been found in the
+pockets of Belgian civilians in this camp is false. Neither has any
+priest or layman been condemned to death, but over one hundred
+Belgian women and children have been sent home again.'"[<a href=
+"#note-126">126</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-126"><!-- Note Anchor 126 --></a>[Footnote 126:
+Ibid., p. 19.]</p>
+<p>The above extracts will suffice to show how these Roman Catholic
+gentlemen proceeded. Immediately an atrocity was reported they
+applied to the authorities, and in every case received an
+affirmation that the deed had never taken place. Among the
+monstrous lies exposed by these investigators, are reports that
+Belgian priests paid eight shillings for every German head brought
+to them; high treason charges against Catholic priests in Alsace;
+all kinds of monstrous crimes charged to the priesthood; that a
+Belgian boy was caught with a bucketful of dead Germans' eyes;
+espionage by priests etc., etc.</p>
+<p>Yet one other case deserves quotation: "On October 5th, 1914, a
+priest was travelling by rail to Mayence. In the same compartment
+there were four privates from Infantry Regiment No. 94. One of them
+named R&ouml;ssner, related the following story to his comrades,
+and then, at the priest's request, again repeated it:</p>
+<p>"'In the Belgian village of Patsie the <i>cur&eacute;</i>
+welcomed a German major and his orderly into his house. Afterwards
+the priest promised a boy of thirteen that he should go straight to
+heaven if he would murder the two Germans. The lad perpetrated the
+murder, after which he and the <i>cur&eacute;</i> were shot under
+martial law.'</p>
+<p>"When the priest pointed out how incredible the whole story was,
+the soldier swore to its truth, and became very impolite to his
+auditor. An inquiry was instituted and this was the result:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"'War Office, No. 1866. The investigations
+made, in especial the hearing under oath of private R&ouml;ssner
+and several officers in his regiment, have resulted in the
+following particulars being obtained: At the beginning of the
+campaign as the troops marched into a village&mdash;name
+unknown&mdash;they saw by the roadside two or three dead civilians.
+One was apparently a boy of about thirteen, while the other was an
+adult with a dark coat. It was not established whether this was the
+body of a priest. Furthermore, we have not been able to discover by
+whom, or for what reason, these people were shot.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"'At that time the story quoted by you about
+a <i>cur&eacute;</i> and a boy, was told as a "rumour" to all the
+troops marching through. It is impossible after the lapse of time
+to test the truth of the narrative.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"'Signed by order,<br>
+<br>
+"'BAUER AND WAGNER.'"[<a href="#note-127">127</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-127"><!-- Note Anchor 127 --></a>[Footnote 127:
+Ibid., pp. 54-5.]</p>
+<p>The above document may be said, without presumption, to possess
+historic importance. It is a frank admission by the German War
+Office that Belgian civilians were actually shot down without rhyme
+or reason. Apparently German soldiers (!) had a <i>carte
+blanche</i> to shoot whom they liked, without rendering or being
+expected to render a report of their doings.</p>
+<p>The Rev. Duhr writes: "The incredible speed with which these
+lying tales of horror spread on all sides must be classed as a
+morbid phenomenon, a sort of blood-cult. Their consequences could
+only be to act upon the national soul as a stimulant, inspiring
+fear and brutality."[<a href="#note-128">128</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-128"><!-- Note Anchor 128 --></a>[Footnote 128:
+Ibid., p. 9.]</p>
+<p>The author of this work is prepared to go much farther than the
+Rev. Father, and maintain that the foul, diseased imaginations
+which could invent such monstrous horrors are also capable of
+perpetrating them. They did not spring from the imagination of an
+Edgar Allan Poe, but arose in the minds of Germany's brutal
+peasantry and bloodthirsty working classes, who together every year
+commit in times of peace 9,000 acts of brutal, immoral bestiality,
+and maliciously wound 175,000 of their fellow German
+citizens.[<a href="#note-129">129</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-129"><!-- Note Anchor 129 --></a>[Footnote 129:
+<i>Vide</i> Vol. 267 <i>Vierteljahrshefte</i>, published by the
+Berlin Government, 1914.]</p>
+<p>To-day Germany shouts in ecstasy that she is the chosen power of
+God; that her <i>Kultur</i> will regenerate the world. Let it first
+regenerate the "Augean Stable" known to the world as Germany.
+Without further comment readers are left to form their own opinion
+of a Press which breeds such filth, and the cultural level of a
+people which consumes such garbage. But the world owes a debt of
+gratitude to the Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J., and the "Pax" Society in
+Cologne.</p>
+<p>The accusations of plundering on the part of German soldiers is
+naturally denied <i>in toto</i> by all parties in the Fatherland.
+Indeed, it has been discovered that the British army was guilty of
+wilful destruction in Belgium. A certain Major Krusemarck,
+commanding the 2nd battalion of the 12th Infantry Reserve Regiment,
+is responsible for the story. "On October 10th I entered Wilryk,
+near Antwerp, and took up my quarters in the Italian Consulate. All
+the houses had been deserted by the inhabitants. Immediately after
+entering the house I perceived that English soldiers had been here
+and behaved in a barbarous manner. Mirrors, valuable objects of
+art, etc., had been smashed in a way which betrayed purpose." The
+major's report continues: "The destruction which I have described
+had undoubtedly been perpetrated by members of the English army,
+and as proof of this I may state that in one of the rooms about a
+dozen visiting-cards were found with the name: Major E.L. Gerrard,
+Royal Marine Light Infantery (sic).</p>
+<p>"During the subsequent pursuit of the Belgian and English armies
+we heard repeated complaints from the inhabitants that especially
+the English troops had acted in the most inconsiderate manner,
+purposely destroying furniture, etc., in civilian houses."[<a href=
+"#note-130">130</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-130"><!-- Note Anchor 130 --></a>[Footnote 130:
+Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld," p. 84.]</p>
+<p>Without doubt the story belongs to the group of legends exposed
+by the "Pax" Society, for which reason it is quoted here, as a
+fitting supplement to them. Yet it is psychologically interesting
+to note how difficult it is for Germans who burn, destroy and
+violate in their own country to believe that they behave otherwise
+than as lambs when playing the r&ocirc;le of invaders.</p>
+<p>One quotation from a large number will illustrate sufficiently
+the respect which the German troops felt for civilian homes in the
+territories occupied by them: "We got into the house by a
+back-door. Orders had been issued that only food and shirts were to
+be taken. The cellar was full of wine and champagne. A corporal
+brought us some of the latter. After half an hour the rooms looked
+very different; all the cupboards had been emptied in order to get
+at the jams and jellies. Several pots of fruit preserved in wine
+were divided as honestly as the greed of the individual
+allowed.</p>
+<p>"All the underclothing was seized upon, obviously only the best
+being taken. Many a dirty Pole put on such a shirt as he had never
+dreamed of before. Even ladies' chemises were commandeered, and
+some of the men assured me that a French chemise is quite
+comfortable&mdash;in spite of the short sleeves.</p>
+<p>"If there is a sterner sex in France, which is exceedingly
+doubtful, they do not seem to possess pants; so the men resorted to
+the corresponding article worn by ladies."[<a href=
+"#note-131">131</a>] (This writer refers in other parts of his book
+to "mementoes" which he carried home to the Fatherland, after being
+wounded at the Marne.)</p>
+<p><a name="note-131"><!-- Note Anchor 131 --></a>[Footnote 131: H.
+Knutz: "Mit den K&ouml;nigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien," p. 42.]</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH9"><!-- CH9 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+<center>THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND GERMANY'S ANNEXATION
+PROPAGANDA</center>
+<p>"Afterthoughts" is the term which would perhaps designate most
+concisely the section of German war literature treating of
+Belgium's violated neutrality. Should that designation appear
+unfitting, then the author has only one other to
+suggest&mdash;"whitewash."</p>
+<p>In order to apprehend clearly the method and aims concealed
+beneath the "afterthoughts," readers must bear in mind that every
+attempt to protest against the annexation of Belgium by Germany is
+prohibited by the German censor. The Social Democratic organs
+emphasize the fact almost daily that they are not permitted to
+print anything contrary to the principle of annexation.</p>
+<p>On the other hand, numerous writers are allowed to make a most
+extensive propaganda by suggesting that annexation is necessary in
+the interests of their racial-brothers the Flemings. By order of
+the German Government a geographical description of the country has
+been published,[<a href="#note-132">132</a>] in which every detail
+of Belgium's wealth in minerals, agriculture, and so on, is
+described, with no other possible purpose than the desire to whet
+German Michael's appetite.</p>
+<p><a name="note-132"><!-- Note Anchor 132 --></a>[Footnote 132:
+"Belgien, Land und Leute," Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>All at once Germany has become suspiciously interested in
+Belgian history, in the domestic quarrels between Walloons and
+Flemings, in the alleged oppression of the latter (Low Germans) by
+the former, and propose for themselves the part of liberator and
+saviour for Flemish culture. They have discovered, among other
+things, that Belgium was merely a paper State, a diplomatic
+invention, an experiment, and that no "Belgian" people has ever
+existed, but rather two hostile elements were packed under the same
+roof against their will by the Conference of London&mdash;the said
+roof bears the name Belgium!</p>
+<p>According to a good German-Swiss[<a href="#note-133">133</a>]
+the Belgians have no national feelings, no patriotism, and have
+never had a Fatherland. If a serious writer can make such
+statements after the Belgians have defended their native country so
+heroically, one naturally wonders whether Herr Blocher is sane, or
+merely a paid agent of the German authorities. In his work he
+denies every and any intention to justify or condemn either Germany
+or Belgium, and then proceeds to blacken the latter's character by
+quoting every Belgian utterance which may be interpreted as
+anti-German. These expressions lead him to the remarkable
+conclusion that Belgians had already violated their own
+neutrality!</p>
+<p><a name="note-133"><!-- Note Anchor 133 --></a>[Footnote 133:
+"Belgische Neutralit&auml;t," by Eduard Blocher. Zurich, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Blocher states that his work is only intended to prove that
+Switzerland has nothing to fear from Germany's precedent in
+invading Belgium. But he never mentions Belgium's maritime
+interests, Antwerp and the extensive seacoast on the North Sea. He
+is oblivious to the fact that Germany's desire to possess these was
+the sole motive for precipitating war and invading Belgium. To
+Germany the coast of Belgium is the door to the world and world
+domination. Switzerland does not possess such a door, and therefore
+had nothing to fear from her powerful neighbour; but if the Allies
+are unable to bar this door to Germany's aggressive schemes, then
+the time is not far distant when Germany would remember that she
+has "brothers" within Swiss frontiers and insist upon their
+entrance into the great Teutonic sheepfold&mdash;just as her most
+earnest desire at present is to drive the "lost" Flemings back to
+their parent race.</p>
+<p>Among the many phrases which Germans have coined to describe
+Belgium the following occur: bastard, eunuch and hermaphrodite.
+According to the German conception of a "State," Belgium is an
+unnatural monstrosity, from which one draws the natural conclusion
+that Germany intends to remove it from the domain of earthly
+affairs.</p>
+<p>On the whole, German writers admit the existence of Belgian
+neutrality, and also Germany's pledge to respect it. The three most
+serious writers on the subject are, Dr. Reinhard Frank,[<a href=
+"#note-134">134</a>] professor of jurisprudence in Munich
+University; Dr. Karl Hampe,[<a href="#note-135">135</a>] professor
+in Heidelberg; and Dr. Walter Schoenborn,[<a href=
+"#note-136">136</a>] also a professor in Heidelberg University.</p>
+<p><a name="note-134"><!-- Note Anchor 134 --></a>[Footnote 134:
+Reinhard Frank: "Die belgische Neutralit&auml;t." Tubingen,
+1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-135"><!-- Note Anchor 135 --></a>[Footnote 135:
+Karl Hampe: "Belgien's Vergangenheit und Gegenwart." Berlin,
+1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-136"><!-- Note Anchor 136 --></a>[Footnote 136:
+Walther Schoenborn: "Die Neutralit&auml;t Belgien's." This is an
+appendix to a large work written by twenty university professors,
+entitled "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," published by B.G.
+Teubner, Leipzig and Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>The nearer examination of these three works must be premised by
+two important considerations. Firstly, the three professors ignore
+the fact that Germany was a menace to Belgium, and make no mention
+of German aspirations for a coastline on or near the English
+Channel. Holland and Belgium form a twentieth century "Naboth's
+vineyard," on which the German Ahab has cast avaricious glances for
+upwards of forty years.</p>
+<p>A casual acquaintance with Pan-German and German naval and
+military literature during the same period, affords overwhelming
+proof of this powerful current in German nationalism. If Naboth
+consulted strong neighbours as to necessary precautions against
+Ahab's plans for obtaining the vineyard, then Naboth acted as a
+wise man, and the only regret to-day is that the "strong
+neighbours" only offered Naboth assurances and words, instead of
+deeds. In other words Great Britain did nothing because, as Lord
+Haldane expressed it, the Liberal Cabinet was "afraid" (!) to
+offend Germany and precipitate a crisis.</p>
+<p>Secondly, the three professors, like all others of their class
+in the Fatherland, have sworn an oath on taking office not to do
+anything, either by word or deed, detrimental to the interests of
+the German State of which they are <i>official</i> members. An
+ordinary German in writing on Germany may be under the subjective
+influences of his national feelings, but a German who has taken the
+"Staatseid" (oath to the State) cannot be objective in national
+questions and interests&mdash;his oath leaves only one course open
+to him, and any departure from that course may mean the loss of his
+daily bread.</p>
+<p>The author has the greatest respect for the achievements of
+German professors in the domains of science and abstract thought;
+by those achievements they have deservedly become famous, but in
+all judgments where Germany's interests are concerned they are
+bound hand and foot.[<a href="#note-137">137</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-137"><!-- Note Anchor 137 --></a>[Footnote 137:
+Towards the close of 1913 I had a conversation with half a dozen
+Germans (average age twenty-five) in Erlangen Gymnasium (State
+Secondary School); they were candidates in training for the
+teaching profession, all university men. I listened patiently to
+their diatribes concerning the perfidy of English Statesmen, and
+then pointed out, giving chapter and verse in German biographies,
+that Bismarck's record was exceedingly tortuous; the forgery of the
+Ems telegram was given as an instance.</p>
+<p>A few weeks later I met the vice-principal of the school at a
+private party; this gentleman was a good friend of mine. He
+reminded me of the above conversation, and gave me a friendly
+warning never again to make such statements to my pupils. The
+candidates had talked it over, and although they had provoked the
+discussion, proposed to have me reported to the Minister for
+Education for uttering such opinions. The vice-principal had
+intervened and prevented the <i>Denunziation</i>.</p>
+<p>If a professor of history in a German university expressed any
+opinion in his academic lectures unfavourable to modern Germany, he
+would be immediately <i>denunziert</i> to the State authorities by
+his own students. Should he publish such opinions in book form, of
+course the process of cashiering him would be simpler. Germans do
+not desire the truth so far as their own country is concerned; they
+do not will the truth; they will <i>Deutschland &uuml;ber
+alles</i>, and all information, knowledge, or propaganda contrary
+to their will is prohibited. If space permitted I could mention
+numerous cases in which famous professors have been treated like
+schoolboys by the German State&mdash;their stern father and
+master.]</p>
+<p>When a German conscript enters the army he takes the
+<i>Fahneneid</i> (oath on, and to, the flag), which binds him to
+defend the Fatherland with bayonet and bullet. In like manner it
+may be said that German professors are bound by the
+<i>Staatseid</i> either to discreet silence, or to employ their
+intellectual pop-guns in defending Germany. That these pop-guns
+fire colossal untruths, innuendoes, word-twistings, and such like
+missiles, giving out gases calculated to stupefy and blind honest
+judgments, will become painfully evident in the course of our
+considerations.</p>
+<p>That any and every German obeys the impulse to defend his
+country is just and praiseworthy; but in our search for truth we
+are compelled to note the fact that German professors are merely
+intellectual soldiers fighting for Germany. Without departing from
+the truth by one jot or tittle, readers may even call them "outside
+clerks" of the German Foreign Office, or the "ink-slingers" under
+the command of the German State.</p>
+<p>These premises have been laid down <i>in extenso</i> because
+some fifty books will be discussed in this work, which emanate from
+German universities. A neutral reader may retort: You also are not
+impartial, for you are an Englishman! Having anticipated the
+question, the author ventures to give an answer. If he could make a
+destructive attack on Britain's policy&mdash;the attack would be
+made without the least hesitation. Such an attack, if proved to the
+hilt, would bring any man renown, and in the worst case no harm.
+But if a German professor launched an attack, based upon
+incontrovertible facts, against Bethmann-Hollweg and Germany's
+policy, that professor would be ruined in time of peace and in all
+probability imprisoned, or sent to penal servitude in time of
+war.</p>
+<p>Nothing which the present author could write would ever tarnish
+the reputation of German professors as men of science, but in the
+narrower limits as historians of the Fatherland and propagandists
+of the <i>Deutschland-&uuml;ber-alles</i> gospel they are tied with
+fetters for the like of which we should seek in vain at the
+universities of Great Britain or America. It would be in the
+interests of truth and impartiality if every German professor who
+writes on the "Causes of the World War," "England's Conspiracy
+against Germany," "The Non-Existence of Belgian Neutrality," and
+similar themes, would print the German <i>Staatseid</i> on the
+front page of his book. The text of that oath would materially
+assist his readers in forming an opinion regarding the
+trustworthiness and impartiality of the professor's
+conclusions.</p>
+<p>Professor Frank commences his historical sketch of Belgian
+neutrality with the year 1632, when Cardinal Richelieu proposed
+that Belgium should be converted into an independent republic.
+Doubtless the desire to found a buffer State inspired Richelieu,
+just as it did the representatives of Prussia, Russia, France,
+Austria and England when they drew up the treaty guaranteeing
+Belgium's neutrality in perpetuity, at the Conference of London,
+1839.</p>
+<p>But an additional motive actuated the diplomatists of 1839,
+viz., Belgium was henceforth to be the corner-stone supporting the
+structure commonly designated "the balance of power in Europe."</p>
+<p>An objection has been made to the validity of the treaty signed
+in London, viz., England herself did not consider it reliable and
+binding, or she would not have asked for, and obtained, pledges
+from both Prussia and France to respect Belgian neutrality in 1870.
+Another objection is the claim that the German Empire, founded in
+1870, was not bound by the Prussian signature attached to a treaty
+in 1839. Other writers have endeavoured to show that the addition
+of African territory (Congo Free State) to Belgium changed the
+political status of that country, exposed it to colonial conflicts
+with two great colonial Powers, and thus tacitly ended the state of
+neutrality.</p>
+<p>Each of the professors in question overrides these objections,
+and Frank remarks, p. 13: "Lawyers and diplomatists refuse, and
+rightly so, to accept this view." Again, p. 14.: "There is no
+international document in existence which has cancelled Belgian
+neutrality."</p>
+<p>Germany's alleged violation of her promise to regard Belgium as
+a neutral country is justified on quite other grounds. Belgium had
+herself violated her neutrality by a secret alliance with France
+and England. Frank argues that a neutral State has certain duties
+imposed upon it in peace time, and in support of his contention
+quotes Professor Arendt (Louvain University, 1845), who wrote: "A
+neutral State may not conclude an alliance of defence and offence,
+by which in case of war between two other States it is pledged to
+help one of them. Yet it is free and possesses the right to form
+alliances to protect its neutrality and in its own defence, but
+such defensive alliances can only be concluded after the outbreak
+of war."</p>
+<p>Another authority quoted to support his point is Professor Hilty
+(University of Bern, 1889). "A neutral State may not conclude a
+treaty <i>in advance</i> to protect its own neutrality, because by
+this means a protectorate relationship would be created."</p>
+<p>Frank continues (p. 21): "Hence Belgian neutrality was
+guaranteed in the interests of the balance of power in Europe, and
+I have already pointed out that the same idea prevailed when the
+barrier-systems of 1815 and 1818 were established.</p>
+<p>"Considering the matter from this point of view, the falsity of
+modern Belgium's interpretation at once becomes apparent. According
+to Belgian official opinion her neutrality obligations only came
+into force in the event of war, and therefore could not be violated
+during peace. But this balance of power was to be maintained, above
+all in time of peace, and might not be disturbed by any peaceful
+negotiations whatever, especially if these were calculated to
+manifest themselves in either advantageous or prejudicial form, in
+the event of war.</p>
+<p>"In this category we may place the surrender of territory. No
+impartial thinker can deny that the cession of Antwerp to England
+would have been a breach of neutrality on the part of Belgium, even
+if it had occurred in peace time. The same is true for the granting
+of occupation rights, and landing places for troops, or for the
+establishment of a harbour which might serve as a basis for the
+military or naval operations of another State.</p>
+<p>"Moreover, it is unnecessary to exert one's imagination in order
+to discover 'peaceful negotiations' which are incompatible with
+permanent neutrality, for history offers us two exceedingly
+instructive examples. When a tariff union between France and
+Belgium was proposed in 1840, England objected because the plan was
+not in accord with Belgian neutrality. Again in 1868, when the
+Eastern Railway Company of France sought to obtain railway
+concessions in Belgium, it was the latter country which refused its
+consent, and in the subsequent parliamentary debate the step was
+designated an act of neutrality."</p>
+<p>From this extract it is evident that Professor Frank has
+undermined his own case. Belgian neutrality was intended by the
+great powers to be the corner-stone of the European balance of
+power. During the last forty years Germany's carefully meditated
+increase of armaments on land and sea threatened to dislodge the
+corner-stone. When the Conference of London declared Belgium to be
+a permanently neutral country, there was apparent equality of power
+on each side of the stone. In 1870 the Franco-German war showed
+that the balance of power was already disturbed at this corner of
+the European edifice. Still Germany's pledged word was considered
+sufficient guarantee of the <i>status quo</i>.</p>
+<p>Since 1870 the potential energy on the German side of the
+corner-stone has increased in an unprecedented degree, and this
+huge energy has been consistently converted into concrete military
+and naval forces. This alteration in the potential <i>status quo
+ante</i> has been partly the result of natural growth, but in a
+still greater degree, to Germany's doctrine that it is only might
+which counts.</p>
+<p>Another German professor[<a href="#note-138">138</a>] had
+defined the position in a sentence: "Germany is a boiler charged to
+danger-point with potential energy. In such a case is it a sound
+policy to try to avert the possibility of an explosion by screwing
+down all its safety-valves?" Recognizing that Belgian neutrality
+has existed for many years past solely on Germany's good-will, it
+became the right and urgent duty of the other signatory powers to
+endeavour to strengthen the corner-stone. Germany absolutely
+refused to relax in any way the pressure which her "potential
+energy" was exercising at this point, therefore it was necessary
+above all for France and Great Britain to bolster up the threatened
+corner.</p>
+<p><a name="note-138"><!-- Note Anchor 138 --></a>[Footnote 138:
+Hermann Oncken (Heidelberg), in the <i>Quarterly Review</i>,
+October, 1913. The author of the article charges Great Britain with
+screwing down the valves, which is a deliberate distortion of the
+truth. Britain has always opened her markets free to German goods
+and admitted the same privileges to her rival&mdash;so far as these
+did not run contrary to established rights&mdash;in all parts of
+the world. With regard to territorial expansion a treaty had been
+drawn up between the two Powers and was ready to be signed just
+when war broke out. That treaty would have afforded Germany immense
+opportunities for expansion, but not at the expense of Europe.
+Germany, however, desired European expansion, and according to her
+accepted teaching, the fate of extra-European territories will be
+decided on the battlefields of Europe.]</p>
+<p>The former Power could have achieved this purpose by building a
+chain of huge fortresses along her Belgian frontier. Why this
+precautionary measure was never taken is difficult to surmise, but
+had it been taken, Germany would have ascribed to her neighbour
+plans of aggression&mdash;and declared war.</p>
+<p>Great Britain could have restored the balance by creating an
+army of several millions. Lord Haldane has announced that the late
+Liberal Government was "afraid" to do this, although the fear of
+losing office may have been greater than their fear for
+Germany.</p>
+<p>The measures which England did take were merely non-binding
+conversations with the military authorities of France and Belgium;
+the making of plans for putting a British garrison of defence on
+Belgian territory in the event of the latter's neutrality being
+violated or threatened; and the printing of books describing the
+means of communication in Belgium.[<a href="#note-139">139</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-139"><!-- Note Anchor 139 --></a>[Footnote 139:
+"Belgium, Road and River Reports," prepared by the General Staff,
+Vol. I., 1912; II., 1913; III. &amp; IV., 1914. Copies of this work
+have been seized by the Germans in Belgium, and capital is being
+made of the incident to prove a violation of Belgian neutrality. If
+the British General Staff had nothing better to do than to compile
+guide-books to Belgium for a non-existent British army, it appears
+merely amusing. But if the late Liberal Government believed that
+Germany's potential energy could be prevented from breaking through
+into Belgian territory by a barricade of guide-books&mdash;it was a
+lamentable error of judgment. On the whole we are forced to call it
+a tragical irony, that the only defences which Belgium possessed
+against the <i>furor teutonicus</i>&mdash;excepting the Belgian
+army&mdash;were a "scrap of paper" and a barricade of the same
+material.]</p>
+<p>As a result of these measures, Belgium stands charged by Germany
+with having broken her own neutrality, and German writers are
+naively asking why Belgium did not give the same confidence to
+Germany which she gave to England. The German mind knows quite
+well, that in building strategic railways to the Belgian frontier
+she betrayed the line of direction which the potential energy was
+intended to take, when the burst came. Unofficially Germany has
+long since proclaimed her intention to invade Belgium; it was an
+"open secret."</p>
+<p>The <i>denouement</i> of August 4th, 1914, when Belgian
+neutrality was declared a "scrap of paper,"[<a href=
+"#note-140">140</a>] was not the inspiration of a moment, nor a
+decision arrived at under the pressure of necessity, but the result
+of years of military preparation and planning. It had been
+carefully arranged that the boiler should pour forth its energy
+through the Belgian valve.</p>
+<p><a name="note-140"><!-- Note Anchor 140 --></a>[Footnote 140:
+This famous phrase was employed as far back as 1855 by a Belgian
+Minister in the House of Deputies, Brussels. M. Lebeau in pleading
+for greater military preparation used these words: "History has
+shown what becomes of neutralities which were guaranteed, by what
+may be termed a 'scrap of paper.'"]</p>
+<p>Or to draw another comparison, it is a modern variety of the
+wolf and the lamb fable, with this difference: the wolf has first
+of all swallowed the lamb, and now excuses himself by asserting
+that the traitorous wretch had muddied the stream.</p>
+<p>Belgians were painfully aware of the danger threatening them,
+and would have made greater efforts to protect themselves, had not
+their own Social Democrats resisted every military proposal. As the
+matter stands to-day, however, all the efforts which Belgium did
+make, are classed by Germany as intrigues of the Triple Entente,
+threatening her (Germany's) existence, and all the horrors which
+have fallen upon this gallant "neutral" country the German
+Pecksniff designates "Belgium's Atonement."[<a href=
+"#note-141">141</a>] It is to be feared that sooner or later,
+unless Germany's military pride and unbounded greed of her
+neighbour's goods can be checked, German professors will be engaged
+in the scientific task of proving that the waters of the upper
+Rhine are unpalatable because the lamb residing in Holland has
+stirred up mud in the lower reaches of the same river!</p>
+<p><a name="note-141"><!-- Note Anchor 141 --></a>[Footnote 141:
+<i>Belgien's S&uuml;bne</i>, the title of a chapter describing the
+desolation and havoc of war, in a book entitled "Mit dem
+Hauptquartier nach Westen," by Heinrich Binder. Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Belgium knew that England and France had no other interest than
+the maintenance of her neutrality. Belgium saw and felt, where the
+storm clouds lowered, and probably sought or accepted advice from
+those Powers who wished to perpetuate both the territorial
+integrity and neutrality of Belgium. Germany's afterthought on the
+point is: "It was Belgium's duty to protect her neutrality, and she
+owed this duty to all States alike in the interests of the balance
+of power&mdash;a conception to which she owes her existence.</p>
+<p>"She was bound to treat all the signatory Powers in the same
+manner, but she failed to do so, in that she permitted one or two
+of them to gain an insight into her system of defence. By this
+means she afforded the States admitted to her confidence, certain
+advantages which they could employ for their own ends at any
+moment.</p>
+<p>"By allowing certain of the great Powers to see her cards,
+Belgium was not supporting the European balance, but seriously
+disturbing it. Even Belgium's Legation Secretary in Berlin had
+warned his Government concerning the political dangers arising out
+of intimacy with England. By revealing her system of defence to
+England, Belgium destroyed its intrinsic value and still
+more&mdash;she violated her international obligations."[<a href=
+"#note-142">142</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-142"><!-- Note Anchor 142 --></a>[Footnote 142:
+Professor Frank's work, pp. 29-30.]</p>
+<p>Considering that the British army at that time was small, that
+Britain had no idea of annexing Belgian territory, one naturally
+wonders how the value of Belgium's defence system had been
+depreciated by conversations with British officers. In effect,
+Germany maintains that Belgium should have behaved as a nonentity,
+which is contrary to all reason.</p>
+<p>The Berlin Government has always treated her small neighbour as
+a sovereign State, equal in quality, though not in power, to any
+State in the world. If Germany recognized Belgium's sovereignty,
+why should not England do the same, and, above all, why had Belgium
+no right to think of her self-preservation, when she knew the
+danger on her eastern frontier grew more menacing month by
+month?</p>
+<p>Frank concludes his dissertation with his opinion of England and
+quotes Thucydides, V., 105, as the best applicable characterization
+of the British with which he is acquainted. "Among themselves,
+indeed, and out of respect for their traditional constitution, they
+prove to be quite decent. As regards their treatment of foreigners,
+a great deal might be said, yet we will try to express it in brief.
+Among all whom we know they are the most brazen in declaring what
+is good to be agreeable, and what is profitable to be just."</p>
+<p>The very offence which Germany accuses England of having
+premeditated, she committed herself many years before. When France
+seemed to threaten Belgium's existence, King Leopold I. concluded a
+secret treaty[<a href="#note-143">143</a>] with the king of
+Prussia, whereby the latter was empowered to enter Belgium and
+occupy fortresses in case of France becoming dangerous. The French
+danger passed away, and its place was taken by a more awful
+menace&mdash;the pressure of German potential energy; and when
+Belgium in turn opened her heart (this is the unproved accusation
+which Germany makes to-day&mdash;Author) to England, then she has
+violated her neutrality and undermined the balance of
+power.[<a href="#note-144">144</a>] There is even a suspicion that
+Leopold II. renewed this treaty with Germany in 1890, in spite of
+the fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince de Chimay,
+in an official speech denied its existence.</p>
+<p><a name="note-143"><!-- Note Anchor 143 --></a>[Footnote 143:
+Germans love anything which is "secret." "Geheimniskr&auml;merei"
+("affectation of mysteriousness and secrecy") is a national and
+individual characteristic of the German people.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-144"><!-- Note Anchor 144 --></a>[Footnote 144:
+Karl Hampe: "Belgiens Vergangenheit und Gegenwart" ("Belgium Past
+and Present"), p. 49.]</p>
+<p>Professor Schoenborn's essay on Belgian neutrality is the least
+satisfactory exposition of the three professorial effusions; it is
+no credit to a man of learning, and is merely the work of an
+incapable partisan trying to make a bad cause into a good one.
+Schoenborn commences[<a href="#note-145">145</a>] with the
+customary German tactics by stating that Bethmann-Hollweg's
+"scrap-of-paper" speech, and von Jagow's (German Secretary of
+State) explanations to the Belgian representative in Berlin on
+August 3rd, 1914, are of no importance in deciding the justice of
+Germany's violation of her pledged word. One is led to inquire,
+When is a German utterance&mdash;whether given in the Reichstag by
+the Chancellor or on paper in the form of a treaty&mdash;final and
+binding?</p>
+<p><a name="note-145"><!-- Note Anchor 145 --></a>[Footnote 145:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World War"), pp.
+566-8.]</p>
+<p>Subterfuges, insinuations, distortions, even brazen falsehoods,
+are scattered throughout German war literature, thicker "than
+Autumnal leaves in Vallombrosa's brook." It is to be feared that
+just as Germans have lied for a century to prove that the English
+were annihilated at the battle of Waterloo, and for over forty
+years to show that Bismarck was not a forger, so they will lie for
+centuries to come in order to prove that the invasion of Belgium
+was not what Bethmann-Hollweg called it, a "breach of international
+law."</p>
+<p>Like his <i>confr&egrave;res</i>, Herr Schoenborn admits that
+Germany was pledged to respect the neutrality of Belgium, but the
+said neutrality was non-existent, which appears somewhat
+paradoxical. Yet this is not the least logical part of his case.
+"The passage of German troops through Belgium was indispensable in
+the interests of the preservation of the German Empire. A
+successful resistance to the annihilation-plans which our enemies
+had wrought for our downfall seemed possible only by this means.
+The Government regretted that, by so doing, we should commit a
+formal infringement of the rights of a third State (Belgium), and
+promised to make all possible compensation for the
+transgression.</p>
+<p>"The judicial point of view which influenced the decision of the
+German Government is perhaps, best illustrated by a parallel taken
+from the ordinary laws of the country: A forester (game-keeper) is
+attacked by a poacher, and in that same moment perceives a second
+poacher bearing a gun at full-cock, creeping into a strange house
+in order to obtain a better shot at the forester. Just as he is
+about to enter the house the forester breaks the door open and thus
+forestalls him&mdash;in order to surprise and overcome him. The
+forester is justified in taking this step, but must make good all
+damage resulting to the householder."[<a href=
+"#note-146">146</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-146"><!-- Note Anchor 146 --></a>[Footnote 146:
+Ibid., p. 575.]</p>
+<p>The instance holds good in the land of <i>Kultur</i>, where law
+and order affords so little protection to a civilian and his
+property; but in countries where laws are based upon culture the
+author believes that the forester would receive condign punishment
+for breaking into another man's house, no matter under what
+pretext. Unconsciously the learned professor is humorous when he
+compares Germany to a gamekeeper and Russia and France to poachers;
+but he is na&iuml;ve to a degree of stupidity, when he makes France
+carry a weapon fully prepared to shoot the forester.</p>
+<p>We will consult another German authority to show that France's
+weapons were not at full-cock.</p>
+<p>"During the last ten years France has given special attention to
+the fortresses on the German frontier. But those facing Belgium
+have been so carelessly equipped that we see clearly to what a
+degree she relied upon her neighbour. The forts are in the same
+condition as they were twenty or thirty years ago. As some of these
+fortifications were built fifty years ago, various points on the
+frontier are strategically, absolutely useless.</p>
+<p>"A typical example of this, is Fort les Ayvelles, which is
+intended to protect the bridges and Meuse crossings south of
+M&eacute;zi&egrave;res-Charleville; the fort was levelled to the
+ground by 300 shots from our 21-centimetre howitzers. It was built
+in 1878 and armed with forty cannon; of these the principal weapons
+consisted of two batteries each containing six 9-centimetre cannon,
+which, however, were cast in the years 1878-1880, and in the best
+case could only carry 4,000 yards. Then there were some
+12-centimetre bronze pieces cast in 1884, and a few five-barrelled
+revolver cannon.</p>
+<p>"Besides these there were old howitzers from the year 1842;
+muzzle-loaders with the characteristic pyramids of cannon ball by
+the side, such as are often used in Germany at village festivals or
+to fire a salute. The fort itself was a perfect picture of the
+obsolete and out-of-date. Apart from the crude, primitive
+equipment, the organization must have been faulty indeed.</p>
+<p>"On the road leading up to the fort we saw some tree-branches
+which had been hurriedly placed as obstacles, and higher up wire
+entanglements had been commenced at the last moment. At least one
+battery was useless, for the field of fire was cut off by high
+trees, and at the last minute the garrison had tried to place the
+guns in a better position.</p>
+<p>"Our artillery which fired from a north-westerly position
+displayed a precision of aim which is rare. One battery had had
+nearly every gun put out of action by clean hits. In several cases
+we saw the barrel of the gun yards away from its carriage, and only
+a heap of wheels, earth, stones, etc., marked the place where it
+had stood.</p>
+<p>"Another proof of the excellent work done by the artillery, was
+the fact that hardly a shell had struck the earth in the 500 yards
+from the battery to the fort. After the former had been disposed
+of, the artillery fire was concentrated on the fort, which was
+reduced to a heap of rubbish. The stonework and the high
+walls&mdash;yards thick&mdash;had tumbled to pieces like a child's
+box of bricks.</p>
+<p>"A garrison of 900 men had been placed in this useless cage, and
+they had fled almost at the first shot. Instead of putting these
+men in trenches, their superiors had put them at this 'lost post'
+and allowed them to suffer the moral effects of a complete,
+inevitable defeat.</p>
+<p>"Near the fort I saw the grave of its commander, the unfortunate
+man who had witnessed the hopeless struggle. He lived to see his
+men save their lives in wild flight&mdash;and then ended his
+own."[<a href="#note-147">147</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-147"><!-- Note Anchor 147 --></a>[Footnote 147:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," pp.
+107-9.]</p>
+<p>Here we have a sorry picture of the poacher whom Germany feared
+so much. The world knows now that neither Britain, France nor
+Russia were prepared for war, which excludes the probability that
+they desired or provoked a conflict. But Germany knew that, and
+much more, in the month of July, 1914. Bethmann-Hollweg when
+addressing the Reichstag drew a terrifying picture of French
+armies[<a href="#note-148">148</a>] standing ready to invade
+Belgium, but he knew full well that the necessary base-fortresses
+were lacking on the Franco-Belgian frontier.</p>
+<p><a name="note-148"><!-- Note Anchor 148 --></a>[Footnote 148:
+Richard Grasshoff in his work "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's
+Guilt"), p. 14 <i>et seq</i>., reproduces several confessions
+alleged to have been made by French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, stating that they entered Belgian territory on July 31st,
+1914. At present it is impossible to test the value of this
+evidence. Cf. <a href="#CH7">p. 151</a>.]</p>
+<p>As regards the alleged plans which Germany's enemies had made to
+annihilate Germany, it will be necessary for Professor Schoenborn
+to prove that the Entente Powers had: (1.) Caused the murder in
+Serajewo; (2.) Despatched the ultimatum to Serbia; (3.) Prepared
+themselves for war. Until he proves these three points the world
+will continue to believe that it was Germany alone who cherished
+"annihilation-plans."</p>
+<p>Schoenborn mentions too, Britain's refusal to promise her
+neutrality even if Germany respected the neutrality of Belgium.
+This offer was made to Sir Edward Grey, who declined it. According
+to Professor Schoenborn Germany's final decision to invade Belgium
+was only taken after that refusal. It is a striking example of the
+immorality which prevails both in Germany's business and political
+life. She gave her solemn pledge in 1839, yet endeavoured to sell
+the same pledge in 1914&mdash;for Britain's neutrality!</p>
+<p>The author once made an agreement with a German, but soon found
+that the arrangement was ignored and wrote to the person in
+question: "You have employed our arrangement merely as a means for
+making further incursions into my rights."</p>
+<p>That summarizes the Teutonic conception of a treaty, either
+private or national. It is only a wedge with which to broaden the
+way for a further advance. Usually a man signs an agreement with an
+idea of finality, and looks forward to freedom from further worry
+in the matter. Not so the German; with him it is an instrument to
+obtain, or blackmail, further concessions; and as individuals,
+instead of occupying their thoughts and energies in the faithful
+fulfilment of its terms, they plot and plan in the pursuit of
+ulterior advantages.</p>
+<p>Heidelberg's great scholar seems to have had doubts concerning
+his simile of the gamekeeper; hence in his last footnote he makes
+the innocuous remark: "Because the house-breaking gamekeeper fired
+the first shot, it is not usual to draw the conclusion that the
+poacher had only defensive intentions" (p. 590).</p>
+<p>All in all, Professor Schoenborn's attempt at partisanship is a
+miserable failure, and as an academic thesis it is doubtful whether
+the faculty of law in any German university would grant a student a
+degree for such a crude effort.</p>
+<p>Various facts indicate Germany's intention to annex Belgium, if
+not the entire country, then those districts in which Flemish is
+spoken. Germany has suddenly remembered that the Flemings are a Low
+German people and that they have been "oppressed" by the Walloons.
+The hypocrisy of the plea becomes evident when we recall German
+(including Austrian) oppression of the Poles, Slavs and
+Hungarians.</p>
+<p>One writer[<a href="#note-149">149</a>] has even endeavoured to
+prove that the House of Hesse has a legitimate historical claim to
+the province of Brabant. But as the following extracts will show,
+there is method in this madness. No pains are being spared to stir
+up racial feeling between the two peoples (Flemings and Walloons)
+who form King Albert's subjects. All the internal differences are
+being dished up to convince the inhabitants of Flanders that they
+will be much better off under the German heel.[<a href=
+"#note-150">150</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-149"><!-- Note Anchor 149 --></a>[Footnote 149:
+Dr. Karl Knetsch: "Des Hauses Hessen Anspr&uuml;che auf Brabant"
+("The House of Hesse's Claims to Brabant"). Marburg, 1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-150"><!-- Note Anchor 150 --></a>[Footnote 150:
+The <i>M&uuml;nchner Neueste Nachrichten</i> for September 19th,
+1915, contains a long account of a petition which was presented to
+Herr von Hissing, General Governor of Belgium, by a branch of the
+General Union of the Netherlands. The branch society is in Lierre
+(a town occupied by the Germans), and the petition is a statement
+of Flemish national and language aspirations. Unfortunately the
+document in question "makes a bitter attack on Franco-Belgian
+endeavours to rob the Flemings of their rights." It is superfluous
+to quote more; this sentence alone shows the origin of the petition
+to be German.]</p>
+<p>Forgetting their tyrannous efforts to stamp out the Polish
+language and Polish national feelings, the Germans are now
+sorrowing over the alleged attempts of the Walloons to suffocate
+the Flemish dialect. German war books breathe hate and contempt for
+the Walloons, but bestow clumsy bear-like caresses (no doubt
+unwelcome to their recipients) on the Flemings.</p>
+<p>In a work[<a href="#note-151">151</a>] already cited the
+following passages occur, in addition to three whole chapters
+intended to supply historical proof that Flanders is by the very
+nature of things a part of the German Empire.</p>
+<p><a name="note-151"><!-- Note Anchor 151 --></a>[Footnote 151:
+Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von L&uuml;ttich bis Flandern" ("From Li&eacute;ge
+into Flanders"). Weimar, 1914.]</p>
+<p>"The German people committed a grave crime, when they fought
+among themselves and left their race-brothers on the frontier,
+defenceless and at the mercy of a foreign Power. Therefore we have
+no right to scold these brothers (the Flemings), but should rather
+fetch them back into the German fold" (p. 40).</p>
+<p>Kotzde reports a conversation which he had with an educated
+Fleming last autumn. "'We do not like the French and English,' said
+the Fleming. 'But what about Brussels?' I remarked. 'They are a
+people for themselves. The Flemish capital is Antwerp' he
+answered.</p>
+<p>"Our paths led in different directions, but we parted with the
+consciousness that we are tribal brothers. So much seems certain,
+that when the Flemings are freed from the embittering influence of
+the Walloons and French, then this Low German tribe will again
+learn to love everything German&mdash;because they are German.
+Furthermore, that will make an end of the French language in
+Flemish districts" (p. 84).</p>
+<p>"German infantry marched with us into Antwerp. How deeply it
+touched me to hear them sing the 'Wacht am Rhein' and then
+'Deutschland, Deutschland &uuml;ber alles,' in the very city which
+was to serve as an English base for operations against our dear
+Fatherland. And my Flemish companion softly hummed this splendid
+German song of faith.</p>
+<p>"In that moment a spasm of pain went through my heart, that the
+Flemings should have to fight against us in this great struggle for
+the existence of Germany: these, our lost brothers, of whom so many
+yearn to be with us again" (p. 86).</p>
+<p>"With the fall of Antwerp, Flanders&mdash;the land of the German
+Hanse period, of Ghent, Ypres and Bruges&mdash;became German once
+more" (p. 147).</p>
+<p>Kotzde concludes his work as follows:&mdash;</p>
+<p>"Holland was compelled to bow before the might of France and
+consent to Belgium becoming an independent State. From that moment
+the Flemings, cut off in every way from their German brothers, were
+delivered up to the Walloons, behind whom stood the French.</p>
+<p>"The Germans at that time lacked a Bismarck to unite them and
+interest them in the fate of their outlying brother tribe. This war
+has freed our hands, which hitherto had been bound by the dictates
+of conscience. Of himself the German would never have kindled this
+world conflagration, but others have hurled the torch into our
+abode&mdash;and our hands are free!</p>
+<p>"We do not yet know what Belgium's fate will be, but we can be
+perfectly sure that the Flemings will never again be left to the
+mercy of the Walloons and French. They have had a wild and
+chequered history; and although they have often shown signs of
+barbarism in the fight, they have not waged this war with the
+devilish cruelty of the Walloons.</p>
+<p>"They lack the discipline which alone a well-ordered State can
+bestow. The training and education of the German military system
+and German administration, will be a blessing to them. Even to-day
+many Flemings bless the hour of their return into the German
+paternal home" (p. 190).</p>
+<p>"In a struggle which has lasted for nearly a century, the
+Flemings have displayed their unconquerable will to maintain their
+national peculiarities. Without outside aid, and with little or no
+deterioration, they have maintained their nationalism. Now the
+horrors of war have swept over the lands of the Flemings and
+Walloons. The Belgian army, consisting of 65 per cent. Flemings,
+has been decimated by German arms. North and south of the Meuse a
+wicked harvest of hate has sprung up. But the most remarkable point
+is that this hate is not directed against the Germans alone; the
+mutual dislike of Flemings and Walloons has turned into hatred. The
+Walloons cherish bitter suspicions of the Flemings; they scent the
+racial German, and are promising that after the war they will wage
+a life and death feud against the German part of the Flemish
+nature."[<a href="#note-152">152</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-152"><!-- Note Anchor 152 --></a>[Footnote 152:
+Ulrich Rauscher: "Belgien heute und morgen" ("Belgium to-day and
+to-morrow"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 35.]</p>
+<p>The same writer claims that the Germans had conquered Antwerp
+before its fall, by peaceful penetration. "In 1880 the British
+share of Antwerp's trade was 56 per cent., Germany's 9 per cent.;
+in 1900, British 48 per cent., German 23-1/2 per cent. Not only had
+the British flag been beaten in percentages but also in absolute
+figures; in the year 1912-1913 German trade to Antwerp increased by
+400,000 tons, while that of Great Britain decreased by 200,000
+tons. The commercial future of Antwerp will be German!"[<a href=
+"#note-153">153</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-153"><!-- Note Anchor 153 --></a>[Footnote 153:
+Ibid., p. 64.]</p>
+<p>"To-day Antwerp is the second largest port on the Continent,
+with over 400,000 inhabitants, and now Germany's war banner waves
+above its cathedral. Germany's maritime flag has waved during the
+last twenty years above Antwerp's commercial progress. Antwerp's
+progress was German progress."[<a href="#note-154">154</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-154"><!-- Note Anchor 154 --></a>[Footnote 154:
+Ibid., p. 68.]</p>
+<p>After which follows a glowing account of Belgium's mineral
+wealth. "It is Belgium's mission to be a gigantic factory for the
+rest of the world," and of course this mission will be directed
+by&mdash;Germany!</p>
+<p>"Those who had warned us for years past that England is our
+greatest enemy were right. To-day every German recognizes who is
+our principal opponent in this world war. Against Russia and France
+we fight, as the poet expresses it, 'with steel and bronze, and
+conclude a peace some time or other.' But against England we wage
+war with the greatest bitterness and such an awful rage, as only an
+entire and great people in their holy wrath can feel. The words of
+Lissauer's 'Hymn of Hate' were spoken out of the innermost depths
+of every German soul.</p>
+<p>"When Hindenburg announces a new victory we are happy; when our
+front in the Argonne advances we are satisfied; when our faithful
+Landsturm beats back a French attack in the Vosges, it awakes a
+pleasurable pride in our breasts. But when progress is announced in
+Flanders, when a single square yard of earth is captured by our
+brave troops in the Ypres district, then all Germany is beside
+herself with pure joy. The seventy millions know only too well,
+that everything depends upon the development of events in Flanders,
+as to when and how, we shall force England to her knees.</p>
+<p>"Hence of all the fields of war, Belgium is the most familiar to
+us, and we love best of all to hear news from that quarter. May God
+grant that in the peace negotiations we shall hear much more and
+good tidings about Flanders."[<a href="#note-155">155</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-155"><!-- Note Anchor 155 --></a>[Footnote 155:
+Dr. Fritz Mittelmann: "Kreuz und Quer durch Belgien" ("Round and
+about Belgium"). Stettin, 1915: p. 8. Dr. Mittelmann is a personal
+friend of the Liberal leader, Herr Bassermann, who accompanied him
+on some of his journeys.]</p>
+<p>Dr. Mittelmann's book is a prose-poem in praise of Germany's
+ineffable greatness. He sees in the present war, "a holy struggle
+for Germany's might and future," and like all his compatriots,
+makes no mention of Austria. If the Central Powers should be
+victorious, there is no doubt that Germany would seize the booty.
+In justifying the destruction of churches, cathedrals, etc., Herr
+Mittelmann asserts that "one single German soldier is of more worth
+than all the art treasures of our enemies" (p. 12).</p>
+<p>His book deserves to be read by all Britishers who imagine that
+we can win Germany's love and respect&mdash;by weakness and
+compromise. "In this war Germans and English soldiers are opposed
+to each other for the first time. All the scorn and hate which had
+accumulated for years past in the German nation has now broken
+loose with volcanic force. Whoever assumes that the English were
+ever other than what they are&mdash;is wrong. They have never had
+ideals, and seek singly and alone their own profit. Whenever they
+have fought side by side with another nation against a common foe,
+they have done their best to weaken their ally and reap all the
+glory and advantage for themselves."[<a href=
+"#note-156">156</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-156"><!-- Note Anchor 156 --></a>[Footnote 156:
+Ibid., p. 29.]</p>
+<p>Pity for the Belgians suffering through Germany's brutal war of
+aggression does not appear to be one of Dr. Mittelmann's
+weaknesses. "The principal industrial occupation of the inhabitants
+seems at present to be begging. In spite of their hostile glances
+the crowd did not hesitate to gather round as we entered our car,
+and quite a hundred greedy hands were stretched towards us for
+alms. But in Li&eacute;ge, without the shadow of a doubt the best
+of all was the magnificent Burgundy which we drank there; perhaps
+we had never relished wine so much in our lives."[<a href=
+"#note-157">157</a>] One wonders whether these pioneers of
+<i>Kultur</i> relished the wine so much because they knew
+themselves to be surrounded by thousands of hungry, "greedy"
+Belgians.</p>
+<p><a name="note-157"><!-- Note Anchor 157 --></a>[Footnote 157:
+Ibid., p. 44.]</p>
+<p>On page 93, Mittelmann relates at length his genuine Prussian
+joy at humiliating a Belgian policeman before the latter's
+compatriots. None enjoy having their boots licked, so much as those
+who are accustomed to perform that service for others.</p>
+<p>Our author pays the customary compliments to the Flemings. It
+must be remembered that the above incident took place in
+Li&eacute;ge among the Walloons, but it would seem that the Germans
+try to behave with decency when among their Low German
+brothers.</p>
+<p>"One feels at home in the house of a Flemish peasant; the racial
+relationship tends to homeliness. The painful cleanliness of the
+white-washed cottages makes a pleasant contrast to the homes of the
+Walloons. War and politics are never mentioned, as these delicate
+subjects would prevent a friendly understanding."[<a href=
+"#note-158">158</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-158"><!-- Note Anchor 158 --></a>[Footnote 158:
+Ibid., p. 90.]</p>
+<p>"A dream. An old German dream. A land full of quaintness which
+the rush of modern life has left untouched. On all sides
+cleanliness and order which makes the heart beat gladly. And this
+joyful impression is doubly strong when one comes direct from the
+dirty, disorderly villages of the Walloons.</p>
+<p>"Just as a mother may give birth to two children with entirely
+different natures, so Belgium affords hearth and home to two
+peoples in whose language, culture and customs there is neither
+similarity nor harmony. The Flemings are absolutely German, and in
+this war they treat us with friendly confidence. Their eyes do not
+glitter with fanatical hate like those of the Walloons."[<a href=
+"#note-159">159</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-159"><!-- Note Anchor 159 --></a>[Footnote 159:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p. 102.]</p>
+<p>Herr Binder's meditations on the slaughter in the valley of the
+Meuse are not without interest. "A vale which has been won by
+German blood! In recent days the waters of the Meuse have often
+flowed blood-red. Many a warrior has sunk into these depths.
+Longing and hope rise in our hearts: May destiny determine that all
+these dead, after a triumphant war, shall sleep at rest in a German
+valley!"[<a href="#note-160">160</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-160"><!-- Note Anchor 160 --></a>[Footnote 160:
+Ibid., p. 122.]</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH10"><!-- CH10 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+<center>SAIGNER &Agrave; BLANC.[<a href=
+"#note-161">161</a>]</center>
+<p><a name="note-161"><!-- Note Anchor 161 --></a>[Footnote 161:
+"To bleed white." Bismarck employed this phrase on two occasions in
+addressing the Reichstag; his purpose could have been no other than
+to bully France.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>It would be superfluous to review here the history of
+Franco-German relations during the last half century; other writers
+have already performed the task. Yet the whole trend of development
+in the relations between the two powerful neighbours may be defined
+by two watch-words: <i>saigner &agrave; blanc</i> in Germany, and
+the <i>revanche id&eacute;e</i> in France. But there is this
+difference: the former has become ever more and more, and the
+latter less and less, a factor in European politics.</p>
+<p>While the German nation has been gradually and systematically
+leavened with the teaching that might alone is right, the French
+revenge party has been weakened year by year by national
+prosperity, colonial expansion and the growth of a powerful
+anti-military party. Whatever may be said of French chauvinists,
+this much remains an immovable fact&mdash;the party was incapable
+of providing adequate national defences against the Germanic
+neighbour, while plans of reconquest can only be assigned to the
+domain of myths.</p>
+<p>On every occasion that the <i>revanche</i> cry has been
+resuscitated, the direct cause is to be sought in Germany. Having
+displaced France in 1870 from her position of the first military
+power in Europe, Germany has endeavoured by fair and foul means to
+prevent her neighbour from again raising her head, and that policy
+alone is to blame for the suspicion and hatred which have marked
+Franco-German relations during the whole period and plunged Europe
+into an era of armaments, ending in a world war. England and Russia
+prevented Bismarck from annihilating France in 1875, an incident
+which aroused justified fear throughout France and gave an impulse
+to the revenge party.</p>
+<p>In 1881 the Iron Chancellor told the French Ambassador: "Outside
+Europe you can do what you like." Bismarck's intention was to
+divert reviving French energies to colonial work, and if possible
+involve her in conflicts with the other Colonizing Powers. In both
+of these plans he succeeded, but the common sense and loyalty of
+Great Britain and Italy prevented the conflicts from assuming a
+dangerous form&mdash;war&mdash;as desired by the Government in
+Berlin.</p>
+<p>As soon as the latter perceived that French genius and
+persistency were bearing fruit in a magnificent colonial empire,
+the innate jealousy and greed of the German nation led to a policy
+of colonial pinpricks on the part of the Kaiser's Government. This
+seems the most probable explanation of Germany's attitude during
+the last decade before 1914. The natural consequence was that those
+powers which had most to fear through German ill-will were welded
+together more firmly in a policy of self-protection.</p>
+<p>Germany cannot, or will not, recognize that the causes of the
+above-mentioned development are to be found solely and alone in her
+own actions. On the contrary, she designates the "consequences" a
+world-wide conspiracy against German interests. In naval affairs
+she adopts the same na&iuml;ve line of argument. First and foremost
+Germany committed herself to a policy of unlimited&mdash;even
+provocative&mdash;naval expansion. When the Power most
+concerned&mdash;Great Britain&mdash;took precautionary measures to
+guarantee British interests in view of Germany's "peaceful"
+development, then the latter Power declared the consequences of her
+own actions to be a hostile initiative directed against her.</p>
+<p>A defence of this kind may be convincing for those who observe
+events in the German perspective, but it will be unable to
+withstand impartial historical criticism. Boxers expect a rebound
+when they "punch the ball," but none of them would be so foolish as
+to deny having delivered a blow when the rebound takes place. Yet
+that is the unscientific defence which Germany has adopted in her
+endeavours to explain away her aggressive attitude to Belgium,
+France, and Great Britain.</p>
+<p>In a word, the principles underlying <i>saigner &agrave;
+blanc</i> have grown during the past four decades into a possible
+avalanche possessing huge potential energy; the momentum was given
+to it in August, 1914.</p>
+<p>If it were necessary, a picture of German popular opinion might
+be projected, showing how that opinion was influenced and formed
+during the critical days at the close of July last year. But from
+considerations of space only the outlines of the picture can be
+given. Before the war German newspapers abounded in reports of
+French unpreparedness and chaos. The German public was informed
+that France dreaded and feared war with Germany.</p>
+<p>"Without any exaggeration it may be said that a state of nerves
+has seized the French nation, such as we should seek for in vain at
+the time of Tangiers and Agadir. There is tremendous excitement,
+which in many reports suggests absolute panic."[<a href=
+"#note-162">162</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-162"><!-- Note Anchor 162 --></a>[Footnote 162:
+<i>Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten</i>, August 1st.]</p>
+<p>The Paris correspondent of the <i>K&ouml;lnische Zeitung</i>
+(August 4th) on returning to Cologne wrote: "Conditions in France
+afford a striking picture of bad organization. War rage possesses
+the people; but such an enthusiasm as I found in Germany on my
+return is unknown to them."</p>
+<p>On the same day the <i>Hamburger Nachrichten</i> reported: "A
+German refugee who has returned from the French capital says that
+there is no enthusiasm in Paris. Men and women may be seen weeping
+in the streets, while the crowds are shouting: 'Down with war!' 'We
+desire no war!'"</p>
+<p>Probably there is no better way to incite a ferocious bully than
+to tell him that his opponent is weak, unprepared and afraid.
+Almost simultaneously false reports of French troops crossing the
+frontier and of French airmen dropping bombs on Nuremberg were
+spread by the Berlin General Staff, and thus an excuse found for a
+declaration of war on France.</p>
+<p>From the French point of view events appeared quite different.
+"This morning German troops have violated French territory at three
+different points: in the direction of Longwy by Lun&eacute;ville,
+at Cirey and by Belfort. War has thus been declared, and the
+endeavours for peace as described in the President's proclamation
+have been in vain. For the last eight days Herr von Schoen (German
+Ambassador in Paris) has lulled us to sleep with endearing
+protestations of peace. Meanwhile Germany has mobilized troops in a
+secret and malevolent manner.</p>
+<p>"The war upon which we must enter is for civilization against
+barbarism. All Frenchmen must be united not merely by the feeling
+of duty, but also in hatred for an enemy who seeks no other goal
+than our annihilation&mdash;the destruction of a nation which has
+always been a pioneer of justice and liberty in the world.</p>
+<p>"To-night our five covering-corps will take up their positions
+and face the enemy till our plan of concentration is completed.
+Russia is with us.</p>
+<p>"MESSIMY,</p>
+<p>"Minister for War."</p>
+<p>From the moment that Germany declared war on France, new tactics
+were adopted in the Press. A campaign of calumny began which is the
+exact counterpart of that against Belgium and the Belgians.
+Uncorroborated tales of Germans having been ill treated in all
+parts of France were spread broadcast. According to one
+journal[<a href="#note-163">163</a>] sixty to eighty Germans had
+been murdered on the platforms of the Gare de l'Est in Paris.</p>
+<p><a name="note-163"><!-- Note Anchor 163 --></a>[Footnote 163:
+<i>K&ouml;lnische Volkszeitung</i>, August 5th.]</p>
+<p>Still there is one accusation which even German newspapers have
+never dared to make, viz., that Frenchmen murdered and ill-treated
+Frenchmen, or that war delirium led them to destroy property on a
+wholesale scale. On the other hand, the picture obtainable of
+Germany during August, 1914, proves that similar peaceful
+conditions did not prevail in the great nation of "drill and
+discipline."</p>
+<p>France was even "convicted" of having caused the war; instead of
+being unprepared, she had laid the fuse and was the guilty power in
+causing the European explosion. "The German Government has now
+obtained absolute proof that France has been standing at arms,
+ready to fall upon Germany, for many weeks past."[<a href=
+"#note-164">164</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-164"><!-- Note Anchor 164 --></a>[Footnote 164:
+<i>Hamburger Fremdenblatt</i>, August 13th.]</p>
+<p>Above all, President Poincar&eacute; has been marked down in
+Germany's senseless, unnecessary hunt for a scapegoat upon whom to
+fix her own guilt. Even in the year 1915 there is a section of the
+German public[<a href="#note-165">165</a>] which believes that the
+French President&mdash;a native of Lorraine&mdash;has worked for
+years past in building up a <i>revanche</i> conspiracy ending in
+the European war.</p>
+<p><a name="note-165"><!-- Note Anchor 165 --></a>[Footnote 165:
+Dr. Max Beer: "Tzar Poincarew, die Schuld am Kriege" ("Czar
+Poincarew, the War-guilty"). Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Germany despised France and has tried in vain to patronize her.
+For many years past the average German has held that the French are
+a nation of "degenerate weaklings." Inspired by these sentiments,
+with a mixture of hate, the German troops invaded France, and it is
+a promising symptom that during twelve months of war respect for
+French valour has taken the place of contempt.</p>
+<p>The first engagements are described in the official telegrams
+from the German army head-quarters. "August 11th. Enemies' troops,
+apparently the 7th French army corps and an infantry division from
+the Belfort garrison, were driven out of a fortified position by
+M&uuml;lhausen. Our losses were inconsiderable, those of the French
+heavy.</p>
+<p>"August 12th. Our troops attacked a French brigade by Lagarde.
+The enemy suffered heavy losses and was thrown back into the Paroy
+forest. We captured a flag, two batteries, four machine guns and
+about seven hundred prisoners. A French general was among the
+killed.</p>
+<p>"August 18th. The fight by M&uuml;lhausen was little more than a
+skirmish. One and a half enemy corps had invaded Upper Alsace
+before our troops could be collected and placed on a war-footing.
+In spite of their numerical inferiority they attacked the enemy
+without hesitation and hurled him back in the direction of
+Belfort.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile an artillery contingent from Strasbourg has suffered
+a check. Two battalions with cannon and machine guns advanced from
+Shirmeck on the 14th. They were attacked by hostile artillery fire
+while passing through a narrow pass. The cannon, etc., were badly
+damaged and therefore left. No doubt they were captured by the
+enemy.</p>
+<p>"The incident is of no importance and will have no influence on
+our operations, but it should serve as a warning to our soldiers
+against over-confidence and carelessness. The men mustered again
+and reached the fortress in safety: they had lost their guns but
+not their courage. Whether treachery on the part of the inhabitants
+had any part in the affair has not yet been ascertained.</p>
+<p>"August 22nd. Our troops are in pursuit of the French army
+defeated between Metz and the Vosges. The enemies' retreat became a
+flight. Up till now more than ten thousand prisoners have been
+taken and at least fifty cannon captured. The French had eight army
+corps in the field.</p>
+<p>"August 24th. Yesterday the German Crown Prince, advancing on
+both sides of Longwy, achieved a victory over the opposing forces
+and hurled them back.</p>
+<p>"The troops under the leadership of the Bavarian Crown Prince
+have also been victorious and crossed the line
+Lun&eacute;ville-Blamont-Tirey. To-day the 21st army corps occupied
+Lun&eacute;ville.</p>
+<p>"The pursuit has brought rich booty. Besides numerous prisoners
+and standards the left wing of the Vosges army has already captured
+150 cannon.</p>
+<p>"To-day the German Crown Prince's army has continued the pursuit
+beyond Longwy.</p>
+<p>"The army under Duke Albrecht of W&uuml;rttemberg has advanced
+on both sides of Neufch&acirc;teau and completely defeated the
+French army which had crossed the Semois. Numerous cannon,
+standards and prisoners&mdash;among the latter several
+generals&mdash;were captured.</p>
+<p>"West of the Meuse our troops are advancing on Maubeuge. An
+English cavalry brigade which appeared on their front was
+defeated.</p>
+<p>"August 27th. Nine days after the conclusion of our
+concentration the armies in the West have gained victory after
+victory and penetrated the enemy's territory from Cambrai to the
+Southern Vosges. At all points the enemy has been driven out of his
+positions and is now in full retreat.</p>
+<p>"It is not yet possible to estimate, even approximately, his
+losses in killed, prisoners and booty; the explanation for this is
+the enormous extent of the battlefields, broken by thick forests
+and mountainous country.</p>
+<p>"General von Kluck's army defeated the English at Maubeuge and
+to-day has attacked them in an encircling move south-west of that
+place.</p>
+<p>"After several days' fighting about eight army corps of French
+and Belgian troops between the Sambre, Namur and the Meuse were
+completely defeated by the German armies under Generals von
+B&uuml;low and von Hausen.</p>
+<p>"Namur has fallen after two days' cannonade. The attack on
+Maubeuge has commenced. Duke Albrecht's army pursued the defeated
+enemy over the Semois and has now crossed the Meuse.</p>
+<p>"On the other side of Longwy the German Crown Prince has
+captured a fortified enemy position, and thrown back a heavy attack
+from the direction of Verdun. His army is advancing towards the
+Meuse. Longwy has fallen.</p>
+<p>"New hostile forces from Nancy attacked the Bavarian Crown
+Prince's army during its pursuit of the French army before it. The
+attack failed.</p>
+<p>"General von Heeringen's army is pursuing the enemy in the
+Vosges, and driving him southwards. Alsace has been cleared of
+enemy forces.</p>
+<p>"Up till the present the lines of communication have been
+guarded by the various armies; now the troops left behind for that
+purpose are urgently required for our further advance. Hence His
+Majesty has ordered the mobilization of the Landsturm.</p>
+<p>"The Landsturm will be employed in protecting the lines of
+communication and for the occupation of Belgium. This land which
+now comes under German administration will be utilized for
+supplying all kinds of necessities for our armies, in order that
+Germany may be spared as much as possible."</p>
+<p>During the first month of hostilities on the Western front, the
+Germans claimed that their captures amounted to 233 pieces of heavy
+artillery, 116 field guns, 79 machine guns, 166 wagons and 12,934
+prisoners. On September 8th General Quartermaster von Stein
+announced: "Maubeuge capitulated yesterday; 40,000 prisoners of
+war, including four generals, 400 cannon and immense quantities of
+war materials fell into our hands."</p>
+<p>A German war correspondent, who was present at the fall of
+Maubeuge, wrote:[<a href="#note-166">166</a>] "The march out of the
+prisoners began on the same day at 2.30 p.m. and lasted over six
+hours. They were conducted to trains and despatched to Germany.
+Some of the infantry made a good impression, while the pioneers and
+artillery can only be classed as passable.</p>
+<p><a name="note-166"><!-- Note Anchor 166 --></a>[Footnote 166:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p. 96.]</p>
+<p>"To the great disappointment of our troops there were only a
+hundred and twenty English among the prisoners who had been cut off
+from the main army; young fellows about eighteen to twenty years of
+age. When marching out these English youths were so stupid as to
+offer the hand to their German victors in token of the
+gentlemanlike manner in which they accepted defeat. In accordance
+with Albion's ancient boxing custom, they desired to show the
+absence of any bitter feeling by a handshake; just as one does
+after a football match.</p>
+<p>"Our men returned a few cuffs for this warlike behaviour,
+whereupon the English&mdash;richer in experience&mdash;drew back
+astonished at German unfriendliness."</p>
+<p>Germany's rush for Paris reached as far as the Marne; they claim
+that patrols penetrated to within seven kilometres of the French
+capital. The report announcing the turn of the tide is worthy of
+quotation.</p>
+<p>"Chief Headquarters, September 10th. Our army in their pursuit
+of the enemy in the direction east of Paris had passed beyond the
+Marne. There they were attacked by superior forces between Meaux
+and Montmirail. In two days' heavy fighting they have kept the
+enemy back and even made progress.</p>
+<p>"When the approach of new, stronger hostile forces was announced
+our wing was withdrawn; the enemy made no attempt at pursuit. Up
+till now the booty captured in this battle includes fifty cannon
+and some thousands of prisoners.</p>
+<p>"West of Verdun the army is engaged in an advancing battle. In
+Lorraine and the Vosges district the situation is unchanged."</p>
+<p>This seems to be all that the German nation has heard from
+official sources of the German defeat on the Marne and the hurried
+retreat to the Aisne. Almost every report issued by the German
+headquarters during the succeeding three weeks informed the world
+that a "decision had not yet fallen."</p>
+<p>Evidently the nation awaited and hoped for a decision which
+would leave Paris at the mercy of the invading army. They are still
+awaiting that decision, but whether the waiting is seasoned by hope
+cannot easily be determined.</p>
+<p>A soldier present at the battle of the Marne has chronicled his
+experiences.[<a href="#note-167">167</a>] "We passed over long,
+undulating hills and valleys, and towards 1 p.m. obtained our first
+glimpse down the beautiful vale of the Marne. Standing on the
+heights of Ch&acirc;teau Thierry, we beheld the town nestling on
+both sides of the river in the valley below.</p>
+<p><a name="note-167"><!-- Note Anchor 167 --></a>[Footnote 167: H.
+Knutz: "Mit den K&ouml;nigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien und
+Frankreich,", p. 49 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"Then we entered the town and saw on all sides the tokens of
+street fighting. All the windows were smashed by shell fire; some
+houses had been entirely gutted. Dead Frenchmen lay around in
+heaps, some corpses so mutilated by shrapnel as to appear hardly
+human. With a shudder we turned our eyes from this horrible
+scene.</p>
+<p>"Crossing the Marne by a sand-stone bridge, we climbed the
+opposing heights under a burning sun. At the top we deployed, but
+for that day our artillery sufficed to drive the enemy in headlong
+flight to the south; the night we spent under the open sky.</p>
+<p>"Sunday, September 6th. Before breakfast we intended to bathe in
+a stream, when our dreams of a rest-day were dispelled by an order
+to hold ourselves ready for the march. 'The 17th division is under
+heavy rifle fire and the 18th must advance to their support.'
+Meanwhile, the chicken soup was almost ready, but the order 'form
+ranks' resounded, and with empty stomachs we marched through Neuvy
+up a hill and dug ourselves in behind a wood.</p>
+<p>"The thunder of the enemies' artillery is terrible; shrapnel is
+bursting on our left. Captain von Liliencron discusses the
+situation with the major and then turns to us. 'Our regiment
+attacks! go for the dogs, children!' he exclaims with gleaming
+eyes.</p>
+<p>"Next we advance round the wood and lie down behind a hedge;
+axes are held in readiness to hack a way through the latter. Five
+steps from me a machine gun hammers away at full speed; it is now
+impossible to hear commands, so they are roared from man to
+man&mdash;it could not be termed shouting. 'Ambulance to the
+right!' somebody is severely wounded, but the ambulance men have
+more than they can do on the left.</p>
+<p>"The hell-music is at its loudest; shrapnel is bursting in the
+wood behind us; suddenly there is an awful explosion half a dozen
+yards away; I hear the screams of my comrades, then we rush
+forwards. The rush across the field was awful&mdash;flank fire from
+the right. Here and there a comrade bites the grass.</p>
+<p>"At last I throw myself down, but there is no cover; the wounded
+crouch there too. None of my company are there; it seems that the
+two last shells have played havoc with them. The enemies' (French)
+main position is nearly a mile away in a forest.</p>
+<p>"Up the next slope our dead lie thick around, and here too a
+deadly bullet had found the breast of our heroic captain. But in
+the strip of forest French and Turko bodies are still thicker. The
+cat-like Turkos have climbed into the trees and are shot down like
+crows. A maddening infantry and artillery fire greets us as we
+reach the top. Every ten to twenty yards shells strike, and
+shrapnel bursts, filling the air with earth, dust, smoke and
+smell.</p>
+<p>"Forward! till almost exhausted I throw myself down again; a
+hundred to a hundred and fifty Fusiliers form a firing-line.
+Columns of infantry pour a murderous fire on to us from the forest.
+It cannot go on thus; one after the other is wounded or killed. We
+have advanced nearly eight hundred yards over open ground. On the
+right there is a small thicket of reeds. Some of the company have
+already sought shelter there, and I make a rush there with the same
+hope.</p>
+<p>"'For heaven's sake, lie down, corporal,' screamed a man as I
+came up. In fact, the reeds afford no cover whatever. Wounded and
+dead lie there and bullets keep hitting them. In front of me lay a
+man from the fourth company; a bullet had entered his chest and
+passed out of his back; the blood was oozing out of a wound about
+the size of a shilling. The horror was too much for me, and I crept
+to the other end of the strip.</p>
+<p>"There I found everything far worse, but I cannot describe the
+terrors which I saw. One poor fellow begs for a drop of water;
+there is just another draught in my bottle. With grateful eyes he
+hands it back to me, and in the same moment I feel a stinging pain
+in the shoulder. My arm is numbed and helpless; hardly one of us
+who is not wounded.</p>
+<p>"We can offer no resistance to the enemy; but the awful way
+back! At last the run back over eight hundred yards of open field
+begins. Now and again a comrade sinks to the ground, never to rise
+again. My breath is nearly gone; one last effort, and in truth I
+have escaped from the hail of bullets."</p>
+<p>It is remarkable and noteworthy that German writers charge the
+French armies with looting and destruction in their own country.
+Probably this is merely a device to get rid of unpleasant
+accusations raised against the German army. Furthermore, the most
+reckless charges of uncleanliness are made. In commenting on the
+lot of the Landsturm troops quartered in the villages of Northern
+France, one author[<a href="#note-168">168</a>] writes: "The
+Landsturm men pass their time as best they can in these holes,
+whose most conspicuous quality is their filth."</p>
+<p><a name="note-168"><!-- Note Anchor 168 --></a>[Footnote 168:
+Erich K&ouml;hrer: "Zwischen Aisne und Argonnen" ("Between the
+Aisne and the Argonnes"), p. 25.]</p>
+<p>The same author gives his impressions of a visit to Sedan. "Only
+one house has been completely and another partly destroyed,
+otherwise appearances are peaceful, and as far as possible, life
+goes on as usual. Here, too, many of the inhabitants have left
+their homes and fled. The stupidity of this flight becomes evident
+at every step. In numerous small hotels whose proprietors have
+remained, one sees German soldiers buying bottles of splendid
+Burgundy wine at a shilling a bottle.</p>
+<p>"But in another hotel whose proprietor had fled, is it a matter
+for surprise that the men caroused on discovering a cellar
+containing three thousand bottles of wine? On the route I have
+myself purchased some of the oldest and best wines from our men at
+a price of three cigars a bottle, and the recollection of them
+belongs to the pleasantest memories of my sojourn at the front.</p>
+<p>"Certainly the owner of Ch&acirc;teau Frenois, situated a few
+minutes' walk from the town, will be more unpleasantly surprised on
+his return than the hotel proprietor. In his home, French marauders
+and plunderers have destroyed and devastated the entire contents.
+It is impossible to comprehend the senselessness of this conduct,
+for which no reasons of military necessity can be advanced.</p>
+<p>"Ancient family pictures which could not be taken out of their
+frames have been ruined by bayonet stabs, and from the shape of the
+cuts they were certainly the work of French bayonets. Even the
+library, which contained a valuable collection of old prints, had
+been robbed.</p>
+<p>"Not far from this scene of desolation stands Ch&acirc;teau
+Bellevue, where King William met Napoleon in 1870. There, too, the
+traces of French plunderers are painfully evident; it was left to
+the 'Hun-Kaiser' to save this historic spot from complete
+annihilation. In September Wilhelm II. visited the ch&acirc;teau
+and seeing the signs of rapacity, ordered the place to be strictly
+guarded to prevent further desecration."[<a href=
+"#note-169">169</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-169"><!-- Note Anchor 169 --></a>[Footnote 169:
+Ibid., pp. 22-3.]</p>
+<p>It did not occur to Herr K&ouml;hrer to connect the carousals
+with the plundering; in one sentence he admits that French soldiers
+respected the wine-cellars and in the next accuses them of stealing
+books, etc. Every German writer, in describing the German advance,
+comments on the immense number of haversacks, weapons and equipment
+thrown away by the French in their "wild flight." Yet they desire
+their readers to believe that the same soldiers had time to rob and
+destroy, indeed, carry their plunder with them!</p>
+<p>Since September no French troops have been in the district, yet
+the Kaiser found it necessary to place guards round Ch&acirc;teau
+Bellevue. Is it not more reasonable to assume that the precaution
+was taken against the predatory instincts of his own soldiery, who,
+admittedly, are in occupation of the province?</p>
+<p>Herr K&ouml;hrer finds it almost beneath his dignity to reply to
+charges of barbarism and Hunnism; yet he devotes several pages to
+the art of white-washing. "The inhabitants who remained in their
+homes, and those who have returned since the
+flight&mdash;unfortunately it is only a small part of the
+entirety&mdash;have recognized long ago that the German soldier is
+not a barbarian. The terrible distress which prevails among the
+French is often enough relieved by the generosity of the German
+troops. Throngs of women and children from the filthy villages of
+the Argonne and the Ardennes gather round our field-kitchens and
+regularly receive the remains of the meals; while many a German
+Landsturm man, recollecting his own wife and children, fills the
+mouths of dirty French children instead of completely satisfying
+his own hunger."[<a href="#note-170">170</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-170"><!-- Note Anchor 170 --></a>[Footnote 170:
+Ibid., p. 34. Herr K&ouml;hrer has evidently never visited many
+Bavarian villages: otherwise he would be more careful with his
+adjectives when describing the villages of
+France.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>No one disputes the presence of kindly Germans in the Kaiser's
+armies, and it is pleasing to read about these acts of generosity
+in relieving distress which is entirely the result of Germany's
+guilt. But the point which all German writers miss is the
+explanation of positive evidence of brutal deeds. Their kindly
+incidents and proofs of German chivalry are all of a negative
+character, and do not overthrow one jot or tittle of the opposing
+positive evidence.</p>
+<p>Iron crosses have fallen in thick showers on the German armies;
+during the month of July, 1915, no fewer than 3,400 of these
+decorations were awarded to the Bavarian army alone. Still, as far
+back as November of last year, Herr K&ouml;hrer wrote: "In the
+villages on the slopes of the Argonnes and on the banks of the
+Aisne, nearly every second soldier is wearing an iron cross. One
+has the certain conviction that it is not an army of fifty or sixty
+thousand, but a nation of heroes which occupies the plains of
+France and fights for us.</p>
+<p>"They are all heroes at the front, including those who do not
+wear the outward symbol of personal bravery. When we see how our
+men live, it would seem that the earliest days of the human race
+have returned. They have become cave-dwellers, troglodytes in the
+worst form. Our heavy batteries are placed on the slopes of the
+Argonne forest, while the light field-howitzers occupy the
+summits.</p>
+<p>"Near them holes have been dug in the wet clay or chalk, and
+meagrely lined with straw; these dark, damp caves are the dwellings
+of our officers and men for weeks at a time, while the shells from
+the enemy's artillery whiz and burst around. In them the
+differences of rank disappear, except that one sometimes sees a
+couple of chairs provided for officers. When duty does not call
+them to the guns, they are free to remain in the open exposed to a
+sudden and awful death, or to spend their time in the womb of
+mother earth. Yet one never hears a word of complaint; rather the
+hardships of this strange existence are borne with rough
+good-humour."[<a href="#note-171">171</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-171"><!-- Note Anchor 171 --></a>[Footnote 171:
+Ibid., p. 28.]</p>
+<p>Contrary to the expectations of other nations, the war seems
+only to have increased the popularity of the military Moloch.
+Writers who look upon the Allies as deliverers who will free
+Germany from the degrading slavery imposed upon that country, will
+be disappointed to learn that Germans worship the <i>bunte Rock</i>
+(gay uniform) more than ever.</p>
+<p>At a meeting of the National Liberal leaders held in Dortmund,
+July, 1915, a resolution was passed calling upon the Government to
+pursue a still greater naval and army programme. Both the Liberals
+and Conservatives have adopted the motto: <i>Deutsche Machtpolitik
+frei von Sentimentalit&auml;t</i> (A German policy of might free
+from sentimentalism).</p>
+<p>"This war of the nations, which has overthrown so many accepted
+standards and created new ones, will also give a new basis to the
+privileged position of German officers in public life. Millions of
+German men have seen how in this war the German lieutenant has
+again merited his special position for some generations to come. I
+wish to emphasize this point over and over again.</p>
+<p>"During the first two months of hostilities nearly forty
+thousand iron crosses were awarded. To many of those at home this
+appeared to be overdoing it, like the many exaggerations in the
+domain of orders and honours with which we have become familiar
+during the last decade.[<a href="#note-172">172</a>] As a matter of
+fact, the number of crosses given was too small.</p>
+<p><a name="note-172"><!-- Note Anchor 172 --></a>[Footnote 172:
+<i>Vide</i> "The Soul of Germany," Chapter XIII.]</p>
+<p>"Not forty thousand heroes are at the front, but a nation of
+heroes. In emphasizing why the work of our officers is so splendid
+I must lay down these premises. The bravery and joyous spirit of
+self-sacrifice in our men is above all praise, but the officers
+have higher and more responsible duties. They have not only to set
+an example of physical courage, but they must possess the mental
+capacity to lead and spur on their men&mdash;and that under
+conditions so hard and rude that the man at home has no conception
+of them.</p>
+<p>"I have been in the trenches on the slopes of the Argonnes,
+where officers lie side by side with the men in clay and chalk,
+unwashed and filthy cut off from the outside world, exposed to
+continuous fire and thrown entirely upon themselves. I have seen
+them in the artillery positions on the Aisne, in the mud-caves of
+the heavy batteries, where they sit in the dark on empty
+packing-cases, listening to the music of exploding shells and
+whistling bullets. And everywhere I received the same impression:
+the men are enthusiastic in praise of their leaders.</p>
+<p>"Many a one who has never voted for any other party than the
+Social Democrats has exclaimed: 'Lieutenants! <i>Donnerwetter</i>,
+yes! Hats off to them!' For the lieutenant is not only the first in
+the fight, but he is the soul of the company; untiring in his
+efforts to keep up their spirits in the intervals between the
+fighting.</p>
+<p>"And when we again witness the scenes which often disgusted us
+before the war&mdash;the monocled young gentlemen in gay uniform,
+walking through the streets, nose in the air&mdash;when we see all
+this again, and perhaps a bit of iron pinned on the breast, then we
+must remember that for their life of danger and hardship in
+Argonnes clay, and Russian mud, no earthly compensation can be too
+great.</p>
+<p>"No nation can ever imitate our lieutenant, and in this war of
+masses and technical perfection it is still the value of individual
+personality which will decide the issue. We may affirm that this
+value stands very high in our army&mdash;both as regards officers
+and men.</p>
+<p>"Only he who has seen for himself the burnt villages, devastated
+towns and desolate land of France can comprehend the full meaning
+of the awful word <i>Krieg</i> (war). Mere words cannot express
+what it means to Germans and Germany that the horrors of war have
+been carried almost alone into the enemy's territory.</p>
+<p>"But then a spirit of irresistible ardour goes through the ranks
+of our warriors. From every eye, in every word, burns the deepest,
+most unbounded faith in victory. In the trenches, batteries and
+hospitals there is no doubt, no fear. One great thought hovers
+victoriously above all hardships, distress and suffering: Germany
+to the front in the world!</p>
+<p>"And from out the blood which flows&mdash;and that is shed
+plenteously, very plenteously&mdash;(this is the sacred faith which
+I brought back from the battlefields) out of this blood the proud
+harvest will grow, whose blessings we shall all feel&mdash;the
+world dominion of the German idea!"[<a href=
+"#note-173">173</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-173"><!-- Note Anchor 173 --></a>[Footnote 173:
+Ibid., p. 50 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>In spite of K&ouml;hrer's assurances that the relationship
+between officers and men in the German army is an ideal one, there
+is evidence that such is not always the case. The Social Democratic
+paper <i>Karlsruhe Volksfreund</i> (July 23rd, 1915) contained a
+long article by "comrade" Wilhelm Kolb, attacking the
+anti-annexation fraction of his party. Kolb accused the opposition
+with "speculating on the question of food-prices and the
+ill-treatment of soldiers at and behind the front. The power of the
+censor makes it exceedingly difficult, or even impossible, to
+ventilate this matter."</p>
+<p>German writers are careful to impress their readers that the
+losses of the French were appalling, but here and there a stray
+word or sentence lifts the veil and discovers their own.</p>
+<p>"Just before me are the graves of some German officers adorned
+with wooden crosses and helmets, and a little farther on a
+<i>Massengrab</i> (large common grave) containing several hundred
+German soldiers. At this point (Sedan) the battle raged with awful
+fury, and the Germans had to make heavy sacrifices. It seems almost
+incredible that the Germans could have forced the position.</p>
+<p>"The country is hilly; not a tree or bush offered cover from the
+French bullets. French trenches at distances of from thirty to
+fifty yards, stretched across the land, and between them were wire
+entanglements and other obstacles. Besides which they had an open
+firing-range of over a mile in extent, with their artillery to
+cover them from a steep hill on the other side of the Meuse.</p>
+<p>"At 5 a.m. the attack commenced, and by the afternoon the French
+had been hurled across the river. Then came the most difficult part
+of the operations. From the Meuse the ground rises gradually to a
+steep hill, on which the French artillery and machine guns were
+placed. The only bridge over the river, at Donchery, had been blown
+up at the last moment by the enemy, and although our pioneers had
+hastily constructed a bridge of tree-trunks&mdash;what was this for
+so many regiments!</p>
+<p>"Many tried to ford or swim the stream. The French fire was
+murderous in its effect. Several times the ranks wavered, but again
+and again they pressed forward, till the heights were stormed and
+the enemy in flight. The battle raged on into the night and then
+the remains of the regiments gathered at the foot of the hill. They
+had won a costly but glorious victory. Those who have seen the
+successes which our troops have gained, even under the most
+difficult conditions, need have no fear as to the ultimate result
+of this war.</p>
+<p>"I stood long at this spot on the blood-drenched soil of France,
+just where the regiments from Trier[<a href="#note-174">174</a>]
+had fought so bravely and suffered so heavily. Serious thoughts
+arose in me as I gazed at the battlefield. What a dispensation! Two
+gigantic battles on the same spot in such a short space of time;
+two great victories over the French. And most remarkable of all,
+the nation which for forty-four years had desired <i>revanche</i>
+for Sedan, was again completely defeated at the same
+place&mdash;almost on the anniversary of the first battle.</p>
+<p><a name="note-174"><!-- Note Anchor 174 --></a>[Footnote 174:
+The writer, Dr. W. Kriege, is a Roman Catholic priest from Trier
+(Tr&egrave;ves). His book "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz" (Pictures
+from the Seat of War"), published in 1915, is both interesting and
+illuminating.]</p>
+<p>"Twilight shadows fall deep upon the quiet fields where the dead
+rest. Squadrons of white clouds drift down the valley, as if to
+cover the sleeping heroes with a shroud of white. Above Sedan's
+heights appears the shining crescent of the moon and sheds a
+ghostly light over the wide field of death&mdash;the battlefield of
+Sedan."[<a href="#note-175">175</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-175"><!-- Note Anchor 175 --></a>[Footnote 175:
+Dr. W. Kriege: "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz," p. 45 <i>et
+seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"At last we arrive at our destination&mdash;Somme-Py. But what a
+sight! Nothing remains of the once beautiful, spacious village but
+a heap of rubbish. A few black-burnt walls are still standing and
+about three houses; among them, fortunately, the house occupied by
+Kaiser Wilhelm I. in 1870-71, when the victorious German army was
+marching on Paris. At present it serves as a field-hospital. Yes,
+this is the second time that a German army has marched this way;
+but the battles were never so bloody as this time.</p>
+<p>"Somme-Py and the country round has a special meaning for us
+folk in Trier. For here our Trier regiments&mdash;above all the
+29th and 69th&mdash;have fought with splendid valour, and here they
+have buried many a dear friend and comrade. Immediately before
+Somme-Py one of the largest mass-graves of the whole campaign may
+be seen.</p>
+<p>"A simple iron railing surrounds the spot where hundreds of
+those rest who lived so happily in our midst, who marched so gaily
+and to whom we waved farewell greetings as they tramped through our
+streets.</p>
+<p>"The fight for the village had been particularly fierce and
+bloody; the inhabitants had no time to flee. Half-burnt men and
+animals, soldiers and civilians, filled the houses and streets, or
+lay buried under the ruins&mdash;awful sacrifices to the war Fury!
+We must thank God and our brave soldiers that they have preserved
+our hearths and homes from such horror and misery."[<a href=
+"#note-176">176</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-176"><!-- Note Anchor 176 --></a>[Footnote 176:
+Ibid., pp. 78-80.]</p>
+<p>It is cheering to find a growing feeling of respect for the
+French in German war literature. One of many such expressions will
+be sufficient to quote here. The writer of it is a German author
+who enjoys much esteem in his own country, and was a guest at the
+German Crown Prince's headquarters in May, 1915.</p>
+<p>"In conversations with numerous French prisoners I have found no
+traces of hate and rage either in their looks or words. The most
+are glad to have escaped in an honourable manner from the
+nerve-racking, trench warfare. In an honourable manner? Yes, for I
+have heard on all sides&mdash;from the highest officers and the
+simplest soldiers&mdash;that the French have fought well. For the
+most part they are well led&mdash;and always filled up with
+lies."[<a href="#note-177">177</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-177"><!-- Note Anchor 177 --></a>[Footnote 177:
+Rudolf Presber: "An die Front zum deutschen Kronprinzen" ("At the
+Front with the German Crown Prince"), p. 33.]</p>
+<p>"Then we dined with the Crown Prince; soup, roast goose, fresh
+beans and dessert. The conversation was lively. In our small
+company&mdash;although the bravery of the enemy and his excellent
+leadership receives full recognition&mdash;there is not one who
+does not reckon with absolute conviction on complete victory on
+both fronts."[<a href="#note-178">178</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-178"><!-- Note Anchor 178 --></a>[Footnote 178:
+Ibid., p. 61.]</p>
+<p>Herr Presber's book is free, neither from adulation nor
+hero-worship. He is a poet, sentimentalist, and evangelist for
+Greater Germany. His book is a collection of incidents,
+reflections, and conversations, carefully assorted and arranged, so
+as to allow the limelight to glare on the statuesque figure of a
+mighty Germanic hero, fresh from Walhalla&mdash;incarnated in the
+Crown Prince.</p>
+<p>The Crown Prince's birthday dinner-party affords an excellent
+opportunity for the German nation to see the mighty one replying to
+the toast of his health. Presber affirms that the moment when his
+royal host raised his glass and uttered the words: "Ein stilles
+Glas den Toten!" ("A glass in silence to the memory of the fallen")
+will for ever be "most solemn and sacred" in his memory.</p>
+<p>With genuine German inquisitiveness Herr Presber hunted through
+the various cupboards and drawers in his room and found a map of
+France as it was before the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. "The map is
+wrong and useless, and so I use it to line a drawer before placing
+my linen therein. This makes me think of the many changes which
+will be marked in the atlases which German children are now
+carrying to school in their satchels&mdash;after the cannon have
+ceased to roar. How the colouring of the maps has changed since I
+went to school, and yet once more a great 'unrest of colour' is
+about to change the map of Europe. And as far as I can see, large
+notes of interrogation must be placed not alone round the Poles and
+in Central Africa!"[<a href="#note-179">179</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-179"><!-- Note Anchor 179 --></a>[Footnote 179:
+Ibid., p. 101.]</p>
+<p>"I spoke of the good understanding between the natives and our
+soldiers. Probably that is not so easy to attain everywhere. We
+drove long distances from the Prince's headquarters and once passed
+through a famous town which sees the German conquerors for a second
+time. (No doubt Sedan is meant.&mdash;Author.)</p>
+<p>"Most of the inhabitants know it is the Crown Prince by the
+signs of reverence shown him on all sides, by officers and men
+alike. But the citizens of the twice-conquered town bite their
+lips, turn their heads aside, and pretend indifference. The women
+too&mdash;many of them in deep mourning&mdash;turn away, or
+sometimes stand and stare as if with suddenly aroused interest.
+Here the ancient hate glowers in silence.</p>
+<p>"It seems as if a parole of mute non-respect has been passed
+round. This town, which has become world-famous on account of the
+<i>d&eacute;b&acirc;cle</i> of the Third Empire, lives to see with
+gnashing of teeth the downfall of the Republic. But they do not
+believe it yet."[<a href="#note-180">180</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-180"><!-- Note Anchor 180 --></a>[Footnote 180:
+Ibid., p. 108.]</p>
+<p>"French and Russian prisoners are working on the roads, wheeling
+barrows of stone and filling the holes made by shell fire. Some of
+them, without thinking, touch their caps when their guards stand
+stiffly at the salute. (And how few guards are necessary to watch
+this tame herd!) Others gaze at our car as it rushes past without
+giving any salute; their faces express astonishment, curiosity, but
+no excitement."[<a href="#note-181">181</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-181"><!-- Note Anchor 181 --></a>[Footnote 181:
+Ibid., pp. 107-110.]</p>
+<p>Another illuminating page tells of the Crown Prince's anger on
+hearing that Italy had joined the Allies, and how they went for a
+motor-ride as an antidote to the royal rage.</p>
+<p>German humour is generally unconscious and mostly unintentional.
+After a policy of bullying towards France for forty-four years,
+Germany has discovered during the course of the war that France is
+the cat's-paw of Russia and Great Britain&mdash;principally the
+latter.</p>
+<p>One writer,[<a href="#note-182">182</a>] in some fifty pages of
+venom, endeavours to show that England is France's executioner.
+Another[<a href="#note-183">183</a>] gives our ally the advice
+"awake!" After Germany has played the <i>saigner-&agrave;-blanc</i>
+game in Northern France for more than a year, the advice seems
+rather belated.</p>
+<p><a name="note-182"><!-- Note Anchor 182 --></a>[Footnote 182:
+Walter Unus: "England als Henker Frankreichs." Braunschweig,
+1915.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-183"><!-- Note Anchor 183 --></a>[Footnote 183:
+Ernst Heinemann: "Frankreich, erwache!" Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Herr Heinemann writes, p. 33: "France is not fighting for
+herself, but for England and Russia.</p>
+<p>"Poor deceived France! She has given fifteen milliards of francs
+to Russia so that she may at last draw the sword in defence of
+Russo-Serbian and British commercial interests. She has placed her
+money and her beautiful land at the disposal of her so-called
+friends&mdash;for the sake of a mad idea which these friends have
+cleverly exploited (<i>revanche id&eacute;e</i>).</p>
+<p>"England has declared that she will continue the war for twenty
+years, twenty years&mdash;on French soil. If under these
+circumstances the French broke with their allies&mdash;who have
+exploited France for the last twenty-five years, and who have
+plunged her into this war&mdash;-in order to arrive at a reasonable
+understanding with Germany; then they would only show that they do
+not intend to accept the final consequences of the mistakes
+committed by the French Government.</p>
+<p>"No one is compelled to eat the last drop of a soup prepared by
+false friends. In this sense, to seduce France to a direct breach
+of faith with her allies, would in truth, only mean the protection
+of France's best interests" (pp. 51-2).</p>
+<p>One other writer deserves mention&mdash;a lecturer in history,
+Bonn University&mdash;because he presents an opinion the exact
+contrary to the one last quoted. According to Dr. Platzhoff, France
+herself is the guilty party, who has tricked Russia and Great
+Britain into the service of revenge for 1870.</p>
+<p>"Therefore France found it necessary to extract herself from
+isolation, and acquire allies against her neighbour (Germany). In
+several decades of painful effort, French diplomacy has solved the
+problem in brilliant fashion. <i>Revanche</i>&mdash;and alliance
+policy are inseparable conceptions."[<a href=
+"#note-184">184</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-184"><!-- Note Anchor 184 --></a>[Footnote 184:
+Dr. Walter Platzhoff; "Deutschland und Frankreich," p. 18.]</p>
+<p>In contrast to most German authors, Platzhoff admits that the
+<i>Entente Cordiale</i> was called into being by Germany herself.
+"This development caused great anxiety in Germany. But it seems
+certain that Germany could have prevented it by one means
+alone&mdash;an open agreement with England. And Berlin, after
+considering the matter carefully, had declined the
+latter."[<a href="#note-185">185</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-185"><!-- Note Anchor 185 --></a>[Footnote 185:
+Ibid., p. 22.]</p>
+<p>"That France would enter the field on Russia's behalf is a
+logical consequence not only of the Dual Alliance treaty, but also
+of the policy pursued during recent decades. In vain French
+ministers have protested their love of peace and their innocence in
+causing this war. The policy of alliances and revenge was certain
+to end in a world conflagration.</p>
+<p>"Already voices make themselves heard which prophesy a
+revolution in French policy and a later <i>entente</i> with
+Germany."[<a href="#note-186">186</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-186"><!-- Note Anchor 186 --></a>[Footnote 186:
+Ibid., pp. 26-8.]</p>
+<p>Many such passages might be cited to prove that Germany would
+like to see a split among the allies. But France's honour and
+welfare are in her own hands, and it appears a futile hope that
+Germany, after failing to bring France to submission and
+self-effacement by threats of <i>saigner &agrave; blanc</i>, will
+succeed in her purpose by the reality.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH11"><!-- CH11 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+<center>THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR</center>
+<p>Mention has already been made that a large number of Germany's
+war books has emanated from the universities. Not the least
+important of these efforts is "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg"
+("Germany and the World War.")[<a href="#note-187">187</a>] Twenty
+well-known university professors have contributed to the work; the
+fact being emphasized that special facilities have been accorded to
+them by the German foreign office. For British readers the chapters
+by Professors Marcks and Oncken are the most interesting, viz.,
+"England's Policy of Might" by the former, and "Events leading up
+to the War" and "The Outbreak of War" by the latter. They take up a
+fifth of the 686 pages of which the entire work consists.</p>
+<p><a name="note-187"><!-- Note Anchor 187 --></a>[Footnote 187:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," herausgegeben von Otto Hintze,
+Friedrich Meinecke, Hermann Oncken und Hermann Schumacher. Leipzig
+und Berlin, 1915.]</p>
+<p>The purpose of Professor Marcks' essay is to prove on historical
+and scientific lines the lessons which have been taught in German
+schools for nearly half a century, <i>i.e.</i>, England is an
+astute but ruthless robber who respects no right, and no nation
+which stands in her way.</p>
+<p>"England's modern history begins with the Tudors and her world
+policy with Elizabeth. First of all, England had to liberate
+herself, economically and politically, from a position of
+dependence on the other Powers; then she took up her particular
+attitude to the world. Her separation from the Roman Catholic
+Church was exceedingly rich in consequences; this step assigned to
+her a peculiar place in the camp of the nations, and exercised a
+deep influence upon her intellectual development. It gave her an
+impetus towards internal and external independence.</p>
+<p>"But the determining factor for England's future was her insular
+position; this has been the case from the time Europe entered the
+ocean-period. Since the year 1600 England, by her commerce and
+politics, has influenced Europe from without, while she has
+maintained for herself a position of independence, and directed her
+energies across the ocean into the wide world. Successively she
+seized upon the Baltic, North Sea, and Atlantic Ocean; gradually
+she became the merchant and shipbuilder for most of the European
+nations.</p>
+<p>"The sea has given her everything&mdash;independence, security
+and prosperity&mdash;both in treasure and lands. The sea protected
+her and spared her the unpleasantness of mighty neighbours. It was
+the ocean which permitted free development to her internal life,
+parliament, government and administration, and saved her from the
+continental form of Government&mdash;a strong, armed monarchy.</p>
+<p>"The sea has allowed the English to develop, undisturbed, the
+peculiarities of their race&mdash;personal energy, trained by
+contact with the ocean; personal freedom, favoured but not
+oppressed by the living organism of the State. The sea afforded
+them liberty of action in every direction without fear of attack
+from behind. Freed from the chains which bound Europe, England went
+out into the wide world.</p>
+<p>"Yet she remained constantly associated with the continent, not
+only because Europe was her field of action. English statesmen have
+always seized upon every opportunity to influence European policy;
+at first this was from motives of defence, but afterwards from an
+ever-increasing spirit of aggression. The balance of power on the
+continent has always been one of the premises for England's
+security and existence.</p>
+<p>"She is indebted to her insular position for the supreme
+advantage of being able to exercise her influence in Europe without
+allowing her forces to be tied to the continent; European countries
+were bound by their own conflicts and differences, enabling England
+to exert her influence upon them without active participation.
+England has become thoroughly accustomed to a state of affairs
+under which she has no neighbours and never permits any&mdash;not
+even on the sea. She has come to consider this her God-given
+prerogative.</p>
+<p>"The barriers of geographical position which hampered other
+lands, nature did not impose upon England; the security afforded by
+her girdle of waves seemed as it were to impel her to strike out
+into the unbounded, and to look upon every obstacle as a wrong.
+There is a thread of daring lawlessness running through all
+England's world-struggles, through all periods of her history,
+right down to the present day.</p>
+<p>"When England speaks of humanity she means herself; her
+cosmopolitan utterances refer to her own nationality. She forgets
+too easily that other nations have arisen on the earth who esteem
+their own distinguishing traits and are inspired by the ardent
+desire to uphold their own institutions, forms of Government and
+culture. England believes all too easily that the world's map
+should be all one colour. But the soul of the modern world demands
+variety."[<a href="#note-188">188</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-188"><!-- Note Anchor 188 --></a>[Footnote 188:
+Ibid., 297 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>There is no important objection to raise against Professor
+Marcks' statement of English history and Britain's favoured
+position on the surface of the globe. Germany did not choose her
+own geographical situation in the world&mdash;it is hers by nature
+and the right of historical succession. Britain has never envied
+her or endeavoured to deprive her of the advantages consequent upon
+her "place in the sun."</p>
+<p>Neither did the British select their island home; destiny and
+history were again the determining factors. But it would be a
+travesty of the truth to assert that Germany has not envied her
+that position, together with the advantages arising from it. Yet in
+the same degree as the inhabitants of these islands have used the
+"talents" entrusted to them through their favourable position,
+Germany's jealousy seems to have become more bitterly angry. By
+right of birth and national necessity Germany demands the
+domination of the Rhine, but she fails to recognize that right of
+birth and the demands of national existence compel Britain to claim
+the domination of the seas.</p>
+<p>The remainder of Professor Marcks' essay is devoted to proving
+that "the freedom of our world requires that it shall not be so in
+future." Whatever motives actuated Germany in precipitating the
+war, this much is now evident&mdash;it is her supreme desire and
+the aim of her highest endeavour to destroy Britain's favoured
+situation and every advantage accruing to her from it.</p>
+<p>To-day the issue is clear and simple for Germany&mdash;the
+annihilation of British power and influence in the world. Literally
+hundreds of German war books echo that cry, and, above all else, it
+is the hope of attaining this aim which has aroused the bitterest
+war fury in the entire German nation&mdash;man, woman and child.
+Reduced to first principles, this difference of geographical
+position and the varying advantages arising therefrom are the prime
+causes&mdash;if not <i>the</i> cause&mdash;of the present
+world-struggle.</p>
+<p>It was solely the fear of perpetuating British
+supremacy[<a href="#note-189">189</a>] which has led Germany
+consistently to reject the extended hand of friendship. Standing
+side by side with Great Britain, either in friendship or alliance,
+Germany would have given her approval to Britain's historical
+position in the world. When this country departed from the policy
+of "splendid isolation" repeated attempts were made to establish
+more intimate relations with Germany (1898-1902).</p>
+<p><a name="note-189"><!-- Note Anchor 189 --></a>[Footnote 189:
+Graf Ernst zu Reventlow: "Der Vampir des Festlandes ("England, the
+Vampire of the Continent"). Berlin, 1915, p. 117. "England's
+withdrawal from the policy which sought to establish a mutual plan
+of procedure in world politics between Germany and Britain dates
+from the time when Britain recognized that Germany would not allow
+herself to be employed against Russia. In Germany to-day, voices
+may be heard proclaiming that von B&uuml;low chose wrongly in
+refusing England's offer, especially as Russia has repaid our
+loyalty and friendship with iniquitous ingratitude. The latter
+represents the truth.</p>
+<p>"But in judging the policy of that period two factors must be
+borne in mind. The acceptance of Great Britain's offer would have
+placed a tie upon the German Empire which would have been
+unendurable. Germany would have become the strong but stupid Power,
+whose duty would have been to fight British battles on the
+continent. Besides which the choice concerned Germany's world
+future, above all the development of the German war fleet."]</p>
+<p>But as Professor Marcks (p. 315) observes: "Germany refused the
+hand extended to her." Count Reventlow and a host of other writers
+have chronicled the fact too, yet on September 2nd, 1914, the
+German Chancellor dared to say to representative American
+journalists: "When the archives are opened then the world will
+learn how often Germany has offered the hand of friendship to
+England."</p>
+<p>It is only one more confirmation that the "law of necessity" is
+incompatible with the truth. The truth is that Germany preferred to
+drive Britain into another and hostile camp rather than have her
+friendship. Germany preferred British hostility rather than
+relinquish her plans for unlimited naval expansion&mdash;which she
+believed to be the only means of destroying Britain's position, and
+with that resolution already taken the Kaiser presented his
+photograph to a distinguished Englishman with this significant
+remark written on it with his own hand: "I bide my time!"</p>
+<p>Although Britain drew the sword to defend Belgium, the supreme
+issue&mdash;and the only one which occupies the German mind
+to-day&mdash;is whether this country shall continue to hold the
+position allotted to her by destiny and confirmed by history, or
+whether she is to be supplanted by Germany. That is the one
+political thought which permeates German intelligence at this
+moment, and no other considerations must be allowed to darken this
+issue.</p>
+<p>Professor Oncken reviews the events of the period 1900-1914 in
+considerable detail, and to him the policy of <i>ententes</i>
+appears to be the main cause leading up to the world war. From this
+alone it is obvious that, consciously or unconsciously, he is
+wrong; the <i>ententes</i> in themselves are results, not prime
+causes. The prime causes leading to these political agreements are
+to be found in Germany's attitude to the rest of Europe. In a word
+they were defensive actions taken by the Powers concerned, as a
+precaution against German aggression.</p>
+<p>German aggression consisted in committing herself to unlimited
+armaments, cherishing the irreconcilable determination to be the
+strongest European power. According to her doctrine of might,
+everything can be attained by the mightiest. British advances she
+answered with battleships, simultaneously provoking France and
+Russia by increasing her army corps. The balance of power in
+Europe, Germany declares to be an out-of-date British fad, invented
+solely in the interests of these islands.</p>
+<p>In secret Germany has long been an apostate to the
+balance-of-power theory; the war has caused her to drop the mask,
+and it was without doubt her resolve never to submit to the chains
+of the balance in Europe, which forced three other States to waive
+their differences and form the Triple Entente. Simply stated this
+is cause and result. But Professor Oncken maintains&mdash;and in
+doing so he voices German national opinion&mdash;that the entire
+<i>entente</i> policy was a huge scheme to bring about Germany's
+downfall.</p>
+<p>He goes further and proclaims that the Hague Conference (1907)
+was a British trick to place the guilt of armaments on Germany's
+shoulders. "England filled the world with disarmament projects so
+that afterwards, full of unction, she could denounce Germany as the
+disturber of the peace. At that time the Imperial Chancellor
+answered justly: 'Pressure cannot be brought to bear on Germany,
+not even moral pressure!'"[<a href="#note-190">190</a>] And in that
+sentence German obstinacy and sullen irreconcilability is most
+admirably expressed.</p>
+<p><a name="note-190"><!-- Note Anchor 190 --></a>[Footnote 190:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 495.]</p>
+<p>Having seen that Professor Oncken has failed to recognize the
+prime causes which provoked the <i>entente</i> policy, it is not
+surprising to find him equally in error when discussing the
+diplomatic clashes between the rival camps. The professor calls
+them <i>Machtproben</i> ("tests of power"); but how he can dare to
+state that these diplomatic trials of strength were engineered by
+Great Britain&mdash;remains his own secret.</p>
+<p>"King Edward's meeting with the Czar at Reval in June, 1908, was
+followed by a far-reaching Macedonian reform programme, the
+commencement of the division of European Turkey. What Britain had
+failed to induce Germany to help her in executing, was to be
+attained with the sword's point directed against Germany. And
+Britain proceeded in cold blood to conjure up an era of
+might-struggles, which, in the island language, is called
+preserving the balance of power."[<a href="#note-191">191</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-191"><!-- Note Anchor 191 --></a>[Footnote 191:
+Ibid., p. 297.]</p>
+<p>The trials of strength recounted by Oncken are the Bosnian
+crisis, the Morocco question, and the Austro-Serbian quarrel which
+led to the present war. It seems banal to have to point out that
+Bosnia was unlawfully annexed by Germany's vassal&mdash;Austria;
+that Germany, herself, brought Europe to the verge of war by
+sending the <i>Panther</i> to Agadir; and that the final
+catastrophic <i>Machtprobe</i> was likewise provoked by Germany's
+eastern vassal.</p>
+<p>For good or evil Germany has been convinced for nearly two
+decades that the balance of power in Europe was an obstacle to her
+world future. Furthermore, she believed that the balance imposed
+fetters upon her which only mighty armaments could break. All
+Germany's energies in the domain of diplomacy have been set in
+motion to make the balance of power a mere figment of the
+imagination.</p>
+<p>In pursuing this end it has suited her purpose to declare all
+attempts at maintaining the outward appearances of equality between
+the Powers of Europe to be Machiavellian schemes against her
+existence; or to cite the Kaiser's own words, "to deprive Germany
+of her place in the sun."</p>
+<p>Britain's <i>entente</i> policy was the only one calculated to
+preserve our own existence, and to restrain Germany from
+establishing a hegemony in Europe. She was completely convinced
+that the domination of Europe belonged to her by right of mental,
+moral and military superiority over her neighbours. Not in vain
+have Germany's educational institutions inculcated the belief in
+her population that the British Empire is an effete monstrosity
+with feet of clay; France a rotten, decaying empire, and Russia a
+barbarian Power with no new <i>Kultur</i> to offer Europe except
+the knout.</p>
+<p>Inspired by such conceptions, together with an astoundingly
+exaggerated idea of Germany's peerlessness in order, discipline,
+obedience, morality, genius and other ethical values, as well as an
+unshaken belief in Germany's invincibility by land and
+sea&mdash;the entire nation, from Kaiser to cobbler, has long since
+held that by right of these virtues&mdash;by right of her absolute
+superiority over all other nations&mdash;Germany could and must
+claim other rights and powers than those which fell to her under an
+antiquated balance of European power.</p>
+<p>In few words that is the gospel of <i>Deutschland, Deutschland,
+&uuml;ber alles</i>. These are the motives which inspired Germany's
+naval expansion and forbade her to accept a compromise. The same
+ideals led to her endeavours to shatter the <i>ententes</i>, and it
+is alone the general acceptance of this gospel, which explains the
+remarkable unanimity with which the German nation has stood behind
+the Kaiser's Government in each trial of strength. They have
+learned to consider all attempts of the lesser peoples (Britain,
+France and Russia included) to maintain themselves against the
+Teutonic onset as impudent attacks on sacred Germany, which also
+illuminates the fact that Germans call the present
+struggle&mdash;"Germany's holy, sacred war."</p>
+<p>German statesmen were quite clear as to the national course at
+least fifteen years ago. Hence they have persistently pursued a
+policy of no compromise and no agreements. A compromise recognizes
+and perpetuates, in part at least, the very thing which stands in
+the way. An agreement with Britain in regard to naval armaments
+would have perpetuated British naval supremacy, as well as
+recognized its necessity. Likewise an agreement, or the shadow of
+an understanding with France on the question of Alsace-Lorraine
+would have been a recognition of French claims. Hence on these two
+questions&mdash;which are merely given as examples illustrative of
+German mentality&mdash;every attempt at an agreement has been a
+failure.</p>
+<p>A cardinal point in Germany's programme has been the consistent
+manner in which she has tried to separate her European neighbours
+from Britain in order to deal with them separately or alone. That
+her endeavours ended in failure is due to the instinct of
+self-preservation which has drawn Germany's opponents closer
+together, in exact proportion to the increasing force of her
+efforts. Both in peace and war, Germany desired and endeavoured to
+switch off Britain's influence in Europe.</p>
+<p>The diplomatic battles of 1905, 1908 and 1911 were a few of the
+efforts to dislodge Great Britain from her <i>ententes</i>, while
+her repeated attempts to buy this country's neutrality, down to the
+eve of war, are proof that Germany wanted a free hand in
+Europe.[<a href="#note-192">192</a>] If she had succeeded in her
+purpose, it is exceedingly doubtful whether any Power could have
+prevented her from exercising a free hand in the whole world.</p>
+<p><a name="note-192"><!-- Note Anchor 192 --></a>[Footnote 192:
+Professor Schiemann: "Wie England eine Verst&auml;ndigung mit
+Deutschland verhinderte" ("How England prevented an Understanding
+with Germany"). Berlin, 1915; pp. 20-21: "From the very
+commencement Berlin was convinced that the probability of a
+combined Franco-Russian attack was exceedingly small, if England's
+entrance to this Germanophobe combination could be prevented.
+Therefore we endeavoured to secure England's neutrality in case of
+war (1909), that is, if an Anglo-German alliance could not be
+achieved&mdash;an alliance which would have guaranteed the world's
+peace." (Schiemann's insinuation that Germany desired an alliance
+is an instance of <i>suggestio falsi</i>. Germany had decided in
+1902 never to conclude an alliance with this
+country.&mdash;Author.)]</p>
+<p>Coming down to the last trial of diplomatic power, we are
+confronted by the immovable fact, that it too was a challenge on
+the part of the Central Empires. The conditions seemed peculiarly
+favourable to them, for the British Ambassador declared to the
+Russian Government on July 24th, 1914, that Britain would never
+draw the sword on a purely Serbian question. Moreover, in the
+preceding year, a British minister, says Professor Schiemann, had
+given what we may style a remarkable semi-official promise that
+Great Britain would never go to war with Germany.</p>
+<p>"On February 18th, 1913, Mr. Charles Trevelyan, M.P., paid me a
+visit, and assured me with the greatest certainty that England
+would under no circumstances wage war on Germany. A ministry which
+made preparations for war, would be immediately
+overthrown."[<a href="#note-193">193</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-193"><!-- Note Anchor 193 --></a>[Footnote 193:
+Ibid., p. 27. In the light of this revelation it would be
+interesting to know what was the real motive which induced Mr.
+Trevelyan to resign his office when war broke out. Either he was
+conscious of having seriously compromised his position as a
+Minister of the Crown, or he conscientiously believed that Britain
+was drawing the sword in an unjust cause. Unfortunately a section
+of the British public accepted the latter interpretation. In any
+case, Mr. Trevelyan's indiscretion affords overwhelming proof that
+he had an utterly false conception of Germany.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>Professor Schiemann affirms that his good impression was
+strengthened by a visit to London during March and April, 1914, and
+reports a conversation which he had with Lord Haldane when dining
+privately with the latter in London. After returning to Berlin, he
+says he received a letter from Lord Haldane dated April 17th, 1914,
+but from Schiemann's quotation it is not evident whether the
+following is an extract or the entire letter:</p>
+<p>"It was a great pleasure to see you and to have had the full and
+unreserved talk we had together. My ambition is like yours, to
+bring Germany and Great Britain into relations of ever-closer
+intimacy and friendship. Our two countries have a common work to do
+for the world as well as for themselves, and each of them can bring
+to bear on this work special endowments and qualities. May the
+co-operation which I believe is now beginning become closer and
+closer.[<a href="#note-194">194</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-194"><!-- Note Anchor 194 --></a>[Footnote 194:
+Lord Haldane has stated during the war that his visit to Berlin in
+1912 had filled his mind with doubt and suspicion in regard to
+Germany.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Of this I am sure, the more wide and unselfish the nations and
+the groups questions make her supreme purposes of their policies,
+the more will frictions disappear, and the sooner will the
+relations that are normal and healthy reappear.[<a href=
+"#note-195">195</a>] Something of this good work has now come into
+existence between our two peoples. We must see to it that the
+chance of growth is given."[<a href="#note-196">196</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-195"><!-- Note Anchor 195 --></a>[Footnote 195: A
+word or phrase appears to have been dropped in this
+sentence.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-196"><!-- Note Anchor 196 --></a>[Footnote 196:
+Professor Schiemann's book, pp. 27-8.]</p>
+<p>It is not difficult to conceive that such utterances, on the
+part of two British ministers, would raise hopes in the German
+mind, for it would be useless to imagine that Professor Schiemann
+would keep them secret for his own private edification. And it is
+possible that they led the German Government into a false reckoning
+as to what this country would do under certain circumstances, and
+so encouraged Germany into taking up an irreconcilable attitude in
+the crisis of July, 1914.</p>
+<p>Whatever Germany expected must, however, for the present, remain
+a matter of conjecture. Schiemann's comment on the above letter
+leaves no doubt that he expected Lord Haldane[<a href=
+"#note-197">197</a>] to resign. "When one remembers that Lord
+Haldane belonged to the inner circle of the Cabinet, and was
+therefore privy to all the secret moves of Sir Edward Grey, it is
+hard to believe in the sincerity of the sentiments expressed in
+this letter. Besides, he did not resign like three other members of
+the Cabinet (Lord Morley, Burns and Charles Trevelyan) when Sir
+Edward's foul play lay open to the world on August 4th."</p>
+<p><a name="note-197"><!-- Note Anchor 197 --></a>[Footnote 197:
+Lord Haldane seems to have injured his reputation both in Great
+Britain and Germany. Professor Oncken designates him: "the one-time
+friend of Germany, the decoy-bird of the British cabinet."
+<i>Vide</i> "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 561.]</p>
+<p>The most regrettable side of the whole incident is that the
+resignation of the above gentlemen has been proclaimed by
+innumerable German writers as proof of Sir Edward Grey's double
+dealing, and proof that Britain is waging an unjust war. Still, it
+may console these gentlemen to know that the nation which wages war
+on women and children acclaims them to-day "all honourable men,"
+and doubtless without the Shakespearian intonation.</p>
+<p>By reason of the above incidents, and more of a similar nature,
+Germans accuse the late Liberal Government with perfidy of the
+basest kind. The author is not in the least inclined to admit the
+charge, but thinks, rather, that the Government in
+question&mdash;individually and collectively&mdash;was
+astonishingly ignorant of European conditions and problems,
+especially those prevailing in the Germanic Empires.</p>
+<p>To what a degree Germany was obsessed by the idea that Britain
+was trying to strangle her by an encircling policy, is apparent in
+a diplomatic document quoted by Professor Oncken. Its author's name
+is not given, and it was doubtless a secret report sent to the
+German Foreign Office in 1912; its freedom from bias is also
+questionable. Moreover, it is probable that it belongs to the same
+category of documents as those quoted in the French Yellow
+Book&mdash;reports intended to exercise due influence on the mind
+of the Emperor.</p>
+<p>"French diplomacy is succeeding more and more in entangling
+England in the meshes of her net. The encouragement which England
+gives, directly or indirectly, to French chauvinism may one day end
+in a catastrophe in which English and French soldiers must pay with
+their blood on French battlefields for England's encircling policy.
+The seeds sown by King Edward are springing up."</p>
+<p>Another link in the chain of proof of Britain's guilt, is found
+in the documents seized by the Germans in Brussels. The enemy seems
+to attach great importance to them, for they are being employed in
+much the same way that parliamentary candidates use pamphlets
+during an election. Yet they do not contain a particle of proof
+that Britain had hostile intentions against Germany, but only
+confirm the presence of the German menace.</p>
+<p>The documents[<a href="#note-198">198</a>] in question are
+reports sent by the Belgian Legation Secretaries in London, Paris
+and Berlin to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Brussels. These
+gentlemen held opinions identical with those expressed again and
+again in German newspapers, and even in some British and French
+organs. Messieurs Comte de Lalaing (London), Greindl (Berlin),
+Leghait (Paris), evidently believed that the activities of the
+Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente endangered the peace of
+Europe.</p>
+<p><a name="note-198"><!-- Note Anchor 198 --></a>[Footnote 198:
+Published by the Berlin Government as supplements to the
+<i>Nord-deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung</i>, July 29th and 31st; August
+4th, 8th and 12th, 1915.]</p>
+<p>Further they believed the latter constellation to be the more
+aggressive of the two, and formally reported these convictions to
+the Belgian Government. If read as a modern edition of "Pepys'
+Diary" they form entertaining literature, but by no stretch of the
+imagination could they be classed as historical sources. A
+gentleman who reports to his Government that King Edward took
+breakfast in company with M. Delcass&eacute; and that the Press had
+neglected to chronicle the incident, can hardly rank as an
+historian.</p>
+<p>Moreover, it is by no means clear why the German Press should
+laud M. Greindl as a gentleman of German origin. If this be true it
+would probably explain everything which deserves explanation in the
+said documents, and would probably account for the intimate,
+confidential treatment which M. Greindl received at the hands of
+German officials.</p>
+<p>German newspapers are gloating over the fact that the British
+Government has not deigned to reply to these "revelations." There
+is really nothing to which it can reply; three observers expressed
+their opinion on contemporaneous happenings during the years
+1905-1911. But a brutal sequence of events in 1914 showed
+them&mdash;if they had not been convinced during the preceding
+three years&mdash;that they had drawn false conclusions from their
+observations.</p>
+<p>To return to the last trial of strength between the two groups
+of European Powers, it is interesting to note that Professor Oncken
+denies German participation in formulating the ultimatum to Serbia,
+or that Germany was aware of its contents. Germany merely left
+Austria a free hand in the matter. Oncken endeavours to show that
+Austria's demands were not excessive, and expresses astonishment
+that the opposing Powers found them exorbitant. He does not mention
+the fact that a large section of the German nation held the same
+opinion on July 25th, 1914.</p>
+<p>His comment on Sir Edward Grey's efforts for peace is
+characteristic: "England claims that she did everything possible to
+preserve the peace. It cannot be denied that Grey made a series of
+mediation proposals. But mere good-will is not everything. It is
+much more important to weigh their practical importance, and the
+goal at which they aimed: Whether they were intended to preserve
+the world's peace under conditions honourable for all parties, or
+calculated to obtain for the <i>Entente</i> a one-sided diplomatic
+victory which would have established its future
+predominance."[<a href="#note-199">199</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-199"><!-- Note Anchor 199 --></a>[Footnote 199:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 544.]</p>
+<p>"Grey considered the moment suitable for a mediation proposal.
+On the evening of July 26th, after obtaining Russia's consent, he
+proposed to the Governments of France, Germany and Italy that their
+London ambassadors should meet in London to confer on a peaceful
+solution of the conflict.</p>
+<p>"The proposal was unacceptable to Austria, because it would have
+been an indirect recognition on her part of Russia's interest in
+the conflict.</p>
+<p>"Only those who had followed the growing intimacy of the mutual
+obligations between the Entente Powers, and their organization to a
+'London Centre' during the summer of 1914, are able to estimate the
+role&mdash;to say nothing of Italy&mdash;which Russia's two
+comrades would have played in the conference. During its course
+Russia would have continued her military preparations, while
+Germany would have had to pledge herself not to mobilize.</p>
+<p>"Finally, no unprejudiced observer would dare assert that the
+man (Sir Edward Grey) who was ready to transform himself at a
+suitable opportunity into an ally of Russia, would have been an
+impartial chairman in a conference held under the pressure of a
+Russian mobilization. The more one thinks about this mediation
+proposal the more convinced one becomes, that it would at least
+have worked for a diplomatic victory for the Entente Powers.</p>
+<p>"Grey put the whole machinery of the Triple Entente in motion in
+order to force back Germany and Austria-Hungary along the whole
+line."[<a href="#note-200">200</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-200"><!-- Note Anchor 200 --></a>[Footnote 200:
+Ibid., p. 545 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>An analysis of Professor Oncken's theses gives the following
+results: First, Britain's efforts to preserve peace are admitted,
+but he fails to mention any friendly advances to meet them.
+Secondly, the fundamental principle underlying the Germanic
+attitude is again exposed, viz., that Russia had no right to
+intervene in a question affecting the balance of power in the
+Balkans and in Europe (<i>vide</i>, p. 63). Thirdly, a diplomatic
+struggle was in progress along the whole line, between the two
+groups of Powers.</p>
+<p>In weighing the second point it would be wrong to assume that
+the Central Empires were not fully aware of the presence of a far
+more vital question behind the Austro-Serbian conflict. They knew
+it from the very beginning and had already expressed threats in St.
+Petersburg, hoping to achieve the same effect as in the Bosnian
+crisis. If Austria had been allowed to destroy Serbia's military
+power the material forces of Europe would have been seriously
+disturbed; the ineffectiveness of the Triple Entente finally
+established, and its dissolution the inevitable consequence.</p>
+<p>If these considerations are correct then the statement
+attributed by M. de L'Escaille (see p. 281) to Sir George Buchanan
+that Britain would never draw the sword could only have served to
+strengthen the resolution of the Germanic Powers in enforcing their
+point Germany above all desired that the balance of power theory
+should be finally smashed, and it may be safely assumed that an
+Austro-Serbian conflict seemed to her a most fitting opportunity to
+realize her purpose.</p>
+<p>The third point suggests two questions. Who provoked the
+diplomatic conflict, and who would have benefited most by a
+diplomatic victory? A reply to the first question is superfluous,
+and the answer to the second is obvious from the preceding line of
+reasoning. Germany would have reached the goal towards which she
+had striven for more than a decade&mdash;the removal of all
+diplomatic hindrances to the unlimited assertion of her will in
+Europe. It may even be doubted whether the Dual Alliance would have
+survived the shock.</p>
+<p>Another phase of Professor Oncken's work is the open attack on
+Sir Edward Grey. Only three years ago this statesman was acclaimed
+in Germany as a man of peace&mdash;<i>the</i> man who had prevented
+the Balkan War from becoming a European conflagration. To-day he is
+accused by the same nation of being the originator of the world
+war.</p>
+<p>Oncken[<a href="#note-201">201</a>] goes back to the year 1905
+and states that Sir Edward Grey initiated only two members of the
+Cabinet&mdash;Mr. Asquith and Lord Haldane&mdash;into the details
+of the agreement with France, and these three gentlemen he refers
+to as the "inner circle." King Edward, and afterwards Sir Edward
+Grey in continuing the late King's policy, succeeded in harnessing
+the <i>revanche id&eacute;e</i> and the spirit of Russian
+aggression to the chariot of British Imperialism. All offers of
+friendship made by this country were insincere. (The professorial
+pleader does not say so, but he leaves his readers to infer that
+sincerity is a German monopoly.) Concerning the British Minister's
+declaration in Parliament that no secret treaty existed with
+France, Oncken remarks: "The declaration was just as true formally
+as it was a lie in essentials."</p>
+<p><a name="note-201"><!-- Note Anchor 201 --></a>[Footnote 201:
+The authorities (?) most frequently cited by Professor Oncken in
+making out his case are Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Hardie, G. B.
+Shaw and the <i>Labour Leader</i>.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>Following the development of events after the conference
+proposal had been dropped, Oncken writes: "Meanwhile the Russian
+Government endeavoured to persuade England's leading statesman that
+the opinion prevailed in Germany and Austria, that England would
+remain neutral in every case, in consequence of this delusion the
+Central Powers were obdurate. England could only dispel the danger
+of war by destroying this false conception, <i>i.e.</i>, openly
+joining Russia and France.</p>
+<p>"It is noteworthy how quickly Grey assimilated this train of
+thought. Disregarding the suggestions of the British Ambassador in
+St. Petersburg, he did nothing to exercise a moderating influence
+upon Russia and thereby further the success of the conversations
+between Vienna and St. Petersburg. On the other hand, he proceeded
+to take steps which probably in his opinion, were calculated to
+damp the supposed desire for war on the part of Germany.
+Practically, the result of all his actions was to exercise
+one-sided pressure upon Germany and Austria and simultaneously,
+through unmistakable declarations concerning England's eventual
+attitude, to encourage Paris and St. Petersburg to energetic
+measures.</p>
+<p>"But all hopes for peace were destroyed at a single blow by
+Russia. On the evening of July 30th after the conversations with
+Austria-Hungary had been resumed, Sasonow increased his
+demands&mdash;and in truth with England's co-operation&mdash;to
+such a degree that their acceptance would have meant the complete
+submission of the Dual Monarchy.</p>
+<p>"And as if this were insufficient, a few hours later, before a
+reply had been received and while negotiations were proceeding in
+Vienna, Russia suddenly broke off the communications with a
+momentous decision (mobilization). The certainty which she had
+gained from the moves of English diplomacy, that in case of war she
+was sure of France's support and with it England's, turned the
+scale&mdash;against peace.</p>
+<p>"That this calculation was decisive for Russia's change of front
+is confirmed by a witness whose impartiality even our opponents
+will admit."[<a href="#note-202">202</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-202"><!-- Note Anchor 202 --></a>[Footnote 202:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp. 553-4.]</p>
+<p>Professor Oncken then supports his argument with quotations from
+a letter written by the Belgian Legation Secretary in St.
+Petersburg to his Government. The letter was doubtless stolen while
+in transit by the Berlin postal authorities. Monsieur B. de
+l'Escaille wrote the letter on July 30th, despatched it by courier
+to Berlin, where it was posted on the following day. The outside
+envelope was addressed to Madame Costermans, 107 Rue Froissard,
+Bruxelles; inside was a letter addressed to M. Darignon, Minister
+for Foreign Affairs. German writers state that no letters were
+forwarded to foreign countries after martial law was proclaimed on
+July 31st (a statement which is untrue), thus it fell into their
+hands.</p>
+<p>Overwhelming importance is attached to this document by German
+war writers. The more important passages of the despatch run as
+follows: "The last two days have passed in the expectation of
+events which are bound to follow[<a href="#note-203">203</a>] upon
+Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against Serbia. The most
+contradictory reports were in circulation, without any possibility
+of confirming their truth or falsity.</p>
+<p><a name="note-203"><!-- Note Anchor 203 --></a>[Footnote 203:
+Thus the impartial witness whom Germans quote to prove their
+innocence definitely states that Russia had no other course left
+open to her by Austria's actions.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"One thing is, however, indisputable, viz., that Germany has
+done everything possible both here and in Vienna[<a href=
+"#note-204">204</a>] to find a means of avoiding a general
+conflict, but has only been met with the determination of the
+Vienna cabinet, on the one hand, not to yield a single step, and on
+the other hand Russian distrust of Vienna's declaration that they
+merely intend a punitive expedition against Serbia.</p>
+<p><a name="note-204"><!-- Note Anchor 204 --></a>[Footnote 204:
+How could M. de l'Escaille know what had passed in
+Vienna?&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"One must really believe that everybody wants war, and is only
+anxious to postpone the declaration in order to gain time. At first
+England gave out, that she would not allow herself to be drawn into
+a conflict. Sir George Buchanan said that definitely. But to-day
+they are firmly convinced in St. Petersburg, indeed they have
+received an assurance, that England will stand by France. This
+support is of extraordinary importance, and has contributed not a
+little to the war-party gaining the upper hand.</p>
+<p>"In the cabinet sitting held yesterday, there were differences
+of opinion, and the mobilization order was postponed. This morning
+at four o'clock mobilization was ordered.</p>
+<p>"The Russian army feels itself strong, and is full of
+enthusiasm. The reorganization of the navy is still so incomplete
+that it would be out of the count in case of war. For that reason
+England's assurance of help was of the greatest
+consequence."[<a href="#note-205">205</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-205"><!-- Note Anchor 205 --></a>[Footnote 205:
+"Kriegs-Depeschen, 1914" ("German War-Telegrams, 1914"). Berlin,
+1914; p. 96 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>If Professor Oncken is correct in stating that Sir Edward Grey's
+measures were calculated to exercise a pressure on Germany and
+Austria, then he merely confirms what this country has hitherto
+believed&mdash;Sir Edward Grey acted rightly. Where else should he
+have exerted pressure except in the quarter from whence a
+provocative, insolent challenge had proceeded?</p>
+<p>With regard to the assertion that Russia&mdash;stiffened by
+England&mdash;took a "momentous decision" on the evening of July
+30th, Professor Oncken is guilty of distortion. The decision to
+mobilize had been taken earlier, and as M. de l'Escaille wrote, was
+made public at four o'clock on the morning of July 30th.</p>
+<p>Whether Russia had increased her demands ("peremptorily
+sharpened" are Oncken's words) the reader can judge for himself by
+comparing the two texts.</p>
+<p class="blockquote">I: "If Austria, recognizing that the
+Austro-Serbian question has assumed the character of a European
+question, declares herself ready to eliminate from her ultimatum
+the points which infringe the sovereign rights of Serbia, Russia
+engages to stop her military preparations." (Russian Orange Book,
+No. 60.)</p>
+<p class="blockquote">II: "If Austria agrees to stay the advance of
+her troops on Serbian territory, and if, recognizing that the
+Austro&mdash;Serbian dispute has assumed the character of a
+question of European interest, she admits that the Great Powers
+shall examine the satisfaction which Serbia might give to the
+Austro&mdash;Hungarian Government without affecting her sovereign
+rights and independence, Russia undertakes to maintain her waiting
+attitude." (French Yellow Book, No. 133.)</p>
+<p>Oncken, in making this comparison, comments: "It is most
+remarkable that the original formula chosen by Sasonow had been
+peremptorily sharpened (<i>einschneidend versch&auml;rft</i>) on
+July 31st at the request of the British Ambassador. This
+interference by England in the formulation of the proposal must
+arouse the gravest doubt regarding the peaceful tendencies of
+England's policy. Sasonow had every reason to thank Grey 'for the
+firm, amicable tone which he has employed in his pourparlers with
+Germany and Austria.'"[<a href="#note-206">206</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-206"><!-- Note Anchor 206 --></a>[Footnote 206:
+"Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 553. Oncken's quotation in the
+last lines taken from the Russian Orange Book, No. 69.]</p>
+<p>Sir Edward Grey had proposed five days earlier (July 26th) that
+all military measures should cease pending a settlement. Hence the
+introduction of this clause is not a new demand. Moreover, in the
+meantime Russia and Germany&mdash;in spite of the latter's
+denial&mdash;had commenced to mobilize; Austria had mobilized and
+commenced hostilities against Serbia. Thus there were far more
+urgent reasons to include the cessation of military measures on
+July 31st than before. Lastly, it was the only acceptable pledge of
+Austrian sincerity which Russia could accept. Whether the formula
+would have met with Austria's approval cannot be determined, for
+Austria was saved from what Oncken terms "complete submission" by
+Germany's ultimatum to Russia, despatched on the same day, July
+31st.</p>
+<p>It is impossible to get rid of the suspicion that Germany
+thought Austria might accept the proposal; in any case, Germany
+deliberately shattered the last chance of a settlement by her
+demand that Russia should demobilize.</p>
+<p>If Germany outwardly worked for peace in St. Petersburg, as M.
+de l'Escaille states, it would be quite in harmony with the methods
+of German diplomacy. But, as the same gentleman testifies: "Austria
+would not yield a step"&mdash;the conclusion must be drawn that
+Germany had ordered her to stand firm. Austria did not yield a
+single inch, and so it is a matter of indifference as to the
+sincerity or otherwise of Germany's peace endeavours.</p>
+<p>Oncken further mentions Britain's refusal to remain neutral in
+return for a promise that French territory should not be annexed,
+but he omits the question of French colonies. His analysis of the
+Belgian question deserves quotation: "Grey was seeking an excuse
+for war, and he found one in the question of Belgian neutrality. It
+was just such a reason as he required in order to carry away the
+Cabinet, Parliament and public opinion. And since then that reason
+has been much discussed, accompanied by appeals to international
+law and humanity, by England's and the world's Press.</p>
+<p>"But there is more than one irrefutable proof at hand, to show
+that this reason for war, was merely a veil covering the real ones.
+Anticipating Grey's intentions, before the German Government had
+finally declared themselves on the subject,[<a href=
+"#note-207">207</a>] Prince Lichnowsky put the question to Sir
+Edward Grey on August 1st, as to whether England would remain
+neutral if Germany undertook to respect the neutrality of
+Belgium.</p>
+<p><a name="note-207"><!-- Note Anchor 207 --></a>[Footnote 207:
+Britain had asked Germany a day or two before, whether she would
+respect Belgium's neutrality.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Grey, however, refused to give the pledge with which he
+could&mdash;if he was really concerned about Belgium&mdash;have
+spared that unhappy land its terrible fate. But by these means the
+trump card of Belgian neutrality had been taken from our opponent's
+hand in advance. Yet Grey actually considered it permissible to
+conceal this offer from the British Cabinet. Yes, he dared even
+more.</p>
+<p>"After the matter had been mentioned by Ramsay Macdonald in the
+<i>Labour Leader</i>, Keir Hardie asked a question in the House of
+Commons on August 27th, as to whether Lichnowsky's proposal had
+been submitted to the Cabinet, and why the same had not been made
+the basis of peaceful negotiations with Germany. Grey made a weak
+attempt to discriminate between official proposals made by a
+government, and a private question asked by an ambassador.</p>
+<p>"When the inconvenient questioner asked for further information,
+he was cried down. The Oxford theologian Conybeare gained the
+impression from this Parliamentary incident: 'That all Sir Edward
+Grey's answers to Mr. Keir Hardie's questions are examples of
+<i>suppressio veri</i> and <i>suggestio falsi</i>.' His later
+revocation of this judgment does not alter its value as objective
+evidence.</p>
+<p>"After Grey's refusal, Prince Lichnowsky pressed him to
+formulate England's conditions for her neutrality. At the same time
+the Ambassador increased his offer of July 29th by proposing to
+guarantee the integrity of France and her colonies in return for
+England's neutrality. Grey suppressed this proposal too before the
+Cabinet, as any negotiation on this basis would have thwarted his
+pre-conceived plans. Only an immovable determination for war can
+explain this behaviour.</p>
+<p>"Even before he could assume that Belgian neutrality was in
+danger, he pledged English policy to the wishes of France. On the
+afternoon of the same August 1st, he gave the French
+Ambassador&mdash;who was anxiously pressing for a
+decision&mdash;reason to believe that he would be able to give a
+formal promise on the following day. At the Cabinet meeting on
+August 2nd&mdash;the same in which he suppressed Germany's
+offer!&mdash;he got a motion accepted empowering him to assure
+Cambon that if Germany attacked the French coast, England would
+intervene."</p>
+<p>It is necessary to return to Germany's proposal in regard to
+Belgian neutrality. In simple language it means that Germany wanted
+to sell her pledged word, given in 1839, for British neutrality in
+1914. In view of the fact that Professor Oncken looked upon this as
+a legitimate bargain, one wonders in silence at his standard of
+morality and honour. Is he not a scoundrel who first gives his word
+of honour and afterwards tries to strike a bargain with the same?
+Stripped of all verbiage that is Germany's proposal in its naked
+immorality, and the author chronicles with pleasure that the House
+of Commons cried down even its discussion. It recalls to his memory
+the fact, that the Reichstag&mdash;Germany's highest legislative
+assembly&mdash;cheered to the echo Bethmann-Hollweg's announcement
+that German armies, in violating the dictates of moral and
+international law, by breaking Germany's word of honour, had
+occupied Luxembourg and entered Belgium. The two incidents are
+drastic, concrete illustrations of the gulf which separates British
+and German conceptions of right and wrong.</p>
+<p>Furthermore, there are two questions of a disciplinary nature
+arising out of this incident which "the man in the street" has a
+perfect right to raise. Assuming that Sir Edward Grey exercised his
+discretion and concealed the "infamous proposal" from the Cabinet,
+which of his colleagues afterwards betrayed the fact and from what
+source&mdash;German or English&mdash;did he obtain his
+information?</p>
+<p>Full knowledge on these points would probably be of great
+assistance in destroying the "trail of the serpent" (<i>i.e.</i>,
+German influence and intrigues) in the political and national life
+of Great Britain.</p>
+<p>Professor Oncken praises German disinterestedness in offering to
+guarantee the integrity of French continental and colonial
+territories in case Germany gained a victory in the war. Sir Edward
+Grey's refusal to guarantee British neutrality in return for this
+promise, the professor considers supreme and final proof that
+Britain was bent on war. The nation has rightly approved of this
+policy and the point need not be argued in this place; but
+Professor Oncken in the seclusion of his German study would do well
+to weigh two problems:</p>
+<p>If Germany had gained a victory&mdash;and in August, 1914, she
+was absolutely convinced that France and Russia would succumb if
+they faced her alone&mdash;then Germany would have obtained the
+long sought upper and "free hand" in Europe. What earthly powers
+could have compelled her in that moment to respect her promise in
+regard to French territories? Certainly Germany's sense of honour
+could not be counted upon to do so.</p>
+<p>The second problem refers to the bull and the china-shop.
+Presuming that the bull could talk, would Professor Oncken advise
+the guardian of the proverbial china-shop to accept the bull's
+promise to respect the <i>status quo ante</i> of his property,
+before letting him (the bull) run amock amongst the china?</p>
+<p>Lastly, readers are advised when studying the German "case" to
+remember that Germany never offered to respect the integrity of
+French territories <i>and</i>, the neutrality of Belgium. Although
+German writers&mdash;with malice aforethought&mdash;seek to give
+that impression. Yet, had this combined offer been made, the author
+submits that in spite of such a promise, it would still have been
+ruinous to British interests to stand aside and see Germany gain
+the upper and "free hand" in Europe. Having obtained that, all else
+would have followed to the desire of Germany's heart.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH12"><!-- CH12 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+<center>THE LITERATURE OF HATE</center>
+<p>"The English are wretched scoundrels."&mdash;<i>Frederick the
+Great</i>.</p>
+<p>"It must come to this, that not even a German dog will accept a
+piece of bread from an Englishman."&mdash;<i>Heinrich von
+Treitschke</i>.</p>
+<p>"England, the Vampire of Europe," by Count Reventlow.</p>
+<p>"Down with England," by Admiral Valois.</p>
+<p>"England, our Enemy in the Past, Present and Future," by Erich
+von Kabler.</p>
+<p>"A German Victory, Ireland's Hope," by Dr. Hans Rost.</p>
+<p>"England, the Scourge of Humanity," by Germanicus.</p>
+<p>"The Poisonous Press," by Germanicus.</p>
+<p>"England against England," by Mathieu Schwann.</p>
+<p>"A Woman's War Letters," by L. Niessen-Deiters.</p>
+<p>"Albion's Death Struggle," by Eugen Detmolder.[<a href=
+"#note-208">208</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-208"><!-- Note Anchor 208 --></a>[Footnote 208:
+Written by Detmolder (a Belgian) during the Boer
+War.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"How John Bull recruits his Hirelings," by Dr. Herbert
+Hirschberg.</p>
+<p>"Advance on England! The Destruction of Britain's World Power,"
+Anonymous.</p>
+<p>"In English Captivity," by Heinrich Norden, late missionary.</p>
+<p>"British <i>versus</i> German Imperium," by an Irish-American.
+Introduction by Sir Roger Casement.</p>
+<p>"Lousyhead goes on Lying." The latest war news of Messrs.
+Grandebouche (France), Lousyhead (Russia), and Plumpudding
+(England), by Karl Ettlinger.</p>
+<p>"England and Germany," by Houston Stewart Chamberlain.</p>
+<p>"Cable Warfare and the Campaign of Lies," by Dr. Meister,
+Professor in M&uuml;nster University.</p>
+<p>"England and Continental Interests," by Captain H. Schubart.</p>
+<p>"The Annihilation of England's World Power," Essays by
+twenty-three different authors, including Professors Haeckel,
+Eucken and Lamprecht; State Secretary Dr. Dernburg; Dr. Sven Hedin,
+etc.</p>
+<p>"German Misery in London," by Carl Peters.</p>
+<p>"The English Face," by six university professors;
+Frischeisen-K&ouml;hler (Berlin); Jastrow (Berlin); von der Goltz
+(Greifswald); Roloff (Giessen); Valentin (Freiburg); von Liszt
+(Berlin).</p>
+<p>"Starvation, England's Latest Ally," by Friedrich Simon.</p>
+<p>"England and the War," by Professor Lujo Brentano.</p>
+<p>"Against France and Albion," by A. Fendrich.</p>
+<p>"The Land of Unlimited Hypocrisy," by Spiridion Gopevi.[<a href=
+"#note-209">209</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-209"><!-- Note Anchor 209 --></a>[Footnote 209:
+Probably the most scurrilous and vulgar work of its type; but the
+writer of it is not a German.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"England"; "England and America," <i>S&uuml;ddeutsche
+Monatshefte</i> (South German Review) for January and May,
+1915.</p>
+<p>"England's Tyranny and former Supremacy of the Seas," by Admiral
+Kirchoff.</p>
+<p>"England's Blood-Guilt against the White Peoples," by Woldemar
+Sch&uuml;tze.</p>
+<p>"The Greatest Criminal against Humanity; King Edward VII. of
+England. A Curse-pamphlet," by Lieut.-Col. R. Wagner.</p>
+<p>"England, tremble!" by J. Bermbach.</p>
+<p>"England as Sea-Pirate State," by Dr. Ernst Schultze.</p>
+<p>"In the Pillory! Our Enemies' Campaign of Lies," by Reinhold
+Anton.</p>
+<p>"London's Lie Factory: Renter's Office," by A. Brand.</p>
+<p>"England's Wicked Deeds in the World's History," by A. Kuhn.</p>
+<p>"Our Settlement with England," by Professor Hermann Oncken.</p>
+<p>"England's Betrayal of Germany," by M. Wildgrube.</p>
+<p>"England's Guilt," by Gaston von Mallmann.</p>
+<p>"English Character," by Professor Arnold Schr&ouml;er.</p>
+<p>"England and We," by Dr. J. Riessner, President of the Hanseatic
+League.</p>
+<p>"How England prevented an Understanding with Germany," by
+Professor Th. Schiemann.</p>
+<p>"God Punish England," published by <i>Simplicissimus</i>.</p>
+<p>"Perfidious Albion," by Alfred Geiser.</p>
+<p>"Our Enemies among Themselves," Caricatures from 1792-1900
+collected by Dr. Paul Weiglin.</p>
+<p>"Words in Season," Poems, including the "Hymn of Hate," by Ernst
+Lissauer.</p>
+<p>About sixty-five other titles might be added to those given
+above, but the author has restricted the list to books in his
+possession. Some of them are scurrilous and obscene, deserving no
+further attention than a record of their existence. Yet the
+fundamental idea running through these works is identical,
+differing only in the mode of expression.</p>
+<p>Hate in itself is a confession of weakness, to a certain extent
+an admission of defeat. The presence of hate in a nation or an
+individual may be explained as resulting from the desire to remove
+or destroy an obstacle, which has proved to be immovable and
+indestructible. A healthy, well-balanced mind admits defeat and
+endeavours to make a compromise&mdash;to adjust itself to the
+inevitable.</p>
+<p>But assuming other conditions&mdash;a false sense of honour, a
+morbid conception of self-importance&mdash;then hate seems to be a
+natural, although unhealthy result. Unfortunately there is evidence
+that these factors influence modern Germany. One of the roots of
+tragedy is to be found in the inequality between the will and power
+to perform. In its helplessness the will recoils upon itself,
+turning to gall and bitterness, or seeks a solution in
+self-destruction.</p>
+<p>It is noteworthy that some thirteen thousand individuals commit
+suicide every year in Germany. Unwilling or unable to adjust
+themselves to the phenomena of life, they choose death in
+preference to the compromise&mdash;life. A leaning towards the
+tragic characterizes the German of to-day; an inclination not to
+compromise, not to admit defeat, thereby admitting the "will" to be
+incapable of transformance into actuality.</p>
+<p>Between Germany and Britain fate has placed such a rock of
+destiny, <i>i.e.</i>, this country's position in the world, above
+all, her naval supremacy. Germany has held that this rock hinders,
+even endangers, her just and historical development in the world.
+With wonderful energy, perseverance, self-sacrifice and heroism,
+Germany has endeavoured to surmount or destroy the obstacle. The
+united will of the nation was expressed in the momentum of the
+onslaught&mdash;in vain. And as no reconciling influences are at
+work, no tendency to accept the inevitable&mdash;Germany hates.</p>
+<p>Outside Germany there is, probably, no one who doubts the
+invincibility of the British Navy and the unchangeable will of the
+British (strengthened by the danger of the past year) to maintain
+its supremacy. Yet even to-day responsible Germans are appealing to
+their nation to fight till "modern Carthage" is finally
+destroyed.</p>
+<p>"In spite of the publications of our enemies, we in Germany,
+from the highest to the lowest, will believe unto all eternity that
+this war was caused by England alone. All Germany replied to
+England's declaration of war with a cry of indignation. The hate
+for the hypocritical island kingdom was so bitter that it took the
+form of demonstrations against the British Embassy, while the
+representatives of the other enemy countries were able to depart
+unharmed.[<a href="#note-210">210</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-210"><!-- Note Anchor 210 --></a>[Footnote 210:
+Admiral Valois appears to be unaware that both ladies and gentlemen
+from the Russian Embassy were beaten with sticks, fists and
+umbrellas before leaving Berlin.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Up till then political England was little known in Germany, but
+now the bitter hate which reigns throughout the land characterizes
+her as the incarnation of all that is base and vile. It brings back
+to our minds the saying of the old Hanseatic towns:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">'England, thou land of shame,<br>
+Why hast thou, Satansland,<br>
+The name of Angel-land?'</p>
+<p>"No sacrifice and no effort will be too great, for us to drag
+her from her imagined height into the dust. By force of arms,
+starvation and the power of lies, they hoped to force us back to
+unimportance, and now the issue is: Whether the categoric
+imperative of the East Prussian Kant, or the hypocrisy of British
+cant, shall gain the victory.</p>
+<p>"We are unalterably convinced that England is our mortal enemy,
+and that all endeavours to find a <i>modus vivendi</i> will be in
+vain. Still our present naval forces are unequal to the task of
+overthrowing her. This will make it easy for the German Government
+to obtain even the greatest sums from the Reichstag in order to
+increase our fleet. Every other aim&mdash;no matter what it
+is&mdash;must be laid aside, till this one is attained: Down with
+England!</p>
+<p>"It is to be hoped that this attempt on England's part to get
+rid of a competitor will be the last. We Germans anticipate the
+future with an unshakable belief in victory. Possibly sooner or
+later, England's present allies will see that in reality they are
+serving English interests. When this unnatural alliance has
+crumbled to pieces under the might of our blows, then we shall at
+last stand face to face with England&mdash;alone!</p>
+<p>"Our life-work will then begin&mdash;to settle up with the
+pioneers of hypocrisy so that they shall never again cross our
+path! If at any time this high endeavour seems to slacken, then
+think of East Prussia! Remember that a third of the province was
+laid waste; that men, women and children were murdered and
+violated; that the lists of the missing contained the names of
+nearly fifty thousand fellow-countrymen. And all this had to happen
+so that every Englishman might become a few pounds richer.</p>
+<p>"Think of it as long as you live, and pass it on to your
+descendants as an inheritance. Give all your strength and your last
+farthing to increase our fleet and any other necessary means to
+attain our goal: Down with England!"[<a href=
+"#note-211">211</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-211"><!-- Note Anchor 211 --></a>[Footnote 211:
+Admiral Valois: "Nieder mit England!" ("Down with England!") p. 5
+<i>et. seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"Truly it is no longer necessary either in this assembly or in
+all Germany to create popular opinion for the cry 'Nieder mit
+England!' It re-echoes daily from the lips of every German. But
+still we must continue to point out its necessity&mdash;it is a
+commandment which must banish every weak inclination to yield, and
+make us strong to hold out to the bitter end.</p>
+<p>"To some it may appear 'one-sided,' but yet it is a moral duty
+to emphasize and strengthen our hate for England. Not only because
+we <i>will</i> hate, but because we <i>must</i>. Hatred ennobles
+when it is directed with full force against the evil and bad. And
+what is the evil? For an answer consider how the English
+pedlar-spirit with cunning and lies, has subjugated the world and
+holds it in bondage.</p>
+<p>"Even in the upper classes (English), ignorance reigns supreme.
+In their famous schools, <i>e.g.</i>, Eton College, the young
+people&mdash;besides sports and so-called gentlemanlike
+behaviour&mdash;learn exceedingly little. Except in regard to
+purely English affairs most Englishmen possess an almost
+inconceivable ignorance of history and geography. The view held by
+so many Germans that the majority of the English nation, especially
+the so-called 'upper ten,' have enjoyed a thorough
+education&mdash;is utterly false. But in spite of this, English
+conceit and unexampled pride leaves little to be desired."[<a href=
+"#note-212">212</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-212"><!-- Note Anchor 212 --></a>[Footnote 212:
+Vice-Admiral Kirchhoff: "England's Willkur" ("England's Tyranny"),
+p. 1 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>All German naval writers whine in unison concerning the
+"protection of private property in naval warfare." The shoe appears
+to pinch at that point, but the complaints sound hollow when made
+by a nation which has shown so little respect for private property
+in land warfare.</p>
+<p>"Turkey was compelled to hand over Cyprus; in return she
+received an assurance of protection from England. What the latter
+understands by 'protection' we have learned from her recent
+actions. The behaviour of England's last naval commission in
+Constantinople speaks volumes. The very men who were in Turkey's
+pay, destroyed the weapons (ships, <i>i.e.</i>, cannon, machinery,
+etc.) entrusted to their care."[<a href="#note-213">213</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-213"><!-- Note Anchor 213 --></a>[Footnote 213:
+Ibid., p. 31.]</p>
+<p>Besides Kirchhoff, several other writers charge the British
+naval officers who were in Turkey's service before the outbreak of
+war, with acts of <i>sabotage</i>. Another writer (Heinrich Norden,
+late missionary in Duala, German Cameroons) sinks a little lower
+and states that English officers were guilty of thieving when Duala
+was captured.</p>
+<p>"Indeed, it is not saying too much when I maintain that the true
+historical purpose of this war, is only half fulfilled if we do not
+bring England to her knees&mdash;cost what it may in blood and
+treasure. That much we owe to our children and their children. We
+will not only be victorious, victory is only half the work; we must
+annihilate the power of our enemy.</p>
+<p>"All our dearly-bought victories in East and West will be of no
+avail if, at the conclusion of peace, we have not conquered and
+compelled England to accept our terms. There can never be justice
+or morality on earth, or keeping of treaties, or recognition of
+moral international obligations, till the power of the most
+faithless, hypocritical nation which ever existed, has been finally
+broken and lies prostrate on the ground. So long ago as 1829 Goethe
+said to F&ouml;rster: 'In no land are there so many hypocrites and
+sanctimonious dissemblers as in England.'</p>
+<p>"We must wait in patience and with confidence in our leaders for
+the final settlement which the future will bring. The men in our
+navy are burning to imitate the deeds of their comrades on land.
+Whenever an opportunity has arisen, they have shown themselves
+equal to the enemy. Our navy knows, and that is a consolation for
+the men during inactivity, that the lofty task of breaking
+England's power will fall to their share. The men know that the
+final purpose of this world war can only be attained with their
+help, they know what is before them, and that the enormous stake
+demands and deserves all they have to give.</p>
+<p>"In this time of trial we can best help by waiting in patience.
+The fleet's turn will come; the fleet created by our Kaiser will
+fulfil its mission. Everyone of us recognizes that a
+well-thought-out plan is behind all this; even the enemy has
+premonitions of it.</p>
+<p>"In regard to England's downfall there can, may, and must be
+only one opinion. It is the very highest mission of German
+<i>Kultur</i>. Our war, too, is a 'holy war.' For the first time
+England's despotic power is opposed by an enemy possessing power,
+intelligence and will."[<a href="#note-214">214</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-214"><!-- Note Anchor 214 --></a>[Footnote 214:
+Ibid., p. 37 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>Another of the fundamental reasons for German hate must be
+sought in the different conceptions of life and its duties in the
+two nations. In its chief results this has found expression in two
+totally different beings. Professor Engel (Berlin) once wrote that
+from the cradle to the grave, the German is "on the line," or, in
+other words, the State directs his every action.</p>
+<p>Probably it would be more correct to look upon the German State
+as a Teutonic Nirvana&mdash;with this distinction, that it is a
+negation of personal individuality, but at the same time a huge,
+collective positive. The individual German fulfils his life's
+mission by absorption into Nirvana and by having all his activities
+transformed in the collective whole for the benefit of the State.
+The will of the State is supreme; individuals exist in, through,
+and for, the whole. And, above all, the State's motto has been
+thoroughness and efficiency in every department of its manifold
+life; knowledge and power its aims.</p>
+<p>Britain's development has been along other lines; the widest
+possible room has been left to the individual, and the ties binding
+him to the whole have been loose in the extreme. German discipline
+is replaced by British liberty, with its advantages to the
+individual and corresponding disadvantages for the State. Liberty
+implies the right to rise by honest endeavour, but does not exclude
+the possibility of a wilful surrender to slothful inactivity,
+<i>e.g.</i>, the human flotsam and jetsam of British cities, the
+casual ward and similar institutions. These and other phenomena of
+life in our islands have aroused bitter contempt among Germans.
+Contempt has been succeeded by envy and hatred. Rightly or wrongly
+the German has argued that the people who prefer sport to
+knowledge, self-will to a sense of duty to the community,
+selfishness to sacrifice,[<a href="#note-215">215</a>] wire-pulling
+and patronage to efficiency&mdash;this people is no longer worthy
+of the first place among the nations. By right of merit, morality
+and efficient fitness&mdash;that place belongs to Germany.</p>
+<p><a name="note-215"><!-- Note Anchor 215 --></a>[Footnote 215: An
+article by the present writer on "Some German Schools" in the
+<i>Times</i> Educational Supplement, October 5th, 1915, gives some
+faint idea of the unprecedented sacrifices made by German schools.
+During the war all classes of the population have voluntarily
+renounced a part of their earnings for war charities. In the
+<i>Fr&auml;nkischer Kurier</i> for October 13th, 1915, the
+Burgomaster of Nuremberg announced that the voluntary reduction of
+salaries agreed to by the municipal officials of that city had
+resulted in 264,000 marks (&pound;13,000) going to charitable
+funds. The author could cite dozens of similar instances, but it
+would interest him most of all to know whether any town in the
+British Isles can show a better record than Nuremberg, with a
+population of 350,000.]</p>
+<p>Unfortunately the present war has brought many proofs that there
+is no small amount of truth in this indictment, and most
+unfortunate of all, neutral countries too accept Germany's version
+that Britain is unorganized, self-interested, inefficient and
+effete. And to just the same degree they are convinced that Germany
+is thorough. They love Britain's humanitarian idea, but admire
+German efficiency&mdash;although they fear the latter's
+militarism.</p>
+<p>Still when they are driven to choose to whom they shall confide
+their vital interests, <i>i.e.</i>, future existence, they prefer
+to lean on successful German thoroughness, than on Britain's
+humanitarianism unsupported by the strong arm. At the moment of
+writing there is wailing and gnashing of teeth throughout the
+British Empire at the diplomatic failure in Bulgaria and the
+previous fiasco in Turkey. Sir Edward Grey has dealt with the
+question in Parliament, but he has not mentioned the true
+reason.</p>
+<p>The true reason is that this country has fallen into the habit
+of sending diplomatic representatives abroad who have not been keen
+enough to obtain a mastery of the language, or a full knowledge of
+the feelings and national aspirations of the peoples to whom they
+were accredited. Instead of being living ambassadors of the British
+idea, they have often been concrete examples before foreign eyes of
+British inefficiency. An example of the language question which
+came under the author's personal notice, deserves mention.</p>
+<p>In the spring of 1914 there seemed to be a danger that a German
+would be appointed British Consul in Nuremberg, and in order to
+prevent this the author wrote to a British Minister stationed in
+Munich. He was greatly surprised to receive a reply&mdash;the
+latter, of course, was in English&mdash;addressed on the outside
+to:</p>
+<p class="blockquote">"Dr. T. Smith,<br>
+"<i>On the top</i> of the University of Erlangen."</p>
+<p>That is to say, the German preposition <i>auf</i> was employed
+instead of <i>an</i>. A mistake which even an elementary knowledge
+of German should have made impossible. In the British Legation at
+Munich there was a German-British Consul&mdash;a Munich
+timber-merchant. If readers imagine that Munich was an unimportant
+city in the diplomatic sense, then they are recommended to study
+the French Yellow Book, which contains final proof that an
+efficient French Minister was able to make important discoveries at
+the Bavarian Court.</p>
+<p>British prestige, confidence in British efficiency and power
+among neutrals has gravitated dangerously in the direction of zero,
+while admiration for Germany has correspondingly risen. That there
+is only too much reason for the change, the course of the war has
+given ample proof, and therein lies the hope of Britain's future.
+The war will reveal to the British both their strength and
+weakness, and if the war does not destroy the dry rot in the land,
+then it is merely the precursor of Britain's final downfall.</p>
+<p>There can be no greater mistake than closing one's eyes to the
+good points in a resolute enemy. As far as this war is concerned
+they can be summarized under two heads: (1.) The German Board of
+Education, which has developed and mobilized the last ounce of
+German brains and directed them into the service of the
+Fatherland.[<a href="#note-216">216</a>] (2.) The German War
+Office, which has mobilized Germany's physical and technical
+forces.</p>
+<p><a name="note-216"><!-- Note Anchor 216 --></a>[Footnote 216:
+Five years ago the present author wrote in the September number,
+1910, of Macmillan's <i>School World</i>:&mdash;"Educational
+reforms and plans must come from the schoolmen; they never spring
+of themselves from out of the people; and this is perhaps the most
+deplorable admission of all, that modern England has no great
+educationist or statesman capable of formulating a national system
+of schools which shall develop the intellectual material of the
+nation to its highest powers, and direct those powers into the best
+channels. For several decades school inspectors, etc., have visited
+continental countries to study their educational systems, and have
+returned home with innumerable fads&mdash;but no system. Everything
+of the fantastic has been copied, but no foundations have been
+laid; with the result that England's educational system to-day
+resembles a piece of patchwork containing a rich variety of colours
+and a still greater variety of stuff-quality. It were better for us
+to have done with educationists who preach about 'the rigid
+uniformity of system which is alien both to the English temperament
+and to the lines on which English public schools have developed.'
+The said public schools have hopelessly failed to meet the
+necessity of a national system of education, or to form the nucleus
+from which such a system could or can develop itself. That the
+Falls of Niagara, however, dissipate untold natural forces is just
+as true as that England wastes immeasurable intellectual force
+because her forces are allowed to dissipate through not being
+disciplined and bridled by a fitting educational mechanism.
+Therefore let England turn to the prosaic work of organising!"]</p>
+<p>No other State possesses institutions to compare with them. They
+are the foundation of Germany's strength, and the present author's
+only regret is, that the overwhelming forces obtained by bridling
+the Teutonic Niagara of brains and muscle, have been directed by a
+false patriotism into the wrong channels. Still that is what
+Britain is up against, and Britain can only secure an honourable
+victory by surpassing them. And this much may be admitted even at
+this stage of the struggle: one part of the "German idea" is
+certain of complete victory along the whole line&mdash;German
+thoroughness and self-sacrifice.</p>
+<p>Because only by adopting that ideal is it possible for Germany's
+enemies to beat her. Political intrigues, hunger caused by
+blockade, cant, wire-pulling, hiding the truth, etc., etc., will
+break down before the German onslaught like waves break upon a
+rock. Britain has got to hark back to Strafford's watchword
+"thorough" and season it with the spirit of Cromwell's
+Ironsides.</p>
+<p>To-day Germans are seriously discussing measures by which
+Britain's financial supremacy&mdash;and therewith her naval
+supremacy&mdash;can be overthrown, after the present war. One
+writer proposes a return to Napoleon's Continental system, and
+concludes his plea:</p>
+<p>"The British Empire can and must be overthrown, so that the
+Continent of Europe may flourish and develop according to the
+dictates of Europe's will. According to Herbert Spencer's view,
+Europe must exercise the highest ethics, viz., 'give the highest
+possible total of human beings, life, happiness and above all
+harmony of work.'</p>
+<p>"England has never comprehended what 'the harmony of work'
+means. Her entire heroism consisted in brutally suppressing the
+weaker, and avaricious exploitation of everything foreign by means
+of cunning treaties and business tricks. Even an Englishman, Sir J.
+Seeley, in his book, 'The Growth of British Policy,' has defied
+this characteristic with objective clearness.</p>
+<p>"For sixty years England struggled against Holland&mdash;after
+which the latter lay prostrate before her. Now England's battle
+against her greatest and mightiest rival has
+commenced&mdash;against Germany. This struggle will last sixty
+years and longer if Great Britain does not succumb before. Every
+peace will only mean preparation for new battles, till the final
+result is attained; English history affords proof of this.</p>
+<p>"Shall Germany, the latest rival, be broken too? Or shall it be
+her mission to awaken Europe to war against greed and avarice,
+hypocrisy and theft, robbery and violence? Lands which have slept
+and dreamed for centuries, do not easily awake. And a part of
+Europe still dreams deeply under the hypnotic influence of English
+cant and altruism, or at least of her God-ordained hegemony.</p>
+<p>"This must be the goal of German statecraft and German
+diplomacy. The dream must be dispelled, and the mask torn from the
+hypocrite's face. If Germany desires to exist, then the weak,
+faltering expediency-policy of the German Empire must be at an end.
+Our one and only aim must be: Down with England!</p>
+<p>"Germany, however, may not strive to enter into England's
+heritage&mdash;that must fall to the Continent. England's heir
+shall be Europe, which will then be able to progress and develop as
+history intended."[<a href="#note-217">217</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-217"><!-- Note Anchor 217 --></a>[Footnote 217:
+Captain H. Schubart: "England und die Interessen des Kontinents"
+("England and Continental Interests"), p. 50.]</p>
+<p>German hate has been fed by stories of British atrocities,
+ill-treatment of German civilians, the alleged use of dum-dum
+bullets by British soldiers, and the employment of coloured troops
+from India etc. A book has been published under the style of "The
+Black Book of Atrocities committed by our Enemies."[<a href=
+"#note-218">218</a>] The charges concerning the use of dum-dum
+bullets by the British are dealt with on <a href="#dumdum">pp.
+39-43</a>.</p>
+<p><a name="note-218"><!-- Note Anchor 218 --></a>[Footnote 218:
+"Das Schwarzbuch der Schandtaten unserer Feinde." Berlin,
+1915.]</p>
+<p>In spite of the fact that von Treitschke advocates the
+employment of all available troops, irrespective of colour, by a
+State at war, and in spite of the fact that Germany has herself
+employed native troops in this war (Cameroons, etc.), their
+employment by Britain has aroused a wave of bitter hatred in
+Germany. As a justification for this indignation the Black Book
+quotes Earl Chatham's speech against the employment of Red Indians
+in the war with the American colonies.</p>
+<p>It is impossible to suppose that some of the charges of
+ill-treatment of Germans by the British are more than the squeals
+of the bully on feeling the pinch. Carl Peters' book "Das deutsche
+Elend in London" ("German Misery in London") must certainly be
+dismissed as belonging to the squeals. Another booklet[<a href=
+"#note-219">219</a>] may perhaps be quoted, though with all
+reserve, because it involves the charge of endangering the white
+man&mdash;above all, the honour of white women&mdash;in Africa.</p>
+<p><a name="note-219"><!-- Note Anchor 219 --></a>[Footnote 219:
+"In Englischer Gefangenschaft" ("In English Captivity"), by
+Heinrich Norden, late missionary in Duala, Cameroons.]</p>
+<p>"In declaring my willingness to relate our experiences during
+the defence and surrender of Duala and my experiences in English
+captivity, my motive was not to add fuel to the fires of hate
+against England. But it would be an injustice if we were silent
+concerning English outrages. Thousands of our brother Germans lie
+in English prisoners' camps; their hands are tied and their mouths
+closed by the force of circumstances. But with inward wrath they
+endure in silence. Yet their position demands that we, who have
+suffered with them and have luckily escaped, should speak for
+them.</p>
+<p>"It is our bounden duty to the Fatherland to reveal the truth
+about English atrocities, and I am all the more conscious of that
+duty because some circles betray a certain amount of mistrust
+concerning the reports of English horrors.</p>
+<p>"On Sunday, September 27th, after all the necessary preparations
+had been made, the white flag was hoisted. In a few hours the town
+was teeming with black and white English and French landing
+parties, who were received with indescribable joy by the natives.
+The latter followed the soldiers about like dogs, and in real
+dog-manner began to show their teeth (against the Germans).</p>
+<p>"Everything remained quiet on Sunday, but on the following day
+robbery and plundering began in a way which we had never believed
+possible. Still less were we prepared for the brutal treatment
+which the English practised on us defenceless Germans. At first
+they made sure of those who had borne arms; with lies and deceit
+they were enticed into a trap. They were requested to give in their
+names, whereupon they would be set at liberty. However, when the
+English thought that the majority had been collected, the victims
+were driven on to a steamer which took them to French Dahomey.</p>
+<p>"During the months of our imprisonment I had ample opportunity
+to observe how the Germans have been ill-treated by the blacks. The
+English incited them like a pack of hounds to worry their own
+race&mdash;and looked on with a laugh. Yet the Germans bore all
+this degradation with proud calm, and with the consolation that a
+day will come when all this shame will be wiped out.</p>
+<p>"On the way to the harbour I met about twenty Germans; our
+company increased from hour to hour. Women were weeping who did not
+know the fate of their husbands, but this had not the faintest
+effect on the brutal hearts of the English. At last night fell; we
+were tortured by hunger and burning thirst. We were in anguish as
+to what would become of us. Why were our enemies so inconceivably
+bitter?[<a href="#note-220">220</a>] Why did they tell us no word
+of truth? They declared openly that everything German was to be
+destroyed, German thrones overthrown and the German devils driven
+out.</p>
+<p><a name="note-220"><!-- Note Anchor 220 --></a>[Footnote 220:
+Norden has had ample opportunities to learn the story of Belgium,
+but he and all other Germans writers, in apparently holy innocence,
+look upon all bitterness against their nation as a cruel
+injustice.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Albion's heroic sons were only able to capture the Cameroons
+with the aid of native treachery. The blacks showed them the ways,
+betrayed the German positions, and murdered Germans in cold blood
+wherever opportunity occurred. The English even paid a Judas reward
+of twenty to fifty shillings for every German, living or half-dead,
+who was brought in by the natives.</p>
+<p>"Later I met various prisoners whose evidence corroborated the
+inhuman tortures which they had endured. Herr Schlechtling related
+how he was attacked at Sanaga by natives with bush-knives, just as
+he was aiming at an English patrol. Herr Nickolai was captured by
+blacks and his clothes torn from his body and numerous knife wounds
+inflicted on his body. The natives took him to an English steamer
+whose captain paid them twenty shillings.</p>
+<p>"Another German, Herr Student,[<a href="#note-221">221</a>] was
+compelled to look on while the natives drowned his comrade (Herr
+Nickstadt) in a river, while he himself was afterwards delivered up
+to the English. Yet another, Herr Fischer, was surprised while
+taking a meal, bound hand and foot, beaten and then handed over to
+the English."[<a href="#note-222">222</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-221"><!-- Note Anchor 221 --></a>[Footnote 221:
+Four of these men are still in British captivity. Another Teuton
+who has sent blood-curdling tales to Germany may be found in the
+person of Martin Trojans, prisoner on Rottnest Island. It would be
+good to give these men an opportunity of making statements in
+London before a commission of neutral
+diplomatists.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p><a name="note-222"><!-- Note Anchor 222 --></a>[Footnote 222:
+"In englischer Gefangenschaft," pp. 1-30.]</p>
+<p>After all, the picture does not seem so terrible as this good
+missionary would make out. In any case he has failed to make out a
+case which will bear comparison with that already proved against
+the German army in Europe, or even so bad as the treatment dealt
+out by German civilians to their fellow-countrymen during August,
+1914. Furthermore it may be safely assumed that the bitterness of
+the natives is to be ascribed to German tyranny, which culminated,
+as Norden relates on p.16 of his book, in the strangling of a
+number of natives, including chiefs of tribes just before the
+advent of the British.</p>
+<p>Still his book has had due influence on German public opinion. A
+German lady in a book full of hysterical hate[<a href=
+"#note-223">223</a>] has based a foul charge upon Norden's
+statements (besides publishing his experiences the missionary has
+delivered many public lectures), that the English and French left
+German women to the mercies of the natives!</p>
+<p><a name="note-223"><!-- Note Anchor 223 --></a>[Footnote 223:
+Louise Niessen-Deiters: "Kriegsbriefe einer Frau" ("The War Letters
+of a Woman"), p. 56.]</p>
+<p>"In the hearts of all those Germans who in this great time, are
+banished from the Fatherland and who do not know how things really
+stand, there burns a great hate, hate for England and the ardent
+desire to fight against her&mdash;the basest and most hated of all
+our enemies.</p>
+<p>"I have come to the end of my report, which contains only a
+fraction of the outrages committed by Albion. And this nation talks
+of German atrocities! If all the lies spread by the English Press
+were true, even then England would have every reason to be dumb.
+Only he who has felt the effects of English hate upon his own
+person can understand the brutal deeds perpetrated recently on
+Germans in London and Liverpool. There, England's moral depth is
+revealed only too clearly, and before the world she seeks to drag
+us down to the same level."[<a href="#note-224">224</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-224"><!-- Note Anchor 224 --></a>[Footnote 224:
+Norden's book, p. 43 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>Considering that the total number of Germans captured in the
+Cameroons is only equal to the number of civilians murdered or
+wounded in British towns by Zeppelin bombs, at a cost of hundreds
+of thousands of pounds to the German Government, one begins to
+wonder whether Norden and his countrymen possess any sense of
+proportion. Germans are assiduous students of Shakespeare, but have
+seemingly overlooked the comedy: <i>Much ado about Nothing</i>.</p>
+<p>Ireland is another text for long and windy sermons of German
+hate, but the conclusion of one of these tirades[<a href=
+"#note-225">225</a>] will suffice to show Germany's real
+motive.</p>
+<p><a name="note-225"><!-- Note Anchor 225 --></a>[Footnote 225:
+Dr. Hans Rost: "Deutschland's Sieg, Irland's Hoffnung" ("Germany's
+Victory, Ireland's Hope"), p. 25 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"At present the direction of the Irish revolutionary movement is
+in the hands of Professor Evin MacNeill, Mac O'Rahilly and, above
+all, Sir Roger Casement. The final acceptance of the 'Constitution
+of Irish Volunteers' was carried on Sunday, October 25th, 1914, in
+Dublin. At that congress of Irish volunteers&mdash;who to-day
+number more than 300,000 well-armed men&mdash;special stress was
+laid on the fact that the volunteers are Irish soldiers and not
+imperialistic hirelings.</p>
+<p>"Further the members of the organization have engaged not to
+submit under any circumstances to the Militia Ballot Act, a kind of
+national service law which, remarkable to say, is only enforced in
+Ireland.</p>
+<p>"The Irishmen are thronging to join the movement, and pamphlets
+are being distributed, and appeals made on all sides. Besides
+which, weapons are being gathered and money collected. The entire
+episcopacy of Ireland has warned the young men against enlisting in
+English regiments on the ground that they will be placed in
+regiments to which no Catholic priest is attached. The warning has
+been most successful in hindering recruiting. In order to break the
+opposition of the bishops, England has appointed a special
+representative to the Vatican.</p>
+<p>"When the German Emperor took steps to appoint Catholic priests
+in the prisoners' camps where Irish soldiers are interned, the
+English at once appointed forty-five Catholic priests with
+officer's rank, to the British army in France. Even this measure,
+as well as the sudden diplomatic activity at the Vatican, is little
+calculated to extinguish the hate for England in the Irish
+mind.</p>
+<p>"On November 24th (1914) James Larkin began a propaganda in
+America. He appealed to all Irishmen to send gold, weapons, and
+ammunition to Ireland, for the day of reckoning with England. 'We
+will fight,' said Larkin, 'for the destruction of the British
+Empire and the foundation of an Irish republic; we will fight to
+deliver Ireland from that foul heap of ruins called England.' The
+assembly broke into enthusiastic applause.</p>
+<p>"At that moment the curtain was raised, and on the stage a
+company of Irish volunteers and a number of German uhlans were
+revealed. The officers commanding the companies crossed swords and
+shook hands while the assembly sang the 'Wacht am Rhein' and 'God
+save Ireland.'</p>
+<p>"Sir Roger Casement has long been a thorn in the side of the
+English Government, therefore the latter has not shrunk from making
+a murderous conspiracy against the life of this distinguished Irish
+leader. In agreement with Sir Edward Grey, the British Minister in
+Christiania, Mr. Findlay, tried to bribe Casement's
+companion&mdash;named Christensen&mdash;to murder Sir Roger. The
+attempted murder did not succeed, but the original documents are in
+the possession of the German Foreign Office, so that all doubt is
+excluded as to the English Government's participation&mdash;with
+their most honourable Grey at the head&mdash;in this Machiavellian
+plan."</p>
+<p>This colossal Germanism concerning a plan to murder Sir Roger
+Casement has been assiduously spread throughout the German Press.
+The Berlin Government allows the German people to believe that
+incriminating documents are in their possession, and the vilest
+statements to blacken Mr. Findlay's character were printed in
+German newspapers when that gentleman was appointed to the
+Bulgarian Court in Sofia.</p>
+<p>There are so few utterances in German war literature, which
+display reason or even moderation, that the author feels glad to be
+in a position to cite two. In the May number of the
+<i>S&uuml;ddeutsche-Monatshefte</i>, Professor Wilhelm Franz
+(T&uuml;bingen) reviewed one of the hate-books, viz., a work
+entitled "Pedlars and Heroes" by a German named Sombart. A few
+passages will suffice to show that Germany is not quite devoid of
+straight-forward men, who dare to castigate hate.</p>
+<p>"Towards the end of his book, Sombart solemnly assures the
+English that 'they need not fear us as a colonizing power; we (the
+Germans) have not the least ambition to conquer half-civilized and
+barbarian peoples in order to fill them with German spirit
+(<i>Geist</i>). But the English can colonize and fill such peoples
+with their spirit&mdash;for they have none, or at least only a
+pedlar's.'</p>
+<p>"It would never occur to any sane man to refute effusions of
+this kind, for they cannot be taken seriously. Still I cannot but
+wish that an angry English journalist with his clever and fiery
+pen, would fall upon Sombart's book and give its author a sample of
+English spirit. The work teems with unjust, incorrect opinions; is
+full of crass ignorance and grotesque exaggerations, which lead the
+unlearned astray, injure Germany's cause, and annoy those who know
+better&mdash;so far as they do not excite ridicule.</p>
+<p>"What is one to think when Sombart asks his readers: 'What
+single cultural work has emerged from the great shop, England,
+since Shakespeare&mdash;except that political abortion the English
+State?'</p>
+<p>"If I had to answer Sombart I should say, the great shop has
+given the English State practically everything which makes for
+internal peace, solidarity and national health. It has enabled the
+nation to exercise tolerance within, and develop splendour and
+power without, which in their turn have made Britannia the mistress
+of the world's waterways, and the British the first colonial nation
+in the world.</p>
+<p>"England's cultural development has brought all these since
+Shakespeare's time; energy, willpower, united with high endeavour
+to realize great aims and overcome mighty resistance. And the basis
+of this splendid progress which compels the admiration of all other
+States, was what Sombart presumes to call an 'abortion.'"</p>
+<p>The other is taken from "Der englische Gedanke in Deutschland"
+("The English Idea in Germany,") by Ernst M&uuml;ller-Holm, p. 72.
+"It is not true that all Englishmen are scoundrels. It is not true
+that there is nothing but pedlar's spirit in England, and because
+it is not true it should not be said, not even in these times when
+war passions run high.</p>
+<p>"The fatherland of Shakespeare, Byron and Thackeray; the home of
+Newton, Adam Smith, Darwin and Lyell will ever remain a land of
+honour to educated Germans. Where would it end if I were to count
+up the heroes of English intellect whose names are written in
+letters of gold in humanity's great book?"</p>
+<p>It is well to conclude this chapter of hate with two quotations
+which breathe respect. The author does not believe that German hate
+will be so long-enduring as the hate-mongers would have us think.
+Rather, he is convinced that mutual interest will force the two
+nations together within one or two decades. Preparatory for that
+day, it is Britain's duty to compel Germany's respect.</p>
+<p>There are good, even magnificent forces in the German nation;
+there are still noble-minded, high-thinking Germans who yearn to
+work in the great civilizing world enterprises. But&mdash;and
+therein lies the tragedy&mdash;"the good, the true, the pure, the
+just" are not to-day the predominating powers. They must work out
+their own salvation; but if the time ever comes when the finest and
+best German thought directs Germany's destinies, then there will be
+no lack of sympathizers in this country, who will hail the day as
+the advent of a new world era. For the present, all mutual
+jealousies, all the burning ambitions, all quarrels and hate, are
+submitted to the arbitrament of the sword. If Britain only wields
+her sword so well and honourably, as to gain unstinted victory,
+that will prove to be the firmest basis for future respect and
+enduring peace.</p>
+<hr>
+<a name="CH13"><!-- CH13 --></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+<center>"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"</center>
+<p>Mention has already been made of German disrespect, even
+contempt for England and the English. One of the reasons for this
+contempt was the smallness of the British army, and the fact that
+our soldiers are paid servants of the country. Germans apparently
+never could comprehend why a man should receive payment for serving
+his country by bearing arms, and that fact appeared to them to
+afford overwhelming evidence of the pedlar-soul
+(<i>Kr&auml;mergeist</i>). The second conclusion drawn, has
+generally been that the Britisher is devoid of all sense of duty
+and self-sacrificing patriotism. Probably the flocking of several
+million men to arms in defence of the Empire, and in defence of
+British conceptions of right and wrong has done something to
+convince Germans that the premises of the syllogism, were not so
+self-evident as they had imagined.</p>
+<p>"Among all the great European Powers, England is the only one
+which has not introduced national service and remained true to the
+principle of keeping an army of paid soldiers. Hence, when in all
+other lands at the outbreak of war, the entire people stands ready
+to defend the national honour, England is compelled to beat the
+recruiting drums before she can wage war."[<a href=
+"#note-226">226</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-226"><!-- Note Anchor 226 --></a>[Footnote 226:
+Dr. H. Hirschberg: "Wie John Bull seine S&ouml;ldner wirbt" ("How
+John Bull recruits his Mercenaries"), p. 3. Hirschberg reproduces
+in facsimile a large number of the recruiting placards which have
+decorated the British Isles since the outbreak of war. "Your King
+and Country need you" is also given (English and German) with
+music.]</p>
+<p>"England wages war on business lines. It is not the sons of the
+land who bleed for Britannia's honour; mercenaries from the four
+corners of the world&mdash;including blacks&mdash;carry on the war
+as a trade for England's business world and nobility. England might
+well smirk as she uttered blessings on the Triple Entente, for has
+she not borne the brand of perfidy for centuries? Her breast
+conceals the meanest pedlar's spirit in the, world.</p>
+<p>"Every battle which Russia loses is a victory for England, and
+every defeat which France suffers means profit for England. She can
+afford to wait till her allies are beaten and then take over their
+business. 'First come, first served' does not hold good in
+England's case; for her motto is, the last to come gets the
+prize.</p>
+<p>"Twelve Powers declared war on Germany. Then Japan, the
+thirteenth, poked out her yellow face and demanded Kiau Chou. A
+hyena had smelt corpses, but the blackmailing Mongol received no
+reply to his ultimatum. Grim laughter was heard in
+Germany&mdash;booming, bitter laughter at the band of thieves who
+hoped to plunder us. And in the wantonness of their righteous
+wrath, German soldiers scribbled on the barrack walls an immortal
+sentence: 'Declarations of war thankfully received!'"[<a href=
+"#note-227">227</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-227"><!-- Note Anchor 227 --></a>[Footnote 227: A.
+Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion" ("Against France and
+Albion"). Stuttgart, 1915; pp. 11-12.]</p>
+<p>"How wickedly the war was forced upon Germany! A ring of enemies
+surrounded her. Envy and ill-will were their motives, but they
+lacked the right measure for Germany's greatness. Our people stand
+invincible, united, staking life and everything they
+have&mdash;till the last enemy lies in the dust.</p>
+<p>"Not much longer and the goal will be attained; the many-sided
+attack has been smashed and the war carried into enemy lands.
+Shining glory has been won by Germany's armies. The passionate
+<i>&eacute;lan</i> of our soldiers, their death-despising bravery
+and one-minded strength, have gained victory after victory.</p>
+<p>"Revenge begins to glow against the originator of the
+world-conflagration&mdash;against false England! Mute and
+astonished the world saw her baseness&mdash;wondering at her
+greatness and her sin. Envy and ill-will inspired her to cast the
+lives of millions into the scales, to open the flood-gates of
+blood, to spread pain and unspeakable misery&mdash;herself coldly
+smiling.</p>
+<p>"What are men's lives to England? She pays for them. Her army of
+mercenaries which was to force her yoke on Europe, is paid with the
+gold of blackmailers. She sends hirelings into the field to defend
+the inheritance of her ancestors; paid mercenaries fight for her
+most sacred possessions, while those who pay the blood-money throng
+to see the masterly exponents of football. And England is proud of
+her splendid sons who prefer this intellectual game to stern battle
+with the enemy.</p>
+<p>"How different it is with our men! With shouts of joy they march
+forth to meet the foe, offering their lives in a spirit of glad
+sacrifice for the highest and best which the world has to offer
+humanity. Storming forwards with the song, 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland &uuml;ber alles,' our youthful hosts, greeting death
+with a smile, hurl themselves upon the enemy. Truly, wherever and
+so long as men are men, the glory of our warriors will find
+remembrance in brave hearts."[<a href="#note-228">228</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-228"><!-- Note Anchor 228 --></a>[Footnote 228: J.
+Bermbach: "Zittere, England!" ("England, tremble!"). Weimar, 1915;
+p. 5 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"It would be neither right nor just to accuse English soldiers
+of a want of courage. They have fought everywhere, by land and sea,
+with respect-inspiring gallantry&mdash;for mercenaries! But the
+warlike virtues of England's armies cannot atone for the cowardice
+with which she has conducted the struggle for naval supremacy.
+Albion means England's rulers. And this England of Messrs. Grey and
+Churchill, has covered herself with shame for all time by the
+manner of her warfare on sea.</p>
+<p>"Albion has not changed. She has hidden her battleships in the
+bays of northern Ireland, and conducts war on sea&mdash;not against
+our ships and soldiers, but against those at home, German women and
+children! 'The pinch of hunger makes the heart weak,' said the
+noble-minded Churchill."[<a href="#note-229">229</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-229"><!-- Note Anchor 229 --></a>[Footnote 229:
+Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion," p. 152 <i>et seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"According to its composition the English army is an army of
+mercenaries. On that account, however, it would be a great mistake
+to despise the quality of the soldiers or to cherish contempt for
+them. The standard of physical fitness demanded of the recruits
+was&mdash;at least up till a short time ago&mdash;more severe than
+that imposed in other lands. There is no doubt, our German brothers
+who have met the English on the field of battle, admit that they
+fight not only with valour but with unyielding stubbornness.</p>
+<p>"This results not so much from barrack-yard drill and field
+manoeuvres, as from the practical experience of warfare gained in
+many campaigns. England is occupied almost uninterruptedly, in
+warlike enterprises in some part of the world or other. Further,
+the officers&mdash;belonging mostly to the upper circles&mdash;have
+distinguished themselves in the field by a rash bravery which was
+marked perhaps, not so much by military as sportsmanlike
+behaviour.</p>
+<p>"All in all the strategic value of the English army in regard to
+leadership, training, discipline and the spirit of the troops,
+cannot compare with the conscript armies of other
+lands&mdash;especially the German army. Yet the contempt which has
+been expressed for it in the Press as an army of hirelings, is just
+as little merited to-day as it was in the past when it added many a
+glorious page to England's history.</p>
+<p>"These remarks are intended as a refutation to the reproaches
+made against the English army. It is true, those unjust criticisms
+did not originate with experts, or they would imply a dangerous
+under-estimation of the enemy. But in consequence of the widespread
+acceptance among the masses they unjustly feed the fires of
+hate."[<a href="#note-230">230</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-230"><!-- Note Anchor 230 --></a>[Footnote 230:
+Dr. G. Landauer: "England." Vienna; 1915, pp. 74-5.]</p>
+<p>"For the last ten days we have been resting to the west of Lille
+not far from Armenti&egrave;res; an English army is opposed to us.
+My battery is one of the links in the long chain of
+growlers[<a href="#note-231">231</a>] which daily pour fire and
+iron on to the enemy. We gave up counting the days and fights, for
+every day has its battle. Besides the English there are Indian
+troops, and a few French batteries in front of us.</p>
+<p><a name="note-231"><!-- Note Anchor 231 --></a>[Footnote 231:
+The Germans call their big guns "Brummer," <i>i.e.</i>,
+growler.&mdash;Author.]</p>
+<p>"Every day confirms our experience that we are faced by an enemy
+with incomparable powers of resistance and endurance. An enemy who
+can hardly be shaken by the sharpest rifle-fire or the most awful
+rain of shell and shrapnel. We gain ground slowly, exceedingly
+slowly, and every step of soil has to be paid for dearly.</p>
+<p>"In the trenches taken by storm the English dead lie in rows,
+just like men who had not winced or yielded before the bayonets of
+the stormers. From the military point of view it must be admitted
+that such an enemy deserves the greatest respect. The English have
+adapted the experiences gained in their colonial wars to European
+conditions in a particularly clever manner.</p>
+<p>"Every attempt to cross the canal was thwarted by artillery fire
+and in many places the enemy was more advantageously situated than
+our men. His trenches were at least dry while ours were flooded
+with water. I went into the front trenches by Dixmude and found
+them lined half a yard deep with faggots and wood, yet at every
+step our feet sank into the water and slush.</p>
+<p>"On the other bank of the Yser lay the enemy and fired
+continuously. Anyone who saw our soldiers under these conditions
+and heard their jokes will never forget the sight. All the folk at
+home who grumbled at the slow progress ought to have been sent for
+a single day and night into that mud-swamp!</p>
+<p>"In those fields and canals, in this endless morass&mdash;made
+impassable by flooding&mdash;many, many brave German soldiers have
+sacrificed their lives. During the autumn and winter months of 1914
+the whole Yser domain was transformed into a vast graveyard.</p>
+<p>"The battle-front was determined by the nature of the land. It
+stretched from the sea through Ramscapelle, Dixmude, Roulers,
+Paschendaal to Ypres and the rage of battle swayed like a tossing
+ship in ocean storm. Even now Germany does not know the greatness
+and terror of the battles fought there. Only names are known, such
+as Middelkerke, Zonnebeeke, Warneton, etc.</p>
+<p>"The Belgians fought with the courage of despair. Their
+battle-cry was 'Louvain!' and 'Termonde!' Highlanders, Indians,
+Sikhs, Ghurkas, Zouaves, Turkos, Canadians, Belgians, French and
+English were thrown into the line, and ever-new regiments landed at
+Calais. Houses and villages were taken and re-taken at the point of
+the bayonet, as many as seven times. Towns and bridges were
+conquered and lost often eight times in succession, accompanied by
+heavy artillery duels and incredible losses."[<a href=
+"#note-232">232</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-232"><!-- Note Anchor 232 --></a>[Footnote 232:
+Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p. 123 <i>et
+seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"We[<a href="#note-233">233</a>] have just gone into billets.
+Not far off are the positions of <i>the</i> enemy&mdash;the
+English. There will be a battle to-morrow and everybody is serious.
+Mostly by the evening, we are too tired to think, but it is not so
+to-day.</p>
+<p><a name="note-233"><!-- Note Anchor 233 --></a>[Footnote 233:
+Extracts from the diary of a German soldier, published in "Der
+Weltkrieg" ("The World War"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 632 <i>et
+seq</i>.]</p>
+<p>"Again and again I arrive at the same conclusion&mdash;war is
+too great a thing to comprehend. Now we are going into battle with
+the black-white-gold band on our breasts. Greetings to you all at
+home, above all to you, father. I have your blessing, haven't
+I?</p>
+<p>"October 24th.&mdash;We are lying before the road from Ypres to
+Paschendaal. The Lt. Colonel has just told us that 'the losses
+cannot go on at this rate.' By the side of the brook, on this side
+the road, English sharpshooters are in hiding. They shoot damned
+straight. Our artillery is not yet up; the reason for our heavy
+losses yesterday.</p>
+<p>"The infantry advance with a rush towards the windmill, but we
+no sooner top the hill than the English machine guns begin to
+rattle. Our front ranks are mown down. Every attempt to advance
+fails. The order was given to lie down and there we remained for
+four hours. Then we rush one after the other through a hedge. When
+darkness fell we had nearly reached the English trenches, but were
+recalled and spent the night in our trench.</p>
+<p>"The next morning passed quietly, except for rifle-fire. Captain
+von K. was hit, and rolled over in front of the trench. Three
+comrades crept out one after the other to fetch him&mdash;all three
+fell. At last our wounded captain was still too&mdash;killed by a
+second bullet. Being compelled to watch this scene without power to
+help, was the beginning of our day.</p>
+<p>"Just after mid-day the music began. Crash! a shell lands in our
+trench on the right. A short pause, and crash follows crash as the
+shells are dropped into our trench at distances of four yards.
+Death walks slowly up the trench towards us. We know that he is
+coming, we see him. Everybody is lying flat on the ground. We are
+waiting for 'our' shell.</p>
+<p>"If we had a communication trench we could escape&mdash;but
+there isn't one. We reckon the distance: twenty-five yards away
+another direct hit. Crash! only twenty yards. Fifteen yards! We
+have only five minutes to live. Thoughts of God and home and
+parents rush through the mind; yet they are only numb feelings.
+Crash! ten yards; one more and then comes 'ours.' But no, the next
+boom was in the trench behind, and in the same manner that trench
+was cleared from end to end.</p>
+<p>"'Lieutenant T. killed, Lieutenant K. takes command' was passed
+along. We have hardly left the trench when bullets begin to whistle
+round our heads. Man after man remains behind. At last night sinks
+and hides the horrors of the day. I have lost my company and spend
+the night in the open with a few others.</p>
+<p>"The next morning the sun shone brightly; the morning wind blows
+coldly over the furrows and over the dead. I have no words to
+describe what I saw&mdash;but my heart bled! Near Paschendaal I
+found my company. Altogether there are thirty of us&mdash;out of
+two hundred and fifty."</p>
+<p>German war literature affords a complete picture of the
+transformation of German contempt for the British army into
+profound respect. As witness the following:</p>
+<p>"It cannot be denied that the English have supported Joffre's
+offensive with valour, strength and vigour. The battles which have
+raged since the end of September on the front between Givenchy la
+Gobelle and Armenti&egrave;res, have confirmed the deadly
+seriousness of the English. And if they have not obtained great
+successes, still, in this gigantic grapple, they have displayed
+desperate courage which compels the admiration of their
+opponents.</p>
+<p>"The Commander of a division, with whom I spent the last few
+days, said to me in a tone of deep conviction: 'Nobody must talk
+lightly of English soldiers in my presence. Their bravery and the
+extraordinary courage of English officers compels my admiration.
+Regimental commanders and staff officers advanced in the first line
+of their troops. They fight and fall by the side of their men. I
+saw several high officers killed myself.' Besides, I have heard his
+Excellency's words confirmed by many of his officers."[<a href=
+"#note-234">234</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="note-234"><!-- Note Anchor 234 --></a>[Footnote 234:
+Julius Hirsch; War Correspondent with the German Army, in the
+<i>Fr&auml;nkischer Kurier</i>, October 22nd, 1915.]</p>
+<p>In a previous work the author has expressed the opinion that
+Great Britain must employ all her strength in this, the greatest of
+all wars, and in concluding this work he repeats that warning still
+more emphatically. Only a true realization of the inevitable fact
+that British democracy is on trial by battle&mdash;"man to man and
+steel to steel"&mdash;will give the necessary courage, endurance,
+faith and hope to bring the issue to a victorious end.</p>
+<center>THE END</center>
+<hr>
+<a name="IDX"><!-- IDX --></a>
+<h2>INDEX</h2>
+<p class="index">Alleged Ill-Treatment of Germans in Belgium<br>
+Appreciation, a German, of England<br>
+Atrocities<br>
+Attack on Li&eacute;ge by a Zeppelin<br>
+Attitude of Germany and Austria<br>
+Austrian mobilization</p>
+<p class="index">Battle of the Marne<br>
+Belgian kindness to Germans<br>
+Belgrade during the crisis<br>
+Bethmann-Hollweg falsely accuses Russia of causing the war<br>
+Bismarck<br>
+Britain's position in the world<br>
+British<br>
+  accused of plundering<br>
+  Army<br>
+  General Staff's guide-books to Belgium<br>
+  inefficiency<br>
+  Navy<br>
+  Socialists<br>
+Brutal treatment of foreigners in Germany</p>
+<p class="index">Courage of British Army</p>
+<p class="index">Demonstrations in Favour of War<br>
+Diplomatic battles</p>
+<p class="index">England's Attitude<br>
+  heir<br>
+  neutrality, German offers for<br>
+Excitement in Germany</p>
+<p class="index">French Airmen, Alleged Attack near Nuremberg<br>
+  alleged attack on Frankfort</p>
+<p class="index">German Brutality towards Germans<br>
+  Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag<br>
+  comment on the conference proposal<br>
+  Crown Prince<br>
+  frontiers, alleged violation by the French<br>
+  General Staff, did it conspire to bring about war?<br>
+German efficiency<br>
+  invasion of France<br>
+  losses<br>
+  methods<br>
+  mobilization<br>
+  nerves<br>
+  opinion of England<br>
+  plundering<br>
+  Press plays Germany a foul trick<br>
+  provocation to Belgians before the war<br>
+  State, a Nirvana<br>
+German Socialists<br>
+  and conscription<br>
+  and universal peace<br>
+  cheer the announcement that Germany had invaded two neutral
+countries<br>
+  help Kaiser's government<br>
+  support the war<br>
+  vote for a war of aggression<br>
+  why they supported the war<br>
+German Socialists' attitude to England<br>
+  campaign against Russia<br>
+  class-war<br>
+  peace programme<br>
+  proclamation on August 1st, 1914,<br>
+German troops enter Belgium and Luxembourg<br>
+  unity<br>
+  war against civilians<br>
+German White Book on atrocities by the Belgians<br>
+Germans charge French with looting<br>
+  enter Brussels<br>
+  invade Belgium<br>
+Germany declares war on France<br>
+  declares war on Russia<br>
+  made peace impossible<br>
+  rejects British friendship<br>
+Germany's alleged efforts for peace<br>
+  case<br>
+  case against Belgian civilians<br>
+  hunt for phantom gold<br>
+  hunt for spies<br>
+  re-birth<br>
+  ultimatum to Russia<br>
+Grey, Sir Edward<br>
+Grey's, Sir Edward, conference proposal</p>
+<p class="index">Haldane Lord<br>
+Hate literature<br>
+Heligoland prepared for war</p>
+<p class="index">Ill-treatment, alleged, of Germans by British<br>
+Ireland and Germany<br>
+Iron Crosses<br>
+Italian Socialists condemn their German comrades</p>
+<p class="index">Japan</p>
+<p class="index">Kaiser's return to Berlin<br>
+  threat<br>
+  threat to England<br>
+<i>K&ouml;nigin Luise</i> starts to lay mines round the English
+coast</p>
+<p class="index">Lassalle's opinion of Austria<br>
+Last protest against war<br>
+Legend of gouged-out eyes<br>
+Letter of Belgian Legation Secretary<br>
+Louvain<br>
+Lying, a foundation-stone of German policy</p>
+<p class="index">Macdonald, Mr. Ramsay<br>
+Martial law proclaimed in Germany<br>
+Militarism, spirit of</p>
+<p class="index">Necessity knows no law<br>
+Neutrality of Belgium<br>
+"Now there are only Germans"</p>
+<p class="index">Oncken, Professor Hermann<br>
+Opinion in France at the outbreak of war</p>
+<p class="index">Peace, did Germany work for?<br>
+Poisoned water-supply scare<br>
+Press, German, condemns the Austrian ultimatum<br>
+Prince Heinrich's telegram to King George<br>
+Proclamation of the Social Democrats, July 25th, 1914<br>
+Propaganda for the annexation of Belgium</p>
+<p class="index">Reconciliation with Germany<br>
+Roman Catholic Church refutes German atrocity legends<br>
+Russia ignores the German ultimatum<br>
+Russia's attitude during the crisis<br>
+  military measures<br>
+  right to intervene</p>
+<p class="index">Secret Belgian documents seized in Brussels<br>
+Social Democratic demonstrations against war<br>
+Social Democrats' report on Belgium<br>
+Socialists, German, vote for war<br>
+Spy scare and its results<br>
+Status of German professors<br>
+Swiss Neutral on Belgian neutrality</p>
+<p class="index">Terms of Triple Alliance<br>
+Treatment of Belgian civilians<br>
+Trevelyan's, Mr. Charles, remarkable promise<br>
+Tricks of the German Press</p>
+<p class="index">Unprepared Condition of the Franco-Belgian
+Frontier</p>
+<p class="index">Violation of Belgian Neutrality<br>
+<i>Volksstaat</i> (People's State)</p>
+<p class="index">War Delirium<br>
+Warsaw citadel blown up<br>
+Wolff's News Agency</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHAT GERMANY THINKS ***
+
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diff --git a/old/10166.txt b/old/10166.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: What Germany Thinks
+       The War as Germans see it
+
+Author: Thomas F. A. Smith
+
+Release Date: November 21, 2003 [EBook #10166]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHAT GERMANY THINKS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, David King, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+WHAT GERMANY THINKS
+
+OR THE WAR AS GERMANS SEE IT
+
+
+By Thomas F.A. Smith, Ph.D.
+
+Late English Lecturer in the University of Erlangen
+
+Author of "The Soul of Germany: A Twelve Years' Study of the People from
+Within, 1902-1914"
+
+
+1915
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+   I--THE CAUSES OF THE WAR
+
+  II--ON THE LEASH
+
+ III--THE DOGS LET LOOSE
+
+  IV--MOBILIZATION
+
+   V--WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS
+
+  VI--THE DEBACLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS
+
+ VII--"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"
+
+VIII--ATROCITIES
+
+  IX--THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND
+      GERMANY'S ANNEXATION PROPAGANDA
+
+   X--SAIGNER A BLANC
+
+  XI--THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR
+
+ XII--THE LITERATURE OF HATE
+
+XIII--"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"
+
+INDEX
+
+WHAT GERMANY THINKS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE CAUSES OF THE WAR
+
+
+In many quarters of the world, especially in certain sections of the
+British public, people believed that the German nation was led blindly
+into the World War by an unscrupulous military clique. Now, however,
+there is ample evidence to prove that the entire nation was thoroughly
+well informed of the course which events were taking, and also warned as
+to the catastrophe to which the national course was certainly leading.
+
+Even to-day, after more than twelve months of devastating warfare, there
+is no unity of opinion in Germany as to who caused the war. Some writers
+accuse France, others England, while many lay the guilt at Russia's
+door. They are only unanimous in charging one or other, or all the
+powers, of the Triple Entente. We shall see that every power now at war,
+with the exception of Germany and Italy, has been held responsible for
+Armageddon, but apparently it has not yet occurred to Germans that the
+bearer of guilt for this year's bloodshed--is Germany alone!
+
+It is true that the conflict between Austria and Serbia forms the
+starting point. Whether or not Serbia was seriously in the wrong is a
+matter of opinion, but it is generally held that Austria dealt with her
+neighbour with too much heat and too little discretion. Austria kindled
+the flames of war, but it was Germany's mission to seize a blazing torch
+and set Europe alight.
+
+When the text of Austria's ultimatum became known, a very serious mood
+came over Germany. There was not a man who did not realize that a great
+European War loomed on the horizon. A well-organized, healthy public
+opinion could at that period have brought the governments of the
+Germanic Powers to recognize their responsibility. Had the German Press
+been unanimous, it might have stopped the avalanche. But there were two
+currents of opinion, the one approving, the other condemning Austria for
+having thrown down the gauntlet to Serbia and above all to Russia.
+
+One paper exulted over the statement that every sentence in Austria's
+ultimatum "was a whip-lash across Serbia's face;" a phrase expressing so
+aptly the great mass of popular opinion. This expression met with
+unstinted approval, for it corresponded with German ideals and standards
+in dealing with an opponent. Yet there was no lack of warnings, and very
+grave ones too. A glance at German newspapers will suffice to prove this
+statement.
+
+On July 24th, 1914, Krupp's organ, the _Rheinisch-Westfaelische Zeitung_,
+contained the following: "The Austro-Hungarian ultimatum is nothing but
+a pretext for war, but this time a dangerous one. It seems that we are
+standing on the verge of an Austro-Serbian war. It is possible, very
+possible, that we shall have to extinguish East-European conflagrations
+with our arms, either because of our treaties or from the compulsion of
+events. But it is a scandal if the Imperial Government (Berlin) has not
+required that such a final offer should be submitted to it for approval
+before its presentation to Serbia. To-day nothing remains for us but to
+declare: 'We are not bound by any alliance to support wars let loose by
+the Hapsburg policy of conquest.'"
+
+The _Post_ wrote on the same date: "Is that a note? No! it is an
+ultimatum of the sharpest kind. Within twenty-four hours Austria demands
+an answer. A reply? No! but an absolute submission, the utter and
+complete humiliation of Serbia. On former occasions we have (and with
+justice) made fun of Austria's lack of energy. Now we have a proof of
+energy which terrifies us. This 'note' represents about the very
+uttermost which can be said to any government, and such things are only
+said when the sender of the 'note' has absolutely determined upon war."
+
+The principal organ of Germany's largest political party, the Social
+Democrats, contained a still more emphatic protest on July 25th. A
+telegram from the Belgrade correspondent of the _Vorwaerts_ runs: "Since
+the presentation of Austria's note, public opinion has become
+exceedingly serious, although the city is still very calm. The general
+view held is that Austria's ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign
+State. In Belgrade no one doubts that Russia will stand by Serbia.
+Everyone is certain that in consequence of Austria's excessively sharp
+tone, Russia will not remain inactive should Austria resort to armed
+force. The populace is prepared for war."
+
+In view of the subsequent attitude of Germany's Social Democrats, an
+official proclamation, published in all their seventy-seven daily papers
+on July 25th, is of supreme importance. At that date they had apparently
+no doubt whatever as to the guilty party. The change of front in the
+Reichstag on August 4th would seem in the light of this proclamation, as
+nothing other than a betrayal of conscience. Further, the split which
+has arisen in their ranks during the war leads to the supposition that
+Liebknecht, Kautsky and Bernstein have been troubled by the inward
+voice.
+
+This is the full text of the proclamation as it appeared in the
+_Vorwaerts_:
+
+  "An Appeal! The Balkan plains are still steaming with the blood of
+  thousands of murdered; the ruins of desolate towns and devastated
+  villages are still smoking after the Balkan War; hungry, workless men,
+  widowed women and orphan children are still wandering through the
+  land, and yet again Austria's Imperialism unchains the War Fury to
+  bring death and destruction over all Europe.
+
+  "Even if we condemn the doings of the Greater-Serbian Nationalists,
+  still the wicked war-provocation of the Austro-Hungarian Government
+  calls forth the most stinging protest. The demands made by this
+  government are so brutal, that in the history of the world their like
+  has never been presented to an independent State, and they can only be
+  calculated to provoke war.
+
+  "Germany's proletariat, conscious of its mission, raises herewith, in
+  the name of humanity and civilization, the most fervent protest
+  against this criminal action of the war party (_Kriegshetzer_). It
+  (the Social Democratic Party) demands imperatively that the German
+  Government should exercise all its influence on the Austrian
+  Government to preserve peace, and in case this infamous war cannot be
+  prevented then to abstain from any warlike interference. No single
+  drop of blood of a single German soldier may be sacrificed to gratify
+  the lust for power of the Austrian autocracy, the Imperial
+  profit-interests.
+
+  "Comrades! we call upon you to give expression to the working-classes'
+  unshakable will for peace in mass meetings. This is a serious moment,
+  more solemn than any in the last few decades. There is danger in
+  delay. A world war threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave,
+  despise and exploit you in times of peace desire now to misuse you as
+  cannon-fodder. From all sides the cry must ring in the ears of those
+  in authority: We don't want war! Down with war!
+
+  "Long live international brotherhood!
+
+  "Berlin, July 25th, 1914.
+
+  "_The Leaders of the Party_."
+
+Two days later the _Leipziger Tageblatt_ announced that the Public
+Prosecutor had commenced proceedings against the editors of _Vorwaerts_
+for having distributed the above appeal in pamphlet form in the streets
+of Berlin. From this fact we may conclude that the charges thrown out by
+the Social Democratic Party were by no means congenial to the plans of
+the German Government.
+
+The Liberal _Berliner Tageblatt_ (July 24th), gave its unreserved
+support to Austria's action. "The Austrian Government has voiced its
+demands in a calm and serious tone which contains nothing offensive to
+the Serbian monarchy. Everyone who has considered the results of the
+inquiry into the tragedy of Serajewo, and the burrowing of Serbian
+propagandists in Austria, must give his absolute sanction to the
+latter's demands. Much as every right-thinking man must desire that
+peace should be preserved, still he must admit that Austria could not
+have acted otherwise."
+
+Even the _Vossische Zeitung_, the organ of army circles, was more
+conservative in its judgment. In the issue for July 24th a leading
+article runs: "It cannot be denied that nearly every point raised by
+Austria in her note is an encroachment on Serbia's sovereign rights.
+Austria appears as the policeman, who undertakes to create order in
+Serbia, because the Serbian Government, according to Austria's claim, is
+unable to hold in check those 'subversive elements' within its
+frontiers, which disturb Austria's peace. But only in this manner can
+Austria protect herself against the criminals who are sent from Serbia
+to the territories of the Hapsburg monarchy. No consideration whatever
+can be shown to Serbia, as Austria's first duty is self-defence."
+
+In the German Press two widely-differing opinions found expression with
+regard to the equity of Austria's demands, but the Press and people were
+unanimous in believing that if these demands were ruthlessly pressed
+home they could only lead to a European conflagration.
+
+In view of this latter danger, national opinion was again divided into
+two camps: the first against war, the second determined to support
+Austria and pursue the path chosen by the Berlin Government, no matter
+what the consequences might be. The latter party included the vast bulk
+of the nation; and Chauvinism dominated in the Press, theatres,
+concert-halls, churches and music-halls. "Patriotic" demonstrations were
+held before Austrian consulates, in restaurants and coffee-houses. The
+Berlin Government was overwhelmed with telegrams from all kinds of
+bodies--especially those with a military colouring, such as veterans'
+clubs, societies of one-year volunteers, university societies,
+etc.--calling upon it to defend Germany's honour against Slavonic murder
+and intrigue. In short, all Germany gave itself up to a veritable
+_Kriegsrausch_ (war intoxication) which found expression in the wildest
+attacks on Russia and a perfervid determination to see the matter
+through, should Russia venture to intervene in any way to protect Serbia
+from whatever measures Austria thought proper to take.
+
+It is little to be wondered at that Russia in face of this spontaneous
+outbreak did take military precautions, for all Germany made it
+perfectly clear that no kind of intervention on Russia's part in the
+Austro-Serbian dispute would be tolerated by Germany. It is true that,
+late in the day, Austria avowed that she had no intention of annexing
+Serbian territory, a declaration which Germans did not believe, and
+certainly one which Russia had no reason to accept after Austria's
+annexion of Bosnia and Herzegowina in 1908.
+
+Furthermore, Austria gave Russia every reason to cherish suspicion as to
+her intentions. On July 25th Austria issued official orders for the
+mobilization of eight of her sixteen army corps, in addition to which a
+part of the _Landsturm_ was called up. The corps mobilized were: one
+each in Upper and Lower Austria, Dalmatia, Buda-Pest, Croatia and Bosnia
+and two Bohemian corps. Three-eighths of the forces called up were thus
+placed very near to the Russian frontier.
+
+Vienna was wild with war-enthusiasm which found expression in
+demonstrations lasting all through the night, July 25-26th. Austrian
+officers, who have always been hated by the populace, were cheered,
+embraced and carried shoulder-high wherever they were met. The effect
+which this had in Berlin may be seen from the _Berliner Tageblatt_ of
+July 26th: "An enormous mass of people gathered before the Russian
+Embassy last night between the hours of twelve and one. The crowd howled
+and hissed, and cries were raised: 'Down with Russia! Long live Austria!
+Down with Serbia!' Gradually the police cleared the masses away."
+
+Russia ignored the incident, but when about a hundred Frenchmen
+demonstrated before the Austrian Embassy in Paris at exactly the same
+time, the Ambassador at once protested at the Quai d'Orsay and the
+Director of the French Foreign Office immediately apologized.
+
+On the whole the reports of excesses in various parts of Germany against
+any and all who dared to show any anti-war sympathies proves clearly
+that the blood-lust aroused by the German Government's policy had
+already passed beyond the control of the authorities. In Munich one of
+the most modern coffee-houses (Cafe Fahrig) was completely gutted
+because the proprietor endeavoured to keep the demonstrants within
+reasonable bounds. Serbs and Russians were attacked and ill-treated. One
+such incident occurred at mid-day, Sunday, July 26th, in Munich, of
+which a full description is given in the _Muenchen-Augsburger
+Abendzeitung_ for the following day.
+
+A few days later (August 2nd) the Princess Cafe, Berlin, was demolished
+because the guests believed that there were Russians in the band. In
+Hamburg on the following day a newly-opened restaurant was completely
+destroyed because a young Dane had failed to stand up when the national
+hymn was being played. "Yesterday a young Dane remained sitting during
+the singing of the national hymn, for which reason the persons in the
+hall became greatly excited. 'Russian, stand up!' was shouted to him. In
+the same moment blows began to rain down upon him, so that, streaming
+with blood, he was carried out." (_Berliner Zeitung am Mittag_, August
+4th.)
+
+These are only a selection of many such incidents which show that the
+national brutishness was appearing through the veneer. In the light of
+such events where, on German soil, Germans murderously attacked their
+fellow-countrymen on such ridiculous pretexts, it requires little
+imagination to explain the outburst of brutality against Belgians who
+dared to defend hearth and home.
+
+Meanwhile the smaller party which desired peace had not been entirely
+idle. On July 28th the Social Democrats held thirty-two mass meetings in
+Berlin to protest against war. "The attendance was in every case
+enormous, but the meetings were all orderly and calm. The police had
+taken extensive precautionary measures. The speakers were mostly members
+of the Reichstag or the Berlin Town Council. Throughout they were guilty
+of the most fiery and tactless attacks on Austria, _to whom alone they
+ascribed the guilt for the warlike developments_. Each meeting adopted a
+resolution against war. The chief of police had forbidden all
+processions or demonstrations to take place after the day before. In
+spite of this, many of the Socialists who had attended these meetings
+tried to form processions, especially in Unter den Linden. As large
+bodies of troops had closed the streets, small parties of the Socialists
+managed to reach the Linden by means of trams and omnibuses. At about 10
+p.m. hisses and cries of 'Down with the war party!' were heard before
+the Cafe Kranzler. In a moment the number of Democrats swelled to large
+proportions and the workmen's Marseillaise was struck up, followed by a
+short, sharp order. The mounted police advanced with drawn swords
+against the rioters; the air was filled with shouts and cries of _Pfui_!
+(Shame!). On the other side of the road the crowd sang the national
+hymn. The masses clashed together, and the police advanced again and
+again till the street was cleared. At the corner, however, the
+Socialists formed up again, and began to demonstrate anew, so that the
+police were compelled to attack them without any consideration in order
+to preserve the peace. They cleared the pavements and galloped up the
+promenade. Again the cry echoed 'Down with war!' and as answer came 'die
+Wacht am Rhein.' But it was some considerable time before the struggle
+ceased to surge to and fro." (_Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July
+29th.)
+
+Thus the great Socialist-International-Pacifist movement, with four and
+a quarter million German voters behind it, fizzled out on the pavements
+of Unter den Linden. Probably there were demonstrations in other parts
+of Germany, but this much is certain, that the members of Catholic and
+Protestant _Arbeiterverbaende_ (Workmen's Societies) held meetings and
+demonstrated in favour of war. On the other hand the Women's Union of
+the German Peace Society in Stuttgart sent a telegram to the Kaiser,
+begging him in the name of "millions of German mothers" to preserve the
+peace.
+
+The most interesting protest against the war movement is undoubtedly the
+following: "This, then, is the cultural height to which we have
+attained. Hundreds of thousands of the healthiest, finest, most valuable
+forces in the nation are trembling from anxiety that chance, or a nod of
+Europe's rulers, malevolence, or a fit of Sadism, a Caesar-madness or a
+business speculation, an empty word or a vague conception of honour,
+will drive them to-morrow out of their homes, from wife and child, from
+all that which they treasure and have built up with so much pain and
+trouble--into death. The mad coincidence may arise to-day, may call them
+to-morrow, or at any minute, and all, all of them will go--obeying
+damnable necessity, but still obeying. At first they will whine on
+seeing their bit of earthly happiness snatched away, but soon,
+however--although their consciences may not be quite clean--they will be
+possessed by the general frenzy to murder and be murdered." Franz
+Pfemfert in _die Aktion_.
+
+Although this article appeared on August 1st, it had evidently been
+written before the proclamation of martial law. It was one of the last
+political articles which the paper published, for the next number but
+one contains the announcement that "the _Aktion_ will in future only
+publish articles on art and literature." The reasons are not far to
+seek.
+
+In justice to the pacifist elements it must be stated that they were up
+against bayonets. The only pity is that British public opinion, or any
+section of it, had been led to believe that it could ever have been
+otherwise. Austria had committed an unpardonable act of provocation,
+which at first reasonable opinion in Germany openly condemned.
+Simultaneously the German Government set in motion an avalanche of
+racial feeling to play off against the just and moderate measures taken
+by other powers to checkmate Austrian aggression. In addition to the
+racial hostility, which had been lashed into bitterness during the
+spring of 1914, came Germany's morbid conception of national and
+personal honour. Lastly the fear of a Russian invasion was astutely
+inoculated into the nation.
+
+It is the author's firm conviction, and the military events in Poland
+and Galicia have only strengthened this opinion, that from the very
+beginning Germany could have prevented any Russian invasion of her
+territory, but she did not desire that end, but rather that the fear of
+Russia should complete the "Kriegsrausch" of the German nation. After
+frightening the people the Berlin Government struck its blow in the
+direction of their political ambitions--to the West, and after the
+Russians had been allowed to penetrate German territories they were
+hurled over the Eastern frontiers at the end of August. While the Kaiser
+was sending peaceful telegrams to Petrograd and Vienna, the Press was
+full of horrible pictures of Cossack barbarism and the dread terrors of
+the Russian knout, both of which--the public was led to believe--were
+about to strike Germany.
+
+In this manner the Kaiser and his advisers created a national psychology
+which left open only two alternatives: the absolute humiliation of
+Russia and the consequent hegemony of Germany in Europe--or war.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ON THE LEASH
+
+
+Russia gave the world to understand by an official declaration, issued
+on Friday, July 24th, 1914, that she was not an indifferent, but a
+keenly interested spectator to the Austro-Serbian conflict. On the
+following day Russia's declaration was published in almost the entire
+German Press, and from that moment the same Press was flooded with all
+kinds of attacks directed against the Eastern neighbour. Russia was
+frankly told to mind her own business--the quarrel did not concern her.
+
+The German public immediately accepted this point of view, so that every
+subsequent move on Russia's part appeared in the light of an
+unwarrantable offensive. Undoubtedly the Bismarckian tactics of
+publishing inspired articles in all parts of Germany were employed, and
+their colouring left no doubt on the public mind that the much-talked-of
+Slavonic danger had assumed an acute form.
+
+A request on Russia's part, made on July 25th, that the space of time
+(forty-eight hours) allowed to Serbia for an answer should be extended,
+only increased popular irritation in the Germanic Empires. This
+irritation was accompanied by an unmistakable bellicose spirit which
+called forth its natural counterpart in Petrograd.
+
+Nevertheless the fact remains that up till July 25th Russia had only
+asked for time, and the reply given by the Berlin mob (?) during the
+following night, was echoed throughout Germany. The view that Russia had
+no right to interest herself on behalf of Serbia (passing over Russia's
+right to preserve the newly-established balance of power in the Balkans)
+is untenable. If Canada had a quarrel--just or unjust--with the United
+States, it would be ridiculous to assert that England had no right to
+intervene.
+
+This was, however, not the first occasion on which Germany had advanced
+so preposterous a claim. During the tariff conflict between Germany and
+Canada some years ago, a wave of indignant anger went over the whole
+Fatherland, because England ventured to interfere.
+
+In any case, during the last week before war broke out, the German
+Government succeeded in imposing upon public opinion the feeling that
+the quarrel was a racial one; together with the conviction that Russia
+was interfering in order to protect a band of murderers from just
+punishment, and had neither rights nor interests at stake in the
+quarrel. This conspiracy succeeded, but the whole German nation must
+still be held responsible for the outbreak of war, because, as has been
+shown in the preceding chapter, the nation had already been warned by
+newspapers of various political parties. They had been plainly told that
+Austria had exceeded the limits of all diplomatic dealings between two
+sovereign States, and that Austria's provocation could easily kindle a
+world war.
+
+Warnings and truths were alike forgotten, and the voices which uttered
+them were now raising another hue and cry.[1] Racial hatred was ablaze;
+the warlike instincts of a military people were calling for action, and
+a diseased conception of national honour was asking why Berlin did not
+act against the Russian barbarians. In one paper the author remembers
+reading a violent demand for action against Russia before the national
+ardour had time to cool down.
+
+[Footnote 1: The last mention of Austria as the guilty party is the
+account of the Social Democratic demonstrations in Berlin on July 28th;
+reported in the papers of the following day.]
+
+On July 26th Austrian mobilization was in full swing, and Russia
+admittedly took precautions of a similar nature soon after that date. We
+may be sure that Russia understands her neighbours better than the
+inhabitants of the British Isles understand them. In 1909 she had
+suffered a severe diplomatic defeat and corresponding loss of prestige,
+because she could only use words in dealing with Germany and Austria.[2]
+Now she was faced with the alternative of withdrawing from her declared
+attitude (July 24th) or taking measures of a military character. In
+order not to sacrifice her position as a European power and her special
+position as the leader of the Slavonic peoples, Russia chose the latter
+course, the only honourable one open to her. German papers and public
+speakers retorted that Russia is the patron and protector of
+assassins--a calculated distortion of the facts intended to have due
+effect on public opinion. On all sides it was said that Russia had given
+Serbia secret assurances of help which caused her to become stiff-backed
+and unrepentant. Fortunately, it is possible to refute the accusation
+through the pen of a German journalist, who described Belgrade's
+desperate position on July 25th, the day when the ultimatum expired.
+
+[Footnote 2: "The interests of Russian and German imperialism have
+continually clashed during the last ten years, and more than once Russia
+has had to beat a retreat before Germany's threats." Dr. Paul Lensch,
+member of the Reichstag, in his "German Social Democracy and the World
+War," p. 35. Published by "Vorwaerts Co." Berlin, 1915.]
+
+"At last the inhabitants of Belgrade have become aware of their serious
+situation. 'We are lost! Russia has left us in the lurch!' is being
+shouted in the streets. Journalists, who at 2.30 p.m. had assured me
+that Russia had intervened in Vienna with success, succumbed now to the
+general depression. The people believe that they have been betrayed and
+sold; rumours of assassination pass from mouth to mouth. The ministerial
+council has been characterized by violent recriminations, ending in
+blows. Others asserted that the Crown Prince Alexander had been stabbed
+by a leader of the war-party. Another whispers that King Peter is dying
+from an apoplectic fit or as the result of an _attentat_. The reports
+become wilder, and each increases the dread of some unutterable,
+imminent catastrophe.
+
+"The streets are crowded with terror-stricken citizens. Curses resound
+on all sides. Certainly a most unusual struggle is going on between the
+two parties for peace and war. Shortly after three o'clock it seems to
+be settled that Austria's demands will be fulfilled. It is true the
+mobilization decree has been posted up on all public buildings, but that
+means nothing. We still have nearly three hours in which all can be
+righted. How will this gallows-respite be employed?
+
+"It is four o'clock. Messengers rush from one Embassy to the other. In
+the coffee-houses the rumour goes round: 'Italy is our saviour in
+distress.' Cries of 'shame!' against Russia are raised, while the
+'_vivas_!' for Italy sound louder and louder. The crowd marches to the
+Italian Embassy, but are received with long and astonished faces. No!
+there is nothing to hope for from Italy. Next they go to the French
+Embassy; now there are about two thousand of us. Another disappointment!
+A young diplomat receives the thronging masses and talks empty nothings,
+including a great deal about France's sympathy for Serbia. But in this
+dark hour sympathy is of no avail. Downcast and silent, the people go
+next to the representative of Albion--who declines to appear.
+
+"The confusion in the minds of the masses caused by the Government's
+indecision increases from minute to minute; indescribable scenes are
+witnessed before the General Post Office. It is alleged that thousands
+and thousands of telegrams have arrived from Russia, begging the members
+of Serbia's royal family not to give way to Austria. It may easily be
+possible that the Russian telegrams all emanate from one person and have
+been forged, in order to counteract the disposition to yield on the part
+of the royal family. Without doubt both the King and Crown Prince have
+lost all personal influence on the final decision. They are being slowly
+carried along by the conflagration-party which obtained the upper hand
+soon after four o'clock."[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July 28th.]
+
+This picture gives no support to Germany's accusation that Russia had
+stiffened Serbia into resisting Austria's unacceptable demands. It
+rather leads one to consider that an action which drives a weak nation
+to arrive at a decision on so awful an issue in so short a time, is an
+action discreditable to a stronger, and impossible on the part of a
+morally great, power. If Serbia chose wrongly in refusing to bite the
+dust, then the guilt is still chargeable to Austria for forcing her
+little neighbour to take a choice in haste. Sir Edward Grey emphasized
+in his speech of July 27th the shortness of the time which all the
+Powers had had at their disposal to formulate a plan, by which the
+conflict could be restricted to the East, or amicably settled.
+
+The leaders of the Germanic States had purposely willed it so. Several
+unsuccessful attempts had been made to break up the Triple Entente, the
+only barrier to the Germanization, _i.e._, Prussianization, of Europe,
+and in the tragedy of Serajewo the Central Powers (or, at least, the
+dominating factor of the two) believed they had found a lever with which
+to break down the opposition by diplomacy. If that failed an immediate
+appeal to the sword should follow. The diplomatic forty-eight hours'
+_coup-de-main_ failed, and the programme contained no other item except
+war. In a few words this means that the dastardly crime of Princip and
+his fellow conspirators was exploited by Germany, acting through
+Austria, to disturb the European balance of power under the guise of a
+just vengeance.
+
+Sir Edward Grey formulated and circulated his conference proposal on the
+next day, July 26th. Some persons to whom I spoke at the time welcomed
+the idea; they belonged principally to the lower middle classes. One
+well-known Pan-Germanist (Dr. Beckmann, professor of history in Erlangen
+University) said that the proposal was an admission of a diplomatic
+defeat and a sign that the Entente Powers were afraid to draw the sword.
+If the three Powers in question were prepared to pocket this smack in
+the face, then Germany would be satisfied, because such a defeat would
+mean that the Triple Entente would never be able to work together again.
+
+It is interesting to compare with this opinion those of two leading
+newspapers:
+
+(1.) "We understand that the German Government is not absolutely hostile
+to England's endeavours to bring about a mediation between the
+contending Powers by those not directly interested in the conflict. But
+the German Government makes its participation in the mediation dependent
+upon whether Austria-Hungary would accept this procedure, and in which
+respect Austria wishes the mediation to follow. The German Government
+cannot support any action which Austria-Hungary does not desire, as that
+would mean exercising pressure.
+
+"From Sir Edward Grey's declaration in the House of Commons it is clear
+that he was not thinking of mediation between Austria and Serbia, but
+between Austria and Russia. This shade of meaning requires attention. We
+think that any attempt at mediation between Austria and Serbia would
+have no prospect of success, because in Vienna they do not seem inclined
+to accept such an action. Diplomatic relations have not been broken off;
+the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs confers still with the Austrian
+Ambassador, and it is not easy to see why the other Powers Should not
+further this discussion in a mediative sense.
+
+"But then Sir Edward Grey gave his idea more exact form and proposed a
+conference between the German, Italian and French ambassadors and
+himself. This conference of ambassadors is to seek a basis for an
+agreement and then submit the result to the cabinets in Vienna and St.
+Petersburg. In his yesterday's speech he emphasized the point that no
+hostilities may take place till the conference has concluded its work.
+
+"Here, of course, is the difficulty which mars his plan, for it is
+questionable whether Austria will consent to a postponement of her
+military operations. Negotiations concerning Sir Edward Grey's proposal
+are at present occupying the cabinets, and it is to be hoped that a
+means will be found to make it acceptable to the Powers most interested
+in the conflict."[4]
+
+[Footnote 4: _Berliner Tagtblatt_, July 28th.]
+
+(2.) "Germany not only cherishes, in a platonic manner, the desire of
+the Western Powers to prevent the conflict between Austria and Serbia
+spreading to the great Powers, but the Berlin cabinet has already been
+active in more than one European capital in favour of a mediation which
+will secure European peace. In this respect we are pleased (_Man
+begruesst es hier_) that, in consequence of Sir Edward Grey's initiative,
+the mediation idea has assumed an official form and is open for public
+discussion. There is, however, reason to doubt whether a conference
+between four great Powers as an organ for the mediation is the most
+suitable way out of the difficulty. Everyone is quite agreed that the
+details of the Austro-Serbian conflict, which concerns these two States
+alone, cannot be brought before the forum of a conference; but as
+regards the removal in good time of any difficulties which may arise
+between Austria and Russia, the question must be raised as to whether
+the Governments of these States are willing to entrust an official
+mediation to a conference of four other great Powers. For the success of
+the mediation proposal it would be more practical if the means to this
+end were made as simple as possible, and that use was made of the
+current diplomatic discussions, in immediate communication with the
+capitals of the Empires in question, in order to carry through a
+mediatory action to the result desired on all sides.
+
+"In the employment of these means Germany would not fail to support the
+Western Powers as she has already done up to the present."[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: _Koelnische Zeitung_, July 28th.]
+
+I have carefully searched the official publications of the Central
+Powers (Germany's White Book; Austria's Orange Book), and can find no
+record in them of any pacific action on Germany's part in either of the
+European capitals; hence the claims made in the above article seem to be
+an exaggeration.
+
+It appears incredible that these Powers should have omitted to give
+proof of such action when making their case public for the sole purpose
+of proving their innocence before the world. On the other hand, the
+impression given by these books is that Germany and Austria's attitude
+was:
+
+To SERBIA: The conditions must be accepted _ad hoc_ to the smallest
+tittle and comma. Alternative, war.
+
+To RUSSIA: What we have determined upon is unalterable and inevitable,
+and you must submit to this decision. Alternative, war.
+
+The _Goerlitzer Nachrichten_ published the following paragraph on July
+30th: "Vienna, July 29th. After having made inquiries in official
+circles, the morning papers make this announcement: Count Berchtold has
+informed the English Ambassador that the Austro-Hungarian Government is
+grateful for Grey's mediation proposal, and appreciates the good
+intentions of the British Government. A peaceful solution of the
+conflict with Serbia is, however, no longer possible, as the declaration
+of war had already been signed."
+
+Before leaving this all-important episode, it is instructive to compare
+three other versions of the reason for refusing a conference. Sir Edward
+Grey mooted the proposal for a conference to the ambassadors in London
+on Friday, July 24th. On the afternoon he requested the British
+Ambassador in Berlin to propose the conference to the German Government.
+
+In spite of this, document No. 12 in the German White Book, a telegram
+from the German Chancellor to Prince Lichnowsky in London runs: "We know
+nothing here of a proposal from Sir Edward Grey to hold a conference of
+four in London, etc." Another telegram, document No. 15, bearing the
+same date and likewise from Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky is as
+follows: "We have immediately commenced the mediatory action in Vienna
+in the sense desired by Sir Edward Grey. Furthermore, we have informed
+Count Berchtold of M. Sasonow's desire to communicate with him
+direct."[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: This message leads to the assumption that direct
+communications between Vienna and Petrograd had already ceased, although
+the _Koelnische Zeitung_ told the German public on the following day that
+they had not.]
+
+The next document in the German White Book is dated July 28th. It is a
+telegram from the German Ambassador in Vienna to the German Chancellor
+in Berlin. "Count Berchtold begs me to express his thanks to you for
+communicating the English mediation proposal. He replies, however, that
+in consequence of the commencement of hostilities by Serbia and after
+the declaration of war which has meanwhile been made he must look upon
+England's step as being too late."
+
+In the Austrian Orange Book, p. 122, we find this passage in a telegram
+from Count Berchtold to the Austrian representative in London: "When Sir
+Edward Grey speaks of the possibility of avoiding an outbreak of
+hostilities he is too late, for yesterday Serbians shot at our frontier
+guards, and to-day we have declared war on Serbia."
+
+There are two points in these telegrams which require explanation.
+Firstly, why should Sir Edward Grey's proposal take so long to reach
+Vienna. Apparently it took from Monday to Wednesday to go by telegram
+from London via Berlin to Vienna. Two German newspapers (already quoted)
+knew of this conference idea on the 27th of July and commented upon it
+in their morning editions of the following day.
+
+The other point is the Austrian statement that Serbia commenced
+hostilities. If this were the case, one would expect that
+Austria-Hungary, in declaring war subsequently to the alleged shooting
+by Serbians at frontier guards, would make mention of the acts as a
+_casus belli_. On p. 117 of the Red Book the text of the declaration of
+war is given in full, but there is no mention of any resort to arms on
+the part of Serbia.
+
+We are forced to the conclusion that Germany and Austria are mutually
+responsible for preventing the conference; they desired war, and a
+conference might have preserved peace. During the present summer (1915)
+an important work has been published in Germany from which the following
+passage is taken:
+
+"Grey thought the time had now arrived to formulate a mediation
+proposal. This idea was from the very beginning unacceptable to Austria,
+because that would indirectly be a recognition of Russia as an
+interested Power in the Austro-Serbian conflict. Only those who have
+followed the development of mutual obligations between the Entente
+Powers are able to understand the role which Russia's two comrades
+(France and England)--to say nothing at all of Italy--would have played
+in this conference. During its sittings Russia would have continued her
+military preparations, while Germany would have been pledged not to
+mobilize. Finally, nobody could assert that the man (Sir Edward Grey)
+who would have presided over these negotiations, could have been
+impartial. The more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more
+clearly one recognizes that it would have made for a diplomatic victory
+of the Triple Entente."[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Professor Hermann Oncken: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg,"
+pp. 545-6.]
+
+Even the claim that Austria showed some inclination to permit mediation
+on the points in her ultimatum to Serbia which were incompatible with
+Serbia's sovereignty, has been categorically denied. The Vienna
+_Fremdenblatt_ for September 24th, 1914, contains this official
+announcement:
+
+"Vienna, September 24th. In a report of the late British Ambassador
+published by the British Government, there is a passage which maintains
+that Austria-Hungary's Ambassador, Count Szapary, in St. Petersburg had
+informed Monsieur Sasonow, Russia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, that
+Austria-Hungary 'was willing to submit the points in her Note to Serbia
+which seemed incompatible with Serbian independence, to mediation.'
+
+"We have been informed officially that this statement is absolutely
+untrue; according to the nature of the step taken by the monarchy in
+Belgrade, it would have been absolutely unthinkable. The passage cited
+from the British Ambassador's report, as well as some other phrases in
+the same, are evidently inspired by a certain bias. They are intended to
+prove, by asserting that Austria-Hungary was prepared to yield on some
+points at issue, that German diplomacy was really responsible for the
+outbreak of war.
+
+"Such attempts cannot obscure the truth, that Austria-Hungary and
+Germany concurred in the wish to preserve European peace. If this wish
+has not been fulfilled, and a European conflict has arisen out of a
+local settlement, it can only be ascribed to the circumstance that
+Russia first threatened Austria-Hungary and then Germany by an
+unjustifiable mobilization. By this she forced war upon the Central
+Powers and thus kindled a general conflagration."
+
+In dealing with Germany's endeavours for peace Professor Oncken writes
+on p. 546 of "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War"): "The work of German diplomacy took the form of giving warnings
+and peaceful explanations." On July 26th she pointed out to the Russian
+Government that "preparatory military measures on Russia's part would
+compel Germany to take corresponding steps, viz., the mobilization of
+the army. Mobilization means war." Oncken does not quote any of the
+"peaceful explanations" (_friedliche Erklaerungen_), and much as the
+present writer would like to fill up this gap in his work, he must admit
+his utter inability, because in the diplomatic correspondence he can
+only find exasperating threats, thrown out to Russia by the two Germanic
+Empires.
+
+The whole problem allows of a very simple digest: On July 23rd,
+Austria-Hungary handed her ultimatum to Serbia, therein stating her
+demands, and on the following day informed all the European powers of
+her attitude. The neutral Press of the world and an unusually large
+section of the German Press, immediately pronounced Austria's position
+to be indefensible and untenable. The German Government, in spite of
+these facts, gave its official and unreserved support to Austria's
+attitude on July 26th. After eight weeks of war (on September 25th),
+Austria officially declared that she had never swerved from her original
+claims, nor ever felt any inclination to do so.
+
+It is true that the usages of everyday life do not always hold good in
+diplomatic dealings, but it is instructive to state the case in the
+terms of everyday affairs. Mr. A. (Austria) informs Mr. B. (Serbia) that
+he has a quarrel to settle with him and states his demands. Mr. C.
+(Russia) who is a relation, patron and friend of B.'s, interferes to see
+fair play. Whereupon Mr. D. (Germany), a friend and relation of A.'s,
+informs C. in unmistakable fashion that he must neither speak nor act in
+the affair or he will be immediately thrashed. Messrs. A. and D. are
+unanimous in this view and repeat the threat in mutual form. Meanwhile
+A. attacks B. Mr. C, seeing that they will not accord him a hearing,
+takes steps to compel them to hear him, at which point Mr. D. fulfils
+his threat and falls upon C.
+
+It is not yet clear whether Austria would have permitted Russia to take
+over the role of adviser and second to Serbia in her unequal struggle
+with Austria. But from the moment Germany appeared on the scene the
+situation becomes perfectly simple: Russia has absolutely no right
+either to speak or move in the matter. On this rock of immovable
+Germanic obstinacy the Russian ship of State, was intended to meet with
+diplomatic shipwreck. Should Russia attempt to avoid this fate, then the
+German sword could be trusted to arrange matters in the way desired by
+Germany.
+
+The German language contains a very expressive phrase,
+_Stimmungsmacherei_, which means creating or preparing a certain frame
+of mind. How Germany's public opinion was tuned to the war melody is
+seen by a study of the German newspapers published between July 25th and
+August 1st. A great part of the German nation had welcomed Austria's
+expressed determination to compel Serbia "to lick her shoes," as a
+London paper put it at the time. Only the Social Democratic Party
+persisted in asserting that Austria was the provocative and guilty party
+down to the evening of July 28th.
+
+But three days earlier the process of educating public opinion against
+Russia commenced. In fact, it required little tuning to arouse a
+national chorus, which was swelled subsequently by the Social Democratic
+voices, demanding that Russia too must bite the dust.
+
+At the psychological moment the terms of the alliance between Germany
+and Austria were launched in the Press. One paper[8] wrote: "It is
+interesting at the present moment to call to mind how the treaty
+existing between Germany and Austria regulates the question of mutual
+support." Then the various paragraphs are cited, and the article
+concludes: "That is to say: (1.) Assuming Austria attacks Serbia, and
+Russia as a precautionary measure sends troops to the Austrian frontier
+without commencing hostilities against the latter, then Germany is under
+no obligation to intervene. (2.) Assuming that Serbia is the attacking
+party, and Russia gives her support by military measures which threaten
+Austria, then the German Empire must immediately assist the Hapsburg
+monarchy with the whole of her military forces.
+
+[Footnote 8: _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, July 27th.]
+
+"Hence it all depends upon who attacks; the interpretation of 'attack,'
+however, is debatable both in politics and international law. Again and
+again it has been asserted that that Power which declares war is not the
+attacker, but the one which makes a continuance of peaceful relations
+impossible."
+
+Innumerable notices of Russia's alleged mobilization appeared and,
+probably with a view to encouraging Germans to stand fast, ghastly
+pictures of the weakness and unpreparedness of the Russian army, in a
+word Russian rottenness and corruption. Persistent rumours of
+revolutions in Russia were current.
+
+A Vienna telegram published in Berlin[9] informed the German public
+that: "News received from Warsaw deny the rumours that a revolution has
+broken out in Russian-Poland, but it is true that yesterday the entire
+citadel in Warsaw was blown up. Official Russian reports endeavour to
+prove that the explosion was caused by lightning. The extent of the
+damage is not yet known, but in any case it amounts to hundreds of
+thousands of roubles. It is also not certain whether any or how many
+lives were lost."
+
+[Footnote 9: _Vossische Zeitung_, July 29th.]
+
+A few days later the German official organ _Norddeutsche Allgemeine
+Zeitung_ and the semi-official _Koelnische Zeitung_ published the
+following report of the explosion. "According to the statement of the
+Governor of Warsaw it was caused by revolutionaries. No proof of this
+was forthcoming, therefore it was ascribed to lightning, and as nobody
+believed this explanation--there was not a cloud on the sky at the
+time--the guilt remained finally with the revolutionaries.
+
+"Now it has been proved, not to the satisfaction of the Russian
+authorities of course, that Russian officers of high rank blew the
+magazine up, because they would have to supply the troops with
+ammunition after the mobilization--and the ammunition was not there. The
+money for the same had found its way into the officers' pockets."
+
+On July 30th the _Vossische Zeitung_ announced: "To-day even more
+alarming news has been in the air than in the last few days. The _Lokal
+Anzeiger_ stated during the afternoon that an order for the mobilization
+of the army and navy had been signed by the Kaiser. On making inquiries
+in official quarters, we were informed that the 'news' is false. At
+three o'clock Wolff's Bureau issued an official _dementi_: 'We have
+received an official statement to the effect that the news published in
+an extra edition of the _Berliner Lokal Anzeiger_ that the Kaiser had
+ordered the general mobilization is untrue.' Great excitement was caused
+by the _Lokal Anzeiger's_ announcement, and the public visibly
+disquieted."
+
+The above report refers, of course, to incidents which happened on the
+preceding day. The 30th of July was marked by the suppression of three
+Berlin papers, including the _Berliner Neuester Nachrichten_, for
+divulging the fact that the 1st, 5th and 17th Army Corps had been
+mobilized. An account of this _faux pas_ appeared on July 31st in the
+_Kreuz Zeitung_ and concluded, after denying the truth of the
+mobilization, with the following paragraph: "If bodies of troops have
+been moved to various points of our Eastern frontier, then it only means
+the so-called frontier protection (_Grenzschutz_), which has been made
+necessary by our Eastern neighbour strengthening his customary frontier
+guards by troops of the line. Frontier protection is not generally
+intended to prevent a serious attack, but means rather a kind of police
+action."
+
+Two other passages will suffice to illuminate the mobilization question.
+"Yesterday Russia gave official notification in Vienna and Berlin of
+mobilization against Austria. Is it to be wondered at that a feeling of
+disquietude is spreading throughout all classes of the nation. By delay
+on our side, valuable military advantages may be lost if the people once
+suspect that there is an absence of that firmness and joy of
+responsibility (_Verantwortungsfreudigkeit_) which marked the action of
+the Austrian Government and was hailed with jubilation by the German
+nation.
+
+"_Summa summarum_: The German Government has taken honest pains during
+the last week in showing its peace-loving disposition and in seeking a
+peaceful solution to the crisis. Nevertheless the political situation on
+all sides and in every respect, has become worse from day to day through
+the fault and according to the intention of the Triple Entente."[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: _Kreuz Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+"The others are mobilizing. We--issue denials. We deny everything which
+might mean mobilization or look like preparation for that step. It is
+done for the sake of 'peace,' so that Russia, who is gathering her
+national strength together in masses, may not be offended. Are we being
+led? We look to the Kaiser. The Peace Societies and some of Germany's
+enemies are looking to him.
+
+"Can we remain indifferent in our hour of dread need, when the gleaming
+promise of a bright future appears in the distance, if the inability to
+resolve and dare has made Berlin its headquarters. All efforts are for
+'peace' with honour. But in politics one must be able to recognize when
+it is impossible to continue at peace; when peace is at the cost of our
+friends, our own security, and the future of European peace. In view of
+this one must be able to act."[11]
+
+[Footnote 11: _Deutsche Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+The internal tactics of the German Government had been successful all
+along the line. Insignificant Serbia had dropped out of the reckoning.
+Russia must be humbled. The German nation, believing itself entirely
+peaceful, and convinced that its leaders had done everything possible
+for peace, now demanded in no unmistakable voice--action! mobilization!
+war!
+
+Announcements of mobilization on all sides (Switzerland, Holland,
+Belgium) doubtless added to the popular belief that Germany desired
+above all things--peace. Still, in spite of the warlike spirit of the
+nation and the burning desire to settle off Russia once and for all,
+there was an undercurrent of overstrained nervousness. A Dresden paper
+of July 30th relates that between the hours of two and four on the
+preceding afternoon a Berlin newspaper had been asked thirty-seven
+different questions on the telephone relating to rumours of
+assassinations, mobilization, etc.
+
+The process of inspiring national confidence, however, had by no means
+suffered through neglect. France was represented as being unprepared
+and, together with England, desiring only peace. As early as July 27th
+in the _Taegliche Rundschau_ the public had been told that Italy, had
+officially declared herself ready and willing to stand by the Central
+Powers as an ally.
+
+Even Japan was used to stiffen Teutonic courage. The _Deutscher Kurier_
+told its readers in a telegram from New York (?) that Americans fully
+expected Japan to attack Russia in the back and Japanese ministers were
+holding conferences all day and night. According to the _Weser Zeitung_,
+August 1st, Japan was arming for war, while the _Muenchen-Augsburger
+Zeitung_ published details of an alliance concluded between Austria and
+Japan in Vienna on the afternoon of July 30th. According to this source
+Japan had pledged herself to support Austria in case the latter was
+attacked by Russia, while Austria declared her absolute
+disinterestedness in the Far East. On August 1st the _Berliner
+Tageblatt_ repeated this legend; but advised its readers to exercise
+reserve in accepting it.
+
+"During the evening (August 2nd) the news spread in the streets of
+Berlin that Japan was mobilizing and had already declared war on Russia.
+Huge crowds flocked to the Japanese Embassy and spent hours in cheering
+Japan, Germany, and the Triple Alliance."[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: _Der Montag_, August 3rd.]
+
+Meanwhile Russia, having failed to get her simple rights recognized and
+knowing that Germany had made extensive military preparations, decided
+on July 31st to mobilize her entire forces. The German Ambassador
+immediately informed his Government of this step, and the Kaiser placed
+Germany under martial law. On the same day the Emperor proceeded from
+Potsdam to the Imperial Palace in Berlin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE DOGS LET LOOSE
+
+
+"Just after three o'clock a company, at war strength, from the
+'Alexander' regiment marched under the command of a young lieutenant,
+down Unter den Linden. Drums were beaten; a huge crowd listened in
+solemn silence as the lieutenant read the articles placing the German
+Empire under martial law. The crowd was fully alive to the awful
+sternness of this historic moment.
+
+"After the proclamation was ended a deep silence ensued, then a loud
+voice cried: 'The Kaiser! Hurrah!' Three times the shout rang to the
+heavens. 'The German army! Hurrah!' Once more the caps were swung three
+times. The boy-like lieutenant, with head erect, sword in hand,
+commands: 'Attention! Slope arms!' The regular beat of marching men
+follows as they proceed in the direction of the Imperial Residence.
+Berlin is under martial law!"[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: _Deutscher Kurier_, July 31st.]
+
+"During the afternoon enormous masses of people collected in the streets
+and open spaces of Berlin. Unter den Linden, in expectation of the
+Kaiser's return, was overfilled with excited, waiting throngs. Just
+before a quarter to four a great movement was seen from the direction of
+the Brandenburger Tor, which spread like a wave along the street.
+Everybody rushed on to the road, and the police were pushed aside. Then
+the suppressed excitement of the last few days gave vent to a hurricane
+of hurrahs as the populace greeted their monarch. The Emperor was
+wearing the uniform of the _Garde-Kuerassiere_; beside him sat the
+Empress. His countenance was overshadowed by deep gravity as he returned
+the welcome of his subjects. At a quarter to four the Kaiser was in the
+royal castle, and immediately the Imperial Standard was fluttering
+aloft."[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: _Vossische Zeitung_, July 31st.]
+
+The next twenty-four hours are so full of fateful events that they seem
+one big blur on the memory. Although everyone was convinced that an
+appeal to the sword was inevitable, there was still a tense feeling of
+dread expectation hanging like a cloud over the land. During the whole
+of that long night the author was an observer from an overcrowded train
+which left Nuremberg at 9 p.m. and rumbled dismally into Cologne the
+next morning at ten o'clock. Every station, great and small, was crowded
+with anxious, expectant crowds; the smaller stations full of spectators
+and relatives bidding farewell to departing soldiers, and the greater
+ones crowded with fleeing tourists.
+
+On the platforms at Frankfort and Cologne many tons of luggage were
+stacked in huge piles. It would be interesting to know what became of
+them.[15] Few Germans could have slept that night; the anxiety was too
+great. The whole railway line was guarded by patrols, many of whom were
+in civilian attire. Here and there a "field-grey" uniform was visible.
+On many stations armed guards awaited the arrival of reservists and gave
+them conduct to the barracks.
+
+[Footnote 15: The _Koenigsberger Hartungsche Zeitung_ contained a
+paragraph on August 7th to the effect that 120,000 trunks and
+portmanteaux had been collected on Berlin stations alone.]
+
+The Kaiser spoke words of cheer from a window of the royal palace on
+Friday evening, after which the restless crowd thronged to the official
+residence of the Chancellor to receive as a watchword the words which
+Prince Friedrich Karl had spoken on a memorable occasion to his
+Brandenburger troops: "Let your hearts beat to God, and your blows on
+the enemy."
+
+An ultimatum was despatched to St. Petersburg and presented at midnight
+to the Russian Government. The latter was requested to cancel all
+mobilization orders within twelve hours, or war would ensue.
+Simultaneously the French Government was asked what its attitude would
+be in case of a Russo-German war. In these measures it is safe to
+conclude that the German nation was heart and soul behind the
+Government, otherwise the tremendous outbreak of national enthusiasm
+throughout the length and breadth of the land would be entirely
+inexplicable.
+
+Throughout the day the nation awaited, under tense strain, an answer
+from Russia. "At five o'clock the excitement of the masses in Unter den
+Linden had increased to a degree almost beyond endurance. The crowd
+surged from side to side when a court carriage or an officer drove by in
+a motor-car. Everyone felt that the fateful decision might fall at any
+minute, when the German nation would know its fate.
+
+"Suddenly motor-cars full of officers appeared from the gates of the
+royal residence. They shouted to the excited crowd that the general
+mobilization had been ordered. One officer waved his drawn sword,
+another his handkerchief, while others stood up and waved their caps.
+Then an indescribable scene of jubilation followed; the parole
+'mobilization' was passed on by the police, and in less time than it
+takes to write, the hundreds of thousands of human beings surging to and
+fro between the monument to 'Old Fritz' and the Lustgarten, knew that
+Germany would now speak with her sword."[16]
+
+[Footnote 16: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 2nd.]
+
+"Our hour of destiny has struck! Germany, the strongest and most
+peaceful nation on earth, appeals to the sword. The last call which we
+sent across the Eastern frontier has remained unanswered. The enemy is
+mute. Now Germany speaks!
+
+"The Kaiser calls the Empire to arms! Our King will lead Bavaria's
+armies to him. The nation is ready, armed to the teeth. Challenged by a
+dishonest opponent who envies us the fruit of our peaceful toil, the
+hands of German men leave their work and grasp the sword. Our enemy
+shall learn to his terrible cost, what it means to summon a nation in
+arms to the battlefield. The German army goes out to fight for our
+country, in a cause which is more stainless and pure than the light of
+the sun. The disgraceful Muscovite conspiracy, creeping in the footsteps
+of Serbian murderers, believes the moment has arrived in which they will
+be able to fall upon, overthrow and plunder us; Russia desires to kindle
+a world war.
+
+"We believe that he will not succeed; but should it thus fall out, we
+Germans will defend not only our land and ourselves; but, in this war
+which has been forced upon us in the basest manner possible, we shall
+defend the civilization of the world, the culture of the earth, against
+debased 'unculture' and the spreading roots of decay. This is a lofty
+and tremendous task. If we are victorious, as we confidently trust, then
+the ever-increasing number of civilized peoples honestly toiling in the
+blessings of peace, will thank us for centuries to come.
+
+"Brothers! Sisters! such an hour has come that the history of the world
+has never witnessed before. In the struggle which now begins--a deadly
+grapple frivolously conjured up by Russia's monarch--the whole earth
+will groan. The German people, however, will prove that it is worthy to
+retain and develop its leading place in the intellectual and cultural
+progress of the world. Our enemy envies us this position because in his
+land, stupidity and confusion reign supreme; his own uncivilization and
+barbarism cannot be rooted out.
+
+"We will prevent him from throwing Europe back to the conditions in
+which he and his likes dwell. May God grant that the civilized peoples
+of Europe may have true understanding for this historic hour, just as
+their heroic ancestors understood the danger when they hurled themselves
+against the invasions of the Mongols.
+
+"First of all the German nation will march against the armies of the
+East, and, hand in hand with our ally, we hope will so grip the enemy
+that he will lose all desire ever to attack us again."[17]
+
+[Footnote 17: _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 2nd.]
+
+The last lines of this perfervid article, give an instructive clue. A
+mere quibble had arisen between the Central Powers and Russia. The
+former immediately adopted an arrogant, even threatening, attitude which
+thoughtful Germans condemned. Russia's willingness to submit the
+question to an arbitration conference consisting of four neutral
+ambassadors seems only to have intensified Teutonic lust to humiliate
+the opponent. In any case, it is interesting to note that between July
+24th and 31st the whole German nation had been converted to the
+uncompromising attitude of the Government.
+
+Further, it is evident that the German people believed they were about
+to march against Russia. The very last remark which I heard from German
+lips as we entered the train to leave Erlangen on July 31st was: "Jetzt
+werden die Russen abgekloepft." ("Now the Russians will get a
+whacking.")[18]
+
+[Footnote 18: We left Erlangen at 3.30 p.m. Martial law had been
+proclaimed some time previous to that. But the proclamation in Berlin
+occurred at 3.30 p.m. on the same day. The _Berliner Abendblatt_
+published on the same evening states that the Kaiser had been waiting
+and hoping for a peaceful answer from Russia. The Bavarian authorities
+could not have taken so serious a step without an order from the Highest
+War Lord, which leads to the conclusion that it was a device to get
+military preparation well under way.]
+
+The Berlin cabinet mobilized Germany's armed strength, as they alleged,
+against Russia, and the Government succeeded in arousing and enlisting
+national enthusiasm against the Eastern neighbour. Yet when the time
+came to strike, Germany's might was hurled against neutral Belgium and
+unwilling France, while Russia was left free to overrun the Eastern part
+of Germany. The blood-guilt rests in the first place with the Kaiser and
+his Government, and in the second place (although in no less a degree)
+with the German people, because they condoned the crime and acquiesced
+in the duplicity.
+
+While the war fury seethed through the nation the cry echoed on all
+sides: "We want peace! We have worked for a peaceful solution!" Yet a
+study of the workings of the national mind as revealed in the German
+Press, and of diplomatic doings as shown in the German White Book,
+affords not a single instance--excepting the Socialists'
+demonstrations--of any tangible, concrete effort made either by the
+German people or its representative diplomacy to avoid a catastrophe. On
+the other hand it must be said that the latter (German diplomacy)
+deliberately baulked the only practical proposal (Sir Edward Grey's)
+which could have brought about a solution. The German nation _did_
+desire peace, but only on the condition that their opponents granted
+Germany and Austria's arrogant claims down to the smallest tittle.
+
+Exactly at six minutes to one (midday) on August 1st, a telegram left
+Berlin instructing the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg to declare
+war on Russia at 5 p.m. if the latter State had not given a satisfactory
+answer to Germany's ultimatum by that time. Count Pourtales performed
+this duty, and therewith the sands of fate ran out.
+
+On the previous day summonses had been issued calling a meeting of the
+Reichstag for Tuesday, August 4th. The opening ceremony took place at 1
+p.m. and all the political parties were present, except the Social
+Democrats, who, according to their traditions, did not appear, and thus
+escaped the famous hand-shaking scene. The Kaiser and two of his sons
+appeared in field-grey uniform. His theatrical appeal for the leaders of
+each party to swear fidelity to the national cause by shaking hands with
+him, as well as his saying that "Now there are only Germans," may have
+been spontaneous; but it is far more probable that they were meant to be
+a diplomatic appeal to the sentimental vanity of the German nation.
+
+It would be superfluous to deal with the speech from the throne in this
+place, but at the close of the ceremony an incident occurred which
+deserves mention. "After taking leave of the Reichstag's representatives
+the Kaiser stretched out his hand to the famous professor of
+jurisprudence in Strasbourg University, Dr. van Calker. The Kaiser
+looked steadily at Professor van Calker for a moment, then, after the
+handshake, clenched his fist and struck downwards uttering these words:
+'Nun aber wollen wir sie dreschen!'[19] ('Now we will jolly well thrash
+them!'); nodded to the professor and walked away."[20]
+
+[Footnote 19: This utterance has since become a common theme for
+composition exercises in German schools.]
+
+[Footnote 20: _Taegliche Rundschau_, August 5th.]
+
+The sitting in the Reichstag was a solemn event. On that occasion the
+Chancellor expressed himself at length in defining Germany's position.
+
+"A tremendous fate has fallen upon Europe. While we have endeavoured to
+maintain the prestige of the German Empire in the eyes of the world, we
+have lived for forty-four years in peace and protected European peace.
+In this work of peace we have become strong and mighty--therefore we are
+envied. We have suffered with long-enduring patience; while in the East
+and West, under the excuse that Germany is lusting for war, hatred for
+us has been nourished and fetters wrought where-with to bind us. The
+wind which blows there has now become a storm.
+
+"We desired nothing but to live on in peaceful toil, content with an
+unspoken oath that was echoed from the Emperor down to the youngest
+recruit. Our sword shall only leap from its sheath in defence of a just
+cause. (Loud applause.) The day on which we must draw it, has dawned
+against our will and contrary to our honest endeavours. Russia has set a
+burning torch to the house of peace. (Loud cries of 'Quite true.') We
+stand to-day in a forced war with Russia and France.
+
+"Gentlemen, a number of documents, collected in the haste caused by
+these overwhelming events, have been laid before you. Permit me to
+emphasize the facts which characterize our attitude.
+
+"From the moment that the Austrian conflict broke out we have striven
+and worked to limit the quarrel to Austria-Hungary and Serbia. All the
+cabinets, in particular England, accept this view; only Russia has
+declared that in the settlement of this conflict, she must be allowed to
+express her wishes. Therewith the danger of European complications
+raised its threatening countenance.
+
+"As soon as the first certain news of Russian military preparations
+reached us, we caused it to be made known in St. Petersburg, in a
+friendly but unmistakable manner, that warlike measures and military
+preparations would compel us also to take corresponding steps. But
+mobilization is next to war. Russia assured us in a friendly tone (cries
+of indignation) that she was making no military preparations against us.
+
+"Meanwhile England tried to mediate between Vienna and St. Petersburg
+and was warmly supported by us. On July 28th the Kaiser telegraphed to
+the Czar begging him to remember that it was Austria-Hungary's right and
+duty to stop the Greater-Serbian agitation, as this threatened to
+undermine Austria's existence. (Cries of indignation.) The Kaiser
+pointed out to the Czar the gulf between monarchical interests and the
+outrage at Serajewo; he begged him to give his personal support to the
+Kaiser's endeavour to smooth out the antithesis between Vienna and St.
+Petersburg.
+
+"Just before this telegram came into the Czar's hands, the Czar, on his
+side, begged the Kaiser for his help: the Kaiser should advise Vienna to
+be more moderate. The Kaiser undertook the task of mediator, but the
+action ordered by him was hardly in motion, when Russia began to
+mobilize all her forces against Austria-Hungary. (Excited shouts of
+indignation and disgust.) But Austria had only mobilized certain army
+corps against Serbia, besides which she had only two corps, and these
+were far from the Russian frontier.
+
+"At this juncture the Kaiser informed the Czar that the mobilization of
+his armies against Austria would increase the difficulties of mediation,
+a task which he had undertaken at the Czar's express wish, and perhaps
+render it impossible. Nevertheless, we continued our mediatory action in
+Berlin, and indeed in a form which went to the limits permitted by our
+alliance. (Great excitement.) During this time Russia renewed her
+assurances that she was taking no military measures against us.
+
+"We come to July 3ist. In Vienna a decision was to be arrived at on that
+day. By our representations we had already brought it about that Vienna,
+which for a time was not in direct communication with St. Petersburg,
+had commenced direct discussion again. But before Vienna could come to a
+final decision, the news came that Russia was mobilizing--_i.e._,
+against us too--her whole forces. (Cries of indignation.) The Russian
+Government, although fully aware from our repeated representations what
+a mobilization on our frontiers means, did not notify this step to us,
+and gave us no explanations concerning it.
+
+"As late as the afternoon of July 31st a telegram came from the Czar to
+the Kaiser in which the former pledged himself that his army should take
+up no provocative attitude against us. (Great excitement.) But the
+hostile mobilization on the Russian frontier was in full swing during
+the night July 30th-31st. While we were mediating in Berlin the Russian
+armies appeared on our long and almost entirely open frontier. France
+was not yet mobilizing, but, as she admits, was already taking
+precautionary measures.
+
+"And we? Up till then we had not--the Imperial Chancellor spoke with
+great emotion and repeatedly struck the table while uttering these
+words--called up a single reservist, out of a loving regard for the
+peace of Europe. (Loud cries of 'Bravo!') Were we then to wait on in
+patience till the Powers between which we are wedged should choose their
+moment to strike? (A hurricane of voices, 'No!') To expose Germany to
+this danger would be a crime. (Stormy, general and long continued cries
+of 'Quite true!' and 'Bravo!' in which the Social Democrats joined too.)
+
+"Therefore on July 31st we requested Russia to demobilize as the only
+measure which could save the European peace. (Loud applause.) The
+Imperial Ambassador in St. Petersburg further received instructions to
+inform the Russian Government, that in case our demand was rejected, we
+should consider ourselves in a state of war with Russia. The Imperial
+Ambassador has carried out these instructions.
+
+"What answer Russia accorded to our demand for demobilization we do not
+know even to-day. Telegraphic announcements on this point have not
+reached us, although matters of far less importance have been sent over
+the wires. Hence, long after the expiration of the stated time, the
+Kaiser saw himself compelled to mobilize our forces at 5 o'clock on
+August 1st.
+
+"Simultaneously, it was necessary for us to inquire regarding France's
+attitude. In answer to our definite question whether, in case of a
+Russo-German war, France would remain neutral, the French Government has
+replied that they will act as their interests dictate. (Laughter.) This
+was at least an evasion, if not a negative answer to our question.
+
+"In spite of this, the Kaiser ordered that the French frontier should be
+respected. This order was strictly obeyed with one single exception.
+France, who mobilized at the same time as ourselves, declared that she
+would respect a ten-kilometre zone along her frontiers. (Cries of
+indignation.) And what happened in reality? Their airmen have thrown
+bombs, cavalry patrols have violated our territory, and companies have
+broken into Alsace-Lorraine. (Indignation.) Therewith, France, although
+war has not yet been declared, has attacked our territories.
+
+"As regards the single exception which I have referred, I have received
+the following report from the Chief of the General Staff: In respect to
+French complaints of violations of her frontiers, only one case is
+admitted. Against express orders an officer with a patrol from the 14th
+Army Corps crossed the French frontier on August 2nd. Apparently they
+were shot down; only one man has returned. But long before this single
+instance occurred, French airmen had penetrated into Southern Germany
+and dropped bombs, and French troops had attacked our
+frontier-protection-troops in the Schlucht Pass. Up till now our
+soldiers have confined themselves entirely to protecting the frontier.
+
+"So far the report from the Chief of the General Staff.
+
+"We are now in a position of self-defence, and necessity knows no
+law![21] (Cries of 'Quite right!') Our troops have occupied Luxembourg,
+perhaps they have already entered Belgium. (Loud applause.) That is a
+breach of international law. The French Government, it is true, had
+declared in Brussels that they would respect Belgian neutrality so long
+as their opponent respected it. But we knew that France stood ready to
+invade it. (Cries of indignation.)
+
+[Footnote 21: This sentence seems so important that I give the original:
+"Wir sind jetzt in der Notwehr, und Not kennt kein Gebot!"]
+
+"France could wait, we could not; and a French attack in our flank on
+the Lower Rhine might have been disastrous for us. Thus we were
+compelled to ignore the protests of the Luxembourg and Belgian
+Governments.
+
+"The injustice which we commit thereby, we shall try to make good again
+as soon as our military goal is attained. Anyone who fights for the
+highest, as we do now, may only think of how he may hack his way
+through. (Hurricanes of applause; long continued hand-clapping in the
+whole house and on the tribune.)
+
+"Gentlemen, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Austria-Hungary.
+Concerning England's attitude, the declaration made by Sir Edward Grey
+in the House of Commons yesterday has made the standpoint which the
+English Government takes up quite clear.
+
+"We have declared to the English Government that as long as England
+remains neutral, our fleet shall not attack the North Coast of France.
+Further, that we shall not disturb the integrity and independence of
+Belgium. I repeat this declaration before the whole world and I may add
+that if England will remain neutral, we are prepared--assuming mutual
+treatment--to undertake no hostile operations against France's
+commercial marine. (Applause.)
+
+"Gentlemen, so much for events up till now! I repeat the words of the
+Kaiser: 'We enter the struggle with a clear conscience!' (Great
+enthusiasm.) We are fighting for the fruits of our labours in peace, for
+the heritage of a great past, and for our future. The fifty years are
+not yet ended within which Moltke said we should stand at arms to defend
+the heritage and the achievements of 1870. The hour of great trial has
+struck for our nation. But we look forward to it with absolute
+confidence. (Tremendous applause.)
+
+"Our army is in the field, our fleet is ready, and behind them the
+entire German nation (roars of never-ending applause and hand-clapping
+in the whole house)--the whole German nation! (These words were
+accompanied by a gesture towards the Social Democrats.--Renewed outburst
+of applause, in which the Social Democrats also joined.)
+
+"Gentlemen, you know your duty in its entirety. The vote of credit
+requires no further argument, I beg you to pass it quickly. (Loud
+applause.)"[22]
+
+[Footnote 22: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 5th.]
+
+Unfortunately this eloquent exposition of Germany's case contains
+inaccuracies which can only be described as conscious untruths. I have
+already made myself responsible for the statement: "Lying has always
+been the foundation stone of German policy."[23] Earl Cromer, in
+commenting on this, gives additional evidence of its veracity.[24]
+
+[Footnote 23: "Soul of Germany," p. 192.]
+
+[Footnote 24: _The Spectator_, August 7th, 1915, p. 169.]
+
+The German Chancellor, when he justified his policy by the dictum:
+"Necessity knows no law," evidently meant that necessity also recognizes
+no law of truth. In any case, he remained faithful to the traditions of
+his country. Although the German Press is both venal and supine, we
+shall see that it has done the world a service and played its own
+Government a foul trick. (Der deutschen Regierung einen boesen Streich
+gespielt.)
+
+When Bethmann-Hollweg was thumping the table before him, and assuring
+his immediate hearers and the world in general that the Berlin cabinet
+had not called up a single reservist before five o'clock on Saturday,
+August 1st, he was guilty of a deliberate falsehood. On July 31st, I
+left Erlangen by the 3.31 train for Nuremberg; travelling in the same
+train was Dr. Haack, professor of the history of art in Erlangen
+University. He was accompanied by his wife and various colleagues,
+including Professor Busch, who bade him farewell on the platform. Dr.
+Haack is an artillery reserve officer, and he was then going to join his
+regiment. At 8.30 p.m. on the same day, we spoke to Frau Haack on
+Nuremberg station. The lady's face was very tear-stained and she was
+about to return to Erlangen alone. She told us in a broken voice that
+her husband had been called up.
+
+In "The Soul of Germany" I have given names and dates of other cases. I
+do not propose to disgrace my word of honour by playing it off against
+the German Chancellor. But acting on the principle of "Set a thief to
+catch a thief," I shall adduce some instances from German newspapers.
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Koelnische Zeitung_ travelled home via
+Brussels; his adventures are related at length in the _K.Z._ for August
+4th. On August 1st he was in Brussels and complained bitterly, in his
+article, about the hotel service, and excuses it by writing: "The German
+waiters had all left Brussels the day before (July 31st) to join the
+army."
+
+An article dated Strasbourg, August 3rd, was published in the
+_Frankfurter Zeitung_ on the 6th of the same month. The writer describes
+the martial scenes which he had witnessed during the preceding week, and
+mentions that the officers in the garrison had received a special order
+to send their wives and children away from the city several days before
+martial law was proclaimed. Friday, presumably, the order came for the
+garrison to march to the French frontier, for on Saturday the regiments
+were entrained and left Strasbourg. Our good German friend describes the
+scene in the streets: "Alongside the ranks were the wives and children
+of the called-up reservists, trying to keep step with the quickly moving
+troops. Before sunset the regiments, all on a war-footing, had left the
+city."
+
+Every layman knows that a reservist cannot enter a barracks in civilian
+attire, and emerge five minutes later in full war-kit ready for the
+march. The German Imperial Chancellor affirms that not one of them had
+been called up before five o'clock in the afternoon of that day. It is
+true that neither the age of miracles nor the age of lies has passed
+away. Perhaps Herr Bethmann-Hollweg could explain why it was impossible
+to send trunk-messages on Germany's telephone system during the last
+three days of July, 1914. At least, the local papers in Bavaria asserted
+that that was the case.
+
+The _Elbinger Zeitung_, August 13th, contained a reservist's letter with
+this illuminating passage: "During the last few days everybody was in
+readiness; our linen, etc., had been packed and sent off in advance. On
+Friday, July 31st, the order arrived that I should present myself;
+mobilization had begun. With feelings of joy I changed into my uniform
+and rushed to join my company. The streets were full of frightened
+people with tears in their eyes. We officers pressed each others' hands
+and with ardent glances exclaimed: 'At last it has come!'"
+
+The Chancellor based his assertion that French troops had crossed the
+German frontier, on the report from the Chief of the General Staff. This
+authority admitted that German soldiers on August 2nd (Sunday) had
+violated the French frontier and continues with these words: "But long
+before that French airmen had dropped bombs in Southern Germany, and
+French soldiers had attacked our frontier-guards in the Schlucht Pass."
+
+The _Frankfurter Zeitung_, July 31st, gives Bethmann-Hollweg and the
+Chief of the General Staff the lie direct. The paragraph is dated July
+30th, Kolmar, and runs: "The Schlucht Pass has just been barricaded by
+German frontier guards. This is to prevent motor-lorries and such-like
+vehicles from entering French territory without our permission. Several
+papers have announced the alleged occupation of the Schlucht (gorge) by
+French troops. The report is an absolute invention. (Die Meldung ist
+voellig aus der Luft gegriffen.) I have taken the trouble to look round,
+and may say that the usual tourist traffic is going on as usual."
+
+The remainder of the charge is that "long before August 2nd," French
+airmen had dropped bombs on South German towns. The towns in question
+are Frankfort and Nuremberg. The _Koelnische Zeitung_ contained this
+paragraph on August 2nd: "A military report has just come in, stating
+that French airmen dropped bombs in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg this
+morning. As war has not yet been declared between France and Germany,
+this is a breach of international law."
+
+Two remarks are necessary to supplement the above "news." Firstly, in
+the Reichstag, the Chancellor said this attack had occurred "long before
+August 2nd." Secondly, the _Cologne Gazette_ received the report from
+the _military authorities_. That betrays the source from which all these
+lies emanated.
+
+The author has in his possession a Nuremberg paper (_Fraenkische
+Tagepost_) for the whole of August, 1914. It contains absolutely no
+mention of any air raid on or near Nuremberg. If bombs had been dropped
+in the vicinity, it is quite unthinkable that the local papers should
+contain no report of the affair.
+
+President Poincare, on July 15th, 1915, declared the Nuremberg flight to
+be a fable. The _Fraenkischer Kurier_ (a Nuremberg newspaper) on August
+1st, 1915, contains an article which states that the news of these
+alleged airmen, whom nobody saw, was spread throughout the length and
+breadth of the German Empire. This same paper ridicules the whole
+affair.
+
+Another extract gives the key to the whole mystery. "Yesterday (Monday,
+August 3rd), at 8 p.m., the following official announcement was given
+out for publication.
+
+"Up till now, the German troops, in obedience to orders given, have not
+crossed the French frontier. In contrast to this _since_ yesterday
+(August 2nd) French troops have attacked our frontier posts without any
+declaration of war. They have crossed the German frontier at several
+points, although only a few days ago the French Government assured us
+that they would keep a zone ten kilometres wide free from their troops.
+_Since_ last night French troops hold German places in occupation.
+_Since_ yesterday bomb-dropping airmen have come into Baden and Bavaria;
+further, by violating Belgian neutrality, they have fled over Belgian
+territory into the Rhine province and tried to destroy our railways.
+Thus France has begun an attack upon us, and thereby created a state of
+war. The safety of the Empire compels us to take defensive measures. The
+Kaiser has given the necessary orders. The German Ambassador in Paris
+has been instructed to demand his passports."[25]
+
+[Footnote 25: From the _Berliner Lokal Anzeiger_ of August 4th.]
+
+Germany had no earthly excuse to begin war on France, and imitating the
+noble example of Bismarck in forging the notorious Ems telegram which
+precipitated the 1870 war, the German military authorities forged the
+"news" of alleged attacks by French airmen and French troops. The German
+Official Press Bureau completed this vile, criminal work.
+
+Although the point is proved, a few more examples of the "airmen" legend
+will be of interest. "Berlin, August 2nd. _Last night_ a hostile airship
+was observed flying from Kerprich to Andernach. Hostile aeroplanes were
+observed flying from Dueren to Cologne. A French aeroplane was shot down
+by Wesel." (From the _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 3rd.)
+
+The _Frankfurter Zeitung_, August 4th, contains three separate detailed
+accounts of French airmen dropping bombs on Frankfort railway station
+during the previous night. The third account will suffice.
+
+"The military authorities in Frankfort were informed last night that a
+hostile airman was flying in the direction from Darmstadt to Frankfort.
+At ten minutes past one the noise of the propellers as well as bursting
+bombs was heard by those standing on the command-bridge of the Central
+Station. In the dark night it was impossible to see the flying-machine.
+As it approached the station, where all lights were out, fifty to sixty
+soldiers stationed on the command-bridge fired at the aeroplane, which
+soon moved off in the direction of the Southern Station. There, too, it
+came under a heavy fire from soldiers and policemen. Nothing whatever
+has been found on the ground or at the station, not even parts of the
+bombs. It is assumed that the hand-bombs exploded in the air."[26]
+
+[Footnote 26: Yes, they burst in the air, _aus der sie gegriffen worden
+sind!_ Author.]
+
+In peace times no German editor would dare to refuse any contribution
+sent to him by the military authorities. The above airman-story
+sufficiently illustrates the state of affairs in war time.
+
+"Chemnitz, August 4th. During the past night, between 3 and 4 a.m., a
+French airman dropped bombs on Chemnitz. Bombs exploded in the streets
+without, however, doing any damage. Apparently the shots fired at the
+aeroplane were unfortunately without result." _Magdeburgische Zeitung_,
+August 5th.
+
+This is an excellent example of how the Press trick is worked. A lying
+report is published in a city hundreds of miles away from the scene of
+the alleged occurrence. The extract where it was alleged that a French
+airman was shot down at Wesel, on the Dutch frontier, was published in a
+Munich paper, four hundred miles away.
+
+The last and supreme lie in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech is the most
+insidious of all. The Chancellor sketched a truly moving picture of
+Germany beseeching Austria to find a _modus vivendi_ between herself and
+Russia. Germany claims that up to the last minute of the last fatal week
+she was working for peace. Bethmann-Hollweg insinuates that on July 31st
+a last decision was to have fallen in Vienna; he does not tell us what
+that decision would have been, but he maintains that Russia's military
+preparations forestalled it and so the decision was never arrived at.
+Thus Russia destroyed the last hope of peace; the Chancellor falsely led
+his hearers to believe that it was a certain hope and that the European
+peace would have been saved.
+
+It is useless to choose one's words in writing of German diplomacy. This
+is a base lie. Austria arrived at her decision previous to sending her
+ultimatum to Serbia. This momentous decision was, that Russia had no
+right to intervene in the quarrel, which means, in other words, that
+Russia had absolutely no right to speak or use her influence in a crisis
+affecting the destiny of the Slavonic peoples, neither had Russia any
+right to move in a crisis which would disturb the balance of power in
+the Balkans and in Europe. It was merely these rights which Russia
+throughout the crisis endeavoured to establish; if they had been
+recognized there would have been no war.
+
+In order to prove what the Austro-German standpoint was, and that from
+first to last never changed, reference must be made to the Austrian Red
+Book.[27] On page 24: Sir Edward Grey was informed by Count Mensdorf on
+July 24th, "and I (Mensdorf) repeated to him (Grey) many times, that we
+should stick to that view."
+
+[Footnote 27: Oesterreichisch-ungarisches Rotbuch. Vienna, 1915.]
+
+Page 25. Count Czecsen in Paris informed French Minister: "It is a
+question which can only be settled between Serbia and ourselves," on
+July 24th.
+
+On the same day the Austrian Ambassador emphasized the same point in an
+interview with the Russian Foreign Minister--pp. 27-8.
+
+During the evening Monsieur Sasonow had interviews with both the German
+and Austrian Ambassadors. The latter telegraphed to Vienna: "My German
+colleague at once pointed out to M. Sasonow that Austria would not
+accept any interference in her differences with Serbia and that Germany
+would also not permit it."--p. 29.
+
+That gives the situation in its simplest form, and without making
+further quotations, it will suffice to cite the dates on which it was
+re-emphasized:
+
+  July 25th  in St. Petersburg,   p. 89
+    "  27th  "  "       "         p. 101
+    "  28th  " Berlin by Germany, p. 116
+    "   "    " London by Austria, p. 123
+    "  29th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 128
+    "  30th  " Berlin,         "  p. 130
+    "  30th  " St. Petersburg, "  p. 131
+    "  31st  " Vienna,         "  p. 133
+  August 1st " St. Petersburg, "  p. 136
+
+Moreover, no less a personage than the Kaiser's brother confirmed this
+view. In Prince Heinrich's telegram to the King of England, July 30th,
+the following passage occurs: "If you really and sincerely wish to
+prevent this terrible misfortune (a European war), may I propose that
+you should exercise your influence on France and Russia to keep them
+both neutral (in the Austro-Serbian quarrel). In my opinion this would
+be of the greatest service. I consider this a certain means and perhaps
+_the only possibility of preserving European peace_."
+
+Prince Heinrich expressed no hope that Austria could be persuaded to
+make any concession, but merely requested King George to exercise his
+influence to get Russia to accept a position impossible to herself and
+incompatible with the balance of power in Europe.
+
+The rock of Germanic obstinacy was seated in Vienna, whether Germany was
+the prime mover in erecting it remains to be proved. Germany knew full
+well that European peace would be shattered on that rock, yet there is
+no fragment of evidence to show that she tried to remove it; but there
+is overwhelming proof that she encouraged Austria to stand by it, thus
+causing a European conflagration.
+
+And as if the above were insufficient to prove that the German Imperial
+Chancellor was guilty of conscious falsification, Austria put one more
+nail in the coffin of European peace on September 24th, 1914, when it
+issued an official communication to the Press, reiterating that Austria
+had never dreamed of departing from the attitude which she first took
+up.[28]
+
+[Footnote 28: "Die Schuld am Weltkriege" ("The Guilt for the World
+War"), by an Austrian. Vienna, 1915, p. 59.]
+
+Germany's aim was to employ the Serajewo crime as a lever to put Russia,
+as a vital force, out of the domain of European politics. In spite of
+denials, there is reason to believe that Austria was inclined to listen
+to reason, but Germany forestalled and prevented this by despatching an
+ultimatum to Russia and then declaring war.
+
+A few other points in Bethmann-Hollweg's speech deserve brief notice. He
+quotes Germany's threats, but not one word from the peaceful overtures
+which were so often mentioned. He fails to cite any single point which
+Austria had yielded at Germany's advice. Further, no proof of Germany's
+vaunted "mediatory action" is discoverable either in the speech or the
+diplomatic documents published by the Central Powers.
+
+In regard to his justification of the violation of Belgian neutrality,
+the civilized world has already passed judgment, and in this place it
+only remains to point out that the four hundred members of the Reichstag
+cheered the Chancellor's announcement. This alone is a sufficiently
+severe comment on the conceptions of right and justice which direct the
+proceedings of Germany's highest legislative body.
+
+It evidently did not occur to the Reichstag or Germany's Imperial
+Chancellor that, if necessity knows no law which respects a neutrality
+guaranteed by Germany, then at a later date necessity would also
+recognize no law which protected Belgian territory after Germany had
+conquered it. A lamb in the jaws of a lion is in a truly dangerous
+position, and although the outlook may be black, it is still wiser for
+the lamb to try and avoid the lion's jaws.
+
+Bethmann-Hollweg saw the mote of Greater-Serbianism in Serbia's eye, but
+he was peculiarly anxious not to perceive the beam of Pan-Germanism
+which has blinded Germany's vision for a generation, and is the one and
+only cause for the rapid increase in European armaments.
+
+Before consigning the German Chancellor's Pecksniffian oration to
+well-deserved oblivion, there is one other fact to state, because it is
+of immediate interest to Great Britain. In the person of
+Bethmann-Hollweg the German Government stood before the world on August
+4th, 1914, and endeavoured to prove that Germany was attacked, and that
+her conscience was clear. There are even Britons who have got stuck in
+Bethmann-Hollweg's peace-lime. Yet it would be interesting if the German
+Government would explain why the civilian population was ordered to
+leave Heligoland on the afternoon of Friday, July 31st. They were
+allowed twenty-four hours within which to leave the island, and one who
+was in the exodus describes the scene in the _Leipziger Neueste
+Nachrichten_ for August 12th. Early on Saturday morning the civilians
+proceeded on to the landing-stage, where several steamers were waiting.
+"Suddenly the _Koenigin Luise_ started off without taking any passengers
+on board, and soon disappeared under full steam."
+
+This was the boat which laid mines round the mouth of the Thames.
+Although the German Chancellor protested his desire for peace with
+England as late as August 4th, it seems quite evident from the events in
+Heligoland that war with this country had been decided upon on July
+31st.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MOBILIZATION
+
+
+"Munich.--Evening after evening masses of people thronged the streets.
+The heavy, oppressive atmosphere weighed upon the spirit--a leaden
+pressure which increased with every hour. Then came the stirring events
+on the evening of July 3ist, when the drums beat 'general march' on the
+Marienplatz, and a commissioner read the articles of war to a crowd
+numbered by thousands. Thirty drummers and commissioners in motors
+rushed through the streets of the city.
+
+"On Saturday evening, August 1st, the general order for mobilization was
+proclaimed from the offices of the _Muenchener Neuesten Nachrichten_. A
+deep solemnity fell upon the masses of spectators and the crowd fell
+into rank to march to the Royal Palace, from a window of which King
+Ludwig spoke words of comfort and inspiration. Still singing the 'Wacht
+am Rhein,' this river of humanity flowed on to the 'Englischen Garten,'
+at the corner of which stands the Austrian Legation. A gentleman
+addressed the representative of our beloved ally, who sounded in his
+reply the note of 'faithfulness unto death.'
+
+"And now from out the stifling depression of the leaden weight of the
+previous days there arose a terrible, united will, a single mighty
+thought. The whole of a great and powerful people was aroused, fired by
+one solemn resolve--to act; advance on the enemy, and smash him to the
+earth!
+
+"Dresden.--I was sitting in the garden of a suburban restaurant; above
+me were the dark masses of chestnut trees, while before us, above the
+railway, was a long strip of bright, summer-night sky. There seemed to
+be something gloomy and uncanny in the air; the lamps blinked
+maliciously; a spirit of still expectation rested on the people; furtive
+glances were cast from time to time at the near embankment. Military
+trains were expected, and we listened nervously to the noises of the
+night. The first troop-transports; where were they going--against Russia
+or to the French frontier? It was whispered that the troops would only
+be transported by night.
+
+"At last a pounding thud came through the stillness of the night, and
+soon two colossal engines were silhouetted against the sky, like
+fire-spitting monsters. Their roar seemed more sinister than usual.
+Heavy forebodings rumbled out in the rocking and rolling of the endless
+coaches--the clang of a future, pregnant with death and pain. Suddenly
+the tables were empty; everyone rushed towards the lighted compartments
+of the train, and a scene of indescribable jubilation followed as train
+after train of armed men rushed by into the night.
+
+"Sometimes a troubled father was heard to exclaim: 'If only the first
+battles were fought and won!' Yet calm confidence prevailed from the
+very beginning. But the sight of the quiet, machine-like completion of
+the mobilization strengthened our trust, even though a justifiable
+indignation and rage filled our hearts at Europe's dastardly attack on
+the Central States. Hate flamed highest, however, when England declared
+war against us.
+
+"There are several reasons for this. In the north of Germany, the
+Englishman is looked upon as the European who stands nearest the German,
+and with whom we have the most sympathy. His personal reliability and
+the manly firmness of his bearing, the culture of English social life,
+English art and style, have given Imperial Germany many points of
+contact and grounds for sympathy. Our historical interests have never
+collided. Then we suddenly became aware that this country, under the
+mask of friendship, had egged on the whole of Europe to attack us. Not
+because we had injured English feelings or interests, but solely to
+destroy a competitor and divide his coat of many colours.
+
+"No political necessity compelled modern Carthage to declare war on us,
+but merely the avowed aim to do a good piece of business by the war.
+Without England's intrigues Europe would never have dared to attack us.
+In our case, therefore, hate has sprung out of disappointed love.
+England has become our mortal enemy, just as Russia is Austria's. In a
+word, the two Central Powers are inspired by moral superiority over
+their enemies, and are determined to wage war on them to the last drop
+of blood, and if fate permits it, to settle them off and settle up with
+them once for all.
+
+"At the commencement of the mobilization the railway time-tables in
+force were cancelled; railway traffic ceased, and only slow local-trains
+ran, stopping at every station to pick up the men. During the nights a
+gigantic transport of troops went on to the frontiers. From that moment
+the sale of alcohol on the stations was prohibited. The publication of
+news concerning troop movements was suppressed, in order to veil our
+objective and to keep secret our strength on the various frontiers.
+
+"The trains in the Tyrol were decked with wreaths and flowers. They bore
+Germans from the most southerly corners of our neutral ally--Italy.
+Members of the _Wehrkraftverein_ (Boy Scouts) inspected the trains at
+every station, and it is said that a Serb was found bound fast
+underneath one of the carriages. Serbian scoundrels were found on all
+sides; if one of them had succeeded in destroying the Brenner line the
+whole plan of mobilization would have been disturbed. Therefore
+sentinels were placed along the whole line and strong guards protected
+every tunnel. At night all lights were put out and those on the engines
+covered up; even the stations were not illuminated--everywhere darkness.
+
+"Slowly feeling its way, the train crept over the Brenner--it took
+twelve hours; in Innsbruck the station was crowded with Germans to
+welcome the warriors, and the ancient hills echoed again and again the
+'Wacht am Rhein.' The solemnity which had marked the first days in
+Munich had given place to boisterous joy. Thousands of men in mountain
+costume had flocked into Munich to offer themselves as volunteers, and
+the streets and station rang with their _jodeln_! (the peculiar cry of
+Alpine herdsmen).
+
+"Outside the station lay vast quantities of materials for the Flying
+Corps, and innumerable motor-cars. A regiment of artillery was just
+leaving, while a band was in the centre of the station; the rhythm of
+the kettle-drums rolled mightily, and the music clashed in the huge
+central hall; thousands of voices joined in, then helmets, hats, caps,
+rifles and swords were waved and the train moved off amid shouts: 'Go
+for them! Cut them down!' ('Drauf auf die Kerle! Haut sie
+zusammen!')"[29]
+
+[Footnote 29: Colonel Frobenius: "Durch Not und Tod" ("Through Distress
+and Death"). Leipzig, 1915, p. 12 et seq.]
+
+"If I live to be a hundred I shall never forget these days. They are the
+greatest in our history. We never dreamed that anything so overwhelming
+could be experienced on earth. Only three weeks ago and we should have
+been quite incapable of imagining its like. The feeling that we have
+experienced something overpowering, something which we cannot utter,
+overwhelms us all. We see it in each other's faces and feel it in the
+pressure of a hand. Words are too weak, so each is silent about what he
+feels. We are conscious of one thing alone: Germany's heart has appeared
+to us!
+
+"At last we see each other as we are, and that is the indescribable
+something--the birth of this great time. Never have we been so earnest
+and never so glad. Every other thought, every other feeling has gone.
+What we have thought and felt before was all unreality, mere ghosts; day
+has dawned and they have fled. The whole land bristles with arms and
+every German heart is filled with trust. If we were always as we are
+to-day--one heart and one voice--then the whole world would have to bow
+before us. But we no longer knew ourselves, we had forgotten our real
+nature. We were so many and so divided, and each wanted only to be
+himself. How was it that such madness could have blinded us, and discord
+weakened us?
+
+"Now we realize our strength and see what we can achieve, for in spite
+of all we have retained our integrity; we have suffered no injury to the
+soul. Germany's soul had slept awhile and now awakes like a giant
+refreshed, and we can hardly recollect what it was all like only three
+weeks ago, when each lived for himself, when we were at best only
+parties, not a people. Each knew not the other, because he knew not
+himself. In unholy egoism everyone had forgotten his highest will. Now
+each has found his true will again, and that is proved--for we have only
+one.
+
+"In all German hearts flames the same holy wrath. A sacred wrath which
+sanctifies and heals. Every wound heals; we are again healthy and whole.
+Praise be to God for this war which delivered us on the first day from
+German quarrelsomeness! When the days of peace return we must prove that
+we deserve to have lived through this holy German war. Then no word must
+be spoken, no deed done on German soil which would be unworthy of these
+sublime days.
+
+"Groups stand at the street corners reading the latest news. One counts
+aloud how many enemies we have: there are already six. A silence ensues,
+till someone says: 'Many enemies, great honour, and we shall win, for
+our cause is just!' Such utterances can be heard every day. That is
+German faith; human might does not decide, but God's justice! That is
+the Supreme blessing of this great time; we put our trust in the spirit.
+Modern Germans have never breathed before so pure an atmosphere, for
+Germany's soul has appeared to us.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I am going to pronounce a blessing on this war, the blessing which is
+on all lips, for we Germans, no matter in what part of the world we are,
+all bless, bless and bless again this world war. I do not intend to
+become lyrical. Lyric is so far from me that in all these three months I
+have not composed a single war poem. No, I shall endeavour to count up
+quite calmly, unlyrically, what we have seen during these three months:
+point for point, the whole list of surprises, for they have all been
+surprises, one after the other.
+
+"Only a few days ago a high State official said to me: 'Let us confess
+at once that in all Europe nobody believed in this war; everybody had
+prepared for it, but nobody thought it possible--not even those who
+wanted war.'
+
+"All thinking men considered that the interwoven economic dependence on
+each other among the nations, was so strong that none dare commit
+suicide by commencing a war. Thus we spoke to each other, and that
+seemed an axiom. Further, it seemed to be true that even if a madman let
+loose the dogs of war, then it would be all over in a fortnight. The man
+in the street imagined that it would be a kind of parade (_Aufmarsch_),
+a mobilization test, and the power which succeeded best would be the
+victor, for no country in the world was strong enough to stand the
+enormous cost for longer than three weeks.
+
+"Now three months have gone, and we have stood the strain, and we can
+bear it for another three, six months, a year, or as many years as it
+must be. The calculation was wrong, all the calculations were wrong: the
+reality of this war surpasses everything which we had imagined, and it
+has been glorious to experience on so grand a scale that reality always
+surpasses the conception. Even that is not true which we learned in all
+the schools and read in all the books--that every war is an awful
+misfortune. Even this war is horrible; yes, but our salvation. It seems
+so to us, and so it has appeared to us from the very first day onwards.
+
+"That first day will remain in our memories for ever; never in all our
+lives had we experienced anything so grand, and we had never believed it
+possible to experience anything so magnificent. Word for word Bismarck's
+prophecy (1888) has come true: 'It must be a war to which the whole
+nation gives its assent; it must be a national war, conducted with an
+enthusiasm like that of 1870, when we were ruthlessly attacked. Then all
+Germany from the Memel to Lake Constance will blaze up like a
+powder-mine and the whole land bristle with bayonets.' The war which
+Bismarck prophesied was this war, and what he foretold came to pass, and
+we saw it with our eyes. We saw the German mobilization with eyes which
+since then have been consecrate.
+
+"All enthusiasm is splendid, even in an individual, be he who he may and
+for whatever cause you like. In enthusiasm everything good in a man
+appears, while the common and vulgar in him sinks away. Any enthusiasm
+either of groups or societies in which the individual ego loses itself
+is grand, but the mighty enthusiasm of a powerful people is
+overwhelming. This was, however, an enthusiasm of a peculiar sort--it
+was well disciplined, an enthusiasm combined with and controlled by the
+highest order.
+
+"In this the fundamental secret of German power was revealed: to remain
+calm in enthusiasm, cold amidst fire and still obedient to duty in a
+tornado of passion. Then we were all inspired by the thought and
+feeling: 'Nobody can achieve that, for in order to be able to do it we
+have had to perform a huge intellectual and spiritual task. It is not
+alone the result of the last century and a half; no, that work has been
+going on for nearly a thousand years.'
+
+"What is the spirit of our German mysticism, the spirit of Eckhart and
+Tauler, except: Drunkenness of the soul in a waking condition? The
+accepted law on which all great German deeds rest, is: to dovetail
+enthusiasm with discipline and order. From our Gothic, through German
+_barock_ to Frederick the Great and Kant, on to the classical
+period--what does all that mean if it is not the architecture of one
+huge feeling? The soul runs riot in its imaginings and therewith the
+intellect builds. The ravings of the soul provide the materials with
+which the mind builds.
+
+"What is German music from Bach to Beethoven and from Beethoven to
+Wagner--yes, even to Richard Strauss--but enthusiasm with discipline?
+German music has been our mobilization; it has gone on just as in a
+_partitur_ by Richard Wagner--absolute rapture with perfect precision!
+
+"Hence when we saw the miracle of this mobilization--all Germany's
+military manhood packed in railway trains, rolling through the land, day
+by day and night after night, never a minute late and never a question
+for which the right answer was not ready and waiting--when we saw all
+this, we were not astonished, because it was no miracle; it was nothing
+other than a natural result of a thousand years of work and preparation;
+it was the net profit of the whole of German history.
+
+"At the German mobilization not only our brave soldiers, reserves and
+militia (_Landwehrmaenner und Landstuermler_) entered the field, but the
+whole of Germany's historic past marched with them. It was this which
+inspired the unshakable confidence which has endured from the first day
+of war. In truth, the dear Fatherland has every reason to be calm.
+
+"In the meantime something more has happened: all in a moment we became
+Germans! We held our breaths when the Kaiser uttered these words. This
+too arose out of the deepest depths of Germany's yearnings; it sounded
+like an eagle-cry of our most ancient longings. Germany's soul has long
+pined to tear itself from its narrow confines (_verwerden_, as Eckhart,
+or _sich entselbsten_, as Goethe put it), to lay aside self-will and
+sacrifice itself, to be absorbed in the whole, and yet still to serve
+(Wagner). And this eternal German yearning had never reached fulfilment,
+but self-interest and egoism have always been stronger; every German has
+been at war with all the others. 'For every man to go his own way,' said
+Goethe, 'is the peculiar characteristic of the German race. I have never
+seen them united except in their hate for Napoleon. I am curious to see
+what they will do when he is banished to the other side of the Rhine.'
+And Goethe was right: no sooner was the land freed from the oppressor,
+than each began again to think and act only for himself. Hence, when we
+first learned of the Kaiser's words we felt almost a joyous fear. If it
+were only true that now there were only Germans! But on the very next
+day our eyes saw and our ears heard that at last there were only
+Germans, and with that, all pain and fear was forgotten. If war is
+awful, even a just war, a holy war--even for the victor too, we will
+endure all that, for it is as nothing; no sacrifice is too great for
+this prize--that we are all only Germans.
+
+"Since the Emperor spoke those words three months have passed, and there
+have only been Germans in the land. These three months have brought much
+sorrow to German hearts, for there is hardly a home which does not
+lament a father, a son, or a brother. Nevertheless, one may say that
+since our existence as a nation, Germany has never been more joyous, in
+the best sense of the word, than in this time of suffering. Through our
+tears the noblest joy has shone; not alone at the success of our arms;
+it is not from pride at fighting against a world of enemies; it is not
+the fact that we are now assured of a future which in July last we could
+not have imagined; it is not the feeling of power, of which even we
+ourselves did not know. That shining joy springs from deeper reasons. We
+are glad because we have found each other; we did not know each other
+before. Indeed, no one knew himself. Now we know each other, and above
+all, each knows himself.
+
+"It was Bismarck who uttered these terrible words: 'When the unoccupied
+German must give up the struggle and strife which has become dear to
+him, and offer the hand of reconciliation, then he loses all joy in
+life. Civil war is always the most terrible thing which any land can
+have. But with us Germans it is still more terrible, because it is
+fought out by us with more love for the strife than any other war.'
+
+"Does it not sound truly horrible for the greatest benefactor of a
+nation, which has to thank him for having realized its century-old dream
+of unity, to say in all calm and as something quite obvious, that his
+own nation engages in a civil war 'with more love' than any other war?
+And wherever we look in Bismarck's speeches, the same complaint is found
+which had been the eternal lamentation of Goethe--the lament over the
+lack of faith and will of the Germans.
+
+"How will it be this time? Will it be as after the Seven Years' War,
+after the War of Liberation, after 1870? Will it be again all in vain?
+As soon as the Fatherland is secure, will every German once again cease
+to be a German in order to become some kind of -crat or -ist or -er?
+This time it will be more difficult, for from this war he will return no
+more into the same Fatherland. It will have expanded; the German
+Fatherland will be greater. Arndt's poems must be written over again: no
+longer merely 'as far as the German tongue is spoken.' Germany will
+stretch beyond that limit, and in it the German will have work to do.
+
+"In his speech Bismarck spoke of the 'unoccupied'; but in all
+probability after this war, for years to come, there will be no
+'unoccupied' Germans. They will be fully occupied with the new
+organization. What the sword has won, we shall keep. 'The pike in the
+European carp-pond,' said Bismarck once, 'prevent us from becoming carp.
+They compel us to exertions which voluntarily we should hardly be
+willing to make. They compel us to hold together, which is in direct
+contradiction to our innermost nature.'
+
+"As we cannot change our nature, it will be good if we take over for
+good and all a number--a very considerable number,--of these European
+pike. That will occupy the German peasant and give an outlet to his
+superfluous energies. There will be no leisure-energy to discharge
+itself in party strife. Further, we must build Europe up again. It stood
+on rotten foundations, and now it has fallen to pieces. We shall erect
+it again on a German basis, and there will be work enough."[30]
+
+[Footnote 30: Hermann Bahr: "Kriegssegen" ("The Blessings of War").
+Published in Munich, 1915, p. 5 _et seq_.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS
+
+
+It would be more than human if the German nation had actually realized
+the lyrical picture painted by two well-known writers in the preceding
+chapter. German newspapers, it is true, prove that the national unity so
+loudly acclaimed was no empty word; moreover, they show conclusively
+that grumblers and half-hearted enthusiasts were not lacking. It would
+probably be more correct to describe them as "sober-minded patriots."
+These elements had, however, to use a colloquialism, an "exceedingly
+rough time."
+
+The author has already contended that the German is innately brutal, and
+in proof thereof quoted the awful statistics of brutal crimes published
+by the Imperial Statistic Office, Berlin. The present work will contain
+a picture of the natural unfolding of this "innate brutality" in Germany
+itself during war time, and on the battlefields of Belgium and France.
+
+There is no doubt whatever that a systematic, officially-organized press
+campaign was carried on to madden the people and arouse blood-lust,
+successively against Russians, Belgians, French and English. One is
+almost inclined to exclaim: Providence caused some of the fruits of this
+blood-lashing to be reaped in Germany!
+
+"Yesterday evening in the Riebeckbraeu another free fight took place, and
+quieter guests who refused to take part in the patriotic screaming of
+the students and other mob elements were badly ill-treated.
+Beer-glasses, ash-trays, chairs and other missiles were thrown about
+freely. One man was struck on the back of the head with a beer-glass,
+causing the blood to flow in streams. Helpless women, too, were beaten
+and threatened."[31]
+
+[Footnote 31: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 1st, 1914.]
+
+Three days later the same journal contained a public appeal from the
+Mayor of Leipzig, begging the inhabitants to preserve public order: "If
+the disturbances in the streets, public houses, etc., should--contrary
+to our expectations--continue, then we shall be compelled to take severe
+steps to suppress them."
+
+On the same page there is another report of similar scenes, in one of
+which a workman was "horribly ill-treated" by eight others. The army
+authorities were compelled to issue a still more drastic warning on
+August 6th.
+
+A victim reported his adventures in another Leipzig paper[32]: "I have
+just read your article admonishing the 'hot-heads' to keep cool. The
+General commanding Leipzig has also warned members of the public not to
+allow excitement to lead them to 'deeds of brutality and crime.' I am a
+good German patriot, and yet nearly lost my life at the hands of my own
+countrymen."
+
+[Footnote 32: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+The "good patriot" then relates that during the week he had spent an
+evening at a concert in a beer-garden. Patriotic music was the order of
+the day, and as each national song was sung he stood up with the rest of
+the company. Towards the close of the evening he felt unwell and
+remained sitting, an indiscretion which he truthfully says "nearly cost
+him his life." Three skull wounds several inches long, his body beaten
+black and blue, and ruined clothes, was the punishment for not joining
+in with the "hurrah-patriots."
+
+Dozens of similar instances might be cited, but for the sake of
+impartiality it is preferable to allow a German to generalize: "The rage
+of the populace has found vent not only against foreigners, but also
+against good German patriots, indeed even against German officers."[33]
+
+[Footnote 33: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 12th.]
+
+Probably one of the most glaring instances of German indifference to
+brutality is afforded by the following incident. A commercial traveller
+named Luederitz, aged twenty-three, murdered his sweetheart in a Leipzig
+hotel by strangling her with his necktie. He alleged that he had killed
+the girl at her wish, and the judge sentenced him to three years, six
+months' imprisonment--not even penal servitude! The report
+concludes[34]: "As the accused has been called up to serve in the army,
+he was allowed to go free for the present." Which means that if he
+survives the war he may be called upon to undergo his sentence.
+
+[Footnote 34: Ibid., August 28th.]
+
+A South German newspaper[35] advised "German wives and maidens to avoid
+wearing striking costumes, dresses and hats. Such restrictions are not
+only desirable in the serious time through which our dear Fatherland is
+passing, but such precautions are urgently necessary in the interests of
+personal safety. For amidst the excitement which has unfortunately taken
+possession of our people, ladies are not safe, either from insult or
+assault, in spite of the fact that the police do their best to protect
+them."
+
+[Footnote 35: _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+These are the bare facts, in a very limited selection, as regards German
+brutality towards Germans. In the light of these events the question
+suggests itself: How did foreigners fare in the midst of this
+_Kulturvolk_? The answer is simple and expressive: "Not half has ever
+been told;" yet the German newspapers contain more than sufficient
+materials to prove that the floodgates of barbarism were opened wide.
+
+When martial law was proclaimed the Berlin Government caused official
+announcements to be issued throughout the whole country, requesting the
+public to assist in preventing tunnels, bridges, railways, etc., from
+being destroyed by foreign agents and spies. The whole country at once
+became a detective office of madmen!
+
+Ample proof is at hand to show that this lashing of the public mind into
+brutal fury was the calculated work of the German authorities. "We are
+now absolutely dependent upon reports issued by the authorities; we do
+not know whether they are correct or whether they are merely intended to
+inflame public opinion. Thus reports have been officially circulated of
+Russian patrols crossing our frontiers, and from Nuremberg of French
+airmen dropping bombs on the railways in that neighbourhood, whereupon
+diplomatic relations with both countries were broken off."[36]
+
+[Footnote 36: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+The whole Press, with the exception of at least some Social Democratic
+organs, joined in a chorus of hatred and suspicion against Russians
+residing in Germany. In bitterness towards the Russian State the
+Socialist journals were solid in their hostility, but the author has
+only discovered expressions of abhorrence in their columns concerning
+the ill-treatment, even murder, of innocent foreigners in Germany. This
+fact must be recorded to their honour.
+
+"Certain circles of Leipzig's population are at present possessed by
+patriotic delirium and at the same time by a spy-mania which luxuriates
+like tropical vegetation. In reality, love of Fatherland is something
+quite other than those feelings which find expression in the present
+noisy and disgusting scenes. These mob patriots must remember that in
+their mad attacks on 'Serbs' and 'Russians'--that is to say, everybody
+who has black hair and a beard, whom they at once conclude must belong
+to those nations--they are endangering the lives of hundreds of
+thousands of Germans in France and Russia."[37]
+
+[Footnote 37: Ibid., August 4th.]
+
+On the following day the same journal contained another detailed report:
+"In spite of official appeals to the public to display self-possession
+in these serious times, the nationalist mob continues to behave in the
+most scandalous manner, both in the streets and public restaurants, etc.
+The wildest outbreaks of brutal passions occur, and no one with black
+hair and dark complexion is secure from outbursts of rage on the part of
+the fanatics. Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday a gentleman in the uniform
+of a German artillery officer was sitting with a lady in the Cafe
+Felsche; apparently somebody 'denounced' him for a Russian officer in
+disguise. The police accompanied by army officers arrested and led him
+into the street, where they were received by a yelling crowd. The
+enraged mob forced its way past the guards and beat the 'spy' with
+sticks, umbrellas, etc., till streams of blood ran down his face, his
+uniform being torn to shreds. The officers and police guarding him drew
+their weapons, but were unable to protect him from further brutal
+treatment; indeed, it was with the greatest difficulty that they
+succeeded in bringing him to a place of safety."[38]
+
+[Footnote 38: The unfortunate suspect was in truth a German officer.]
+
+On the last page of the same edition there is an advertisement which
+helps to explain why the appeals for cool blood were useless.
+
+  "APPEAL!"
+
+  "Among the foreigners in our country, especially Russians, there are a
+  large number who, it is to be feared, are guilty of espionage and
+  attempts to disturb our mobilization. While the Russians engaged in
+  work on our farms may be allowed to continue their work in peace, it
+  is necessary to watch carefully those who are studying here, or are
+  permanent residents.
+
+  "I call upon the inhabitants to take part in the task of observation,
+  and when strong suspicion is aroused to see to it that the suspects
+  are arrested and handed over to the civil authorities.
+
+  "The protection of our railway lines and stations, telegraph wires,
+  etc., demands the most careful attention during the next few days.
+
+              "VON LAFFERT,
+              "General in Command.
+  "Leipzig, August 4th."
+
+An interesting contrast to the above is a police order, issued by the
+Director of the Stuttgart police.[39]
+
+[Footnote 39: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+  "Policemen! The populace is going absolutely mad. The streets are
+  crowded with old women of both sexes who have nothing else to do but
+  disgrace themselves. Each sees in his neighbour a Russian or French
+  spy, and imagines that it is his duty to thrash both him _and_ the
+  policeman who intervenes, till the blood flows; if not that, then at
+  least to cause an enormous crowd to gather in giving the alleged spy
+  over to the police. Clouds become hostile airmen, stars are mistaken
+  for airships and the cross-bars of bicycles are thought to be bombs;
+  bridges have been blown up, telegraph and telephone wires cut in the
+  middle of Stuttgart; spies have been shot and water supplies poisoned!
+  It is impossible to imagine what will happen when serious events
+  really come.
+
+  "It has been proved that up till now there has not been the slightest
+  reason for all this alarm; but yet, judging by appearances, we are
+  living in a huge lunatic asylum. Everyone, if he is not a coward or a
+  dangerous idler, should be quietly doing his duty, for the times are
+  already serious enough.
+
+  "Policemen! continue to keep your heads cool. Be men as you were
+  formerly, and not women. Do not allow yourselves to be frightened at
+  straws; keep your eyes open and do your duty!
+
+  "BILLINGER,
+
+  "Director of Police.
+
+  "Stuttgart."
+
+It is not surprising that this humorous police commander expressed his
+indignation in the forceful Swabian manner. Here are a few telegrams
+which had been sent to Berlin from Stuttgart, or still more probable,
+manufactured by the official Press Bureau in Berlin.
+
+"A considerable number of Russians and French--including several
+women--have been arrested in Stuttgart to-day under the suspicion of
+practising espionage. One of these arrests was made in the top-floor of
+the Central Post Office, where the apparatus connected with the
+telegraph office are to be found.
+
+"More arrests are about to be made in the environs. It has been
+established that numerous attempts have been made during the last few
+days to blow up the railway bridges. In Freudenstadt a gypsy's wagon was
+seized which contained a quantity of explosives."[40]
+
+[Footnote 40: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 3rd.]
+
+"Some of our contemporaries (Oh, shade of Pecksniff!--Author) announced
+yesterday that in Stuttgart eighty, according to other reports, ninety
+millions in French gold had been seized. In answer to our inquiry at the
+principal office of the Wuertemberg State Railways we were informed that
+the statements are pure inventions."[41]
+
+[Footnote 41: _Berliner Lokal-Anzeiger_, August 4th.]
+
+Another Socialist paper which denounced this campaign of lies in its
+columns deserves quotation. "The spy-mania luxuriates; every Russian is
+in danger of assault by over-heated patriots. The nation, however, ought
+to know that the Russians in our midst are labourers, students,
+travellers and business men; it is exceeding rare for one of this class,
+to sell himself to the scoundrels who follow the dirty practices of
+espionage.
+
+"Civilization and good-breeding demand that everyone should respect the
+dictates of international law, and treat the peaceful citizens of a land
+with which we are at war, with decency.
+
+"Especially those wretches deserve to have their knuckles rapped who
+circulate such infamous bear-baiting news as the alleged attempt on the
+Crown Prince's life by Russian students."[42]
+
+[Footnote 42: _Vorwaerts_, August 7th.]
+
+"The General commanding the Leipzig district has issued the following
+reply in answer to an inquiry by the civil authorities: We know nothing
+at all of an alleged attempt on the life of the Kaiser or the Crown
+Prince. The commanding General von Laffert has never uttered the words
+ascribed to him, that the Kaiser had been murdered. These reports must
+be contradicted with the greatest energy."[43]
+
+[Footnote 43: _Leipziger Tageblatt_, August 3rd.]
+
+The following extracts are of the greatest importance, for they prove
+beyond doubt the source of these lies, and the cold-blooded, calculated
+manner in which they were circulated by the German authorities:
+
+"The decision as to what may be published in newspapers, is now in the
+hands of the military commander in each district.
+
+"The regulations issued by the military authorities, force certain
+restrictions upon us and threaten the existence of our journals. As
+regards our principles and convictions no change has taken place."[44]
+
+[Footnote 44: The editor of the _Vorwaerts_ to his readers on August
+1st.]
+
+"Berlin, August 10th.--Major Nicolai, director of the Press department
+of the General Staff, received representatives of the Press to-day and
+communicated to them, _inter alia_, the following details: Our army
+commanders decline to enter into competition with the lie-factories
+abroad. They will convince the world that truth is on our side, and that
+we spread neither lies nor coloured reports. We hope in a short time to
+be able to prove how much our enemies have sinned against the truth.
+
+"What have we achieved up till now? The dreaded invasion of Russian
+cavalry was broken up by our frontier guards alone. Indeed, in many
+cases only the Landwehr was needed to throw back the invaders. What
+about the destruction of important buildings, railways, bridges and such
+like? Nothing at all has happened."[45]
+
+[Footnote 45: Condensed translation of the report in the _Leipziger
+Volkszeitung_, August 11th.]
+
+On another page of the same issue a long official army order to the
+Press is given in which this paragraph occurs: "All news given out by
+Wolff's Telegraph-Bureau may only be quoted literally as they stand and
+the source named by the initials W.T.-B."
+
+It is thus clear that the news-agency mentioned performs two separate
+functions, although the German army authorities do not draw this
+distinction. First, the circulation of reports issued by the Army
+Headquarters in the field, for the truth of which the Berlin General
+Staff guarantees. Secondly, the spreading of their own news, and
+information supplied to them by other German Government departments. All
+news published by the agency has thus received the stamp of official
+authority, and the German public is too ignorant to recognize the
+palpable fraud.
+
+"Metz, August 3rd.--A French doctor, accompanied by two officers in
+disguise, was caught yesterday while trying to infect the water supply
+with cholera bacilli. He was at once shot under military law."[46]
+
+[Footnote 46: _Deutsche Tageszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+"The report of the Metz water supply being infected, which was given out
+by Wolff's Bureau yesterday, proves to be a pure invention. The agency
+informs us that there is no ground for uneasiness, but the state of
+affairs at present makes it imperative to exercise great care."[47]
+
+[Footnote 47: _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 4th.]
+
+"Coblence, August 2nd.--The Government-president in Duesseldorf reports
+that twelve motor-cars containing eighty French officers in Prussian
+uniforms tried this morning to cross the Prussian frontier by Walbeck,
+west of Geldern. The attempt failed."[48]
+
+[Footnote 48: Ibid., August 3rd.]
+
+Referring to this episode another paper wrote: "The alleged attempt of
+whole caravans of French officers, masquerading as German lieutenants,
+to enter the Rhine province as spies is too adventurous to be believed.
+Especially as it is known that the Dutch frontier is very strictly
+guarded.
+
+"But Wolff's Bureau, which at present takes every precaution, circulated
+the news. Hence we have here an instance of France violating Dutch
+neutrality."[49]
+
+[Footnote 49: _Koelnische Volkszeitung_, August 3rd.]
+
+As far as the author is aware, the German Government has not yet
+protested to the Dutch authorities for this breach of their neutrality.
+
+The poisoned-water-supplies lie deserves further attention. It was
+scattered broadcast throughout the land, and millions of credulous
+Germans reduced to a state of absolute panic and--what was intended by
+those who spread the lie--blind hate against Germany's opponents. I have
+before me a number of descriptions of scares in various parts of the
+Fatherland. A few notices will suffice as illustrations.
+
+"A most terrifying report spread like wild-fire through the town last
+Monday morning, and reached to the farthest suburbs. The waters of the
+Mangfall had been poisoned by Russian spies, and everyone's life was in
+danger. It is hardly possible to conceive the effect of this terrible
+rumour. Messengers of despair rushed from house to house, knocking at
+strangers' doors in order to spread the warning. 'That is a devilish
+deed!' stammered the white lips of women. 'Only barbarians wage war in
+this manner!' hissed the men, trembling with rage and hate."[50]
+
+[Footnote 50: The full report of this Munich scare occupies more than a
+column in the _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+The _Breslauer-Morgenzeitung_ for August 10th contains an announcement
+from the Breslau municipality warning the inhabitants that the waters of
+the Oder have possibly been poisoned, and appealing for every precaution
+to be taken before drinking from the town supply, till a fresh supply
+can be provided.
+
+"The authorities in Danzig have declared the waters of the Weichsel to
+be under suspicion of having been infected with cholera bacilli. It is
+presumed that cholera is raging on the upper Weichsel in Russia, and
+that the Russians have not allowed this to become known. Water from the
+river must not be used for any purposes connected with human food or
+drink."[51]
+
+[Footnote 51: _Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten_, August 20th. A lying
+report put in circulation hundreds of miles away from Danzig.]
+
+Finally the originator of these rumours piously contradicts them all and
+announces, "lieb Vaterland magst ruhig sein," in the following words:
+
+"Wolff's Bureau reports: There is absolutely no reason for anxiety on
+account of the alleged poisoning and infection of rivers, water supplies
+and springs which have been reported unauthoritatively from all parts of
+the country, and published in the Press. These rumours, which have
+caused grave anxiety, on closer investigation have all proved to be
+utterly unfounded."[52]
+
+[Footnote 52: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 27th.]
+
+The war had lasted for four weeks, and although no rivers had been
+poisoned, the same could not be said of the currents of popular opinion.
+
+"While I was walking down a street in Breslau a tram suddenly stopped,
+loud cries proceeding from within it. The occupants had discovered a
+Russian, dragged him out and handed him over to a policeman who led the
+man away. But the official was unable to protect him, and blows with
+fists and sticks literally rained on the defenceless fellow. The couple,
+surrounded by a howling crowd, had just moved away, when a nun attracted
+the attention of the crowd. On account of a report that a Russian spy
+disguised as a nun had been arrested the same morning, the people
+imagined the nun to be a man in disguise.
+
+"Smiling at the ridiculous supposition and the maddened howls of the
+ever-increasing throng, the lady endeavoured to enter a tram. Men placed
+themselves in front of the car, others dragged the frightened woman out
+again and with blows and kicks she was driven before them to the next
+police station. But the saddest part of these excesses--and I am only
+describing a few of which I was accidentally a witness--is that members
+of the so-called educated classes participated in them."[53]
+
+[Footnote 53: A special correspondent in the _Frankfurter Zeitung_,
+August 7th.]
+
+"On one of the most frequented open places in Breslau a soldier
+approached a lady and looked searchingly into her face. She understood
+him, and remarked with a smile: 'I am not a spy!' The man replied: 'But
+you have short hair. I am sorry, you must come with me.'
+
+"She at once recognized that the wisest plan was to accompany him, and
+turned to do so. The movement worked like a signal; the bystanders
+immediately threw themselves in blind rage upon the defenceless woman.
+In vain the single soldier tried to protect her, and equally in vain was
+the assistance of two policemen who had come up. Her cries to be taken
+into a neighbouring house for safety met with no response.
+
+"Her garments were literally torn from her body, a spectacle which
+finally proved to her persecutors that she actually was a woman, but
+that fact no longer protects her. Brutal instincts, once let loose, are
+mad and unrestrained. Blows continue to fall on her head and kicks rain
+against her body. She only tries to shield her eyes. 'Take her to the
+police station' was shouted, but that is some distance away. And any
+second may mean death--a horrible, disgraceful death.
+
+"Having arrived in the guard-room the officials are soon convinced that
+they have to do with an absolutely innocent woman. Outside the throngs
+yelled in triumph."[54]
+
+[Footnote 54: _Breslauer Generalanzeiger_, August 6th.]
+
+A German officer wrote the following account to the _Berliner Zeitung am
+Mittag_ (August 5th): "May I supplement your article 'Spies and
+Spy-hunting' with a few facts from my own personal knowledge. On August
+3rd no fewer than sixty-four spies (?) were brought into the police
+station at the Potsdamer Railway Station (Berlin). Not one was kept in
+arrest, for the simple fact that they were all innocent German citizens.
+
+"Among others who were 'captured' and threatened with death by the
+raging crowd on the Potsdamer Platz were: A pensioned Prussian major,
+who was waiting for his son; a surgeon in the Landwehr; a high official
+from the Courts of Justice; and lastly, a pensioned Bavarian army
+officer who, on account of his stature, was thought to be a Russian. A
+drunken shop-assistant egged on the crowd against this last suspect, so
+that his life was really in danger. He was rescued by four Prussian
+officers, who pretended to arrest their Bavarian colleague, and were in
+this way able to lead him into safety."
+
+This twentieth-century reign of terror is not, however, without a ray of
+humour. The semi-official _Koelnische Zeitung_ (August 4th) contained a
+legend which set all Germany hunting for French motor-cars. "Several
+motor-cars with ladies in them, taking gold to Russia, are on their way
+across Germany. They must be stopped and a communication sent to the
+nearest military or police station."
+
+"The occupants of the motor-cars carrying gold to Russia are said to
+have transferred the precious metal to cyclists dressed as
+bricklayers."[55]
+
+[Footnote 55: _Das Kleine Journal_ (Berlin), August 5th.]
+
+"The official announcement that French and Russian motor-cars had been
+seen on our country roads has aroused the otherwise leaden, heavy
+imaginations of the country people to the most incredible delirium. We
+will limit ourselves to a single instance. One of our cars met a peasant
+with a hand-waggon near Nerchau. As soon as he perceived the motor he
+bolted in mad fright into a neighbouring corn-field.
+
+"Our man called in a friendly voice: 'My good fellow, what are you
+running away for?' Then the hero answered in a trembling voice: 'I
+thought it was a French motor!'"[56]
+
+[Footnote 56: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 6th.]
+
+On August 6th every important paper in the German Empire contained the
+following paragraph issued by the "Army Direction" in Berlin:
+
+"The hunt for alleged hostile motor-cars must stop. It endangers the
+motor-car communications so necessary to our armies."
+
+This warning was repeated in stronger terms on the following day, and
+the roll of murdered victims began to leak out. "Unfortunately through
+this hunt several persons have been wrongfully shot. In Leipzig a doctor
+and his chauffeur have been shot, while between Berlin and Koepenick a
+company of armed civilians on the look-out for Russian motor-cars tried
+to stop a car. The chauffeur was compelled to put the brakes on so
+suddenly that the motor dashed into a tree, with the result that the
+occupants--several persons connected with the army--were hurled on to
+the road and received dangerous injuries.
+
+"In Munich a chauffeur was shot dead by a sentinel because he did not
+stop soon enough. Even children are not spared in this degrading fear of
+spies.
+
+"Near Bueren (Westphalia) the twelve-year-old daughter of Town Councillor
+Buddeberg in Bielefeld was returning with her mother from Marburg in a
+motor. Somebody must have telephoned that the car was suspect, for the
+Landwehr Society placed armed sentinels at various points on the road.
+They cried 'Halt!' to the chauffeur; just as the car was stopping, shots
+were fired, and the girl sank dead in the arms of her mother.
+
+"Even the nationalist journals have expressed their astonishment that a
+civilian society is permitted to hold the public highways with armed
+guards. At Coblence a teacher and organist named Ritter was shot by a
+sentinel."[57]
+
+[Footnote 57: _Leifziger Volkszeitung_, Supplement I., August 7th. Here
+we have proof that Germany allowed armed civilians to murder supposed
+Frenchmen, a fact to be remembered when weighing Germany's accusations
+against Belgian civilians. The German Government has published a White
+Book (328 quarto pages) during the summer, 1915, indicting Belgian
+civilians with all kinds of atrocities. Waiving the point that if
+Germany first laid aside international law she had no right to expect
+Belgium to respect its dictates, it may be safely assumed that the
+evidence cited by the Germans is of little or no value. The oath which
+German soldiers are compelled to take precludes the possibility that
+they would or could give evidence which reflected on the conduct of the
+German army either in peace or war, even if the evidence is absolutely
+true. "In the interests of military discipline" the truth must be
+suppressed. The same oath is, however, proof that the German soldier
+must be prepared to lay down either his life _or his honour_ in defence
+of the army, and in a later chapter irrefutable evidence from German
+sources will be adduced to show that the White Book in question contains
+"sworn lies" emanating from members of the German army.]
+
+In its issue for August 11th the same newspaper gave the names of four
+more victims who had been shot in Westphalia. Among them was a poor
+woman of weak intellect; she was near a bridge, and failing to comply
+with a sentry's challenge, was shot. The bullet passed through her leg
+and killed a little girl who was working near her.
+
+Wolff's Bureau in Berlin reports: "In spite of the most urgent appeals
+which the Army Direction has issued during the last few days, begging
+the public not to place hindrances in the way of motor-cars, blundering
+mistakes are still being made every hour in all parts of Germany,
+accompanied by the most serious consequences.
+
+"The morning papers again contain reports of gold-motors having been
+captured. There are neither gold-motors nor foreign motors in Germany.
+Anyone who interferes with motor traffic is committing a sin against the
+army."[58]
+
+[Footnote 58: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+Another warning appeared in all the papers of August 12th in a still
+more imperative form. Yet a section of the public seemed to find a
+source of humour in this tragic hunt. A correspondent of the _Berliner
+Tageblatt_ gave an interesting report of his motor-ride (joy-ride?) from
+Lindau to Munich.
+
+"We were hardly two kilometres out of Lindau when we were stopped by a
+barricade of hay-wagons. On each side peasants stood with threatening
+mien, armed with pitchforks, revolvers and ancient carbines at
+full-cock. 'Hands up!' First visitation; we show our papers, everything
+in order. Off again.
+
+"About every two kilometres this scene was repeated: road jammed with
+huge, long wagons, the same excitement, the same discussion, but now and
+then somewhat sharper. In some villages the duty to defend the
+Fatherland has turned into madness.
+
+"'Here, get out! Where was this paper stamped? Yes, it is possible to
+forge!' They refuse to believe anything; not even a passport from the
+Chief in Command, nor papers proving me to be a German and my companion
+a German officer. When I tell them that I am an author and journalist
+from Berlin, they parry with a 'What the devil is that?'
+
+"These brave peasants defend their Fatherland well. Once we had to wait
+half an hour till a _gendarme_ came and ended the comedy with a few
+short words. Then we are allowed to get in again, and as I turn round a
+peasant shouts a last greeting: 'Really, I took you for a common hussy
+in disguise!'
+
+"They threaten us from the houses. Now and then the trigger of a gun
+clicks as it is levelled at us from a window. The roads are lined with
+peasants armed with all sorts of weapons, iron spikes, dung-forks,
+clubs, scythes, and old swords from the time of our great-grandfathers.
+
+"Up to the suburbs of Munich they stand at every village by day and by
+night to see that nothing happens to the Fatherland! And even if we were
+stopped twenty-eight times in this short distance; even if we did have
+to put up with hard words and black looks--we suffered all this gladly.
+We rejoiced to see with our own eyes how valiantly our peasants defend
+the frontiers of their Fatherland."[59]
+
+[Footnote 59: Edmund Edel in the _Berliner Tageblatt_, August 9th.]
+
+In due time the bloodthirsty Pecksniff who had set the avalanche in
+motion appeared to express his holy indignation.
+
+"Wolff's Bureau has circulated the following warning. Berlin, August
+14th. This fatal hunt for motor-cars has claimed yet another victim.
+Recently an Austrian countess was shot while working for the Red Cross,
+and now a cavalry captain and his chauffeur have been killed by a
+forest-keeper on the look-out for Russian _automobile_.
+
+"The General Staff has again and again issued the most urgent demands
+that this unhappy hunt for foreign motorists--which has already caused
+the death of several good Germans--should cease.
+
+"It is unadulterated madness (_es ist heller Wahnsinn_) to search for
+enemy motors in our land. Neither enemy officers, nor cars loaded with
+gold, are driving around in Germany. Would that our people would stop
+this horrible murder of their own countrymen and lend an ear to the
+warning voice of our Army Direction. Our Fatherland needs every single
+man in this serious hour."[60]
+
+[Footnote 60: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 15th.]
+
+Only one more nail requires to be driven home to prove the blood-guilt
+of the German authorities for the murder of their own citizens.
+
+"Innumerable reports are in circulation about the capture of spies and
+the prevention of plots against persons and buildings. In spite of the
+fact that the military authorities have repeatedly and urgently appealed
+for the exercise of the greatest discretion in publishing such reports,
+the nationalist Press exploits every opportunity to disquiet the
+masses and excite them to senseless delirium.
+
+"It is obvious that we shall not join in this game. We exercise our most
+careful judgment before publishing anything; in these serious times we
+must decline to speculate in the thirst for sensation which has been
+bred in the public. Rather, on the contrary, we must beg our readers
+always to accept all news, WHICH NOW EMANATE ALMOST ENTIRELY FROM
+OFFICIAL SOURCES,[61] with the necessary reserve."[62]
+
+[Footnote 61: The emphasis is mine. Author.]
+
+[Footnote 62: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 7th.]
+
+The author has ventured to lead his readers on a mad-brained chase after
+non-existent motor-cars and mythical French gold. He hopes that his
+readers' patience has not been exhausted, because the ride may prove an
+instructive education in German methods and the standards of truth
+accepted in a country where only might is right.
+
+The object in view, in submitting these modern fairy-tales to the
+British public, is to lay bare the pillars of truth which support the
+Fatherland. During the first month of the war there was an outbreak of
+brutality in Germany; contemporaneously with these horrors some million
+members of the same nation flooded Belgium with dread deeds of an
+indescribable nature. This is a noteworthy coincidence.
+
+We have seen how Germans treat Germans, which makes it easier to
+comprehend how Germans treated Belgians. The present chapter gives a
+picture of how the German Press is worked, how popular opinion is
+created and blood-lust awakened. When dealing with Germany's defence of
+her Belgian horrors, we shall find that her entire case rests alone upon
+the utterances of her oracles of truth: Wolff's Telegraphic Bureau and
+Germany's venal, lying newspapers.
+
+That was the reason for this mad joy-ride from end to end of the German
+Empire, and that is the only apology which the author has to make for
+introducing the latest contributions to Germanic mythology into an
+otherwise serious work.
+
+Incidentally we have observed that German civilians were permitted to
+bear arms and did not hesitate to use them "in defence of the
+Fatherland," as Edmund Edel put it. The civilians were doubtless
+inspired by the noble desire to grab French gold. Yet when Belgian
+civilians--as Wolff's Bureau alleges--dared to defend their homes, wives
+and children against the most treacherous and dastardly invasion in the
+world's history--then, of course, Germany was perfectly justified in
+murdering all and sundry, burning towns and hamlets and laying waste a
+fertile land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE DEBACLE OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS
+
+
+In the second paragraph of the Social Democratic programme published
+after the Halle Congress in 1890, we read: "The German workmen's
+socialistic party, although working for the present on national lines,
+is aware of the international character of the workmen's movement, and
+is determined to fulfil all duties accruing thereby to the working
+classes, in order to make the brotherhood of all men a reality."
+
+At that meeting--the first to be held after the repeal of Bismarck's
+anti-socialist law--the president claimed that they had secured more
+votes at the Reichstag election than any other party; they were the
+strongest political party in Germany.
+
+Since that year they have consistently increased their power, till in
+the present Reichstag they have no fewer than one hundred and eleven
+members, giving them almost an absolute majority.
+
+It seems an irony of fate that at Halle in 1890 one of the speakers who
+dilated on international brotherhood and the inseparable bonds which
+bound Belgian and German workmen--was a Belgian delegate! Singer, in
+reporting on the doings of the representatives in the Reichstag, said:
+"We consider peace among the nations to be an indispensable preliminary
+for the improvement of social conditions. We vote against expenditure
+for military purposes, because we are convinced that this continuous
+arming, accompanied by the constant improvement of murderous weapons,
+must be ended. It is contradictory to the civilizing task of the nations
+for them to be armed to the teeth, lying in wait for the moment when
+they can devour each other.
+
+"Militarism is an evil for the nations; its burdens cannot be borne for
+ever, and even to-day the nations are collapsing under them. Modern
+conditions are unbearable; out of them spring ever-increasing armaments,
+and at last a time will come when war must break out, because the state
+of modern armed peace will one day have become impossible."
+
+Another authoritative pronouncement from the report[63] of the Social
+Democratic Congress in Erfurt, 1891, deserves mention. It is a passage
+from a speech delivered by the elder Liebknecht in the Reichstag: "As
+regards the defence of the Fatherland all parties will be united when it
+is necessary to meet an outside enemy. In that moment no party will
+shirk its duty."
+
+[Footnote 63: "Protokoll ueber die Verhandlungen des Parteitags der Soz.
+Dem. Partei Deutschlands zu Erfurt, 1891."]
+
+This is an instance of what Germans call _Rueckversicherung_, or a
+covering insurance. Having pledged themselves never to leave the
+Fatherland in the lurch--and the pledge was repeated on many
+occasions--they were free to babble to French, English and Italian
+Socialists about the blessings of internationalism, general strikes, and
+eternal peace. But there is no single instance on record to show that
+German Socialists considered any other benefits of internationalism,
+except those which served the purposes of their own nationalism.
+
+At Halle, 1890, Liebknecht said: "These ideas are indisputably correct.
+Nobody,[64] no matter how enthusiastic he may be for the international
+cause, will dare to maintain that we have no national duties. National
+and international are not opposing principles. The word 'national' must
+be rightly understood. It includes only a certain, limited portion of
+international humanity. The part belongs to the whole, and international
+merely means going beyond the boundary-posts of the nation, the narrower
+limits of the native land; to extend one's horizon to include the whole;
+to consider humanity as one family and the world as a home."
+
+[Footnote 64: Liebknecht was wrong. There are dupes who hold that their
+international obligations come before their national duties, and
+unfortunately in the ranks of these traitors, English M.P.'s may be
+found, who receive L400 per annum from the British State, presumably to
+aid them in injuring the British cause.]
+
+The error into which British Socialists have fallen--or been led--is
+their attitude towards militarism. German Democrats have never denounced
+the bearing of arms; they have admitted that arms will always be
+necessary, pre-supposing that the world continues along the same lines
+of development as heretofore.
+
+They have only objected to the existing _form_[65] of militarism, but
+otherwise they have always been unanimous that military training should
+be compulsory and universal. Their British _Genossen_ (comrades) have
+either misunderstood or wilfully perverted these teachings. German
+Socialists have unswervingly insisted upon every man learning the use of
+arms, while their British followers have preached absolute disarmament
+and done their utmost to betray this country into weakening herself
+below the minimum necessary to guard the land, and to maintain the
+country's pledges to the world.
+
+[Footnote 65: Kautsky: "Die Internationalitaet und der Krieg" (Vorwaerts
+Publishing House, Berlin, 1915), p. 26. "We have fought against the
+military system not to make the land defenceless, but in order to
+introduce another system in its place, which will give us the necessary
+guarantees that the army will always be the tool of the civil
+authorities and never their master. When the latter is the case we call
+such a condition 'militarism,' and it is against that alone that we
+fight." Seeing that military power is absolutely subordinated to the
+civil authorities in the case of Great Britain (Mutiny Acts), then
+according to the principles of German Socialists their British
+colleagues were wrong in all the efforts which they have made against
+the armed powers of these islands.]
+
+In Halle, Herr Bebel made this statement: "I have already made it clear
+that I consider the efforts of the so-called peace friends towards
+disarmament to be useless (_aussichtslos_), because it is unthinkable
+that the rival States would agree to legal restrictions concerning
+disarmament. If such were made, each would endeavour by secret
+preparations to out-do the other. War and national enmity are necessary
+products of society, and the existing class distinctions."
+
+The Germans were quite logical in this matter; in effect they said--the
+existing States and forms of government make militarism necessary, and
+war inevitable. Therefore we declare war to the knife on every existing
+government, including Russian Czarism, British constitutionalism, German
+autocracy and American republicanism. They are one and all rotten,
+unjust and inhuman. Our programme includes their complete overthrow and
+the erection in their stead of a _Volksstaat_ (People's State).
+
+The position is perfectly simple, and to those who are sufficiently
+ignorant and naive this programme promises an universal salvation, as
+delirious in its joy as that expected by African races when bending the
+knee before images of wood and stone. German Socialists are pledged just
+as irrevocably to the doctrines of brute force as are the Junker and
+military powers in the German Fatherland. What is their industrial and
+class warfare but an attempt to enforce the doctrine of might is right?
+
+In the official programme drawn up at Erfurt, 1891, there is a paragraph
+stating a claim for _uneingeschraenktes Koalitionsrecht_ (absolute and
+unlimited right of coalition), which means that the masses may unite to
+enforce what they will, and annihilate whom they please. The same rights
+of coalition are denied to anyone else, and in the coal-strikes in South
+Wales[66] we have a lurid example--such instances could not be found in
+Germany--of the absolute and unlimited right of coalition at the risk of
+undoing any and every other right.
+
+[Footnote 66: The strikes during the present war.--Author.]
+
+The point is this: German Socialists have declared their intention to
+give no allegiance to any existing form of government and to overthrow
+them at the earliest possible moment. Do British Socialists accept this
+part of the programme?
+
+Throughout German Social Democratic literature we find Mr. Ramsay
+Macdonald referred to as _Genosse_ Ramsay Macdonald, which means that he
+is considered a full member of the brotherhood. If that is really the
+case, and if he accepts their programme as one to be followed here he
+would be favouring the substitution of the _volksstaat_ for the British
+constitutional monarchy.
+
+In face of this it may be asked why do British members of the Socialist
+party take an oath on entering the House of Commons, and why do they
+accept L400 per annum to support a national State, if they have pledged
+themselves internationally to overthrow it?
+
+The author admits his inability to solve the riddle, but during the
+years 1902-1914 he has heard members of all non-Socialist German parties
+assert that the German Socialists do not recognize any religious oath,
+and sections of the Socialists admit this position. As a party they are
+professedly atheistic; therefore when the might of the German State
+compels them to take an oath--they take it with an inward
+_Rueckversicherung_.
+
+In a word, false-swearing is permitted, when one is obliged by
+circumstances, to take an oath to authorities whose right and might the
+oath-taker does not admit. So long ago as 1892 the Social Democrats were
+publicly charged with condoning perjury in order to rescue fellow
+members from the results of breaches of the law. Judge Schmidt in a
+court at Breslau said in that year: "Social Democrats have never
+concealed the fact that they are hostile to any religious form of oath.
+For them the religious importance and responsibility of an oath has no
+meaning whatever." Numerous German judges and authors have expressed
+themselves in a similar strain.
+
+Readers who are interested in the point are referred to the report[67]
+of the Socialist Congress held in Berlin, October, 1892. The party
+leaders endeavoured to gloss the matter over with righteous indignation
+and ambiguous phrases, but it nevertheless remains a fact that the
+desire to counteract effectively, a tendency to perjury among Socialists
+led the German Government a few years later to make perjury punishable
+by penal servitude up to ten years.
+
+[Footnote 67: All these reports may be seen in the British Museum
+Reading Room. Press mark is: 08072d.]
+
+Before leaving the _Volksstaat_ the author only wishes to state that it
+lays the axe on every conception of morality, religion and social order
+which we esteem. In the place of existing conditions, it would erect a
+mob tyranny more degrading to the individual than Czarism or
+Republicanism. The mines of Siberia and the tinned-meat factories of
+Chicago may enslave the body, but the _Volksstaat_, as portrayed by
+Socialist writers and speakers, promises an intellectual
+tyranny--hopeless alike to body and soul; and those who have had an
+opportunity to observe the brutal tyranny called "party discipline"
+which rules the German Social Democrats, will bear the present writer
+out in saying that its like, could only be found inside the German army.
+
+The strongest, best organized and most thoroughly disciplined political
+party in the world has repeatedly expressed its unalterable
+determination to place national before international interests, whenever
+these two should seem to be at variance. In the light of these
+declarations, the action of German Socialists in giving unreserved
+support to the German Government in this war, is not altogether
+surprising.
+
+Furthermore, this foundation-stone in their policy ought never to have
+been left out of consideration when pondering over their ecstatic
+utterances on peace and internationalism.
+
+The communistic manifesto of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, first
+published in London in the German language in 1847, contains the
+following: "Men say that we Communists wish to destroy the nationality
+of the native land. Workmen have no Fatherland. It is impossible to take
+away what they do not possess. The Communists scorn to conceal their
+views and intentions. We declare openly, that their aims can only be
+attained by the violent overthrow of all existing social orders. Let the
+ruling classes tremble before a communistic revolution. The proletarians
+have nothing but their chains to lose, while they have a world to
+gain."[68]
+
+[Footnote 68: "Envy and greed are the two powerful levers by which the
+Social Democrats are endeavouring to lift the world off its hinges. They
+live by the destruction of every ideal." Treitschke in the "Preussische
+Jahrbuecher," vol. 34.]
+
+German Socialists have incorporated these principles _in theory_ in
+their programme, but _in practice_ they do not hold them, especially if
+their own skins are endangered, together with the Government which is
+threatened by "violent overthrow." That is the sum total of their
+extensive defence--literature published _since_ the outbreak of the
+present war. In its naked reality that is what the guarantee-insurance
+policy covered. So long as no danger threatened their own lives, goods
+and chattels, such eloquence as the following extracts were shouted into
+the world; but when they personally stood face to face with the Moloch
+upon which for years they had heaped contemptuous abuse, then national
+(_i.e._, personal) interests came first.
+
+Herr Fischer, in his capacity as president of the Socialist Congress in
+Berlin, 1892, said:
+
+"The reception of French delegates at Halle, and of Liebknecht at
+Marseilles, have proved incontrovertibly that the struggling French
+proletarians are of one mind and heart with German Social Democracy. Let
+the chauvinists, burning with hate on this and that side the Rhine, urge
+us on to war; let the diplomats and Governments of both countries
+sacrifice the well-being of the two nations to militarism and the
+war-bogey. The working-men in the two countries stretch out their hands
+to each other over the frontiers as pioneers of true culture and
+morality. They are convinced that there is only one enemy which
+separates them, and that it is their common task to fight against and
+annihilate this one enemy--capitalism."
+
+"Now as ever, we Social Democrats reply to the Government's military and
+economic policy this parole: Not a man and not a farthing will be voted
+for this system!"[69]
+
+[Footnote 69: Social Democrat members of the Reichstag in their report
+to the annual congress held in Cologne, 1893.]
+
+These quotations have been intentionally taken from speeches, etc.,
+published in the early nineties of the last century. If necessary, it
+would be an easy matter to fill several volumes of similar matter from
+the annual congress reports down to 1913; from the vast mass of German
+Social Democratic literature published between 1890 and 1914; and from
+the hundred party newspapers and reviews circulated in the Fatherland,
+Yet in the face of all these assurances it seemed to us that the German
+Socialists had shamefully betrayed their principles on August 4th, 1914,
+by giving their unreserved support to "Germany's Holy War."[70]
+
+[Footnote 70: In all Germany, and among all classes, this has become the
+popular designation of the European war: "_Unser_ heiliger Krieg."]
+
+Probably the betrayal was not so shameful as it seemed, because the fact
+was not made known in this country that the German Socialists had but
+imitated Bismarck's policy with Russia and Austria. (Bismarck concluded
+a treaty, with the one Power, then behind that Power's back he concluded
+a _Rueckversicherungsvertrag_ with the other, _i.e._, a covering
+insurance policy intended to protect him against all risks.)
+
+During a quarter of a century, German Social Democrats have been the
+most ardent and insistent pioneers of internationalism and
+anti-militarism. But it has not been so generally known that they too
+have protected their rear by a _Rueckversicherung:_ (1.) They have
+consistently taught that every man must learn to bear arms, and that
+both man and woman must be prepared to make any sacrifice for their
+Fatherland. (2.) They have always held that national interests must be
+considered before international palaver.
+
+In Chapter I. we have seen that up till July 28th, 1914, the German
+Social Democratic Party considered Austria and Germany to be entirely
+responsible for the European crisis. They had then no shadow of doubt,
+that Austria alone was guilty for bringing the danger of a European war
+to their very doors; from that point we again take up the story.[71]
+
+[Footnote 71: In all the mass of literature published by German
+Socialists during the war I have found only one mention of their first
+attitude to the war danger. On the first anniversary of the ultimatum to
+Serbia (July 23rd, 1915) the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_ contains these
+lines in a leading article: "To-day we may not repeat that which we
+wrote about the ultimatum in our issue of July 24th, 1914. But there was
+no doubt in any section of the Press, that Europe stood on the brink of
+war from the moment that ultimatum was despatched."]
+
+Three days later they tacitly agreed that Russia was the guilty party
+and acquiesced in the mobilization of the German army. On August 1st
+this proclamation occupied the front page of their seventy-seven daily
+papers:
+
+  "PARTEIGENOSSEN! Military law has been proclaimed. Any hour may bring
+  with it the outbreak of the world war. Thereby the severest trials
+  will be imposed upon, not only our nation, but upon the whole of our
+  continent.
+
+  "Up till the last minute the internationalists have done their duty,
+  and on the other side of our frontiers every nerve is being strained
+  to preserve peace and to make war impossible.
+
+  "If our earnest protests, our repeated endeavours have been without
+  success, it is because the conditions under which we live have once
+  again proved stronger than our will, and the will of our workmen
+  brothers. Hence, whatever comes, we must now face it with firmness.
+
+  "The horrible self-laceration of the European peoples, is the cruel
+  confirmation of our warnings to the ruling classes for more than a
+  generation; we have spoken admonishingly and in vain.
+
+  "_Parteigenossen_ (comrades), we shall not live through coming events
+  in fatalistic indifference; we shall remain true to our cause; we
+  shall hold firmly together, permeated by the sublime greatness of our
+  cultural mission.
+
+  "The women, on whom the burden of events presses two and threefold,
+  have above all, in these serious times, the task of working in the
+  spirit of Socialism for the high ideals of humanity, so that a
+  repetition of this dreadful catastrophe may be averted, and this war
+  may be the last.
+
+  "The stern regulations of martial law strike the workmen's movement
+  with terrible force. Imprudent actions, useless and falsely-conceived
+  sacrifices, damage in this moment not only the individual, but also
+  our cause.
+
+  "Comrades, we appeal to you to persevere in the unshakable confidence
+  that the future belongs, in spite of all, to nation-binding Socialism,
+  to justice and humanity.
+
+      "DER PARTEIVORSTAND.
+      (The leaders of the party.)
+
+  "Berlin, July 3ist, 1914."
+
+With these words, millions of German Socialists, represented by four and
+a quarter million voters and a hundred and eleven members of the
+Reichstag, tacitly denied their previous protestations, that Austrian
+Imperialism was letting loose the war-fury on Europe. There are rumours
+of a secret consultation with the German Chancellor, but that is of
+little import in this place. The leaders of this huge party proclaimed
+on July 25th that Austria was the blood-guilty power and maintained this
+attitude in spite of bloodshed till 11 p.m. on July 28th. By what
+lightning-change Austria's original guilt was transferred to Russia by
+July 31st is not recorded.
+
+With regard to the text of the above proclamation, there are variations
+to be noted. In the _Vorwaerts_ it runs "within and without our
+frontiers" in the second paragraph; the text as I have given it is taken
+from the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_. In the fifth paragraph the Nuremberg
+_Fraenkische Tagespost_ gives "capitalistic" for "fatalistic."
+
+A few extracts from Socialist newspapers will suffice to illustrate the
+complete change of front which happened in three days:
+
+"We Social Democrats in this solemn hour are at one with the whole
+German nation, without distinction of party or creed, in accepting the
+fight forced upon us by Russian barbarism, and we are ready to fight
+till the last drop of blood for Germany's national independence, fame
+and greatness." _Der Folksfreund_ (Karlsruhe), August 1st.
+
+"We desired peace and we have done everything humanly possible to secure
+that end. But when war is forced upon us by Russian Czarism, then,
+whatever the final decision may be, we must drop all class distinctions
+and differences of every kind, to form a single, determined people,
+prepared to defend Germany's independence and greatness against the
+enemy--even to the last drop of blood." _Volksstimme_ (Mannheim), July
+31st.
+
+"A defeat would mean collapse, annihilation and horrors most dreadful
+for all of us.[72] Our imaginations revolt at such a possibility. Our
+representatives in the Reichstag have unanimously declared on
+innumerable occasions that the Social Democrats could not leave their
+Fatherland in the lurch when the hour of destiny strikes; the workmen
+will now redeem the promise given by their representatives. The
+'Fatherlandless fellows'[73] will do their duty, and in doing it, will
+allow themselves to be surpassed in no wise by the patriots," _Muenchener
+Post_, August 1st.
+
+[Footnote 72: These sentiments did not occur to this journalist when
+Germany began a ruthless war of invasion on Belgium.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 73: A phrase of contempt employed by the Kaiser when speaking
+of the Social Democrats in 1889, and which became proverbial.]
+
+"Whatever our opponents have done to us, at this moment we all feel the
+duty to fight against Russian knout-rule. Our women and children shall
+not be sacrificed to Russian bestiality, nor the German people become a
+booty for the Cossacks." _Die Volksstimme_ (Chemnitz), August 2nd.
+
+It is possible that even at the end of the war no explanation will be
+forthcoming for this astounding change of attitude. Some have suggested
+that the Russian or Slavonic danger caused it. Yet just these journals,
+and this party, had maintained, so long as any degree of free speech was
+permitted, that Austria had provoked the danger, and they were fully
+aware that the German Government had from first to last approved of and
+openly assisted in provoking, nay challenging, Russia on a question
+which involved the latter's prestige and diplomatic existence.
+
+Bethmann-Hollweg gave the alleged Russian mobilization as the immediate
+cause of the war, but doubtless the Social Democrats knew full well that
+for several days before Russia's mobilization was announced, Germany had
+been secretly mobilizing her army. From July 26th till July 30th German
+papers contained many reports that Russia was mobilizing; they may have
+been true or not, but the diplomatic correspondence published by Austria
+and discussed on page 63 shows conclusively that the Central Powers were
+baiting Russia into taking that step, and when the greatest Slavonic
+power had made the desired move, Germany replied with an ultimatum which
+brought about the war, so ardently desired by the great majority of
+Germany's warlike tribes.
+
+Britishers who sympathize with German Social Democracy may advance the
+plea: If Germany's military preparations were secret, how could the
+Social Democrats know of these proceedings? The answer is direct and
+simple: Every individual Social Democrat--and men, women, and children,
+they number some twenty millions--has for years past been a spy and
+informer in the interests of the _Umsturzpartei_ (overthrow-party). All
+the happenings of the workshop, barracks, farmyard, shop and office have
+been systematically reported to the local Press, and local committees of
+the Democratic Party; the ammunitions thus obtained have been just as
+systematically employed to fire insidious paragraphs and Press articles
+at governments, local authorities, employers, officers, and even the
+employers of servant-girls. Of late years it has been dangerous to have
+a difference even with a maid-servant; a few days later the inevitable
+insidious, anonymous attack would certainly appear in one or other of
+the S.D. journals.
+
+One instance will suffice to illustrate the everyday routine of the
+class-war (_Klassenkampf_) in which the whole energies of the Social
+Democrats have been absorbed for a quarter of a century. An acquaintance
+of the author's, Major Schub, in the 19th Infantry Regiment, stationed
+in Erlangen, dared some years ago to send his orderly with a she-goat to
+a peasant in the district who kept the indispensable he-goat. Two days
+later he was pilloried in a Furth paper for calling upon a private
+soldier to fulfil such a degrading office. German workmen do not read
+the _Vorwaerts_ (its circulation is well under 100,000), but they read
+one or other of the seventy purveyors of filth and class hatred which
+form the stock-in-trade of the Social Democratic Party.
+
+The author of this work, knew as early as July 25th, that reserve
+officers had been warned to hold themselves in readiness; on succeeding
+days he saw tangible evidence that mobilization was proceeding
+stealthily, and it would be ridiculous for him to claim greater
+knowledge than the hundred and eleven S.D. members of the Reichstag, and
+the seventy-seven editors of their party papers--especially when these
+have an army of millions of spies at their command.
+
+In order to obtain a correct judgment of the motives which actuated
+German Social Democrats in their complete support of the German
+Government it is necessary to consult the works published by them during
+the war. Karl Kautsky writes:[74] "That which under these circumstances,
+was most immediate and pressing in determining the attitude to war, not
+only for the masses, but also many of our leaders, was the fear of a
+hostile invasion, the urgent necessity to keep the enemy out of our
+territory, no matter what the causes, object or results of the war may
+be. This fear was never greater and more justified than on this
+occasion; never have the devastating results of invasion been more
+terrible. Belgium and East Prussia speak plainly.
+
+[Footnote 74: "Die Internationalitaet und der Krieg." Berlin, 1915; p.
+32.]
+
+"The increased size of the armies greatly extends the unavoidable
+desolation of war, and in addition to this a second strongly-working
+popular motive decides the attitude of a nation to war, viz., the
+interest of the entire people in the fate of an army in which every
+family is represented."
+
+It thus becomes evident that no motives of justice, right or wrong, or
+politics played any part in the decision arrived at, but merely a great
+fear which impelled the Social Democrats to consider first and foremost
+how to save their own skins.
+
+All protest meetings were cancelled on August 1st, and the Press
+restricted itself to chronicling rumours and events. The sitting of the
+Reichstag was awaited with impatience as that was expected to bring more
+light on the crisis. The effect which Bethmann-Hollweg produced upon his
+hearers was to convince them that Russia alone was to blame. "The
+question of supporting the war by voting a loan was all the easier for
+us to decide, because the provocation had come, not from France or
+England, but from Russia. I admit openly that while I was travelling to
+Berlin to the Reichstag I had very little time to hunt for precedents in
+the party's history to determine my vote. For me the force of
+circumstances alone was decisive; the material interests of the working
+classes and the entire nation; common sense and the realization of a
+practical policy."[75]
+
+[Footnote 75: "Die Kriegssitzung des deutschen Reichstags" ("The War
+Sitting of the Reichstag"), by Karl Hildenbrand, Member for Stuttgart.
+Published 1915; p. 13.]
+
+"At the time of voting on August 4th, we were not in a position to take
+England into consideration, because at the moment she had not yet
+declared war. But by England's intervention our attitude on August 4th
+has been still more emphatically justified."[76]
+
+[Footnote 76: Ibid., p. 16.]
+
+This statement is a gross distortion of the truth. It is true that
+England had not yet declared war, but Sir Edward Grey had made England's
+attitude quite clear on the previous day. His speech had been published
+in the Berlin papers. Furthermore, the Chancellor informed the Reichstag
+that England's position was perfectly clear, although he suppressed the
+fact that Germany had begun preparations for war with this country five
+days before, by ordering civilians to leave Heligoland, and despatching
+the _Koenigin Luise_ to lay mines on our coasts.
+
+In any case, the action of the Social Democrats on that occasion is an
+example of unfaithfulness to principles. Accepting the invasion fear as
+a ground for voting a loan for a war of defence, there is still no
+evident reason why they should vote funds for a war of aggression
+against Belgium. On the surface, there is no explanation for their
+cheers when Bethmann-Hollweg announced the invasion of two neutral
+States by Germany's armies.
+
+Had they been tricked into supporting an alleged defensive war, there
+was still time to protest against German hordes overrunning two weak
+neighbouring countries. In spite of their terror that they personally
+might suffer through the horrors of war, their vaunted humanitarianism
+led to no outcry against those same horrors being wilfully and
+ruthlessly forced upon their Belgian _Genossen_.
+
+The only anxiety which the speech of their chosen spokesman, Herr Haase,
+betrays, is the anxiety to avoid responsibility. "In the name of my
+party I am empowered to make the following declaration: We are standing
+in an hour of solemn destiny. The consequences of the imperialistic
+policy--which brought about an era of armaments and made international
+difficulties more acute--have now fallen upon Europe like a storm-flood.
+
+"The responsibility for this recoils upon the leaders of that policy; we
+decline to accept it. Social Democracy has fought against this ominous
+development with all the forces at its command. Up to the very last hour
+we have worked for the maintenance of peace through mighty
+demonstrations in every land, especially in intimate cooperation with
+our French brothers. (Applause from the Social Democrats.) Our efforts
+have been in vain.
+
+"Now we are face to face with the stern reality of war. We are
+threatened by the terrors of a hostile invasion. To-day we have not to
+decide either for or against war, but only concerning the necessary
+means for the defence of our country. Now we have to think of the
+millions of our _Genossen_ who are innocently swept into this fate. They
+will suffer most through the devastations of war. Our ardent wishes
+accompany also our brothers who are called to the flag without
+distinction of party. (Loud applause.)
+
+"We think, too, of the mothers who must give their sons and of the women
+and children who are robbed of their bread-winners, and to whose fear
+for their loved ones is added the dread of hunger. Tens of thousands of
+wounded and mutilated warriors will soon be added to these. We consider
+it our most compelling duty to help them, to lighten their burdens and
+relieve their distress.[77] (Loud applause.)
+
+[Footnote 77: There is every reason to believe that the party has worked
+hard to keep this promise.--Author.]
+
+"In case of a victory for Russian despotism, which is already stained
+with the blood of Russia's best sons, much--if not everything--is at
+stake for our people and our free future. It is a question of averting
+this danger, and of securing the culture and independence of our own
+country. (Loud applause.)
+
+"Now we will redeem our oft repeated pledge: In the hour of danger we
+shall not leave our Fatherland in the lurch. (Loud applause.) Thereby,
+we feel ourselves in unison with the principles of internationalism
+which have always admitted the right of each single people to national
+independence and national defence. We condemn, as internationalism does,
+every war of conquest.
+
+"We demand, that, as soon as the goal of security has been attained and
+our enemies are inclined to make peace, the war shall end by a peace
+that will make friendship with neighbouring countries possible. We
+demand this, not only in the interests of the international solidarity
+for which we have uniformly fought, but also in the interests of the
+German nation.
+
+"We hope that the cruel school of war's sufferings will awaken a horror
+for war in new millions, and win them over to the socialistic ideal and
+international peace. Guided by these principles we vote in favour of the
+war loan. (Loud applause.)"[78]
+
+[Footnote 78: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+A short historical comparison will assist in making the Social
+Democratic action still clearer. In 1870, when Bismarck asked the
+Reichstag for a war credit to prosecute the campaign against France, the
+Socialists were few and helpless. Yet Liebknecht and Bebel refused to
+vote in its favour. "Their moral demonstration was in itself perfectly
+logical, for Bismarck's and Napoleon III.'s intrigues equally deserved
+condemnation."[79]
+
+[Footnote 79: Kautsky: "Die Internationalitat und der Krieg," p. 19.]
+
+Apparently it did not occur to the Democrats in 1914, that probably
+Germany had again been guilty of intrigues. It is noteworthy, however,
+that the small party in 1870 protested when a national issue was at
+stake, while the mighty party of 1914 made no protest whatever,
+although, as they had previously announced and denounced, the issue had
+been raised by the unjust actions and vile intrigues of Austrian
+imperialism.
+
+The campaign against Russia conducted by the nationalist Press up till
+August 1st was taken up by the organs representing Social Democracy,
+immediately war broke out. Their papers were flooded with appalling
+pictures of Russian (generally termed Asiatic) barbarism, tyranny and
+misrule. Passages from the speeches and writings of Bebel, Liebknecht
+and others were quoted to show the fiendishness of Russian policy, and
+the justice of every German doing his utmost to smash Czarism and
+deliver millions of fellow workmen from its thrall. Even a
+blood-and-thunder story of the Russian police was turned on as a serial
+story in their daily papers.[80] In short, nothing was omitted which
+goes to make _Stimmung_.
+
+[Footnote 80: "Der Polizeimeister, ein russischer Polizeiroman," by
+Gabryela Zapolska. The story commenced in the Nuremberg party organ on
+August 11th, and in Kautsky's _Leipztger Volkszeitung_ on August 18th.]
+
+Had they been honestly impartial a still blacker picture of Austria,
+painted by one of the founders of the workmen's movement, might have
+been quoted, yet it might have been indiscreet to tell Germans what
+Lassalle wrote. "Austria? Russia is a mammoth, barbarian Empire which
+its despotic rulers endeavour to civilize, just so far as suits their
+despotic interests. In that country barbarism is excusable, because it
+is a national element. But the case is very different with Austria.
+There it is the government which represents the barbaric principle and
+crushes beneath it by artifice and violence, the civilized peoples under
+its rule."[81]
+
+[Footnote 81: Bernstein's edition of Lassalle's "Reden und Schriften,"
+vol. I., p. 306.]
+
+With the exception of a few Britishers, the Socialists of all countries
+have unanimously condemned the attitude of the German party. Not the
+least interesting is the condemnation expressed by the Italian section.
+Dr. Suedekum, Reichstag member for Nuremberg, was sent to Italy to
+discuss the situation with Italian Socialists and justify their own
+action in supporting the war. The following account of the meeting
+appeared in the _Vorwaerts_ for September 12th: "The meeting lasted from
+3.30 p.m. till 7 p.m. Suedekum declared that he had come to inform their
+Italian comrades of the situation in which the German Socialists found
+themselves, and in order to learn whether the Italians had taken any
+steps to keep up communications with Democrats in other lands.
+
+"We hold firmly to the contention that the German Socialists could have
+done nothing except what they did. My presence here is a proof that we
+Germans are aware of our duties towards internationalism.[82] We
+believed that the German Government had given proof of its peaceful
+tendencies and was forced into war against its will. Therefore, the
+Social Democratic Party supported it.
+
+[Footnote 82: There is no evidence to show that Suedekum's Italian visit
+had any other purpose than winning over the sympathies of Italian
+Socialists and with them, the whole Italian nation for the purposes of
+German nationalism.--Author.]
+
+"Delia Seta answered that this was no justification for giving their
+support. The Italian Socialists would not have given their assistance
+under the same circumstances, just as they had refused to vote in favour
+of the Libyan war.
+
+"Dr. Suedekum replied that the German Socialists were compelled to defend
+their Fatherland against Czarism. Further, he repeated Haase's
+declaration in the Reichstag and continued: 'I am astonished that the
+Italian Socialists are able to believe, that so strong a party as the
+German Democrats, had denied their ideals, and been untrue to their
+task. You must admit that no other way was open to us, except to grant
+the credit demanded.'
+
+"After this, he asserted the nationalist Press of France and Italy was
+working against Germany, and it seemed as if the Italian comrades were
+in agreement with Italian nationalists in endeavouring to maintain the
+existing condition of affairs[83] in Italy.
+
+[Footnote 83: "The existing condition of affairs" seems to mean Italian
+neutrality.--Author.]
+
+"Finally Suedekum concluded by pointing out that the German Democrats had
+neither the intention, nor the right, to influence the attitude of the
+Italian Socialists, but were merely endeavouring to link up hearty
+international intercourse again.
+
+"In reply Delia Seta said he found it remarkable that the German
+Socialists had appealed to their Italian comrades in this solemn hour,
+all the more remarkable because intentions might easily be ascribed to
+this intervention. 'This is a serious motive which impels us to state
+our opinions with unreserved frankness.'
+
+"He continued: 'Your defence does not convince us. You speak of France
+being allied with us, and of England, Germany's enemy. But we speak of
+our France, revolutionary France, Jaure's France. The French Socialists
+opposed the military preparations made by France, you Germans did not do
+the same in your country, or at least, only up to the point where the
+imperialistic feelings of the Kaiser and his party might be hurt.
+
+"'The point of view of German Democrats coincides with that of German
+imperialism. German predominance means for us a far greater danger than
+Czarism, because Czarism prevents the German army from marching on
+Paris, and thus protects the banner of France, which in spite of all
+mistakes and errors, is still the most revolutionary.
+
+"'Germany's motto is: _Deutschland ueber alles_ and you have not opposed
+it; but you have published in the _Vorwaerts_ an appreciation of the
+Kaiser alleging that he had worked during twenty-five years for peace.
+
+"'You speak of German civilization being in danger. But in this
+civilization we can find no trace of culture, when you attack and
+torture neutral Belgium, and complete the destruction of Louvain. Taken
+as a whole, German Socialists are just as plausible and use the same
+excuses as the Ministers of the German Government.[84]
+
+[Footnote 84: Might not this also be said of Messrs. Morel, Macdonald,
+Bernard Shaw, etc., and the _Labour Leader_, whose writings on the war
+have been scattered broadcast throughout Germany during the last six
+months?]
+
+"'We are enraged at the terrible fact that Germany has violated
+Belgium's neutrality, and you have not even protested. We tell you quite
+openly that we honour and weep for devastated Belgium, and tremblingly
+follow the fate of France.'"
+
+Suedekum had no words with which to answer this terrible indictment, and
+the _Vorwaerts_ could only add the following comment:
+
+"We consider the judgment of our Italian comrades to be one-sided, but
+for reasons easy to understand, desist from discussing it in the present
+situation. Unfortunately we must recognize the fact, however, that the
+Italian view is widespread among the Socialists of other neutral
+countries."
+
+Germany's revolutionary party lost no time in hoisting the banner of "no
+annexations." The _Leipziger Folkszeitung_, second in importance only to
+the _Vorwaerts_ nailed down a phrase in the Kaiser's speech from the
+throne, which stated: "We are inspired by no desire for conquest." In
+commenting on this phrase, Kautsky's organ said:
+
+"The part of the speech which excites most sympathy in us is the
+admission that Germany cherishes no lust for conquest. At the proper
+time we shall refer to that again.
+
+"It is with sincere regret that we see the French Government on the side
+of the criminal Powers, which have enslaved and robbed the Russian
+people. If Germany, in a delirium of victory, should raise claims which
+mean annexation, then we shall--that must be repeated again--recall the
+speech from the throne of the German Kaiser on August 4th, 1914."[85]
+
+[Footnote 85: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 4th.]
+
+During the first year of war a split among the Social Democrats has
+become evident, and it appears certain that it is the annexation
+question which is causing the cleavage. In December last Liebknecht
+abstained from voting when the second war loan was granted by the
+Reichstag. Evidently doubts have arisen in a small section of the party
+either as to the origin of the war, or in regard to the objects which
+the German Government hopes to attain.
+
+On August 20th, 1915, Dr. Liebknecht put this question in the Reichstag:
+"Is the Government prepared to enter into immediate peace negotiations
+on the basis that Germany renounces all annexation claims and assuming
+that the other Powers in question are willing to negotiate?" Von Jagow
+replied: "I believe the great majority of the members will agree with
+me, when I refuse to answer the question, as being at present beside the
+purpose."
+
+The reply evoked a hurricane of "bravos."
+
+A parallel may be found in the year 1870. The central committee of
+German Social Democrats passed a resolution that: "It is absolutely
+necessary for the party to organize simultaneously in all parts of the
+country great popular demonstrations against the annexation of
+Alsace-Lorraine, and pass resolutions in favour of an honourable peace
+with the French republic."
+
+Nothing came of the movement, for on September 9th the committee was
+placed under arrest and prosecuted. If Germany should be victorious in
+this war, it is to be assumed that the Socialists would again prove
+powerless to prevent annexation. What the allies cannot hinder, the
+Social Democrats would be still more helpless to prevent; especially as
+the great majority of them are unreservedly on the side of the Kaiser
+and his Government. When in need, the latter flattered and persuaded the
+Democrats to vote for an alleged war of defence; but should German arms
+be victorious the German Government would neither seek, nor accept
+advice on her national projects, from her quondam internationalists.
+
+There are grounds for suspicion that the party is playing a game desired
+by the Berlin Government. For some months past they have tried every
+means possible to arrange personal interviews with the leaders of the
+corresponding party in France--the French "comrades" have refused to
+meet them. The _Leipziger Volkszeitung_ for July 16th, 1915, contains
+more than a column about "We and the French," in which the German party
+spreads the usual Teutonic lime of sophistry and empty phrases.
+
+One passage betrays the entire intrigue. They wish their "French
+brothers" to agree to a peace without annexations, which means, in so
+many words, that the French Socialists are to renounce Alsace-Lorraine
+for ever. Had they been, or should they be in the future, so foolish as
+to enter this German mouse-trap, then before the war has reached a
+decisive conclusion, a large section of the French nation would be
+pledged to renounce the lost provinces even in case of a German defeat.
+This is an excellent instance of the manner in which German Social
+Democracy works in an enemy country to assist its own Government. In
+like manner, the Independent Labour Party and Union of Democratic
+Control are forces exceedingly sensitive to German influence, and in a
+decisive moment can be set in motion by the German "comrades."
+
+The hundred and eleven Social Democrats in the Reichstag have no real
+power in Germany. If they possess any degree of power, then fear for
+their own skins, prevents them from risking its exercise. Their real
+opinion concerning Alsace-Lorraine appeared in the same journal four
+days later. "According to our opinion it would be a crime, if France
+made the return of these provinces a condition of peace." In the same
+article an accusation of one-sidedness is made against the Socialists in
+France for supporting the French Government. After which, it is not
+surprising that every time the names of the _Genossen_ Macdonald,
+Snowden, Hardie and Newbold occur in the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, they
+are mentioned with awe and reverence.
+
+"Besides Ramsay Macdonald and Philip Snowden, our friend J.T. Walton
+Newbold has got on the nerves of the English patriots."[86] These
+gentlemen invariably receive polite mention, but French Socialists are
+evidently in disfavour--presumably because they know too well the German
+game.
+
+[Footnote 86: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, July 23rd, 1915.]
+
+The peace programme of the German Socialists has been published. An
+official declaration of the party which appeared on August 23rd, 1915,
+gives the following conditions.
+
+"While caring for the national interests and rights of our own people,
+and at the same time respecting the vital interests of all nations,
+German Social Democracy strives for a peace which bears the guarantee of
+permanence, and will bring the European States closer together in
+matters of justice, culture, and commerce. In this sense we have drawn
+up the following scheme:
+
+"I. The security of German independence and the entirety of the German
+Empire, which implies the rejection of all annexation plans on the part
+of our opponents. That includes the French plan to re-incorporate
+Alsace-Lorraine with France, no matter in what form that end may be
+sought.
+
+"II. In order to secure free economic development for the German nation,
+we demand:
+
+"(_a_) The 'open door,' _i.e._, equal rights for commercial and
+such-like activities in all colonial territories.
+
+"(_b_) The inclusion of the most-favoured-nation clause in the articles
+of peace of all the nations now at war.
+
+"(_c_) The furthering of an economic entente by abolishing tariffs,
+etc., as far as possible.
+
+"(_d_) The equalization and improvement of the social-political
+institutions according to ideals aimed at by the workmen's international
+party.
+
+"(_e_) The freedom of the seas is to be guaranteed by an international
+treaty. To this end the right of capture at sea must be abolished, and
+all straits and narrows of importance for world commerce, must be
+internationalized.
+
+"III. In the interests of Germany's security and the free exercise of
+commercial and economic efforts in South-Eastern Europe, we reject all
+the warlike aims of the Quadruple Alliance to weaken or disintegrate
+Austria-Hungary and Turkey.
+
+"IV.--In consideration of the fact that the annexation of territories
+inhabited by another race transgresses the rights of nations to govern
+themselves; furthermore because thereby, the unity and strength of
+Germany would be weakened and her foreign relations seriously and
+permanently injured, we oppose the plans in that direction cherished by
+shortsighted conquest-politicians.[87]
+
+[Footnote 87: There are two and a half lines of dots at this point.
+Probably the German censor has cut out a sentence.]
+
+"V.--The terrible destruction and sufferings brought upon humanity by
+this war have won over millions of hearts to the ideal of a world peace,
+permanently secured by an international court of justice. The attainment
+of this end must be recognized as the highest moral duty of all those
+who are appointed to the work of framing a peace. Therefore we demand
+that an international arbitration court shall be created which shall
+settle all future difference between the nations."[88]
+
+[Footnote 88: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 23rd, 1915.]
+
+This imaginary peace-treaty is what Germans would call a _Zankapfel_
+(apple of discord). It may represent the serious opinions of Germany's
+greatest political party, but the German Government will welcome it
+because it will give Germany's sympathizers in France, England, Italy
+and Russia an excellent weapon with which they can attack their
+respective Governments, and hamper them in protecting their national
+interests. It will doubtless be an inspiration to the members of the
+I.L.P. and the U.D.C.[89]
+
+[Footnote 89: Above prophecy written end of August; fulfilled in the
+_Labour Leader_ October 28th.--Author.]
+
+If the German Government seriously formulated such proposals, the author
+believes that all Britishers worthy of the name would simply answer:
+"Fight on!" On this assumption the proposals deserve no discussion.
+
+Yet the document is interesting as revealing the mind of Social
+Democratic Germany. These sublime Pharisees are unconscious of Belgium's
+wrongs and Germany's crimes. The former deserve no compensation and the
+latter no penalty. Here we are on the bed-rock of their ideas of justice
+and humanitarianism. Still we are not altogether surprised, because the
+Democratic newspaper organs have openly defended and justified the
+atrocities committed by German soldiers, and whenever any particularly
+damning evidence has been produced their parole has consistently been:
+"At any rate, now is not the time to discuss it." According to their
+comprehension the only time for discussion is when Europe is under the
+German heel. They are willing to discuss--when discussion can no longer
+injure the Fatherland, when Germany has gained all she wants.
+
+The most remarkable metamorphosis which the German Democrats have
+undergone, is shown in their changed attitude to England. This country
+gave a home to Marx and Engels; the former is buried in Highgate
+cemetery. For many decades the party professed enthusiastic admiration
+of British institutions and our ideals of personal freedom. Their
+admiration for England was not always convenient to the German
+Government, and was certainly a thorn in the side of the Kaiser.
+
+In 1898 the party published a "Handbook for Social Democratic Voters,"
+which contains lengthy explanations of their entire policy. Therein they
+justify their opposition to German naval expansion, and while conceding
+that naval supremacy is vital and indispensable to England, continue:
+"Boundless plans are veiled beneath the Navy Bill (1897). The hotspurs
+among the water-patriots dream of a first-class navy which might rival,
+yes, even surpass the British fleet.
+
+"For the water-patriots the Navy Bill means an instrument to further
+their unlimited _Weltpolitik_ and schemes of conquest; a weapon with
+which to realize their mad imaginings of a greater Germany. They desire
+to employ it as a tool for their absolutist plans and adventurous world
+enterprises.
+
+"It increases the risk of foreign conflicts. At the same time it
+brightens the prospects of success of those influential circles
+which--impelled by an overpowering impulse to deeds, and inspired by a
+diseased longing for prestige--press on from excitement to excitement,
+from daring to daring, and from crisis to crisis."
+
+This remarkable prophecy has been verified by history, but with its
+realization, the party which made it has been converted to the side of
+their former opponents. To-day the Social Democrats are just as hearty
+in the desire to see Britain overthrown and British naval supremacy
+smashed as is the Kaiser's Government.
+
+No impartial thinker dare deny that the British fleet has been the
+principal factor in preventing Europe's subjugation to German autocracy,
+and the world to German militarism. Yet the so-called party of freedom
+prays earnestly that this fleet may be destroyed. This represents the
+tone of their daily Press, and the change of attitude has been proved to
+be scientifically correct in various books published by their leaders
+during the present year. One of these works will be quoted at
+considerable length, because of its importance in showing what the
+"pioneers of liberty" wish, may be the end of the "home of liberty." The
+work bears the title, "German Social Democracy and the World War;"[90]
+its author is a Socialist member of the Reichstag.
+
+[Footnote 90: "Die deutsche Sozialdemokratie und der Weltkrieg," by Dr.
+Paul Lensch, published by the Vorwaerts Publishing House. Berlin, 1915.]
+
+In dealing with England he refers to their former admiration for this
+country and proceeds to prove that it was wrong--wrong in the interests
+of Germany, and the world. England's fight against Napoleon for European
+freedom Dr. Lensch disposes of in a sentence: "Consumed by greed,
+England took the long-yearned-for opportunity and fell upon her rival,
+France" (p. 16).
+
+He informs his readers that England and Russia are two beasts of prey.
+England's disarmament proposals were only intended to secure her naval
+supremacy, because Germany seemed to be escaping from the strangulation
+cord which. England had drawn tight round her throat. Therefore three
+problems present themselves to Dr. Lensch, which the war must solve:
+
+(1.) Shall the German people continue to exist as an independent nation?
+
+(2.) Shall the danger of Czarism continue to threaten West European
+culture?
+
+(3.) Shall Britain's naval supremacy be eternalized or overthrown,
+seeing that Britain only allows other nations to develop, so far as they
+are compatible with her national interests? (p. 15).
+
+"England's oft-praised freedom is based upon the enslavement of the
+world; the peoples now recognize that England's wealth, freedom, and
+greatness are merely the corollary to their poverty, slavery and
+wretchedness (p. 20).
+
+"International Socialism has not the slightest interest in helping to
+bolster up this supremacy (p. 22).
+
+"When this monopoly is broken the English working classes will lose
+their present privileged position. They will be reduced to the same
+level as the workmen of other lands. Then Socialism will flourish in
+England (p. 23).[91]
+
+[Footnote 91: The author had fondly imagined that the British workman
+stood foremost as the result of his own battles. In any case, it is to
+be hoped that British Socialists will be grateful for "Genosse" Lensch's
+prayers for their downfall.]
+
+"No party stands to lose more by a British victory than Social
+Democracy. The overthrow of England's world-position would clear the way
+for the continuation of the world's progress on the right historical
+lines, and its economic development (p. 25).
+
+"In the present world war the interests of the internationalists are
+bound up in a German victory. Hence a German victory would be a victory
+for Marx's internationalism, and only then, would the hearts and heads
+of English workmen be open to the intellectual schooling of the
+Socialistic idea (p. 27).
+
+"As early as the eighties in the last century, Friedrich Engels proved
+that the ruin of England's industrial monopoly had begun. What the
+scientist had foretold, became evident to all eyes two decades later.
+The social system of the greatest, world-ruling industrial State was
+shaken to its foundations. International Socialists had every reason to
+welcome this peaceful downfall of England's world power" (pp. 21-22).
+
+"Marx once wrote that war is like a locomotive in the history of the
+world. May this war have that effect and under full steam lead to a
+finish the work which peaceful development had already commenced,
+_i.e._, the downfall of English supremacy. If the war hastens and
+concludes this process, then the sacrifices in blood and treasure will
+not have been in vain. A great stumbling-block to human progress and
+especially to the proletarian fight for freedom will have been hurled
+out of the way" (pp. 27-8).
+
+Having failed during a peaceful fight of over forty years, to hurl
+German autocracy and militarism out of the world, these hot-headed
+pioneers of liberty (Kaiserdom?) wish to destroy the very State which
+was their place of refuge when German "liberty" overwhelmed them with
+its kindly attentions.
+
+Still we cannot be too grateful to Dr. Lensch for his lucid statement.
+It is an effective reply to Germany's sympathizers in this country, and
+if British workmen should ever see these lines, it will interest them to
+know that German Socialists are anxious to pull them down a little, in
+the belief that if British workmen are cut short in their luxuries they
+will become better Socialists and Internationalists.
+
+Dr. Lensch has only one step more to take, and he will certainly gain
+the highest German order--_pour le merite_. The famous Communist
+manifesto of Marx and Engels concludes with the words: "Proletarians of
+all lands, unite!" It is much to be desired that Dr. Lensch should amend
+this by adding to Marx's phrase a few words, so that the amended form
+would run:
+
+"Proletarians of all lands, unite to sing 'Deutschland, Deutschland,
+ueber alles.'" By this simple means the learned doctor would condense the
+entire teachings of his book into a single sentence.
+
+"The position to-day is that the interests of freedom and democracy are
+utterly at variance with a French victory (p. 42).
+
+"Greater Prussia was founded by the war of 1866, while the 1870 struggle
+established a Little Germany. Through the present war Great Germany will
+be created" (p. 46).
+
+On another page this Socialist-Chauvinist proclaims that "the freedom of
+the oppressed must be the work of the oppressed themselves," which is a
+principle that the I.L.P. and U.D.C., etc., would do well to note. "The
+peculiarity of our situation is to be found in the fact that
+extraordinarily advanced ideals have penetrated into our unripe
+conditions."[92]
+
+[Footnote 92: Louis Bamberger in an essay on German Social Democracy in
+the _Deutsche Rundschau_, vol. 14, p. 243.]
+
+It is to these "unripe conditions" that Lensch, Liebknecht, David,
+Hildenbrand and the remaining leaders of German Social Democracy should
+give their undivided attention. Last year the Berlin Government
+published a record of crimes committed in Germany. It is the most awful
+record of any nation in the world, and the above gentlemen would do well
+to study Volume 267 of the _Vierteljahrshefte_. There were hundreds of
+thousands of brutal crimes committed in Germany by German proletarians
+during the year 1912.
+
+For half a century Marx, Lassalle, Bebel, Liebknecht and their
+successors have been busily engaged in intellectualizing Germany's
+proletarians; now it is advisable for the Socialist party to begin the
+work of humanizing them. Their efforts to internationalize the world
+have resulted in a hopeless _debacle_; let them now begin the task of
+humanizing Germany. They have all evidently forgotten the German
+proverb: _Kehr vor deiner eignen Tuer!_ (Sweep first before your own
+door.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+"NECESSITY KNOWS NO LAW"
+
+
+On August 2nd, 1914, Belgium announced her neutrality in the European
+war; France had already declared her intention to respect Belgian
+neutrality at all costs. On the other hand we have Bethmann-Hollweg's
+word that he knew French armies were standing ready to strike at Germany
+through Belgium. This statement he has never supported by any proof, nor
+even mentioned his authority for the same.[93] In view of the facts that
+no military preparations had been made on the Franco-Belgian frontier,
+and that the German armies first came into contact with French forces
+long after the fall of Liege, we are compelled to declare the German
+Chancellor's statement to be a pure invention.
+
+[Footnote 93: So-called "evidence" has been given by Richard Grasshoff
+in his book "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's Guilt"), pp. 14-20. Grasshoff
+quotes the sworn statements of a German corporal who resided in
+Boitsfort, near Brussels. The corporal states that he saw two French and
+one English officer in Brussels on July 26th, and eight French soldiers
+on July 29th.
+
+The statements of three French soldiers, prisoners of war in Germany,
+are also cited; these men maintain that they entered Belgium on the 31st
+of July and the 2nd of August.
+
+With regard to this "evidence," we must note that Grasshoff is a German
+official, the corporal a German spy, and that the Frenchmen have made
+these statements in a prisoners' camp, a place where they were exposed
+to the temptation of German gold and the influence of Teutonic bullying.
+Lastly, the Berlin General Staff has recorded that the German armies
+first came in touch with French troops on August 19th, near Namur.]
+
+Moreover Germany's excuse for invading Belgium is given in the title of
+this chapter. Had Germany possessed any proof that French officers in
+disguise were organizing preparations in Belgium, or that French airmen
+had crossed the latter's territories in order to drop bombs by Wesel,
+etc., then Bethmann-Hollweg would have had no reason to admit in the
+Reichstag that his country was committing a breach of international law.
+Under such circumstances Belgian neutrality would no longer have
+existed; the Chancellor, instead of "necessity," could have pleaded
+justification and the world could scarcely have withheld its approval.
+
+In the early hours of August 4th the Germans crossed the Belgian
+frontier, although the _Cologne Gazette_ had published a notice three
+days before announcing that Germany had no intention whatever of taking
+the step, and that no German troops were near the frontier.
+
+General von Emmich immediately issued this proclamation in French: "To
+my great regret German troops have been compelled to enter Belgian
+territory. They are acting under the compulsion of unavoidable
+necessity, for French officers in disguise have already violated Belgian
+neutrality by trying to reach Germany, via Belgium, in motor-cars.[94]
+
+[Footnote 94: One wonders what military purpose these officers had in
+view. They would have been inevitably arrested at the German frontier.
+The fable was made public by Wolff's Agency, and has been ridiculed even
+by the German Press, _vide_ pp. 96-7.]
+
+"Belgians! it is my most ardent desire that it may yet be possible to
+avoid a struggle between two peoples which up till now, have been
+friends, formerly even allies. Remember the glorious days of La Belle
+Alliance, when German arms helped to found the independence and future
+of your Fatherland.
+
+"Now we must have a free way. The destruction of tunnels, bridges and
+railways will be considered hostile actions. Belgians! you have to
+choose. The German army does not intend to fight against you, but seeks
+a free path against the enemy who wishes to attack us. That is all we
+desire.
+
+"Herewith I give the Belgian people an official pledge that they will
+not have to suffer under the terrors of war; that we will pay ready
+money for all necessaries which we may have to requisition; that our
+soldiers will show themselves the best friends of a nation for which we
+have the highest esteem and ardent affection. It depends upon your
+prudence and your patriotism whether your land shall be spared the
+horrors of war." (Appeared in the _Cologne Gazette_, August 6th.)
+
+A Dresden paper of the same date contains an illuminating statement. "We
+have just received official information that the German General Staff
+had been informed by an absolutely reliable source that the French
+intended to march through the valley of the Meuse into Belgium. The
+execution of this plan had already commenced, therefore France was by no
+means prepared to respect Belgian neutrality."
+
+"For years past the King of Belgium has conspired with England behind
+the backs of his ministers, to damage German interests. His telegram to
+the King of England was a trick planned long ago. These facts will soon
+be supplemented by a large number of documentary proofs; from this the
+necessity has arisen to direct Germany's advance through Belgium
+irrespective of neutrality considerations."[95]
+
+[Footnote 95: _Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten_, August 9th.]
+
+Here we have the first clumsy attempts to prove that Belgian neutrality
+did not exist. These after-thoughts have grown during the past year into
+no inconsiderable literature. Probably the two motives which have
+inspired Germany--official and unofficial--to print many volumes on
+Belgian neutrality have been the indignation aroused in neutral
+countries and the fact that a complete German victory was not obtained
+in three months of war.
+
+German newspapers again betray the plot against Belgium, and a search
+through their files reveals in the clearest manner possible how Wolff's
+Bureau was again the source of a widespread campaign to prove that
+Germany was right, and simultaneously to lash public opinion into hatred
+for the Belgian "barbarians and beasts."
+
+In the first few days of August the Press was filled with reports
+concerning the murder and ill treatment of Germans in Belgium, before
+any act of war had taken place. No doubt a justified fear for the
+mighty, brutal neighbour existed in the popular imagination, and fear
+may be the father of ill-considered deeds. Nevertheless, there is no
+proof that mob law prevailed in Belgium, as it did in Germany. Moreover,
+the latter country outlawed herself when she proclaimed the law of
+necessity. In the light of this consideration the German outcry that the
+Belgians were breaking both the laws of humanity and international
+jurisprudence lacks sincerity and remains unconvincing.
+
+A country which announces her intention to ignore existing laws and
+"hack a way through at all costs," should surely be the last to declaim
+on the alleged offences against the laws of war by a small, weak,
+unprepared neighbour. If these considerations are insufficient, there
+remains the fact that Germany herself began war against unarmed Belgian
+civilians.
+
+During the night following the unsuccessful _coup de main_ against
+Liege, a Zeppelin attacked the town and dropped bombs. "On Thursday,
+August 6th, at 3.30 a.m. Z6 returned from an air-cruise over Belgium.
+The airship took a conspicuous part in the attack on Liege, and was able
+to intervene in a markedly successful manner. Our first bomb was dropped
+from a height of 1,800 feet, but failed to explode. The ship then sank
+to 900 feet above the city, and a non-commissioned officer dropped
+twelve more bombs, all of which exploded, setting the city ablaze in
+several places."[96]
+
+[Footnote 96: German official report in the _Berliner Tageblatt_, August
+10th.]
+
+An Austrian who was in the town afterwards described the attack in the
+_Grazer Tagespost_. According to this witness it was already daylight
+when the airship appeared, and the effect of the bombs was truly awful.
+In view of the circumstance that it was already light, Germany cannot
+put forward the defence that the bombs were intended for the twelve
+forts which surround Liege at a distance of some miles.
+
+This is the earliest official record of an attack upon civilians--and it
+came from the German side! The crew of Z6 were the recipients of a
+tremendous ovation on their return, while the news of this dastardly
+murder was received with jubilation throughout the German Empire. In
+Luneville fifteen civilians were killed by airship bombs two days
+earlier; shortly afterwards followed the attack by airship on civilians
+in Antwerp.
+
+The author has before him about one hundred different newspaper reports,
+alleging the most awful barbarism on the part of the Belgians. Among the
+numerous statements that Germans were murdered, only two names are
+mentioned, and both these men are alive to-day; the one is Herr Weber,
+proprietor of an hotel in Antwerp.
+
+"We have now received full details of the murder of the German, Weber.
+He had fled from his pursuers and hidden himself in a cellar. As the
+raging mob could not find him they burnt sulphur in the house, which
+caused Weber to break into a violent fit of coughing. This betrayed his
+hiding-place; he was dragged out and murdered."[97]
+
+[Footnote 97: _Hamburger Fremdenblatt_, August 12th, and simultaneously
+in many other journals. On the following day the _Vorwaerts_ announced
+that Herr Weber had returned to Germany in the company of their own
+correspondent.]
+
+"The German pork-butcher, Deckel, who had a large business in Brussels,
+was attacked in his house by a crowd of Belgian beasts because he had
+refused to hang a Belgian flag before his shop; with axes and hatchets
+the mob cut off his head and hewed his corpse in pieces."[98]
+
+[Footnote 98: _Koelnische Volkszeitung_, August 10th.]
+
+A few days later the _Berliner Tageblatt_ informed its readers that Herr
+Deckel was residing in Rotterdam, and had suffered no harm whatever.
+
+Readers who are acquainted with the official record of brutal crimes
+committed year by year in Germany and the haughty contempt for civilian
+rights which the whole German army has consistently shown in the
+Fatherland, during the orderly times of peace, will require little
+imagination to conceive that this same army would show still less
+consideration for civilians in a country which they were wrongfully
+invading.
+
+The German Press during the last thirty years, as well as many books
+published in the Fatherland, contains ample proof of German brutality at
+home, and above all, of the legal brutality of German non-commissioned
+and commissioned officers. How can Germany expect the world to believe,
+that these same men, were transformed into decent human beings by the
+mere act of stepping over the Belgian frontier?
+
+Granted that vulgar elements of the Belgian population did transgress,
+there still remains incontrovertible evidence that almost unheard-of
+kindness was shown to the invading army, and that Germans had displayed
+brutal insolence to Belgians before a state of war had been declared.
+Nearly every single letter from soldiers, published in German papers,
+records the fact that in the villages through which they passed they
+were given water, wine and food, while payment was in many cases
+refused.
+
+It is part of Germany's policy to blacken Belgium's character in order
+to justify her own ruthlessness--naturally Wolff's Agency was one of the
+principal tools to that end.
+
+"Much as we condemn the excesses of the Belgians, still we must not
+wreak vengeance on the whole nation as a section of our Press demands.
+Have not harmless and defenceless foreigners been terribly ill-treated
+in Germany without distinction of sex? Have not shops and restaurants
+been demolished in hundreds, wherever a French word was to be met? And
+the rage of the German masses has found an outlet not only against
+foreigners, but against good German patriots and even German
+officers."[99]
+
+[Footnote 99: _Leipziger Volkszeitung_, August 12th. This journal as
+well as the _Fraenkische Tagespost_ names Wolff's Agency as their
+authority in more than one issue.]
+
+The same journal on the preceding day deplored that "we ourselves are
+not free from guilt." It recounts how German reservists, when leaving
+Antwerp and Brussels, had sung their national songs in a loud,
+provocative manner, and taunted the bystanders with such remarks as: "In
+three days we shall be here again!"
+
+According to the same authority German residents had insulted the
+populace by displaying their national flag; and German employers had
+been among the first to discharge employees of their own nationality,
+without salary in lieu of notice, thus increasing the difficulties of
+German residents in Belgium.
+
+German official pronouncements are much more reticent in their judgment
+on these allegations of Belgian cruelties. None the less the Berlin
+Government must be held responsible for them being scattered throughout
+the land. After Germany's official representative had returned from
+Brussels to Berlin he made a statement to the Press. Considering that
+von Below was in the Belgian capital at the time, his views are
+instructive.
+
+He expressed his great astonishment that such things should have
+happened, and asserted that up till the very last minute he had been
+treated with the greatest kindness and politeness. Neither he nor any of
+his Legation Staff had experienced the slightest unpleasantness.
+Further, von Below expressed the conviction that only single instances
+of such excesses had occurred and these were a result of the quarrelsome
+Walloon character. No village _fete_ passes off among them without such
+outbreaks, accompanied by bloodshed.[100]
+
+[Footnote 100: This may be true, but von Below could have said the same
+with absolute truth of German village fairs, _Kirmesse_, etc.--Author.]
+
+German papers of August 15th reported this official version, and four
+days later a proclamation was issued by State Secretary Dr. Delbrueck,
+calling upon all persons who had been ill-treated in Belgium to report
+themselves, so that the "numerous" newspaper reports could be confirmed
+or refuted. The result of the inquiry has never been published.
+
+From a number of witnesses who testified whole-heartedly to Belgian
+kindness, one will suffice. A lady reported her adventures in the
+_Vorwaerts_ of September 6th, from which the following sentences have
+been gleaned. "Even if it is true that Germans were subjected to
+inconsideration and ill-treatment during their flight from Belgium,
+still there are hundreds of Germans who, like myself, met with generous
+sympathy and unstinted help.
+
+"A Flemish servant refused her month's wages, saying that her employers
+would need it on the journey. Many Germans were offered homes in Belgian
+families till the war was over. My own landlord in Brussels placed an
+empty flat at my disposal for German refugees. At parting he and his
+wife were as deeply moved as we, and when I began to make excuses for
+being unable to pay the rent, she at once prevented me from speaking
+another word. My husband was provided with a hat which looked less
+'German;' they filled our pockets with provisions for the journey, and
+after his wife had embraced me and my child we left the house in
+silence.
+
+"German refugees whom I met afterwards, related hundreds of similar acts
+of kindness. When such severe accusations are raised against the entire
+Belgian people, justice demands this statement that Belgians in hundreds
+of cases, uninfluenced by the prevailing bitterness, showed themselves
+kindly, helpful and humane towards the Germans."
+
+In the second month of the war two representatives of the Social
+Democratic Party received special permission from the General Staff to
+visit Belgium and the theatre of war in Northern France. Their report
+has been issued by the Vorwaerts Publishing House.[101]
+
+[Footnote 101: "Kriegsfahrten durch Belgien und Nordfrankreich"
+("Journeys in War Time through Belgium, etc."), by Dr. Adolph Koester
+and G. Noske.]
+
+"Concerning the events and conditions in Belgium many false reports have
+been spread abroad. That is especially the case in regard to the
+terrible persecutions of Germans immediately before the outbreak of war.
+The civil authorities (German) are now permitting full investigation in
+those parts of Belgium occupied by our troops, and it is already obvious
+that many exaggerations were circulated by German newspapers. Without
+doubt beer-houses and business houses were wrecked, but the Tartar
+stories which were reported in Germany and Belgium, Herr von Sandt,
+Chief of the Civil Administration, puts down to hysterics, and the
+desire of some people to make themselves important."[102]
+
+[Footnote 102: Ibid., pp. 14-15.]
+
+No correct judgment on the apportionment of right and wrong between the
+Belgian civilians and the German army is possible without taking into
+consideration the status of militarism in each of these countries before
+the war. As far as Belgium is concerned, the army was looked upon as a
+necessary evil. The Social Democratic doctrines imported from Germany
+had obtained such a hold upon the people that the Belgian Government
+experienced ever-increasing difficulty in getting supplies voted in the
+House of Deputies, for defence purposes. Belgian Socialists
+unfortunately played into the hands of the German Government by doing
+their utmost to prevent money from being spent for the defence of their
+country. Consciously or unconsciously, German Socialists have rendered
+the Kaiser and his army inestimable service. Their propaganda against
+armaments has borne fruit in Belgium, England and France, but did not
+prevent a single German battleship from being built, nor a single
+regiment from being added to the German army.
+
+In Germany militarism is a gospel. All classes and all political parties
+have been unanimous for years past, that every man should be a soldier.
+The military ethos has ruled supreme, and whenever civilianism has
+dared, merely to cherish thoughts contrary to the ideals of the ruling
+caste, no time was lost in seeking an opportunity to challenge a quarrel
+which invariably ended in humiliation for the civilian ethos.
+Characteristically, therefore, the contemptuous phrase has become
+current both in the German army and navy--"das Civil"--when speaking of
+the non-military elements of the nation.
+
+Imbued with these traditions and inspired by this contempt for
+everything civilian, the German armies invaded Belgium, and it may be
+safely assumed that in a country where the civilian ethos predominated,
+looks, words, and even deeds, expressed hostility. Such "provocation"
+would certainly rouse the military ego to a revenge ten thousand-fold
+greater than that taken at Zabern. German militarism brooks neither
+contempt, criticism, nor opposition from German civilians, and much less
+so from the civilians of another nation.
+
+When it is possible to obtain cool and clear accounts of the events in
+Belgium, the author has no doubt whatever, that proofs of
+civilian-baiting will be forthcoming in that unhappy country. The policy
+of frightfulness was not only intended to drive an enemy into abject
+submission and as a punishment for resistance to Germany's imperious
+will, but it was the military ethos in strife with the civilian spirit.
+
+In order to hinder the march of the invaders the trees lining the roads
+were cut down and formed into barriers, but the civilian population was
+compelled at the bayonet's point to remove all obstacles and thus assist
+in the conquest of their native country.
+
+"The magnificent tall fir-trees which are so characteristic of Belgian
+roads, had been felled across the highways. But all the civilian
+population which could be found, without regard to age, rank, or sex,
+was forced by our advancing cavalry to clear it all away. One can
+imagine the joy of the Belgians in performing this task!"[103]
+
+[Footnote 103: "Unser Vormarsch bis zur Marne" ("Our advance to the
+Marne"), by a Saxon officer, p. 22.]
+
+This writer, too, chronicles many instances of kindness. "I was billeted
+in a peasant's house at the western exit of the village. Three beautiful
+children, trembling with fear, watched us come in, for besides me there
+were twenty-four men. We had received emphatic warnings from
+headquarters not to allow soldiers to be billeted alone. The woman gave
+us everything she could find and it was almost necessary to use force to
+get her to accept payment."[104]
+
+[Footnote 104: Ibid., p. 25.]
+
+"A load of shot struck the ground at the feet of my horse. Before I had
+calmed the animal a N.C.O. marching at my side had finished off the
+dirty Belgian scoundrel, who was now hanging dead from a roof window.
+
+"Foaming with rage, my field-greys surrounded the house, in which only a
+few of the dogs were taken captive, the others were immediately
+slaughtered. A boy hardly fifteen years old was dragged out of a wet
+ditch with a gun in his hand. Before being brought to me, this youthful
+swine had been thrashed from head to foot. Besides the men, two women
+and a girl were taken.
+
+"Meanwhile a terrible hand-to-hand fight was going on throughout the
+long, scattered village. Infantry and artillerists smashed the doors and
+windows; no mercy was shown to anyone, and the houses were set alight.
+An attempt to storm the church-tower failed because the occupants fired
+from above. Bundles of straw were brought, paraffin poured on them, and
+the tower set on fire. Above the roar of the flames we could distinctly
+hear the shrieks of the murderers shut in there.
+
+"I gave orders to a squad to shoot our prisoners, but a deadly bullet
+finished the career of the lying, scoundrelly priest as he was trying to
+escape. Our losses were remarkably small, only two men being killed and
+a number wounded."[105]
+
+[Footnote 105: Ibid., p. 43-4.]
+
+In all cases where German soldiers asked for water from the inhabitants,
+the latter had to take a drink first. "Before tasting the water both man
+and wife had to drink first, and as this scene was repeated on
+innumerable occasions, it was delightful to observe the comic
+desperation with which the people took their involuntary 'water
+cure.'"[106]
+
+[Footnote 106: "Mit der Kluck'schen Armee nach Belgien" ("With von
+Kluck's Army into Belgium"), by Dr. Jos. Risse, p. 17.]
+
+Dr. Risse's interesting diary contains one or two important passages
+illustrating the relation between conquerors and conquered. Like many
+other German writers, he saw no hostile act on the part of the civilian
+population, but they came to him as rumours. "That night we slept in a
+barn. Here we heard that a village near Dahlem had been burned down
+because the inhabitants had cut the throat of a sleeping ambulance
+attendant.
+
+"On continuing our march we suddenly entered a wide vale. The horizon
+was blood-red and huge clouds of smoke drifted heavenwards. On all sides
+the villages were in flames. In the last village before Louvain the
+sight was terrible in the extreme; houses ablaze; pools of blood in the
+street; here and there a dead civilian; pieces of Belgian equipment,
+haversacks, boots and trousers lay around; while the inhabitants stood
+about with their hands raised above their heads.
+
+"It was said that hostile cavalry had hidden in the village and together
+with a part of the inhabitants had fired on our troops. We only saw the
+consequences.
+
+"After a long rest before Louvain we entered the town at 7 p.m. Our
+artillery had taken up a semi-circular position on the heights around
+and directed their cannon on to the town."[107]
+
+[Footnote 107: Ibid., pp. 22-3.]
+
+The above events occurred on August 19th, exactly six days before the
+sack of Louvain. It strikes one as remarkable that the German cannon
+were even on that day directed against an unfortified city.
+
+Risse was among the first German troops to enter Brussels. "Our route
+took us through some of the principal streets, and various splendid
+buildings including the Royal palace. Joy shone in our faces and a
+feeling of pride swelled our breasts at being the first to enter
+Belgium's capital. These feelings found expression in our talk and
+shouts. The man behind me shouted to every bewildered, staring Belgian
+whom we passed: 'Yes, young fellow, you are astonished, you blockhead!'
+On we marched with the air of victors.
+
+"The inhabitants were exceedingly kind, so that one had not at all the
+feeling of being in the capital of an enemy. They brought us water,
+lemonade, beer, cigars, cigarettes, etc., without asking for any
+payment."[108]
+
+[Footnote 108: Ibid., pp. 26-7.]
+
+The same writer refers to similar hospitality in various parts of his
+book. After passing through Brussels he continues his diary: "Sunday,
+August 23rd. Nothing came of our hopes for a rest-day. Shortly after 5
+a.m. we were ready for the march. A fine rain was falling as we passed
+through village after village. We saw the villagers with frightened
+faces hurrying to church, carrying prayer-books. Notices from the
+Belgian Government were placarded on the houses, warning the people to
+avoid every kind of hostility towards the Germans."[109]
+
+[Footnote 109: Ibid., p. 31.]
+
+From the last sentence it is evident that the Belgian authorities did
+not incite the civilian population to resistance. Other German
+war-writers state that the Belgian and French Governments had organized
+a _franc-tireur_ warfare long before, and this accusation is one of the
+pillars of Germany's defence for the destruction of Louvain.
+
+"Soon after crossing the frontier we saw the first ruined house. Our
+route led us down the same road on which a few days before the violent
+and bitter struggles had taken place between German troops and Belgian
+soldiers, aided by the inhabitants. The Belgians have supported their
+troops in a manner which can only be described as bestial and cruel.
+From the houses they have shot at troops on the march, and of course
+their homes have been reduced to ashes.
+
+"The road from Aix-la-Chapelle to Liege is one long, sad line of
+desolation.[110] Otherwise the district is fertile; now, however,
+sadness and devastation reign supreme. Nearly every second house is a
+heap of ruins, while the houses which are still standing are empty and
+deserted.
+
+[Footnote 110: On September 8th, 1914, the Kaiser sent a long telegram
+to President Wilson, in which he defended the German armies against the
+charges of ruthless atrocities. He euphemistically stated that "a few
+villages have been destroyed."]
+
+"On every side signs of destruction; furniture and house utensils lie
+around; not a pane of glass but what is broken. Still the inhabitants
+themselves are to blame, for have they not shot at our poor, tired
+soldiers?"[111]
+
+[Footnote 111: "Mit den Koenigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien" ("With the
+Queen Fusiliers through Belgium"), by H. Knutz, p. 13.]
+
+That is the utmost sympathy which any German has expressed for Belgium.
+The German public is fully informed of all that has been done, and
+considers that _they_ have been brutally, wrongfully treated. Lord
+Bryce's report as well as the French and Belgian official reports have
+been dealt with at considerable length in the German Press, but receive
+no credence whatever; they are lies, all lies invented to blacken the
+character of poor, noble, generous Germany!
+
+Germans are well aware of the awful number of brutal crimes which their
+men-folk commit year by year at home. Yet they are absolutely convinced
+that these same men are immediately transformed into chivalrous knights
+so soon as they don the Kaiser's uniform. They seem incapable of
+conceiving that a race which debauches its own women, can hardly be
+expected to show the crudest forms of respect to the women of an enemy
+people.
+
+Herr Knutz--an elementary school-teacher in civilian attire, and a
+non-commissioned officer when in the German army--seems to possess some
+rays of human feeling. "Just as I was leaving the fort I saw seven or
+eight Belgian civilians guarded by our men with fixed bayonets. They
+were charged with firing on German soldiers. I must say that the
+lamentations of these men--aged from 20 to 50--made a deep impression on
+me. They had thrown themselves upon their knees, and with raised hands
+were weeping and beseeching that their lives might be spared.
+
+"The villagers are exceedingly ignorant, and when their land is in
+danger, believe themselves justified in seizing any old shot-gun or
+revolver which lies at hand. Probably some of the more prudent are aware
+that it is a mad enterprise, but the instinct of self-defence is so
+innate in the simple country people that advice does not help in the
+least." (Von Bethmann-Hollweg and von Tirpitz justify the use of gas,
+the sinking of merchant vessels containing women and children, the
+dropping of bombs on open towns, etc., etc., by the plea of
+self-defence.--Author.)
+
+"But it is otherwise with regard to the atrocities on our wounded; these
+are a stain on Belgium's national honour which will not easily be wiped
+out. A German would never perpetrate such monstrous crimes,[112] and
+that we can say without any overweening opinion of ourselves."[113]
+
+[Footnote 112: This is hypocrisy or ignorance.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 113: Ibid., pp. 18-19.]
+
+Herr Knutz offers no proof of the alleged atrocities; he has heard of
+them, believes and repeats the story. I have some fifty German books
+describing the war in Belgium, and in all of them similar legends are
+mentioned, but in no single instance is a case proved and nailed down.
+No victim is named, and the scene of the alleged atrocity is never
+given, hence it seems to be the usual German artifice to make
+_Stimmung_, _i.e._, to raise feeling.
+
+One thumb-nail picture from the teacher's diary shows that the Germans
+created only too well a _Stimmung_ of abject terror among the Belgians.
+
+"This morning, August 19th, we searched a small wood for Belgians, but
+found none. On leaving the wood a touching picture met our eyes. Several
+families were fleeing with their children, and the barest necessaries of
+life, into a neighbouring village. An old woman on crutches was trying
+in vain to keep up; a young mother with a sucking child was sobbing and
+pressing the babe to her bosom. The boys were weeping bitterly and
+holding their hands high to prove that they were harmless. We passed by
+the ruins of Roosbeck, where civilians had shot on the 20th Artillery
+Regiment, for which reason it was burnt down."[114]
+
+[Footnote 114: Ibid., p. 27.]
+
+Among the various interesting pictures of the Fatherland sketched by
+German authors perhaps the following is the most naive: "English, French
+and Belgians, hand in hand; how nicely it was all thought out; Belgian
+neutrality--so solemnly pledged by all the Powers--was nothing but a
+screen behind which they wrought the most devilish plans against
+Germany. It was a neutrality which had long since been betrayed and sold
+by the Belgian Government.
+
+"But the German people--a pure fool-like Parsifal, who could not
+conceive such treachery and knavery because it was incapable of such
+things itself--toiled and worked day by day, enjoyed the blessings of
+peace, was happy in its existence and ignorant of the looming clouds
+gathering on its frontiers. All hail to our chosen leaders who kept
+watch and ward over a dreaming people, and did not allow themselves to
+be lulled into watchlessness by the lies of our enemies, who while
+talking of peace intrigued for our annihilation."[115]
+
+[Footnote 115: "Von Luettich bis Flandern" ("From Liege to Flanders"), by
+Wilhelm Kotzde. Weimar, 1914; p. 5.]
+
+The same author's opinion of the Belgians coincides with that expressed
+by many of his fellow countrymen. "What did our troops find by the
+roadside? On all sides haversacks, straps, cartridges, caps, tunics and
+rifles. To our soldiers this was a remarkable sign of flight, for they
+are accustomed to military training of a different sort. In the forts,
+it is true, they found among the soldiers also civilians wearing
+patent-leather shoes. Indeed, the whole Belgian campaign has shown how
+badly the army was prepared and equipped.
+
+"The lack of discipline and order is evident, however, in every
+department of Belgium's national life, and these virtues they
+endeavoured to replace by cunning and cruelty--at least among the
+Walloons."[116]
+
+[Footnote 116: Ibid., pp. 61-2.]
+
+A Knight of the Order of St. John[117] is still more cynical in his
+condemnation of the conquered enemy: "The greatest misfortune in this
+land is unemployment; factories are inactive and shops closed. The
+horrors of famine draw nearer, and we, as well as some neutral
+countries, are endeavouring to relieve the tortures of want. But charity
+only encourages the laziness of the inhabitants. Just as the refugees in
+Holland, the Belgians who have remained in their land would like to put
+their hands in their pockets and be fed. Of course, that is not
+permissible, and the German Government does its best to rap these lazy
+wretches on the fingers."
+
+[Footnote 117: "Kriegsfahrten eines Johanniters," by Fedor von
+Zobeltitz, pp. 86-7.]
+
+"It was characteristic that the Belgians always placed their hopes on
+foreign help and never dared to rely on the strength of their own army.
+This alone is a serious symptom of national weakness. Still, the Belgian
+army has fought bravely. It is true they had not the discipline and
+preparation which distinguish the German troops, but everything which a
+badly equipped and trained army could achieve they have done."[118]
+
+[Footnote 118: Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von Luettich bis Flandern," p. 71.]
+
+It is not necessary for the author of this work to write a song of
+glorification for Belgium; she has herself composed an epic of valour
+and self-sacrifice written in immortal deeds. At present her only reward
+seems to be a desolate land in the hands of the conqueror, and the
+graves of her fallen sons. Germany's evident intention is the annexation
+of that part of Belgium where Flemish is spoken. At the moment of
+writing, Goliath has vanquished David. France and England have a supreme
+duty to fulfil: they are called to avenge Belgium's wrongs, and thereby
+establish the principle that even necessity must recognize law.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ATROCITIES
+
+
+The question of Belgian atrocities is so important that no apology is
+required for giving the British public every possible opportunity to
+sift evidence, and above all, to hear the German side.
+
+In the interests of fair play we will allow a German lawyer[119] to
+state the case against the Belgians. Herr Grasshoff is armed with two
+doctorates and is in practice as an advocate in one of the higher courts
+of law (_Kammergericht_). Chapter III of his work is entitled: "The
+Belgian Outrages;" in the foregoing chapter he endeavours to show that
+the Belgian Press had worked upon public opinion and lashed it into such
+a state that atrocities and mutilations of Germans by Belgian men,
+women, boys and girls were the natural consequences.
+
+[Footnote 119: Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld" ("Belgium's
+Guilt").]
+
+"That the goaded rage of the lower classes found expression in nameless
+horrors is unfortunately a sorry truth. The proofs? We are not in a
+position to satisfy the desire for sensation with a cabinet of horrors.
+The equipment of the German army does not include either the jars or the
+chemical fluids for preserving hacked-off limbs, hence it is impossible
+to display exhibits as in a museum. Our hospitals do not admit the dead.
+
+"If Germany should be compelled to conduct a second campaign against the
+cultured peoples of Western Europe, then she will not forget to add the
+above articles to her equipment in any future war against such
+opponents. Pitying mother earth covers the murdered victims."
+
+This eloquent lawyer has overlooked the aid which the art of photography
+affords, and as the German army was well equipped with cameras, some
+tangible proofs could still have been procured--assuming there were any
+shred of truth in Germany's accusations. The Berlin Government has
+circulated photographs of dum-dum bullets, _i.e.,_ English and French
+bullets with the points cut off. It is true no statement is offered
+regarding the time and place of the points being cut off, which leaves
+us free to believe that captured ammunition was "doctored" in this
+manner by the Germans themselves. "Necessity knows no law" is a
+principle capable of the widest application.
+
+Grasshoff's work was only published a few months ago, so that he had
+ample time to collect facts and proofs--the result is, six detailed
+cases with the names of his German informants and their regiments. In
+each case the "evidence" is of an exceedingly doubtful character; in
+view of the gravity of the charges, the lack of corroboration (each case
+is "proved" by one witness alone), and the partisanship of all
+concerned, we may safely conclude that no court of justice would convict
+on it.
+
+The same criticism applies to the official White Book, published in June
+or July of the present year. Every witness had previously sworn an oath
+to protect the German flag (_der Fahneneid_) which precludes the
+probability of all impartiality in the witness and makes bias
+(_Befangenheit_) his simple duty. Another important factor to be borne
+in mind is the hysterical, morbid self-importance of the German nation
+in general, which causes police and members of the German army to shoot
+or cut down with the sword their own civilians for the most trivial
+offences, even in times of peace.
+
+The White Book in question contains a six-page introduction stating the
+charges against Belgian civilians, and three hundred and seventeen pages
+of sworn evidence of German officers and soldiers taken for the most
+part in Belgium and France. A few extracts from the introduction will
+suffice to make the German side clear.
+
+"Finally, there is not the slightest doubt that Belgian civilians robbed
+and killed German wounded; in short, mutilated them in a barbarous
+manner; even women and young girls participated in these atrocities.
+Hence German wounded have had their eyes gouged out, noses, ears,
+fingers and genitals cut off and their bodies cut open; in other cases
+German soldiers have been poisoned, hanged on trees, or had burning
+liquids poured on them, causing death in a most terrible form.
+
+"This bestial behaviour on the part of the civilian population is a
+breach of Article I., Convention of Geneva,[120] and the principles of
+military law, as well as the principles of humanity" (p. 4).
+
+[Footnote 120: Self-proclaimed outlaws cite the law when it suits their
+purpose!--Author.]
+
+"The guilt for these transgressions of international law lies largely at
+the door of the Belgian Government. The latter has made an attempt to
+rid itself of responsibility by ascribing the guilt to the rage for
+destruction in the German troops, who are accused of proceeding to deeds
+of violence without any reason or ground.[121]
+
+[Footnote 121: Certainly, just as in Germany in peace time.--Author.]
+
+"An examining commission has been appointed by the Belgian Government to
+inquire into the alleged cruelties of German soldiers, and the evidence
+thus obtained has been made the subject of diplomatic complaints. This
+attempt to pervert the truth has absolutely failed.
+
+"The German army is accustomed to wage war against hostile troops, but
+not against peaceful citizens.[122] Investigations conducted by any
+examining commission whatsoever, can never dispose of the irrefutable
+fact that German troops were forced by Belgium's native population to
+take defensive measures in the interests of self-preservation.
+
+[Footnote 122: German non-commissioned officers are accustomed to kick
+and beat German privates, and the behaviour of German soldiers to
+fellow-subjects is aptly illustrated by Lieutenant Foerster fighting a
+pitched battle with a lame old cobbler in Zabern.--Author.]
+
+"The refugees' tales collected by the Belgian commission and declared by
+them to be the result of an impartial investigation bear a stamp which
+makes them unworthy of belief. According to the nature of things, the
+commission is not in a position to test the veracity of such rumours or
+to apprehend the association of events. Hence, their accusations against
+the German army are nothing other than base slanders which are
+completely invalidated by the accompanying documents" (pp. 5-6).
+
+It must be assumed that readers are acquainted with the official
+publications of the Belgian and French Governments accusing the German
+army with waging war in an atrocious manner, as well as the report of
+Lord Bryce's commission and Professor Morgan's report in the "Nineteenth
+Century" for June. In the above extract the Berlin Government rules them
+one and all out of court, which is the author's justification for making
+no use of their evidence.
+
+Fortunately the Roman Catholic Church of Germany has published a
+refutation of Germany's White Book, and surely this authority deserves
+credence. The work in question bears the title: "Der Luegengeist im
+Voelkerkrieg," Kriegsmaerchen gesammelt von Bernhard Duhr, S.J. ("The
+Spirit of Lying in the War of the Nations," War Legends collected by the
+Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J.).[123] The reverend gentleman castigates all
+the nations at war with the same offence--lying. His work should have
+permanent value in the literature of war psychology, but he only
+undertakes to expose German lies, and in his 72-paged booklet he proves
+to the hilt the charges made in this work.
+
+[Footnote 123: The author hopes to publish a complete translation
+shortly.]
+
+In his introduction the Rev. Duhr states that the office of the Priests'
+Society "Pax" in Cologne has taken great pains to expose and refute lies
+as fast as they have appeared. The original documents are preserved in
+the above office and may be seen by anyone who cares to apply.
+
+Probably one of the motives actuating the Society "Pax" and the Rev. B.
+Duhr was the intention to refute the accusations of cruel outrages by
+Belgian and French Catholic priests. Whatever their motives may have
+been, one thing is certain, they have produced most convincing proof of
+German mendacity. It is to be hoped that the "Pax" will give the world
+the benefit of all the documents in their possession.
+
+Even the Kaiser had the audacity to state in his telegram of September
+8th, 1914, to President Wilson that "women and priests have been guilty
+of atrocities in this guerilla warfare." For reasons easy to understand
+the reverend gentleman does not introduce the Kaiser's name into his
+booklet, but in the introduction he remarks: "Finally the refutation of
+such fairy-tales is a patriotic duty. Nothing is more essential for us
+Germans, especially in war time, than unity; but this harmony is
+necessarily endangered by religious bitterness and strife. Of a
+necessity it must cause deep pain and embitterment to our Catholic
+population when again and again ENTIRELY UNTRUE ACCUSATIONS are made
+against the priesthood of their Church."
+
+The Rev. Duhr's exposure of what he calls "erlogener Schauergeschichten"
+("lying horror tales") kills most of the "fairy-tales" accusing the
+Russians, French and Belgians of atrocities on German soldiers. A few
+illustrations will suffice to show the absence of all foundation for the
+charges against the Belgians; charges, we must remember, which the
+German soldiery believed, and which convinced them they were performing
+a holy task at Louvain, Tirlemont, Dinant, etc.
+
+"On October 1st, 1914, a telegraphic agency (Wolff's?) issued the
+following notice: 'A high Bavarian officer writing from the front has
+informed the _Muenchen-Augsburger Abendzeitung_ of this incident. South
+of Cambrai a column of German motor-cars was attacked by a company of
+French cyclists. For the most part the guard was killed by rifle fire,
+while the cars were all burnt. Later a German patrol discovered the
+remains, and on investigation, found that the dead Germans had all had
+their eyes gouged out.'"
+
+The reverend Father comments as follows: "On following up this case, it
+was impossible to prove whether the patrol had seen rightly or whether
+they had really made the report at all. So much is certain, however,
+that in the matter of eyes being gouged out, an absolute mania of
+gruesomeness broke loose. An innumerable swarm of such horrible tales
+were told, passed on, and finally guaranteed as true--AND YET THEY WERE
+ALL FAIRY-TALES. A few cases will suffice.
+
+"In September, 1914, the following paragraph appeared in the papers:
+'Several ladies engaged in Red Cross work on Cologne Station were
+informed with every assurance of truth, that a hospital at
+Aix-la-Chapelle contained a whole ward full of wounded whose eyes had
+been gouged out on the battlefields of Belgium.'
+
+"On September 26th the editor of the Catholic _Koelnische Volkszeitung_
+wrote to Dr. Kaufmann, a high Roman Catholic dignitary in
+Aix-la-Chapelle, begging him to ascertain whether the report were true.
+Two days later that gentleman replied: 'As regards the rumour mentioned
+in your letter, I beg to inform you that I at once put myself in
+communication with the authorities. I inquired of the doctor in charge
+of a hospital here (he is, by the way, a famous specialist for the
+eyes), and he assures me that in all the local hospitals there is no
+ward for wounded whose eyes have been put out, AND SUCH A CASE HAS NEVER
+BEEN OBSERVED in the town, although the place is full of wounded.'
+
+"A second report which the same journal exposed dates from October,
+1914. Recently Dean A., who is the Superior in a military hospital in
+the Franciscan Nunnery at S., came to us and reported that a wounded
+soldier had told him that he had heard[124] that in the monastery Bl. by
+V., in Holland, there were twenty-two wounded German soldiers whose eyes
+had been gouged out by Belgians. The Dean begged us to write to the
+Mother Superior and ask for confirmation of the story. We did write, and
+the lady answered that there was no hospital at all in the cloister
+Bl."[125]
+
+[Footnote 124: The words "hear" and "heard" occur very frequently in
+these legends.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 125: The Rev. Duhr's book, pp. 11-12.]
+
+The same lie travelled to Bonn, Sigmaringen, Potsdam, Bremen, and was
+successively nailed down by the _Volkszeitung_. Inquiries were made in
+all directions wherever a case of gouged-out eyes was reported, the
+result being everywhere the same--a fairy-tale.
+
+Yet when the German Imperial Chancellor received a party of American
+journalists (representatives of the United Press and the Associated
+Press) on September 2nd, 1914, he communicated this statement: "The
+English will inform your countrymen that German troops have burnt down
+Belgian villages and towns, but they will conceal the fact that Belgian
+girls have gouged out the eyes of our helpless soldiers lying on the
+battlefields."
+
+"Berlin papers informed the public that 'a large number of Belgian
+civilians were prisoners in Muenster. They are the same bestial creatures
+who shot from their houses on our unsuspecting troops, and who, before
+the arrival of our invading armies in Belgium, had perpetrated all sorts
+of cruelties on helpless German citizens. Indeed, when they were
+searched on their arrival at the prisoners' camp fingers with rings on
+them, which they had hacked off their victims, were found in their
+pockets. Justice will soon strike down these Belgians, among whom a very
+large number of priests are to be found. Twenty to thirty have already
+been condemned to death by a court-martial.'
+
+"The 'Pax' Society of Priests immediately wrote to the commander of the
+prisoners' camp, and received this reply: 'The ridiculous assertion of a
+Berlin paper that fingers had been found in the pockets of Belgian
+civilians in this camp is false. Neither has any priest or layman been
+condemned to death, but over one hundred Belgian women and children have
+been sent home again.'"[126]
+
+[Footnote 126: Ibid., p. 19.]
+
+The above extracts will suffice to show how these Roman Catholic
+gentlemen proceeded. Immediately an atrocity was reported they applied
+to the authorities, and in every case received an affirmation that the
+deed had never taken place. Among the monstrous lies exposed by these
+investigators, are reports that Belgian priests paid eight shillings for
+every German head brought to them; high treason charges against Catholic
+priests in Alsace; all kinds of monstrous crimes charged to the
+priesthood; that a Belgian boy was caught with a bucketful of dead
+Germans' eyes; espionage by priests etc., etc.
+
+Yet one other case deserves quotation: "On October 5th, 1914, a priest
+was travelling by rail to Mayence. In the same compartment there were
+four privates from Infantry Regiment No. 94. One of them named Roessner,
+related the following story to his comrades, and then, at the priest's
+request, again repeated it:
+
+"'In the Belgian village of Patsie the _cure_ welcomed a German major
+and his orderly into his house. Afterwards the priest promised a boy of
+thirteen that he should go straight to heaven if he would murder the two
+Germans. The lad perpetrated the murder, after which he and the _cure_
+were shot under martial law.'
+
+"When the priest pointed out how incredible the whole story was, the
+soldier swore to its truth, and became very impolite to his auditor. An
+inquiry was instituted and this was the result:
+
+  "'War Office, No. 1866. The investigations made, in especial the
+  hearing under oath of private Roessner and several officers in his
+  regiment, have resulted in the following particulars being obtained:
+  At the beginning of the campaign as the troops marched into a
+  village--name unknown--they saw by the roadside two or three dead
+  civilians. One was apparently a boy of about thirteen, while the other
+  was an adult with a dark coat. It was not established whether this was
+  the body of a priest. Furthermore, we have not been able to discover
+  by whom, or for what reason, these people were shot.
+
+  "'At that time the story quoted by you about a _cure_ and a boy, was
+  told as a "rumour" to all the troops marching through. It is
+  impossible after the lapse of time to test the truth of the narrative.
+
+  "'Signed by order,
+
+  "'BAUER AND WAGNER.'"[127]
+
+[Footnote 127: Ibid., pp. 54-5.]
+
+The above document may be said, without presumption, to possess historic
+importance. It is a frank admission by the German War Office that
+Belgian civilians were actually shot down without rhyme or reason.
+Apparently German soldiers (!) had a _carte blanche_ to shoot whom they
+liked, without rendering or being expected to render a report of their
+doings.
+
+The Rev. Duhr writes: "The incredible speed with which these lying tales
+of horror spread on all sides must be classed as a morbid phenomenon, a
+sort of blood-cult. Their consequences could only be to act upon the
+national soul as a stimulant, inspiring fear and brutality."[128]
+
+[Footnote 128: Ibid., p. 9.]
+
+The author of this work is prepared to go much farther than the Rev.
+Father, and maintain that the foul, diseased imaginations which could
+invent such monstrous horrors are also capable of perpetrating them.
+They did not spring from the imagination of an Edgar Allan Poe, but
+arose in the minds of Germany's brutal peasantry and bloodthirsty
+working classes, who together every year commit in times of peace 9,000
+acts of brutal, immoral bestiality, and maliciously wound 175,000 of
+their fellow German citizens.[129]
+
+[Footnote 129: _Vide_ Vol. 267 _Vierteljahrshefte_, published by the
+Berlin Government, 1914.]
+
+To-day Germany shouts in ecstasy that she is the chosen power of God;
+that her _Kultur_ will regenerate the world. Let it first regenerate the
+"Augean Stable" known to the world as Germany. Without further comment
+readers are left to form their own opinion of a Press which breeds such
+filth, and the cultural level of a people which consumes such garbage.
+But the world owes a debt of gratitude to the Rev. Bernhard Duhr, S.J.,
+and the "Pax" Society in Cologne.
+
+The accusations of plundering on the part of German soldiers is
+naturally denied _in toto_ by all parties in the Fatherland. Indeed, it
+has been discovered that the British army was guilty of wilful
+destruction in Belgium. A certain Major Krusemarck, commanding the 2nd
+battalion of the 12th Infantry Reserve Regiment, is responsible for the
+story. "On October 10th I entered Wilryk, near Antwerp, and took up my
+quarters in the Italian Consulate. All the houses had been deserted by
+the inhabitants. Immediately after entering the house I perceived that
+English soldiers had been here and behaved in a barbarous manner.
+Mirrors, valuable objects of art, etc., had been smashed in a way which
+betrayed purpose." The major's report continues: "The destruction which
+I have described had undoubtedly been perpetrated by members of the
+English army, and as proof of this I may state that in one of the rooms
+about a dozen visiting-cards were found with the name: Major E.L.
+Gerrard, Royal Marine Light Infantery (sic).
+
+"During the subsequent pursuit of the Belgian and English armies we
+heard repeated complaints from the inhabitants that especially the
+English troops had acted in the most inconsiderate manner, purposely
+destroying furniture, etc., in civilian houses."[130]
+
+[Footnote 130: Richard Grasshoff: "Belgien's Schuld," p. 84.]
+
+Without doubt the story belongs to the group of legends exposed by the
+"Pax" Society, for which reason it is quoted here, as a fitting
+supplement to them. Yet it is psychologically interesting to note how
+difficult it is for Germans who burn, destroy and violate in their own
+country to believe that they behave otherwise than as lambs when playing
+the role of invaders.
+
+One quotation from a large number will illustrate sufficiently the
+respect which the German troops felt for civilian homes in the
+territories occupied by them: "We got into the house by a back-door.
+Orders had been issued that only food and shirts were to be taken. The
+cellar was full of wine and champagne. A corporal brought us some of the
+latter. After half an hour the rooms looked very different; all the
+cupboards had been emptied in order to get at the jams and jellies.
+Several pots of fruit preserved in wine were divided as honestly as the
+greed of the individual allowed.
+
+"All the underclothing was seized upon, obviously only the best being
+taken. Many a dirty Pole put on such a shirt as he had never dreamed of
+before. Even ladies' chemises were commandeered, and some of the men
+assured me that a French chemise is quite comfortable--in spite of the
+short sleeves.
+
+"If there is a sterner sex in France, which is exceedingly doubtful,
+they do not seem to possess pants; so the men resorted to the
+corresponding article worn by ladies."[131] (This writer refers in other
+parts of his book to "mementoes" which he carried home to the
+Fatherland, after being wounded at the Marne.)
+
+[Footnote 131: H. Knutz: "Mit den Koenigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien," p.
+42.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM AND GERMANY'S ANNEXATION PROPAGANDA
+
+
+"Afterthoughts" is the term which would perhaps designate most concisely
+the section of German war literature treating of Belgium's violated
+neutrality. Should that designation appear unfitting, then the author
+has only one other to suggest--"whitewash."
+
+In order to apprehend clearly the method and aims concealed beneath the
+"afterthoughts," readers must bear in mind that every attempt to protest
+against the annexation of Belgium by Germany is prohibited by the German
+censor. The Social Democratic organs emphasize the fact almost daily
+that they are not permitted to print anything contrary to the principle
+of annexation.
+
+On the other hand, numerous writers are allowed to make a most extensive
+propaganda by suggesting that annexation is necessary in the interests
+of their racial-brothers the Flemings. By order of the German Government
+a geographical description of the country has been published,[132] in
+which every detail of Belgium's wealth in minerals, agriculture, and so
+on, is described, with no other possible purpose than the desire to whet
+German Michael's appetite.
+
+[Footnote 132: "Belgien, Land und Leute," Berlin, 1915.]
+
+All at once Germany has become suspiciously interested in Belgian
+history, in the domestic quarrels between Walloons and Flemings, in the
+alleged oppression of the latter (Low Germans) by the former, and
+propose for themselves the part of liberator and saviour for Flemish
+culture. They have discovered, among other things, that Belgium was
+merely a paper State, a diplomatic invention, an experiment, and that no
+"Belgian" people has ever existed, but rather two hostile elements were
+packed under the same roof against their will by the Conference of
+London--the said roof bears the name Belgium!
+
+According to a good German-Swiss[133] the Belgians have no national
+feelings, no patriotism, and have never had a Fatherland. If a serious
+writer can make such statements after the Belgians have defended their
+native country so heroically, one naturally wonders whether Herr Blocher
+is sane, or merely a paid agent of the German authorities. In his work
+he denies every and any intention to justify or condemn either Germany
+or Belgium, and then proceeds to blacken the latter's character by
+quoting every Belgian utterance which may be interpreted as anti-German.
+These expressions lead him to the remarkable conclusion that Belgians
+had already violated their own neutrality!
+
+[Footnote 133: "Belgische Neutralitaet," by Eduard Blocher. Zurich,
+1915.]
+
+Blocher states that his work is only intended to prove that Switzerland
+has nothing to fear from Germany's precedent in invading Belgium. But he
+never mentions Belgium's maritime interests, Antwerp and the extensive
+seacoast on the North Sea. He is oblivious to the fact that Germany's
+desire to possess these was the sole motive for precipitating war and
+invading Belgium. To Germany the coast of Belgium is the door to the
+world and world domination. Switzerland does not possess such a door,
+and therefore had nothing to fear from her powerful neighbour; but if
+the Allies are unable to bar this door to Germany's aggressive schemes,
+then the time is not far distant when Germany would remember that she
+has "brothers" within Swiss frontiers and insist upon their entrance
+into the great Teutonic sheepfold--just as her most earnest desire at
+present is to drive the "lost" Flemings back to their parent race.
+
+Among the many phrases which Germans have coined to describe Belgium the
+following occur: bastard, eunuch and hermaphrodite. According to the
+German conception of a "State," Belgium is an unnatural monstrosity,
+from which one draws the natural conclusion that Germany intends to
+remove it from the domain of earthly affairs.
+
+On the whole, German writers admit the existence of Belgian neutrality,
+and also Germany's pledge to respect it. The three most serious writers
+on the subject are, Dr. Reinhard Frank,[134] professor of jurisprudence
+in Munich University; Dr. Karl Hampe,[135] professor in Heidelberg; and
+Dr. Walter Schoenborn,[136] also a professor in Heidelberg University.
+
+[Footnote 134: Reinhard Frank: "Die belgische Neutralitaet." Tubingen,
+1915.]
+
+[Footnote 135: Karl Hampe: "Belgien's Vergangenheit und Gegenwart."
+Berlin, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 136: Walther Schoenborn: "Die Neutralitaet Belgien's." This is
+an appendix to a large work written by twenty university professors,
+entitled "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," published by B.G. Teubner,
+Leipzig and Berlin, 1915.]
+
+The nearer examination of these three works must be premised by two
+important considerations. Firstly, the three professors ignore the fact
+that Germany was a menace to Belgium, and make no mention of German
+aspirations for a coastline on or near the English Channel. Holland and
+Belgium form a twentieth century "Naboth's vineyard," on which the
+German Ahab has cast avaricious glances for upwards of forty years.
+
+A casual acquaintance with Pan-German and German naval and military
+literature during the same period, affords overwhelming proof of this
+powerful current in German nationalism. If Naboth consulted strong
+neighbours as to necessary precautions against Ahab's plans for
+obtaining the vineyard, then Naboth acted as a wise man, and the only
+regret to-day is that the "strong neighbours" only offered Naboth
+assurances and words, instead of deeds. In other words Great Britain did
+nothing because, as Lord Haldane expressed it, the Liberal Cabinet was
+"afraid" (!) to offend Germany and precipitate a crisis.
+
+Secondly, the three professors, like all others of their class in the
+Fatherland, have sworn an oath on taking office not to do anything,
+either by word or deed, detrimental to the interests of the German State
+of which they are _official_ members. An ordinary German in writing on
+Germany may be under the subjective influences of his national feelings,
+but a German who has taken the "Staatseid" (oath to the State) cannot be
+objective in national questions and interests--his oath leaves only one
+course open to him, and any departure from that course may mean the loss
+of his daily bread.
+
+The author has the greatest respect for the achievements of German
+professors in the domains of science and abstract thought; by those
+achievements they have deservedly become famous, but in all judgments
+where Germany's interests are concerned they are bound hand and
+foot.[137]
+
+[Footnote 137: Towards the close of 1913 I had a conversation with half
+a dozen Germans (average age twenty-five) in Erlangen Gymnasium (State
+Secondary School); they were candidates in training for the teaching
+profession, all university men. I listened patiently to their diatribes
+concerning the perfidy of English Statesmen, and then pointed out,
+giving chapter and verse in German biographies, that Bismarck's record
+was exceedingly tortuous; the forgery of the Ems telegram was given as
+an instance.
+
+A few weeks later I met the vice-principal of the school at a private
+party; this gentleman was a good friend of mine. He reminded me of the
+above conversation, and gave me a friendly warning never again to make
+such statements to my pupils. The candidates had talked it over, and
+although they had provoked the discussion, proposed to have me reported
+to the Minister for Education for uttering such opinions. The
+vice-principal had intervened and prevented the _Denunziation_.
+
+If a professor of history in a German university expressed any opinion
+in his academic lectures unfavourable to modern Germany, he would be
+immediately _denunziert_ to the State authorities by his own students.
+Should he publish such opinions in book form, of course the process of
+cashiering him would be simpler. Germans do not desire the truth so far
+as their own country is concerned; they do not will the truth; they will
+_Deutschland ueber alles_, and all information, knowledge, or propaganda
+contrary to their will is prohibited. If space permitted I could mention
+numerous cases in which famous professors have been treated like
+schoolboys by the German State--their stern father and master.]
+
+When a German conscript enters the army he takes the _Fahneneid_ (oath
+on, and to, the flag), which binds him to defend the Fatherland with
+bayonet and bullet. In like manner it may be said that German professors
+are bound by the _Staatseid_ either to discreet silence, or to employ
+their intellectual pop-guns in defending Germany. That these pop-guns
+fire colossal untruths, innuendoes, word-twistings, and such like
+missiles, giving out gases calculated to stupefy and blind honest
+judgments, will become painfully evident in the course of our
+considerations.
+
+That any and every German obeys the impulse to defend his country is
+just and praiseworthy; but in our search for truth we are compelled to
+note the fact that German professors are merely intellectual soldiers
+fighting for Germany. Without departing from the truth by one jot or
+tittle, readers may even call them "outside clerks" of the German
+Foreign Office, or the "ink-slingers" under the command of the German
+State.
+
+These premises have been laid down _in extenso_ because some fifty books
+will be discussed in this work, which emanate from German universities.
+A neutral reader may retort: You also are not impartial, for you are an
+Englishman! Having anticipated the question, the author ventures to give
+an answer. If he could make a destructive attack on Britain's
+policy--the attack would be made without the least hesitation. Such an
+attack, if proved to the hilt, would bring any man renown, and in the
+worst case no harm. But if a German professor launched an attack, based
+upon incontrovertible facts, against Bethmann-Hollweg and Germany's
+policy, that professor would be ruined in time of peace and in all
+probability imprisoned, or sent to penal servitude in time of war.
+
+Nothing which the present author could write would ever tarnish the
+reputation of German professors as men of science, but in the narrower
+limits as historians of the Fatherland and propagandists of the
+_Deutschland-ueber-alles_ gospel they are tied with fetters for the like
+of which we should seek in vain at the universities of Great Britain or
+America. It would be in the interests of truth and impartiality if every
+German professor who writes on the "Causes of the World War," "England's
+Conspiracy against Germany," "The Non-Existence of Belgian Neutrality,"
+and similar themes, would print the German _Staatseid_ on the front page
+of his book. The text of that oath would materially assist his readers
+in forming an opinion regarding the trustworthiness and impartiality of
+the professor's conclusions.
+
+Professor Frank commences his historical sketch of Belgian neutrality
+with the year 1632, when Cardinal Richelieu proposed that Belgium should
+be converted into an independent republic. Doubtless the desire to found
+a buffer State inspired Richelieu, just as it did the representatives of
+Prussia, Russia, France, Austria and England when they drew up the
+treaty guaranteeing Belgium's neutrality in perpetuity, at the
+Conference of London, 1839.
+
+But an additional motive actuated the diplomatists of 1839, viz.,
+Belgium was henceforth to be the corner-stone supporting the structure
+commonly designated "the balance of power in Europe."
+
+An objection has been made to the validity of the treaty signed in
+London, viz., England herself did not consider it reliable and binding,
+or she would not have asked for, and obtained, pledges from both Prussia
+and France to respect Belgian neutrality in 1870. Another objection is
+the claim that the German Empire, founded in 1870, was not bound by the
+Prussian signature attached to a treaty in 1839. Other writers have
+endeavoured to show that the addition of African territory (Congo Free
+State) to Belgium changed the political status of that country, exposed
+it to colonial conflicts with two great colonial Powers, and thus
+tacitly ended the state of neutrality.
+
+Each of the professors in question overrides these objections, and Frank
+remarks, p. 13: "Lawyers and diplomatists refuse, and rightly so, to
+accept this view." Again, p. 14.: "There is no international document in
+existence which has cancelled Belgian neutrality."
+
+Germany's alleged violation of her promise to regard Belgium as a
+neutral country is justified on quite other grounds. Belgium had herself
+violated her neutrality by a secret alliance with France and England.
+Frank argues that a neutral State has certain duties imposed upon it in
+peace time, and in support of his contention quotes Professor Arendt
+(Louvain University, 1845), who wrote: "A neutral State may not conclude
+an alliance of defence and offence, by which in case of war between two
+other States it is pledged to help one of them. Yet it is free and
+possesses the right to form alliances to protect its neutrality and in
+its own defence, but such defensive alliances can only be concluded
+after the outbreak of war."
+
+Another authority quoted to support his point is Professor Hilty
+(University of Bern, 1889). "A neutral State may not conclude a treaty
+_in advance_ to protect its own neutrality, because by this means a
+protectorate relationship would be created."
+
+Frank continues (p. 21): "Hence Belgian neutrality was guaranteed in the
+interests of the balance of power in Europe, and I have already pointed
+out that the same idea prevailed when the barrier-systems of 1815 and
+1818 were established.
+
+"Considering the matter from this point of view, the falsity of modern
+Belgium's interpretation at once becomes apparent. According to Belgian
+official opinion her neutrality obligations only came into force in the
+event of war, and therefore could not be violated during peace. But this
+balance of power was to be maintained, above all in time of peace, and
+might not be disturbed by any peaceful negotiations whatever, especially
+if these were calculated to manifest themselves in either advantageous
+or prejudicial form, in the event of war.
+
+"In this category we may place the surrender of territory. No impartial
+thinker can deny that the cession of Antwerp to England would have been
+a breach of neutrality on the part of Belgium, even if it had occurred
+in peace time. The same is true for the granting of occupation rights,
+and landing places for troops, or for the establishment of a harbour
+which might serve as a basis for the military or naval operations of
+another State.
+
+"Moreover, it is unnecessary to exert one's imagination in order to
+discover 'peaceful negotiations' which are incompatible with permanent
+neutrality, for history offers us two exceedingly instructive examples.
+When a tariff union between France and Belgium was proposed in 1840,
+England objected because the plan was not in accord with Belgian
+neutrality. Again in 1868, when the Eastern Railway Company of France
+sought to obtain railway concessions in Belgium, it was the latter
+country which refused its consent, and in the subsequent parliamentary
+debate the step was designated an act of neutrality."
+
+From this extract it is evident that Professor Frank has undermined his
+own case. Belgian neutrality was intended by the great powers to be the
+corner-stone of the European balance of power. During the last forty
+years Germany's carefully meditated increase of armaments on land and
+sea threatened to dislodge the corner-stone. When the Conference of
+London declared Belgium to be a permanently neutral country, there was
+apparent equality of power on each side of the stone. In 1870 the
+Franco-German war showed that the balance of power was already disturbed
+at this corner of the European edifice. Still Germany's pledged word was
+considered sufficient guarantee of the _status quo_.
+
+Since 1870 the potential energy on the German side of the corner-stone
+has increased in an unprecedented degree, and this huge energy has been
+consistently converted into concrete military and naval forces. This
+alteration in the potential _status quo ante_ has been partly the result
+of natural growth, but in a still greater degree, to Germany's doctrine
+that it is only might which counts.
+
+Another German professor[138] had defined the position in a sentence:
+"Germany is a boiler charged to danger-point with potential energy. In
+such a case is it a sound policy to try to avert the possibility of an
+explosion by screwing down all its safety-valves?" Recognizing that
+Belgian neutrality has existed for many years past solely on Germany's
+good-will, it became the right and urgent duty of the other signatory
+powers to endeavour to strengthen the corner-stone. Germany absolutely
+refused to relax in any way the pressure which her "potential energy"
+was exercising at this point, therefore it was necessary above all for
+France and Great Britain to bolster up the threatened corner.
+
+[Footnote 138: Hermann Oncken (Heidelberg), in the _Quarterly Review_,
+October, 1913. The author of the article charges Great Britain with
+screwing down the valves, which is a deliberate distortion of the truth.
+Britain has always opened her markets free to German goods and admitted
+the same privileges to her rival--so far as these did not run contrary
+to established rights--in all parts of the world. With regard to
+territorial expansion a treaty had been drawn up between the two Powers
+and was ready to be signed just when war broke out. That treaty would
+have afforded Germany immense opportunities for expansion, but not at
+the expense of Europe. Germany, however, desired European expansion, and
+according to her accepted teaching, the fate of extra-European
+territories will be decided on the battlefields of Europe.]
+
+The former Power could have achieved this purpose by building a chain of
+huge fortresses along her Belgian frontier. Why this precautionary
+measure was never taken is difficult to surmise, but had it been taken,
+Germany would have ascribed to her neighbour plans of aggression--and
+declared war.
+
+Great Britain could have restored the balance by creating an army of
+several millions. Lord Haldane has announced that the late Liberal
+Government was "afraid" to do this, although the fear of losing office
+may have been greater than their fear for Germany.
+
+The measures which England did take were merely non-binding
+conversations with the military authorities of France and Belgium; the
+making of plans for putting a British garrison of defence on Belgian
+territory in the event of the latter's neutrality being violated or
+threatened; and the printing of books describing the means of
+communication in Belgium.[139]
+
+[Footnote 139: "Belgium, Road and River Reports," prepared by the
+General Staff, Vol. I., 1912; II., 1913; III. & IV., 1914. Copies of
+this work have been seized by the Germans in Belgium, and capital is
+being made of the incident to prove a violation of Belgian neutrality.
+If the British General Staff had nothing better to do than to compile
+guide-books to Belgium for a non-existent British army, it appears
+merely amusing. But if the late Liberal Government believed that
+Germany's potential energy could be prevented from breaking through into
+Belgian territory by a barricade of guide-books--it was a lamentable
+error of judgment. On the whole we are forced to call it a tragical
+irony, that the only defences which Belgium possessed against the _furor
+teutonicus_--excepting the Belgian army--were a "scrap of paper" and a
+barricade of the same material.]
+
+As a result of these measures, Belgium stands charged by Germany with
+having broken her own neutrality, and German writers are naively asking
+why Belgium did not give the same confidence to Germany which she gave
+to England. The German mind knows quite well, that in building strategic
+railways to the Belgian frontier she betrayed the line of direction
+which the potential energy was intended to take, when the burst came.
+Unofficially Germany has long since proclaimed her intention to invade
+Belgium; it was an "open secret."
+
+The _denouement_ of August 4th, 1914, when Belgian neutrality was
+declared a "scrap of paper,"[140] was not the inspiration of a moment,
+nor a decision arrived at under the pressure of necessity, but the
+result of years of military preparation and planning. It had been
+carefully arranged that the boiler should pour forth its energy through
+the Belgian valve.
+
+[Footnote 140: This famous phrase was employed as far back as 1855 by a
+Belgian Minister in the House of Deputies, Brussels. M. Lebeau in
+pleading for greater military preparation used these words: "History has
+shown what becomes of neutralities which were guaranteed, by what may be
+termed a 'scrap of paper.'"]
+
+Or to draw another comparison, it is a modern variety of the wolf and
+the lamb fable, with this difference: the wolf has first of all
+swallowed the lamb, and now excuses himself by asserting that the
+traitorous wretch had muddied the stream.
+
+Belgians were painfully aware of the danger threatening them, and would
+have made greater efforts to protect themselves, had not their own
+Social Democrats resisted every military proposal. As the matter stands
+to-day, however, all the efforts which Belgium did make, are classed by
+Germany as intrigues of the Triple Entente, threatening her (Germany's)
+existence, and all the horrors which have fallen upon this gallant
+"neutral" country the German Pecksniff designates "Belgium's
+Atonement."[141] It is to be feared that sooner or later, unless
+Germany's military pride and unbounded greed of her neighbour's goods
+can be checked, German professors will be engaged in the scientific task
+of proving that the waters of the upper Rhine are unpalatable because
+the lamb residing in Holland has stirred up mud in the lower reaches of
+the same river!
+
+[Footnote 141: _Belgien's Suebne_, the title of a chapter describing the
+desolation and havoc of war, in a book entitled "Mit dem Hauptquartier
+nach Westen," by Heinrich Binder. Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Belgium knew that England and France had no other interest than the
+maintenance of her neutrality. Belgium saw and felt, where the storm
+clouds lowered, and probably sought or accepted advice from those Powers
+who wished to perpetuate both the territorial integrity and neutrality
+of Belgium. Germany's afterthought on the point is: "It was Belgium's
+duty to protect her neutrality, and she owed this duty to all States
+alike in the interests of the balance of power--a conception to which
+she owes her existence.
+
+"She was bound to treat all the signatory Powers in the same manner, but
+she failed to do so, in that she permitted one or two of them to gain an
+insight into her system of defence. By this means she afforded the
+States admitted to her confidence, certain advantages which they could
+employ for their own ends at any moment.
+
+"By allowing certain of the great Powers to see her cards, Belgium was
+not supporting the European balance, but seriously disturbing it. Even
+Belgium's Legation Secretary in Berlin had warned his Government
+concerning the political dangers arising out of intimacy with England.
+By revealing her system of defence to England, Belgium destroyed its
+intrinsic value and still more--she violated her international
+obligations."[142]
+
+[Footnote 142: Professor Frank's work, pp. 29-30.]
+
+Considering that the British army at that time was small, that Britain
+had no idea of annexing Belgian territory, one naturally wonders how the
+value of Belgium's defence system had been depreciated by conversations
+with British officers. In effect, Germany maintains that Belgium should
+have behaved as a nonentity, which is contrary to all reason.
+
+The Berlin Government has always treated her small neighbour as a
+sovereign State, equal in quality, though not in power, to any State in
+the world. If Germany recognized Belgium's sovereignty, why should not
+England do the same, and, above all, why had Belgium no right to think
+of her self-preservation, when she knew the danger on her eastern
+frontier grew more menacing month by month?
+
+Frank concludes his dissertation with his opinion of England and quotes
+Thucydides, V., 105, as the best applicable characterization of the
+British with which he is acquainted. "Among themselves, indeed, and out
+of respect for their traditional constitution, they prove to be quite
+decent. As regards their treatment of foreigners, a great deal might be
+said, yet we will try to express it in brief. Among all whom we know
+they are the most brazen in declaring what is good to be agreeable, and
+what is profitable to be just."
+
+The very offence which Germany accuses England of having premeditated,
+she committed herself many years before. When France seemed to threaten
+Belgium's existence, King Leopold I. concluded a secret treaty[143] with
+the king of Prussia, whereby the latter was empowered to enter Belgium
+and occupy fortresses in case of France becoming dangerous. The French
+danger passed away, and its place was taken by a more awful menace--the
+pressure of German potential energy; and when Belgium in turn opened her
+heart (this is the unproved accusation which Germany makes
+to-day--Author) to England, then she has violated her neutrality and
+undermined the balance of power.[144] There is even a suspicion that
+Leopold II. renewed this treaty with Germany in 1890, in spite of the
+fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince de Chimay, in an
+official speech denied its existence.
+
+[Footnote 143: Germans love anything which is "secret."
+"Geheimniskraemerei" ("affectation of mysteriousness and secrecy") is a
+national and individual characteristic of the German people.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 144: Karl Hampe: "Belgiens Vergangenheit und Gegenwart"
+("Belgium Past and Present"), p. 49.]
+
+Professor Schoenborn's essay on Belgian neutrality is the least
+satisfactory exposition of the three professorial effusions; it is no
+credit to a man of learning, and is merely the work of an incapable
+partisan trying to make a bad cause into a good one. Schoenborn
+commences[145] with the customary German tactics by stating that
+Bethmann-Hollweg's "scrap-of-paper" speech, and von Jagow's (German
+Secretary of State) explanations to the Belgian representative in Berlin
+on August 3rd, 1914, are of no importance in deciding the justice of
+Germany's violation of her pledged word. One is led to inquire, When is
+a German utterance--whether given in the Reichstag by the Chancellor or
+on paper in the form of a treaty--final and binding?
+
+[Footnote 145: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War"), pp. 566-8.]
+
+Subterfuges, insinuations, distortions, even brazen falsehoods, are
+scattered throughout German war literature, thicker "than Autumnal
+leaves in Vallombrosa's brook." It is to be feared that just as Germans
+have lied for a century to prove that the English were annihilated at
+the battle of Waterloo, and for over forty years to show that Bismarck
+was not a forger, so they will lie for centuries to come in order to
+prove that the invasion of Belgium was not what Bethmann-Hollweg called
+it, a "breach of international law."
+
+Like his _confreres_, Herr Schoenborn admits that Germany was pledged to
+respect the neutrality of Belgium, but the said neutrality was
+non-existent, which appears somewhat paradoxical. Yet this is not the
+least logical part of his case. "The passage of German troops through
+Belgium was indispensable in the interests of the preservation of the
+German Empire. A successful resistance to the annihilation-plans which
+our enemies had wrought for our downfall seemed possible only by this
+means. The Government regretted that, by so doing, we should commit a
+formal infringement of the rights of a third State (Belgium), and
+promised to make all possible compensation for the transgression.
+
+"The judicial point of view which influenced the decision of the German
+Government is perhaps, best illustrated by a parallel taken from the
+ordinary laws of the country: A forester (game-keeper) is attacked by a
+poacher, and in that same moment perceives a second poacher bearing a
+gun at full-cock, creeping into a strange house in order to obtain a
+better shot at the forester. Just as he is about to enter the house the
+forester breaks the door open and thus forestalls him--in order to
+surprise and overcome him. The forester is justified in taking this
+step, but must make good all damage resulting to the householder."[146]
+
+[Footnote 146: Ibid., p. 575.]
+
+The instance holds good in the land of _Kultur_, where law and order
+affords so little protection to a civilian and his property; but in
+countries where laws are based upon culture the author believes that the
+forester would receive condign punishment for breaking into another
+man's house, no matter under what pretext. Unconsciously the learned
+professor is humorous when he compares Germany to a gamekeeper and
+Russia and France to poachers; but he is naive to a degree of stupidity,
+when he makes France carry a weapon fully prepared to shoot the
+forester.
+
+We will consult another German authority to show that France's weapons
+were not at full-cock.
+
+"During the last ten years France has given special attention to the
+fortresses on the German frontier. But those facing Belgium have been so
+carelessly equipped that we see clearly to what a degree she relied upon
+her neighbour. The forts are in the same condition as they were twenty
+or thirty years ago. As some of these fortifications were built fifty
+years ago, various points on the frontier are strategically, absolutely
+useless.
+
+"A typical example of this, is Fort les Ayvelles, which is intended to
+protect the bridges and Meuse crossings south of Mezieres-Charleville;
+the fort was levelled to the ground by 300 shots from our 21-centimetre
+howitzers. It was built in 1878 and armed with forty cannon; of these
+the principal weapons consisted of two batteries each containing six
+9-centimetre cannon, which, however, were cast in the years 1878-1880,
+and in the best case could only carry 4,000 yards. Then there were some
+12-centimetre bronze pieces cast in 1884, and a few five-barrelled
+revolver cannon.
+
+"Besides these there were old howitzers from the year 1842;
+muzzle-loaders with the characteristic pyramids of cannon ball by the
+side, such as are often used in Germany at village festivals or to fire
+a salute. The fort itself was a perfect picture of the obsolete and
+out-of-date. Apart from the crude, primitive equipment, the organization
+must have been faulty indeed.
+
+"On the road leading up to the fort we saw some tree-branches which had
+been hurriedly placed as obstacles, and higher up wire entanglements had
+been commenced at the last moment. At least one battery was useless, for
+the field of fire was cut off by high trees, and at the last minute the
+garrison had tried to place the guns in a better position.
+
+"Our artillery which fired from a north-westerly position displayed a
+precision of aim which is rare. One battery had had nearly every gun put
+out of action by clean hits. In several cases we saw the barrel of the
+gun yards away from its carriage, and only a heap of wheels, earth,
+stones, etc., marked the place where it had stood.
+
+"Another proof of the excellent work done by the artillery, was the fact
+that hardly a shell had struck the earth in the 500 yards from the
+battery to the fort. After the former had been disposed of, the
+artillery fire was concentrated on the fort, which was reduced to a heap
+of rubbish. The stonework and the high walls--yards thick--had tumbled
+to pieces like a child's box of bricks.
+
+"A garrison of 900 men had been placed in this useless cage, and they
+had fled almost at the first shot. Instead of putting these men in
+trenches, their superiors had put them at this 'lost post' and allowed
+them to suffer the moral effects of a complete, inevitable defeat.
+
+"Near the fort I saw the grave of its commander, the unfortunate man who
+had witnessed the hopeless struggle. He lived to see his men save their
+lives in wild flight--and then ended his own."[147]
+
+[Footnote 147: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," pp.
+107-9.]
+
+Here we have a sorry picture of the poacher whom Germany feared so much.
+The world knows now that neither Britain, France nor Russia were
+prepared for war, which excludes the probability that they desired or
+provoked a conflict. But Germany knew that, and much more, in the month
+of July, 1914. Bethmann-Hollweg when addressing the Reichstag drew a
+terrifying picture of French armies[148] standing ready to invade
+Belgium, but he knew full well that the necessary base-fortresses were
+lacking on the Franco-Belgian frontier.
+
+[Footnote 148: Richard Grasshoff in his work "Belgien's Schuld"
+("Belgium's Guilt"), p. 14 _et seq_., reproduces several confessions
+alleged to have been made by French soldiers, prisoners of war in
+Germany, stating that they entered Belgian territory on July 31st, 1914.
+At present it is impossible to test the value of this evidence. Cf. p.
+151.]
+
+As regards the alleged plans which Germany's enemies had made to
+annihilate Germany, it will be necessary for Professor Schoenborn to
+prove that the Entente Powers had: (1.) Caused the murder in Serajewo;
+(2.) Despatched the ultimatum to Serbia; (3.) Prepared themselves for
+war. Until he proves these three points the world will continue to
+believe that it was Germany alone who cherished "annihilation-plans."
+
+Schoenborn mentions too, Britain's refusal to promise her neutrality
+even if Germany respected the neutrality of Belgium. This offer was made
+to Sir Edward Grey, who declined it. According to Professor Schoenborn
+Germany's final decision to invade Belgium was only taken after that
+refusal. It is a striking example of the immorality which prevails both
+in Germany's business and political life. She gave her solemn pledge in
+1839, yet endeavoured to sell the same pledge in 1914--for Britain's
+neutrality!
+
+The author once made an agreement with a German, but soon found that the
+arrangement was ignored and wrote to the person in question: "You have
+employed our arrangement merely as a means for making further incursions
+into my rights."
+
+That summarizes the Teutonic conception of a treaty, either private or
+national. It is only a wedge with which to broaden the way for a further
+advance. Usually a man signs an agreement with an idea of finality, and
+looks forward to freedom from further worry in the matter. Not so the
+German; with him it is an instrument to obtain, or blackmail, further
+concessions; and as individuals, instead of occupying their thoughts and
+energies in the faithful fulfilment of its terms, they plot and plan in
+the pursuit of ulterior advantages.
+
+Heidelberg's great scholar seems to have had doubts concerning his
+simile of the gamekeeper; hence in his last footnote he makes the
+innocuous remark: "Because the house-breaking gamekeeper fired the first
+shot, it is not usual to draw the conclusion that the poacher had only
+defensive intentions" (p. 590).
+
+All in all, Professor Schoenborn's attempt at partisanship is a
+miserable failure, and as an academic thesis it is doubtful whether the
+faculty of law in any German university would grant a student a degree
+for such a crude effort.
+
+Various facts indicate Germany's intention to annex Belgium, if not the
+entire country, then those districts in which Flemish is spoken. Germany
+has suddenly remembered that the Flemings are a Low German people and
+that they have been "oppressed" by the Walloons. The hypocrisy of the
+plea becomes evident when we recall German (including Austrian)
+oppression of the Poles, Slavs and Hungarians.
+
+One writer[149] has even endeavoured to prove that the House of Hesse
+has a legitimate historical claim to the province of Brabant. But as the
+following extracts will show, there is method in this madness. No pains
+are being spared to stir up racial feeling between the two peoples
+(Flemings and Walloons) who form King Albert's subjects. All the
+internal differences are being dished up to convince the inhabitants of
+Flanders that they will be much better off under the German heel.[150]
+
+[Footnote 149: Dr. Karl Knetsch: "Des Hauses Hessen Ansprueche auf
+Brabant" ("The House of Hesse's Claims to Brabant"). Marburg, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 150: The _Muenchner Neueste Nachrichten_ for September 19th,
+1915, contains a long account of a petition which was presented to Herr
+von Hissing, General Governor of Belgium, by a branch of the General
+Union of the Netherlands. The branch society is in Lierre (a town
+occupied by the Germans), and the petition is a statement of Flemish
+national and language aspirations. Unfortunately the document in
+question "makes a bitter attack on Franco-Belgian endeavours to rob the
+Flemings of their rights." It is superfluous to quote more; this
+sentence alone shows the origin of the petition to be German.]
+
+Forgetting their tyrannous efforts to stamp out the Polish language and
+Polish national feelings, the Germans are now sorrowing over the alleged
+attempts of the Walloons to suffocate the Flemish dialect. German war
+books breathe hate and contempt for the Walloons, but bestow clumsy
+bear-like caresses (no doubt unwelcome to their recipients) on the
+Flemings.
+
+In a work[151] already cited the following passages occur, in addition
+to three whole chapters intended to supply historical proof that
+Flanders is by the very nature of things a part of the German Empire.
+
+[Footnote 151: Wilhelm Kotzde: "Von Luettich bis Flandern" ("From Liege
+into Flanders"). Weimar, 1914.]
+
+"The German people committed a grave crime, when they fought among
+themselves and left their race-brothers on the frontier, defenceless and
+at the mercy of a foreign Power. Therefore we have no right to scold
+these brothers (the Flemings), but should rather fetch them back into
+the German fold" (p. 40).
+
+Kotzde reports a conversation which he had with an educated Fleming last
+autumn. "'We do not like the French and English,' said the Fleming. 'But
+what about Brussels?' I remarked. 'They are a people for themselves. The
+Flemish capital is Antwerp' he answered.
+
+"Our paths led in different directions, but we parted with the
+consciousness that we are tribal brothers. So much seems certain, that
+when the Flemings are freed from the embittering influence of the
+Walloons and French, then this Low German tribe will again learn to love
+everything German--because they are German. Furthermore, that will make
+an end of the French language in Flemish districts" (p. 84).
+
+"German infantry marched with us into Antwerp. How deeply it touched me
+to hear them sing the 'Wacht am Rhein' and then 'Deutschland,
+Deutschland ueber alles,' in the very city which was to serve as an
+English base for operations against our dear Fatherland. And my Flemish
+companion softly hummed this splendid German song of faith.
+
+"In that moment a spasm of pain went through my heart, that the Flemings
+should have to fight against us in this great struggle for the existence
+of Germany: these, our lost brothers, of whom so many yearn to be with
+us again" (p. 86).
+
+"With the fall of Antwerp, Flanders--the land of the German Hanse
+period, of Ghent, Ypres and Bruges--became German once more" (p. 147).
+
+Kotzde concludes his work as follows:--
+
+"Holland was compelled to bow before the might of France and consent to
+Belgium becoming an independent State. From that moment the Flemings,
+cut off in every way from their German brothers, were delivered up to
+the Walloons, behind whom stood the French.
+
+"The Germans at that time lacked a Bismarck to unite them and interest
+them in the fate of their outlying brother tribe. This war has freed our
+hands, which hitherto had been bound by the dictates of conscience. Of
+himself the German would never have kindled this world conflagration,
+but others have hurled the torch into our abode--and our hands are free!
+
+"We do not yet know what Belgium's fate will be, but we can be perfectly
+sure that the Flemings will never again be left to the mercy of the
+Walloons and French. They have had a wild and chequered history; and
+although they have often shown signs of barbarism in the fight, they
+have not waged this war with the devilish cruelty of the Walloons.
+
+"They lack the discipline which alone a well-ordered State can bestow.
+The training and education of the German military system and German
+administration, will be a blessing to them. Even to-day many Flemings
+bless the hour of their return into the German paternal home" (p. 190).
+
+"In a struggle which has lasted for nearly a century, the Flemings have
+displayed their unconquerable will to maintain their national
+peculiarities. Without outside aid, and with little or no deterioration,
+they have maintained their nationalism. Now the horrors of war have
+swept over the lands of the Flemings and Walloons. The Belgian army,
+consisting of 65 per cent. Flemings, has been decimated by German arms.
+North and south of the Meuse a wicked harvest of hate has sprung up. But
+the most remarkable point is that this hate is not directed against the
+Germans alone; the mutual dislike of Flemings and Walloons has turned
+into hatred. The Walloons cherish bitter suspicions of the Flemings;
+they scent the racial German, and are promising that after the war they
+will wage a life and death feud against the German part of the Flemish
+nature."[152]
+
+[Footnote 152: Ulrich Rauscher: "Belgien heute und morgen" ("Belgium
+to-day and to-morrow"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 35.]
+
+The same writer claims that the Germans had conquered Antwerp before its
+fall, by peaceful penetration. "In 1880 the British share of Antwerp's
+trade was 56 per cent., Germany's 9 per cent.; in 1900, British 48 per
+cent., German 23-1/2 per cent. Not only had the British flag been beaten
+in percentages but also in absolute figures; in the year 1912-1913
+German trade to Antwerp increased by 400,000 tons, while that of Great
+Britain decreased by 200,000 tons. The commercial future of Antwerp will
+be German!"[153]
+
+[Footnote 153: Ibid., p. 64.]
+
+"To-day Antwerp is the second largest port on the Continent, with over
+400,000 inhabitants, and now Germany's war banner waves above its
+cathedral. Germany's maritime flag has waved during the last twenty
+years above Antwerp's commercial progress. Antwerp's progress was German
+progress."[154]
+
+[Footnote 154: Ibid., p. 68.]
+
+After which follows a glowing account of Belgium's mineral wealth. "It
+is Belgium's mission to be a gigantic factory for the rest of the
+world," and of course this mission will be directed by--Germany!
+
+"Those who had warned us for years past that England is our greatest
+enemy were right. To-day every German recognizes who is our principal
+opponent in this world war. Against Russia and France we fight, as the
+poet expresses it, 'with steel and bronze, and conclude a peace some
+time or other.' But against England we wage war with the greatest
+bitterness and such an awful rage, as only an entire and great people in
+their holy wrath can feel. The words of Lissauer's 'Hymn of Hate' were
+spoken out of the innermost depths of every German soul.
+
+"When Hindenburg announces a new victory we are happy; when our front in
+the Argonne advances we are satisfied; when our faithful Landsturm beats
+back a French attack in the Vosges, it awakes a pleasurable pride in our
+breasts. But when progress is announced in Flanders, when a single
+square yard of earth is captured by our brave troops in the Ypres
+district, then all Germany is beside herself with pure joy. The seventy
+millions know only too well, that everything depends upon the
+development of events in Flanders, as to when and how, we shall force
+England to her knees.
+
+"Hence of all the fields of war, Belgium is the most familiar to us, and
+we love best of all to hear news from that quarter. May God grant that
+in the peace negotiations we shall hear much more and good tidings about
+Flanders."[155]
+
+[Footnote 155: Dr. Fritz Mittelmann: "Kreuz und Quer durch Belgien"
+("Round and about Belgium"). Stettin, 1915: p. 8. Dr. Mittelmann is a
+personal friend of the Liberal leader, Herr Bassermann, who accompanied
+him on some of his journeys.]
+
+Dr. Mittelmann's book is a prose-poem in praise of Germany's ineffable
+greatness. He sees in the present war, "a holy struggle for Germany's
+might and future," and like all his compatriots, makes no mention of
+Austria. If the Central Powers should be victorious, there is no doubt
+that Germany would seize the booty. In justifying the destruction of
+churches, cathedrals, etc., Herr Mittelmann asserts that "one single
+German soldier is of more worth than all the art treasures of our
+enemies" (p. 12).
+
+His book deserves to be read by all Britishers who imagine that we can
+win Germany's love and respect--by weakness and compromise. "In this war
+Germans and English soldiers are opposed to each other for the first
+time. All the scorn and hate which had accumulated for years past in the
+German nation has now broken loose with volcanic force. Whoever assumes
+that the English were ever other than what they are--is wrong. They have
+never had ideals, and seek singly and alone their own profit. Whenever
+they have fought side by side with another nation against a common foe,
+they have done their best to weaken their ally and reap all the glory
+and advantage for themselves."[156]
+
+[Footnote 156: Ibid., p. 29.]
+
+Pity for the Belgians suffering through Germany's brutal war of
+aggression does not appear to be one of Dr. Mittelmann's weaknesses.
+"The principal industrial occupation of the inhabitants seems at present
+to be begging. In spite of their hostile glances the crowd did not
+hesitate to gather round as we entered our car, and quite a hundred
+greedy hands were stretched towards us for alms. But in Liege, without
+the shadow of a doubt the best of all was the magnificent Burgundy which
+we drank there; perhaps we had never relished wine so much in our
+lives."[157] One wonders whether these pioneers of _Kultur_ relished the
+wine so much because they knew themselves to be surrounded by thousands
+of hungry, "greedy" Belgians.
+
+[Footnote 157: Ibid., p. 44.]
+
+On page 93, Mittelmann relates at length his genuine Prussian joy at
+humiliating a Belgian policeman before the latter's compatriots. None
+enjoy having their boots licked, so much as those who are accustomed to
+perform that service for others.
+
+Our author pays the customary compliments to the Flemings. It must be
+remembered that the above incident took place in Liege among the
+Walloons, but it would seem that the Germans try to behave with decency
+when among their Low German brothers.
+
+"One feels at home in the house of a Flemish peasant; the racial
+relationship tends to homeliness. The painful cleanliness of the
+white-washed cottages makes a pleasant contrast to the homes of the
+Walloons. War and politics are never mentioned, as these delicate
+subjects would prevent a friendly understanding."[158]
+
+[Footnote 158: Ibid., p. 90.]
+
+"A dream. An old German dream. A land full of quaintness which the rush
+of modern life has left untouched. On all sides cleanliness and order
+which makes the heart beat gladly. And this joyful impression is doubly
+strong when one comes direct from the dirty, disorderly villages of the
+Walloons.
+
+"Just as a mother may give birth to two children with entirely different
+natures, so Belgium affords hearth and home to two peoples in whose
+language, culture and customs there is neither similarity nor harmony.
+The Flemings are absolutely German, and in this war they treat us with
+friendly confidence. Their eyes do not glitter with fanatical hate like
+those of the Walloons."[159]
+
+[Footnote 159: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+102.]
+
+Herr Binder's meditations on the slaughter in the valley of the Meuse
+are not without interest. "A vale which has been won by German blood! In
+recent days the waters of the Meuse have often flowed blood-red. Many a
+warrior has sunk into these depths. Longing and hope rise in our hearts:
+May destiny determine that all these dead, after a triumphant war, shall
+sleep at rest in a German valley!"[160]
+
+[Footnote 160: Ibid., p. 122.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+SAIGNER A BLANC.[161]
+
+
+[Footnote 161: "To bleed white." Bismarck employed this phrase on two
+occasions in addressing the Reichstag; his purpose could have been no
+other than to bully France.--Author.]
+
+It would be superfluous to review here the history of Franco-German
+relations during the last half century; other writers have already
+performed the task. Yet the whole trend of development in the relations
+between the two powerful neighbours may be defined by two watch-words:
+_saigner a blanc_ in Germany, and the _revanche idee_ in France. But
+there is this difference: the former has become ever more and more, and
+the latter less and less, a factor in European politics.
+
+While the German nation has been gradually and systematically leavened
+with the teaching that might alone is right, the French revenge party
+has been weakened year by year by national prosperity, colonial
+expansion and the growth of a powerful anti-military party. Whatever may
+be said of French chauvinists, this much remains an immovable fact--the
+party was incapable of providing adequate national defences against the
+Germanic neighbour, while plans of reconquest can only be assigned to
+the domain of myths.
+
+On every occasion that the _revanche_ cry has been resuscitated, the
+direct cause is to be sought in Germany. Having displaced France in 1870
+from her position of the first military power in Europe, Germany has
+endeavoured by fair and foul means to prevent her neighbour from again
+raising her head, and that policy alone is to blame for the suspicion
+and hatred which have marked Franco-German relations during the whole
+period and plunged Europe into an era of armaments, ending in a world
+war. England and Russia prevented Bismarck from annihilating France in
+1875, an incident which aroused justified fear throughout France and
+gave an impulse to the revenge party.
+
+In 1881 the Iron Chancellor told the French Ambassador: "Outside Europe
+you can do what you like." Bismarck's intention was to divert reviving
+French energies to colonial work, and if possible involve her in
+conflicts with the other Colonizing Powers. In both of these plans he
+succeeded, but the common sense and loyalty of Great Britain and Italy
+prevented the conflicts from assuming a dangerous form--war--as desired
+by the Government in Berlin.
+
+As soon as the latter perceived that French genius and persistency were
+bearing fruit in a magnificent colonial empire, the innate jealousy and
+greed of the German nation led to a policy of colonial pinpricks on the
+part of the Kaiser's Government. This seems the most probable
+explanation of Germany's attitude during the last decade before 1914.
+The natural consequence was that those powers which had most to fear
+through German ill-will were welded together more firmly in a policy of
+self-protection.
+
+Germany cannot, or will not, recognize that the causes of the
+above-mentioned development are to be found solely and alone in her own
+actions. On the contrary, she designates the "consequences" a world-wide
+conspiracy against German interests. In naval affairs she adopts the
+same naive line of argument. First and foremost Germany committed
+herself to a policy of unlimited--even provocative--naval expansion.
+When the Power most concerned--Great Britain--took precautionary
+measures to guarantee British interests in view of Germany's "peaceful"
+development, then the latter Power declared the consequences of her own
+actions to be a hostile initiative directed against her.
+
+A defence of this kind may be convincing for those who observe events in
+the German perspective, but it will be unable to withstand impartial
+historical criticism. Boxers expect a rebound when they "punch the
+ball," but none of them would be so foolish as to deny having delivered
+a blow when the rebound takes place. Yet that is the unscientific
+defence which Germany has adopted in her endeavours to explain away her
+aggressive attitude to Belgium, France, and Great Britain.
+
+In a word, the principles underlying _saigner a blanc_ have grown during
+the past four decades into a possible avalanche possessing huge
+potential energy; the momentum was given to it in August, 1914.
+
+If it were necessary, a picture of German popular opinion might be
+projected, showing how that opinion was influenced and formed during the
+critical days at the close of July last year. But from considerations of
+space only the outlines of the picture can be given. Before the war
+German newspapers abounded in reports of French unpreparedness and
+chaos. The German public was informed that France dreaded and feared war
+with Germany.
+
+"Without any exaggeration it may be said that a state of nerves has
+seized the French nation, such as we should seek for in vain at the time
+of Tangiers and Agadir. There is tremendous excitement, which in many
+reports suggests absolute panic."[162]
+
+[Footnote 162: _Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten_, August 1st.]
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Koelnische Zeitung_ (August 4th) on
+returning to Cologne wrote: "Conditions in France afford a striking
+picture of bad organization. War rage possesses the people; but such an
+enthusiasm as I found in Germany on my return is unknown to them."
+
+On the same day the _Hamburger Nachrichten_ reported: "A German refugee
+who has returned from the French capital says that there is no
+enthusiasm in Paris. Men and women may be seen weeping in the streets,
+while the crowds are shouting: 'Down with war!' 'We desire no war!'"
+
+Probably there is no better way to incite a ferocious bully than to tell
+him that his opponent is weak, unprepared and afraid. Almost
+simultaneously false reports of French troops crossing the frontier and
+of French airmen dropping bombs on Nuremberg were spread by the Berlin
+General Staff, and thus an excuse found for a declaration of war on
+France.
+
+From the French point of view events appeared quite different. "This
+morning German troops have violated French territory at three different
+points: in the direction of Longwy by Luneville, at Cirey and by
+Belfort. War has thus been declared, and the endeavours for peace as
+described in the President's proclamation have been in vain. For the
+last eight days Herr von Schoen (German Ambassador in Paris) has lulled
+us to sleep with endearing protestations of peace. Meanwhile Germany has
+mobilized troops in a secret and malevolent manner.
+
+"The war upon which we must enter is for civilization against barbarism.
+All Frenchmen must be united not merely by the feeling of duty, but also
+in hatred for an enemy who seeks no other goal than our
+annihilation--the destruction of a nation which has always been a
+pioneer of justice and liberty in the world.
+
+"To-night our five covering-corps will take up their positions and face
+the enemy till our plan of concentration is completed. Russia is with
+us.
+
+"MESSIMY,
+
+"Minister for War."
+
+From the moment that Germany declared war on France, new tactics were
+adopted in the Press. A campaign of calumny began which is the exact
+counterpart of that against Belgium and the Belgians. Uncorroborated
+tales of Germans having been ill treated in all parts of France were
+spread broadcast. According to one journal[163] sixty to eighty Germans
+had been murdered on the platforms of the Gare de l'Est in Paris.
+
+[Footnote 163: _Koelnische Volkszeitung_, August 5th.]
+
+Still there is one accusation which even German newspapers have never
+dared to make, viz., that Frenchmen murdered and ill-treated Frenchmen,
+or that war delirium led them to destroy property on a wholesale scale.
+On the other hand, the picture obtainable of Germany during August,
+1914, proves that similar peaceful conditions did not prevail in the
+great nation of "drill and discipline."
+
+France was even "convicted" of having caused the war; instead of being
+unprepared, she had laid the fuse and was the guilty power in causing
+the European explosion. "The German Government has now obtained absolute
+proof that France has been standing at arms, ready to fall upon Germany,
+for many weeks past."[164]
+
+[Footnote 164: _Hamburger Fremdenblatt_, August 13th.]
+
+Above all, President Poincare has been marked down in Germany's
+senseless, unnecessary hunt for a scapegoat upon whom to fix her own
+guilt. Even in the year 1915 there is a section of the German
+public[165] which believes that the French President--a native of
+Lorraine--has worked for years past in building up a _revanche_
+conspiracy ending in the European war.
+
+[Footnote 165: Dr. Max Beer: "Tzar Poincarew, die Schuld am Kriege"
+("Czar Poincarew, the War-guilty"). Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Germany despised France and has tried in vain to patronize her. For many
+years past the average German has held that the French are a nation of
+"degenerate weaklings." Inspired by these sentiments, with a mixture of
+hate, the German troops invaded France, and it is a promising symptom
+that during twelve months of war respect for French valour has taken the
+place of contempt.
+
+The first engagements are described in the official telegrams from the
+German army head-quarters. "August 11th. Enemies' troops, apparently the
+7th French army corps and an infantry division from the Belfort
+garrison, were driven out of a fortified position by Muelhausen. Our
+losses were inconsiderable, those of the French heavy.
+
+"August 12th. Our troops attacked a French brigade by Lagarde. The enemy
+suffered heavy losses and was thrown back into the Paroy forest. We
+captured a flag, two batteries, four machine guns and about seven
+hundred prisoners. A French general was among the killed.
+
+"August 18th. The fight by Muelhausen was little more than a skirmish.
+One and a half enemy corps had invaded Upper Alsace before our troops
+could be collected and placed on a war-footing. In spite of their
+numerical inferiority they attacked the enemy without hesitation and
+hurled him back in the direction of Belfort.
+
+"Meanwhile an artillery contingent from Strasbourg has suffered a check.
+Two battalions with cannon and machine guns advanced from Shirmeck on
+the 14th. They were attacked by hostile artillery fire while passing
+through a narrow pass. The cannon, etc., were badly damaged and
+therefore left. No doubt they were captured by the enemy.
+
+"The incident is of no importance and will have no influence on our
+operations, but it should serve as a warning to our soldiers against
+over-confidence and carelessness. The men mustered again and reached the
+fortress in safety: they had lost their guns but not their courage.
+Whether treachery on the part of the inhabitants had any part in the
+affair has not yet been ascertained.
+
+"August 22nd. Our troops are in pursuit of the French army defeated
+between Metz and the Vosges. The enemies' retreat became a flight. Up
+till now more than ten thousand prisoners have been taken and at least
+fifty cannon captured. The French had eight army corps in the field.
+
+"August 24th. Yesterday the German Crown Prince, advancing on both sides
+of Longwy, achieved a victory over the opposing forces and hurled them
+back.
+
+"The troops under the leadership of the Bavarian Crown Prince have also
+been victorious and crossed the line Luneville-Blamont-Tirey. To-day the
+21st army corps occupied Luneville.
+
+"The pursuit has brought rich booty. Besides numerous prisoners and
+standards the left wing of the Vosges army has already captured 150
+cannon.
+
+"To-day the German Crown Prince's army has continued the pursuit beyond
+Longwy.
+
+"The army under Duke Albrecht of Wuerttemberg has advanced on both sides
+of Neufchateau and completely defeated the French army which had crossed
+the Semois. Numerous cannon, standards and prisoners--among the latter
+several generals--were captured.
+
+"West of the Meuse our troops are advancing on Maubeuge. An English
+cavalry brigade which appeared on their front was defeated.
+
+"August 27th. Nine days after the conclusion of our concentration the
+armies in the West have gained victory after victory and penetrated the
+enemy's territory from Cambrai to the Southern Vosges. At all points the
+enemy has been driven out of his positions and is now in full retreat.
+
+"It is not yet possible to estimate, even approximately, his losses in
+killed, prisoners and booty; the explanation for this is the enormous
+extent of the battlefields, broken by thick forests and mountainous
+country.
+
+"General von Kluck's army defeated the English at Maubeuge and to-day
+has attacked them in an encircling move south-west of that place.
+
+"After several days' fighting about eight army corps of French and
+Belgian troops between the Sambre, Namur and the Meuse were completely
+defeated by the German armies under Generals von Buelow and von Hausen.
+
+"Namur has fallen after two days' cannonade. The attack on Maubeuge has
+commenced. Duke Albrecht's army pursued the defeated enemy over the
+Semois and has now crossed the Meuse.
+
+"On the other side of Longwy the German Crown Prince has captured a
+fortified enemy position, and thrown back a heavy attack from the
+direction of Verdun. His army is advancing towards the Meuse. Longwy has
+fallen.
+
+"New hostile forces from Nancy attacked the Bavarian Crown Prince's army
+during its pursuit of the French army before it. The attack failed.
+
+"General von Heeringen's army is pursuing the enemy in the Vosges, and
+driving him southwards. Alsace has been cleared of enemy forces.
+
+"Up till the present the lines of communication have been guarded by the
+various armies; now the troops left behind for that purpose are urgently
+required for our further advance. Hence His Majesty has ordered the
+mobilization of the Landsturm.
+
+"The Landsturm will be employed in protecting the lines of communication
+and for the occupation of Belgium. This land which now comes under
+German administration will be utilized for supplying all kinds of
+necessities for our armies, in order that Germany may be spared as much
+as possible."
+
+During the first month of hostilities on the Western front, the Germans
+claimed that their captures amounted to 233 pieces of heavy artillery,
+116 field guns, 79 machine guns, 166 wagons and 12,934 prisoners. On
+September 8th General Quartermaster von Stein announced: "Maubeuge
+capitulated yesterday; 40,000 prisoners of war, including four generals,
+400 cannon and immense quantities of war materials fell into our hands."
+
+A German war correspondent, who was present at the fall of Maubeuge,
+wrote:[166] "The march out of the prisoners began on the same day at
+2.30 p.m. and lasted over six hours. They were conducted to trains and
+despatched to Germany. Some of the infantry made a good impression,
+while the pioneers and artillery can only be classed as passable.
+
+[Footnote 166: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+96.]
+
+"To the great disappointment of our troops there were only a hundred and
+twenty English among the prisoners who had been cut off from the main
+army; young fellows about eighteen to twenty years of age. When marching
+out these English youths were so stupid as to offer the hand to their
+German victors in token of the gentlemanlike manner in which they
+accepted defeat. In accordance with Albion's ancient boxing custom, they
+desired to show the absence of any bitter feeling by a handshake; just
+as one does after a football match.
+
+"Our men returned a few cuffs for this warlike behaviour, whereupon the
+English--richer in experience--drew back astonished at German
+unfriendliness."
+
+Germany's rush for Paris reached as far as the Marne; they claim that
+patrols penetrated to within seven kilometres of the French capital. The
+report announcing the turn of the tide is worthy of quotation.
+
+"Chief Headquarters, September 10th. Our army in their pursuit of the
+enemy in the direction east of Paris had passed beyond the Marne. There
+they were attacked by superior forces between Meaux and Montmirail. In
+two days' heavy fighting they have kept the enemy back and even made
+progress.
+
+"When the approach of new, stronger hostile forces was announced our
+wing was withdrawn; the enemy made no attempt at pursuit. Up till now
+the booty captured in this battle includes fifty cannon and some
+thousands of prisoners.
+
+"West of Verdun the army is engaged in an advancing battle. In Lorraine
+and the Vosges district the situation is unchanged."
+
+This seems to be all that the German nation has heard from official
+sources of the German defeat on the Marne and the hurried retreat to the
+Aisne. Almost every report issued by the German headquarters during the
+succeeding three weeks informed the world that a "decision had not yet
+fallen."
+
+Evidently the nation awaited and hoped for a decision which would leave
+Paris at the mercy of the invading army. They are still awaiting that
+decision, but whether the waiting is seasoned by hope cannot easily be
+determined.
+
+A soldier present at the battle of the Marne has chronicled his
+experiences.[167] "We passed over long, undulating hills and valleys,
+and towards 1 p.m. obtained our first glimpse down the beautiful vale of
+the Marne. Standing on the heights of Chateau Thierry, we beheld the
+town nestling on both sides of the river in the valley below.
+
+[Footnote 167: H. Knutz: "Mit den Koenigin-Fusilieren durch Belgien und
+Frankreich,", p. 49 _et seq_.]
+
+"Then we entered the town and saw on all sides the tokens of street
+fighting. All the windows were smashed by shell fire; some houses had
+been entirely gutted. Dead Frenchmen lay around in heaps, some corpses
+so mutilated by shrapnel as to appear hardly human. With a shudder we
+turned our eyes from this horrible scene.
+
+"Crossing the Marne by a sand-stone bridge, we climbed the opposing
+heights under a burning sun. At the top we deployed, but for that day
+our artillery sufficed to drive the enemy in headlong flight to the
+south; the night we spent under the open sky.
+
+"Sunday, September 6th. Before breakfast we intended to bathe in a
+stream, when our dreams of a rest-day were dispelled by an order to hold
+ourselves ready for the march. 'The 17th division is under heavy rifle
+fire and the 18th must advance to their support.' Meanwhile, the chicken
+soup was almost ready, but the order 'form ranks' resounded, and with
+empty stomachs we marched through Neuvy up a hill and dug ourselves in
+behind a wood.
+
+"The thunder of the enemies' artillery is terrible; shrapnel is bursting
+on our left. Captain von Liliencron discusses the situation with the
+major and then turns to us. 'Our regiment attacks! go for the dogs,
+children!' he exclaims with gleaming eyes.
+
+"Next we advance round the wood and lie down behind a hedge; axes are
+held in readiness to hack a way through the latter. Five steps from me a
+machine gun hammers away at full speed; it is now impossible to hear
+commands, so they are roared from man to man--it could not be termed
+shouting. 'Ambulance to the right!' somebody is severely wounded, but
+the ambulance men have more than they can do on the left.
+
+"The hell-music is at its loudest; shrapnel is bursting in the wood
+behind us; suddenly there is an awful explosion half a dozen yards away;
+I hear the screams of my comrades, then we rush forwards. The rush
+across the field was awful--flank fire from the right. Here and there a
+comrade bites the grass.
+
+"At last I throw myself down, but there is no cover; the wounded crouch
+there too. None of my company are there; it seems that the two last
+shells have played havoc with them. The enemies' (French) main position
+is nearly a mile away in a forest.
+
+"Up the next slope our dead lie thick around, and here too a deadly
+bullet had found the breast of our heroic captain. But in the strip of
+forest French and Turko bodies are still thicker. The cat-like Turkos
+have climbed into the trees and are shot down like crows. A maddening
+infantry and artillery fire greets us as we reach the top. Every ten to
+twenty yards shells strike, and shrapnel bursts, filling the air with
+earth, dust, smoke and smell.
+
+"Forward! till almost exhausted I throw myself down again; a hundred to
+a hundred and fifty Fusiliers form a firing-line. Columns of infantry
+pour a murderous fire on to us from the forest. It cannot go on thus;
+one after the other is wounded or killed. We have advanced nearly eight
+hundred yards over open ground. On the right there is a small thicket of
+reeds. Some of the company have already sought shelter there, and I make
+a rush there with the same hope.
+
+"'For heaven's sake, lie down, corporal,' screamed a man as I came up.
+In fact, the reeds afford no cover whatever. Wounded and dead lie there
+and bullets keep hitting them. In front of me lay a man from the fourth
+company; a bullet had entered his chest and passed out of his back; the
+blood was oozing out of a wound about the size of a shilling. The horror
+was too much for me, and I crept to the other end of the strip.
+
+"There I found everything far worse, but I cannot describe the terrors
+which I saw. One poor fellow begs for a drop of water; there is just
+another draught in my bottle. With grateful eyes he hands it back to me,
+and in the same moment I feel a stinging pain in the shoulder. My arm is
+numbed and helpless; hardly one of us who is not wounded.
+
+"We can offer no resistance to the enemy; but the awful way back! At
+last the run back over eight hundred yards of open field begins. Now and
+again a comrade sinks to the ground, never to rise again. My breath is
+nearly gone; one last effort, and in truth I have escaped from the hail
+of bullets."
+
+It is remarkable and noteworthy that German writers charge the French
+armies with looting and destruction in their own country. Probably this
+is merely a device to get rid of unpleasant accusations raised against
+the German army. Furthermore, the most reckless charges of uncleanliness
+are made. In commenting on the lot of the Landsturm troops quartered in
+the villages of Northern France, one author[168] writes: "The Landsturm
+men pass their time as best they can in these holes, whose most
+conspicuous quality is their filth."
+
+[Footnote 168: Erich Koehrer: "Zwischen Aisne und Argonnen" ("Between the
+Aisne and the Argonnes"), p. 25.]
+
+The same author gives his impressions of a visit to Sedan. "Only one
+house has been completely and another partly destroyed, otherwise
+appearances are peaceful, and as far as possible, life goes on as usual.
+Here, too, many of the inhabitants have left their homes and fled. The
+stupidity of this flight becomes evident at every step. In numerous
+small hotels whose proprietors have remained, one sees German soldiers
+buying bottles of splendid Burgundy wine at a shilling a bottle.
+
+"But in another hotel whose proprietor had fled, is it a matter for
+surprise that the men caroused on discovering a cellar containing three
+thousand bottles of wine? On the route I have myself purchased some of
+the oldest and best wines from our men at a price of three cigars a
+bottle, and the recollection of them belongs to the pleasantest memories
+of my sojourn at the front.
+
+"Certainly the owner of Chateau Frenois, situated a few minutes' walk
+from the town, will be more unpleasantly surprised on his return than
+the hotel proprietor. In his home, French marauders and plunderers have
+destroyed and devastated the entire contents. It is impossible to
+comprehend the senselessness of this conduct, for which no reasons of
+military necessity can be advanced.
+
+"Ancient family pictures which could not be taken out of their frames
+have been ruined by bayonet stabs, and from the shape of the cuts they
+were certainly the work of French bayonets. Even the library, which
+contained a valuable collection of old prints, had been robbed.
+
+"Not far from this scene of desolation stands Chateau Bellevue, where
+King William met Napoleon in 1870. There, too, the traces of French
+plunderers are painfully evident; it was left to the 'Hun-Kaiser' to
+save this historic spot from complete annihilation. In September Wilhelm
+II. visited the chateau and seeing the signs of rapacity, ordered the
+place to be strictly guarded to prevent further desecration."[169]
+
+[Footnote 169: Ibid., pp. 22-3.]
+
+It did not occur to Herr Koehrer to connect the carousals with the
+plundering; in one sentence he admits that French soldiers respected the
+wine-cellars and in the next accuses them of stealing books, etc. Every
+German writer, in describing the German advance, comments on the immense
+number of haversacks, weapons and equipment thrown away by the French in
+their "wild flight." Yet they desire their readers to believe that the
+same soldiers had time to rob and destroy, indeed, carry their plunder
+with them!
+
+Since September no French troops have been in the district, yet the
+Kaiser found it necessary to place guards round Chateau Bellevue. Is it
+not more reasonable to assume that the precaution was taken against the
+predatory instincts of his own soldiery, who, admittedly, are in
+occupation of the province?
+
+Herr Koehrer finds it almost beneath his dignity to reply to charges of
+barbarism and Hunnism; yet he devotes several pages to the art of
+white-washing. "The inhabitants who remained in their homes, and those
+who have returned since the flight--unfortunately it is only a small
+part of the entirety--have recognized long ago that the German soldier
+is not a barbarian. The terrible distress which prevails among the
+French is often enough relieved by the generosity of the German troops.
+Throngs of women and children from the filthy villages of the Argonne
+and the Ardennes gather round our field-kitchens and regularly receive
+the remains of the meals; while many a German Landsturm man,
+recollecting his own wife and children, fills the mouths of dirty French
+children instead of completely satisfying his own hunger."[170]
+
+[Footnote 170: Ibid., p. 34. Herr Koehrer has evidently never visited
+many Bavarian villages: otherwise he would be more careful with his
+adjectives when describing the villages of France.--Author.]
+
+No one disputes the presence of kindly Germans in the Kaiser's armies,
+and it is pleasing to read about these acts of generosity in relieving
+distress which is entirely the result of Germany's guilt. But the point
+which all German writers miss is the explanation of positive evidence of
+brutal deeds. Their kindly incidents and proofs of German chivalry are
+all of a negative character, and do not overthrow one jot or tittle of
+the opposing positive evidence.
+
+Iron crosses have fallen in thick showers on the German armies; during
+the month of July, 1915, no fewer than 3,400 of these decorations were
+awarded to the Bavarian army alone. Still, as far back as November of
+last year, Herr Koehrer wrote: "In the villages on the slopes of the
+Argonnes and on the banks of the Aisne, nearly every second soldier is
+wearing an iron cross. One has the certain conviction that it is not an
+army of fifty or sixty thousand, but a nation of heroes which occupies
+the plains of France and fights for us.
+
+"They are all heroes at the front, including those who do not wear the
+outward symbol of personal bravery. When we see how our men live, it
+would seem that the earliest days of the human race have returned. They
+have become cave-dwellers, troglodytes in the worst form. Our heavy
+batteries are placed on the slopes of the Argonne forest, while the
+light field-howitzers occupy the summits.
+
+"Near them holes have been dug in the wet clay or chalk, and meagrely
+lined with straw; these dark, damp caves are the dwellings of our
+officers and men for weeks at a time, while the shells from the enemy's
+artillery whiz and burst around. In them the differences of rank
+disappear, except that one sometimes sees a couple of chairs provided
+for officers. When duty does not call them to the guns, they are free to
+remain in the open exposed to a sudden and awful death, or to spend
+their time in the womb of mother earth. Yet one never hears a word of
+complaint; rather the hardships of this strange existence are borne with
+rough good-humour."[171]
+
+[Footnote 171: Ibid., p. 28.]
+
+Contrary to the expectations of other nations, the war seems only to
+have increased the popularity of the military Moloch. Writers who look
+upon the Allies as deliverers who will free Germany from the degrading
+slavery imposed upon that country, will be disappointed to learn that
+Germans worship the _bunte Rock_ (gay uniform) more than ever.
+
+At a meeting of the National Liberal leaders held in Dortmund, July,
+1915, a resolution was passed calling upon the Government to pursue a
+still greater naval and army programme. Both the Liberals and
+Conservatives have adopted the motto: _Deutsche Machtpolitik frei von
+Sentimentalitaet_ (A German policy of might free from sentimentalism).
+
+"This war of the nations, which has overthrown so many accepted
+standards and created new ones, will also give a new basis to the
+privileged position of German officers in public life. Millions of
+German men have seen how in this war the German lieutenant has again
+merited his special position for some generations to come. I wish to
+emphasize this point over and over again.
+
+"During the first two months of hostilities nearly forty thousand iron
+crosses were awarded. To many of those at home this appeared to be
+overdoing it, like the many exaggerations in the domain of orders and
+honours with which we have become familiar during the last decade.[172]
+As a matter of fact, the number of crosses given was too small.
+
+[Footnote 172: _Vide_ "The Soul of Germany," Chapter XIII.]
+
+"Not forty thousand heroes are at the front, but a nation of heroes. In
+emphasizing why the work of our officers is so splendid I must lay down
+these premises. The bravery and joyous spirit of self-sacrifice in our
+men is above all praise, but the officers have higher and more
+responsible duties. They have not only to set an example of physical
+courage, but they must possess the mental capacity to lead and spur on
+their men--and that under conditions so hard and rude that the man at
+home has no conception of them.
+
+"I have been in the trenches on the slopes of the Argonnes, where
+officers lie side by side with the men in clay and chalk, unwashed and
+filthy cut off from the outside world, exposed to continuous fire and
+thrown entirely upon themselves. I have seen them in the artillery
+positions on the Aisne, in the mud-caves of the heavy batteries, where
+they sit in the dark on empty packing-cases, listening to the music of
+exploding shells and whistling bullets. And everywhere I received the
+same impression: the men are enthusiastic in praise of their leaders.
+
+"Many a one who has never voted for any other party than the Social
+Democrats has exclaimed: 'Lieutenants! _Donnerwetter_, yes! Hats off to
+them!' For the lieutenant is not only the first in the fight, but he is
+the soul of the company; untiring in his efforts to keep up their
+spirits in the intervals between the fighting.
+
+"And when we again witness the scenes which often disgusted us before
+the war--the monocled young gentlemen in gay uniform, walking through
+the streets, nose in the air--when we see all this again, and perhaps a
+bit of iron pinned on the breast, then we must remember that for their
+life of danger and hardship in Argonnes clay, and Russian mud, no
+earthly compensation can be too great.
+
+"No nation can ever imitate our lieutenant, and in this war of masses
+and technical perfection it is still the value of individual personality
+which will decide the issue. We may affirm that this value stands very
+high in our army--both as regards officers and men.
+
+"Only he who has seen for himself the burnt villages, devastated towns
+and desolate land of France can comprehend the full meaning of the awful
+word _Krieg_ (war). Mere words cannot express what it means to Germans
+and Germany that the horrors of war have been carried almost alone into
+the enemy's territory.
+
+"But then a spirit of irresistible ardour goes through the ranks of our
+warriors. From every eye, in every word, burns the deepest, most
+unbounded faith in victory. In the trenches, batteries and hospitals
+there is no doubt, no fear. One great thought hovers victoriously above
+all hardships, distress and suffering: Germany to the front in the
+world!
+
+"And from out the blood which flows--and that is shed plenteously, very
+plenteously--(this is the sacred faith which I brought back from the
+battlefields) out of this blood the proud harvest will grow, whose
+blessings we shall all feel--the world dominion of the German
+idea!"[173]
+
+[Footnote 173: Ibid., p. 50 _et seq_.]
+
+In spite of Koehrer's assurances that the relationship between officers
+and men in the German army is an ideal one, there is evidence that such
+is not always the case. The Social Democratic paper _Karlsruhe
+Volksfreund_ (July 23rd, 1915) contained a long article by "comrade"
+Wilhelm Kolb, attacking the anti-annexation fraction of his party. Kolb
+accused the opposition with "speculating on the question of food-prices
+and the ill-treatment of soldiers at and behind the front. The power of
+the censor makes it exceedingly difficult, or even impossible, to
+ventilate this matter."
+
+German writers are careful to impress their readers that the losses of
+the French were appalling, but here and there a stray word or sentence
+lifts the veil and discovers their own.
+
+"Just before me are the graves of some German officers adorned with
+wooden crosses and helmets, and a little farther on a _Massengrab_
+(large common grave) containing several hundred German soldiers. At this
+point (Sedan) the battle raged with awful fury, and the Germans had to
+make heavy sacrifices. It seems almost incredible that the Germans could
+have forced the position.
+
+"The country is hilly; not a tree or bush offered cover from the French
+bullets. French trenches at distances of from thirty to fifty yards,
+stretched across the land, and between them were wire entanglements and
+other obstacles. Besides which they had an open firing-range of over a
+mile in extent, with their artillery to cover them from a steep hill on
+the other side of the Meuse.
+
+"At 5 a.m. the attack commenced, and by the afternoon the French had
+been hurled across the river. Then came the most difficult part of the
+operations. From the Meuse the ground rises gradually to a steep hill,
+on which the French artillery and machine guns were placed. The only
+bridge over the river, at Donchery, had been blown up at the last moment
+by the enemy, and although our pioneers had hastily constructed a bridge
+of tree-trunks--what was this for so many regiments!
+
+"Many tried to ford or swim the stream. The French fire was murderous in
+its effect. Several times the ranks wavered, but again and again they
+pressed forward, till the heights were stormed and the enemy in flight.
+The battle raged on into the night and then the remains of the regiments
+gathered at the foot of the hill. They had won a costly but glorious
+victory. Those who have seen the successes which our troops have gained,
+even under the most difficult conditions, need have no fear as to the
+ultimate result of this war.
+
+"I stood long at this spot on the blood-drenched soil of France, just
+where the regiments from Trier[174] had fought so bravely and suffered
+so heavily. Serious thoughts arose in me as I gazed at the battlefield.
+What a dispensation! Two gigantic battles on the same spot in such a
+short space of time; two great victories over the French. And most
+remarkable of all, the nation which for forty-four years had desired
+_revanche_ for Sedan, was again completely defeated at the same
+place--almost on the anniversary of the first battle.
+
+[Footnote 174: The writer, Dr. W. Kriege, is a Roman Catholic priest
+from Trier (Treves). His book "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz" (Pictures
+from the Seat of War"), published in 1915, is both interesting and
+illuminating.]
+
+"Twilight shadows fall deep upon the quiet fields where the dead rest.
+Squadrons of white clouds drift down the valley, as if to cover the
+sleeping heroes with a shroud of white. Above Sedan's heights appears
+the shining crescent of the moon and sheds a ghostly light over the wide
+field of death--the battlefield of Sedan."[175]
+
+[Footnote 175: Dr. W. Kriege: "Bilder vom Kriegsschauplatz," p. 45 _et
+seq_.]
+
+"At last we arrive at our destination--Somme-Py. But what a sight!
+Nothing remains of the once beautiful, spacious village but a heap of
+rubbish. A few black-burnt walls are still standing and about three
+houses; among them, fortunately, the house occupied by Kaiser Wilhelm I.
+in 1870-71, when the victorious German army was marching on Paris. At
+present it serves as a field-hospital. Yes, this is the second time that
+a German army has marched this way; but the battles were never so bloody
+as this time.
+
+"Somme-Py and the country round has a special meaning for us folk in
+Trier. For here our Trier regiments--above all the 29th and 69th--have
+fought with splendid valour, and here they have buried many a dear
+friend and comrade. Immediately before Somme-Py one of the largest
+mass-graves of the whole campaign may be seen.
+
+"A simple iron railing surrounds the spot where hundreds of those rest
+who lived so happily in our midst, who marched so gaily and to whom we
+waved farewell greetings as they tramped through our streets.
+
+"The fight for the village had been particularly fierce and bloody; the
+inhabitants had no time to flee. Half-burnt men and animals, soldiers
+and civilians, filled the houses and streets, or lay buried under the
+ruins--awful sacrifices to the war Fury! We must thank God and our brave
+soldiers that they have preserved our hearths and homes from such horror
+and misery."[176]
+
+[Footnote 176: Ibid., pp. 78-80.]
+
+It is cheering to find a growing feeling of respect for the French in
+German war literature. One of many such expressions will be sufficient
+to quote here. The writer of it is a German author who enjoys much
+esteem in his own country, and was a guest at the German Crown Prince's
+headquarters in May, 1915.
+
+"In conversations with numerous French prisoners I have found no traces
+of hate and rage either in their looks or words. The most are glad to
+have escaped in an honourable manner from the nerve-racking, trench
+warfare. In an honourable manner? Yes, for I have heard on all
+sides--from the highest officers and the simplest soldiers--that the
+French have fought well. For the most part they are well led--and always
+filled up with lies."[177]
+
+[Footnote 177: Rudolf Presber: "An die Front zum deutschen Kronprinzen"
+("At the Front with the German Crown Prince"), p. 33.]
+
+"Then we dined with the Crown Prince; soup, roast goose, fresh beans and
+dessert. The conversation was lively. In our small company--although the
+bravery of the enemy and his excellent leadership receives full
+recognition--there is not one who does not reckon with absolute
+conviction on complete victory on both fronts."[178]
+
+[Footnote 178: Ibid., p. 61.]
+
+Herr Presber's book is free, neither from adulation nor hero-worship. He
+is a poet, sentimentalist, and evangelist for Greater Germany. His book
+is a collection of incidents, reflections, and conversations, carefully
+assorted and arranged, so as to allow the limelight to glare on the
+statuesque figure of a mighty Germanic hero, fresh from
+Walhalla--incarnated in the Crown Prince.
+
+The Crown Prince's birthday dinner-party affords an excellent
+opportunity for the German nation to see the mighty one replying to the
+toast of his health. Presber affirms that the moment when his royal host
+raised his glass and uttered the words: "Ein stilles Glas den Toten!"
+("A glass in silence to the memory of the fallen") will for ever be
+"most solemn and sacred" in his memory.
+
+With genuine German inquisitiveness Herr Presber hunted through the
+various cupboards and drawers in his room and found a map of France as
+it was before the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. "The map is wrong and
+useless, and so I use it to line a drawer before placing my linen
+therein. This makes me think of the many changes which will be marked in
+the atlases which German children are now carrying to school in their
+satchels--after the cannon have ceased to roar. How the colouring of the
+maps has changed since I went to school, and yet once more a great
+'unrest of colour' is about to change the map of Europe. And as far as I
+can see, large notes of interrogation must be placed not alone round the
+Poles and in Central Africa!"[179]
+
+[Footnote 179: Ibid., p. 101.]
+
+"I spoke of the good understanding between the natives and our soldiers.
+Probably that is not so easy to attain everywhere. We drove long
+distances from the Prince's headquarters and once passed through a
+famous town which sees the German conquerors for a second time. (No
+doubt Sedan is meant.--Author.)
+
+"Most of the inhabitants know it is the Crown Prince by the signs of
+reverence shown him on all sides, by officers and men alike. But the
+citizens of the twice-conquered town bite their lips, turn their heads
+aside, and pretend indifference. The women too--many of them in deep
+mourning--turn away, or sometimes stand and stare as if with suddenly
+aroused interest. Here the ancient hate glowers in silence.
+
+"It seems as if a parole of mute non-respect has been passed round. This
+town, which has become world-famous on account of the _debacle_ of the
+Third Empire, lives to see with gnashing of teeth the downfall of the
+Republic. But they do not believe it yet."[180]
+
+[Footnote 180: Ibid., p. 108.]
+
+"French and Russian prisoners are working on the roads, wheeling barrows
+of stone and filling the holes made by shell fire. Some of them, without
+thinking, touch their caps when their guards stand stiffly at the
+salute. (And how few guards are necessary to watch this tame herd!)
+Others gaze at our car as it rushes past without giving any salute;
+their faces express astonishment, curiosity, but no excitement."[181]
+
+[Footnote 181: Ibid., pp. 107-110.]
+
+Another illuminating page tells of the Crown Prince's anger on hearing
+that Italy had joined the Allies, and how they went for a motor-ride as
+an antidote to the royal rage.
+
+German humour is generally unconscious and mostly unintentional. After a
+policy of bullying towards France for forty-four years, Germany has
+discovered during the course of the war that France is the cat's-paw of
+Russia and Great Britain--principally the latter.
+
+One writer,[182] in some fifty pages of venom, endeavours to show that
+England is France's executioner. Another[183] gives our ally the advice
+"awake!" After Germany has played the _saigner-a-blanc_ game in Northern
+France for more than a year, the advice seems rather belated.
+
+[Footnote 182: Walter Unus: "England als Henker Frankreichs."
+Braunschweig, 1915.]
+
+[Footnote 183: Ernst Heinemann: "Frankreich, erwache!" Berlin, 1915.]
+
+Herr Heinemann writes, p. 33: "France is not fighting for herself, but
+for England and Russia.
+
+"Poor deceived France! She has given fifteen milliards of francs to
+Russia so that she may at last draw the sword in defence of
+Russo-Serbian and British commercial interests. She has placed her money
+and her beautiful land at the disposal of her so-called friends--for the
+sake of a mad idea which these friends have cleverly exploited
+(_revanche idee_).
+
+"England has declared that she will continue the war for twenty years,
+twenty years--on French soil. If under these circumstances the French
+broke with their allies--who have exploited France for the last
+twenty-five years, and who have plunged her into this war---in order to
+arrive at a reasonable understanding with Germany; then they would only
+show that they do not intend to accept the final consequences of the
+mistakes committed by the French Government.
+
+"No one is compelled to eat the last drop of a soup prepared by false
+friends. In this sense, to seduce France to a direct breach of faith
+with her allies, would in truth, only mean the protection of France's
+best interests" (pp. 51-2).
+
+One other writer deserves mention--a lecturer in history, Bonn
+University--because he presents an opinion the exact contrary to the one
+last quoted. According to Dr. Platzhoff, France herself is the guilty
+party, who has tricked Russia and Great Britain into the service of
+revenge for 1870.
+
+"Therefore France found it necessary to extract herself from isolation,
+and acquire allies against her neighbour (Germany). In several decades
+of painful effort, French diplomacy has solved the problem in brilliant
+fashion. _Revanche_--and alliance policy are inseparable
+conceptions."[184]
+
+[Footnote 184: Dr. Walter Platzhoff; "Deutschland und Frankreich," p.
+18.]
+
+In contrast to most German authors, Platzhoff admits that the _Entente
+Cordiale_ was called into being by Germany herself. "This development
+caused great anxiety in Germany. But it seems certain that Germany could
+have prevented it by one means alone--an open agreement with England.
+And Berlin, after considering the matter carefully, had declined the
+latter."[185]
+
+[Footnote 185: Ibid., p. 22.]
+
+"That France would enter the field on Russia's behalf is a logical
+consequence not only of the Dual Alliance treaty, but also of the policy
+pursued during recent decades. In vain French ministers have protested
+their love of peace and their innocence in causing this war. The policy
+of alliances and revenge was certain to end in a world conflagration.
+
+"Already voices make themselves heard which prophesy a revolution in
+French policy and a later _entente_ with Germany."[186]
+
+[Footnote 186: Ibid., pp. 26-8.]
+
+Many such passages might be cited to prove that Germany would like to
+see a split among the allies. But France's honour and welfare are in her
+own hands, and it appears a futile hope that Germany, after failing to
+bring France to submission and self-effacement by threats of _saigner a
+blanc_, will succeed in her purpose by the reality.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR
+
+
+Mention has already been made that a large number of Germany's war books
+has emanated from the universities. Not the least important of these
+efforts is "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg" ("Germany and the World
+War.")[187] Twenty well-known university professors have contributed to
+the work; the fact being emphasized that special facilities have been
+accorded to them by the German foreign office. For British readers the
+chapters by Professors Marcks and Oncken are the most interesting, viz.,
+"England's Policy of Might" by the former, and "Events leading up to the
+War" and "The Outbreak of War" by the latter. They take up a fifth of
+the 686 pages of which the entire work consists.
+
+[Footnote 187: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," herausgegeben von Otto
+Hintze, Friedrich Meinecke, Hermann Oncken und Hermann Schumacher.
+Leipzig und Berlin, 1915.]
+
+The purpose of Professor Marcks' essay is to prove on historical and
+scientific lines the lessons which have been taught in German schools
+for nearly half a century, _i.e._, England is an astute but ruthless
+robber who respects no right, and no nation which stands in her way.
+
+"England's modern history begins with the Tudors and her world policy
+with Elizabeth. First of all, England had to liberate herself,
+economically and politically, from a position of dependence on the other
+Powers; then she took up her particular attitude to the world. Her
+separation from the Roman Catholic Church was exceedingly rich in
+consequences; this step assigned to her a peculiar place in the camp of
+the nations, and exercised a deep influence upon her intellectual
+development. It gave her an impetus towards internal and external
+independence.
+
+"But the determining factor for England's future was her insular
+position; this has been the case from the time Europe entered the
+ocean-period. Since the year 1600 England, by her commerce and politics,
+has influenced Europe from without, while she has maintained for herself
+a position of independence, and directed her energies across the ocean
+into the wide world. Successively she seized upon the Baltic, North Sea,
+and Atlantic Ocean; gradually she became the merchant and shipbuilder
+for most of the European nations.
+
+"The sea has given her everything--independence, security and
+prosperity--both in treasure and lands. The sea protected her and spared
+her the unpleasantness of mighty neighbours. It was the ocean which
+permitted free development to her internal life, parliament, government
+and administration, and saved her from the continental form of
+Government--a strong, armed monarchy.
+
+"The sea has allowed the English to develop, undisturbed, the
+peculiarities of their race--personal energy, trained by contact with
+the ocean; personal freedom, favoured but not oppressed by the living
+organism of the State. The sea afforded them liberty of action in every
+direction without fear of attack from behind. Freed from the chains
+which bound Europe, England went out into the wide world.
+
+"Yet she remained constantly associated with the continent, not only
+because Europe was her field of action. English statesmen have always
+seized upon every opportunity to influence European policy; at first
+this was from motives of defence, but afterwards from an ever-increasing
+spirit of aggression. The balance of power on the continent has always
+been one of the premises for England's security and existence.
+
+"She is indebted to her insular position for the supreme advantage of
+being able to exercise her influence in Europe without allowing her
+forces to be tied to the continent; European countries were bound by
+their own conflicts and differences, enabling England to exert her
+influence upon them without active participation. England has become
+thoroughly accustomed to a state of affairs under which she has no
+neighbours and never permits any--not even on the sea. She has come to
+consider this her God-given prerogative.
+
+"The barriers of geographical position which hampered other lands,
+nature did not impose upon England; the security afforded by her girdle
+of waves seemed as it were to impel her to strike out into the
+unbounded, and to look upon every obstacle as a wrong. There is a thread
+of daring lawlessness running through all England's world-struggles,
+through all periods of her history, right down to the present day.
+
+"When England speaks of humanity she means herself; her cosmopolitan
+utterances refer to her own nationality. She forgets too easily that
+other nations have arisen on the earth who esteem their own
+distinguishing traits and are inspired by the ardent desire to uphold
+their own institutions, forms of Government and culture. England
+believes all too easily that the world's map should be all one colour.
+But the soul of the modern world demands variety."[188]
+
+[Footnote 188: Ibid., 297 _et seq_.]
+
+There is no important objection to raise against Professor Marcks'
+statement of English history and Britain's favoured position on the
+surface of the globe. Germany did not choose her own geographical
+situation in the world--it is hers by nature and the right of historical
+succession. Britain has never envied her or endeavoured to deprive her
+of the advantages consequent upon her "place in the sun."
+
+Neither did the British select their island home; destiny and history
+were again the determining factors. But it would be a travesty of the
+truth to assert that Germany has not envied her that position, together
+with the advantages arising from it. Yet in the same degree as the
+inhabitants of these islands have used the "talents" entrusted to them
+through their favourable position, Germany's jealousy seems to have
+become more bitterly angry. By right of birth and national necessity
+Germany demands the domination of the Rhine, but she fails to recognize
+that right of birth and the demands of national existence compel Britain
+to claim the domination of the seas.
+
+The remainder of Professor Marcks' essay is devoted to proving that "the
+freedom of our world requires that it shall not be so in future."
+Whatever motives actuated Germany in precipitating the war, this much is
+now evident--it is her supreme desire and the aim of her highest
+endeavour to destroy Britain's favoured situation and every advantage
+accruing to her from it.
+
+To-day the issue is clear and simple for Germany--the annihilation of
+British power and influence in the world. Literally hundreds of German
+war books echo that cry, and, above all else, it is the hope of
+attaining this aim which has aroused the bitterest war fury in the
+entire German nation--man, woman and child. Reduced to first principles,
+this difference of geographical position and the varying advantages
+arising therefrom are the prime causes--if not _the_ cause--of the
+present world-struggle.
+
+It was solely the fear of perpetuating British supremacy[189] which has
+led Germany consistently to reject the extended hand of friendship.
+Standing side by side with Great Britain, either in friendship or
+alliance, Germany would have given her approval to Britain's historical
+position in the world. When this country departed from the policy of
+"splendid isolation" repeated attempts were made to establish more
+intimate relations with Germany (1898-1902).
+
+[Footnote 189: Graf Ernst zu Reventlow: "Der Vampir des Festlandes
+("England, the Vampire of the Continent"). Berlin, 1915, p. 117.
+"England's withdrawal from the policy which sought to establish a mutual
+plan of procedure in world politics between Germany and Britain dates
+from the time when Britain recognized that Germany would not allow
+herself to be employed against Russia. In Germany to-day, voices may be
+heard proclaiming that von Buelow chose wrongly in refusing England's
+offer, especially as Russia has repaid our loyalty and friendship with
+iniquitous ingratitude. The latter represents the truth.
+
+"But in judging the policy of that period two factors must be borne in
+mind. The acceptance of Great Britain's offer would have placed a tie
+upon the German Empire which would have been unendurable. Germany would
+have become the strong but stupid Power, whose duty would have been to
+fight British battles on the continent. Besides which the choice
+concerned Germany's world future, above all the development of the
+German war fleet."]
+
+But as Professor Marcks (p. 315) observes: "Germany refused the hand
+extended to her." Count Reventlow and a host of other writers have
+chronicled the fact too, yet on September 2nd, 1914, the German
+Chancellor dared to say to representative American journalists: "When
+the archives are opened then the world will learn how often Germany has
+offered the hand of friendship to England."
+
+It is only one more confirmation that the "law of necessity" is
+incompatible with the truth. The truth is that Germany preferred to
+drive Britain into another and hostile camp rather than have her
+friendship. Germany preferred British hostility rather than relinquish
+her plans for unlimited naval expansion--which she believed to be the
+only means of destroying Britain's position, and with that resolution
+already taken the Kaiser presented his photograph to a distinguished
+Englishman with this significant remark written on it with his own hand:
+"I bide my time!"
+
+Although Britain drew the sword to defend Belgium, the supreme
+issue--and the only one which occupies the German mind to-day--is
+whether this country shall continue to hold the position allotted to her
+by destiny and confirmed by history, or whether she is to be supplanted
+by Germany. That is the one political thought which permeates German
+intelligence at this moment, and no other considerations must be allowed
+to darken this issue.
+
+Professor Oncken reviews the events of the period 1900-1914 in
+considerable detail, and to him the policy of _ententes_ appears to be
+the main cause leading up to the world war. From this alone it is
+obvious that, consciously or unconsciously, he is wrong; the _ententes_
+in themselves are results, not prime causes. The prime causes leading to
+these political agreements are to be found in Germany's attitude to the
+rest of Europe. In a word they were defensive actions taken by the
+Powers concerned, as a precaution against German aggression.
+
+German aggression consisted in committing herself to unlimited
+armaments, cherishing the irreconcilable determination to be the
+strongest European power. According to her doctrine of might, everything
+can be attained by the mightiest. British advances she answered with
+battleships, simultaneously provoking France and Russia by increasing
+her army corps. The balance of power in Europe, Germany declares to be
+an out-of-date British fad, invented solely in the interests of these
+islands.
+
+In secret Germany has long been an apostate to the balance-of-power
+theory; the war has caused her to drop the mask, and it was without
+doubt her resolve never to submit to the chains of the balance in
+Europe, which forced three other States to waive their differences and
+form the Triple Entente. Simply stated this is cause and result. But
+Professor Oncken maintains--and in doing so he voices German national
+opinion--that the entire _entente_ policy was a huge scheme to bring
+about Germany's downfall.
+
+He goes further and proclaims that the Hague Conference (1907) was a
+British trick to place the guilt of armaments on Germany's shoulders.
+"England filled the world with disarmament projects so that afterwards,
+full of unction, she could denounce Germany as the disturber of the
+peace. At that time the Imperial Chancellor answered justly: 'Pressure
+cannot be brought to bear on Germany, not even moral pressure!'"[190]
+And in that sentence German obstinacy and sullen irreconcilability is
+most admirably expressed.
+
+[Footnote 190: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 495.]
+
+Having seen that Professor Oncken has failed to recognize the prime
+causes which provoked the _entente_ policy, it is not surprising to find
+him equally in error when discussing the diplomatic clashes between the
+rival camps. The professor calls them _Machtproben_ ("tests of power");
+but how he can dare to state that these diplomatic trials of strength
+were engineered by Great Britain--remains his own secret.
+
+"King Edward's meeting with the Czar at Reval in June, 1908, was
+followed by a far-reaching Macedonian reform programme, the commencement
+of the division of European Turkey. What Britain had failed to induce
+Germany to help her in executing, was to be attained with the sword's
+point directed against Germany. And Britain proceeded in cold blood to
+conjure up an era of might-struggles, which, in the island language, is
+called preserving the balance of power."[191]
+
+[Footnote 191: Ibid., p. 297.]
+
+The trials of strength recounted by Oncken are the Bosnian crisis, the
+Morocco question, and the Austro-Serbian quarrel which led to the
+present war. It seems banal to have to point out that Bosnia was
+unlawfully annexed by Germany's vassal--Austria; that Germany, herself,
+brought Europe to the verge of war by sending the _Panther_ to Agadir;
+and that the final catastrophic _Machtprobe_ was likewise provoked by
+Germany's eastern vassal.
+
+For good or evil Germany has been convinced for nearly two decades that
+the balance of power in Europe was an obstacle to her world future.
+Furthermore, she believed that the balance imposed fetters upon her
+which only mighty armaments could break. All Germany's energies in the
+domain of diplomacy have been set in motion to make the balance of power
+a mere figment of the imagination.
+
+In pursuing this end it has suited her purpose to declare all attempts
+at maintaining the outward appearances of equality between the Powers of
+Europe to be Machiavellian schemes against her existence; or to cite the
+Kaiser's own words, "to deprive Germany of her place in the sun."
+
+Britain's _entente_ policy was the only one calculated to preserve our
+own existence, and to restrain Germany from establishing a hegemony in
+Europe. She was completely convinced that the domination of Europe
+belonged to her by right of mental, moral and military superiority over
+her neighbours. Not in vain have Germany's educational institutions
+inculcated the belief in her population that the British Empire is an
+effete monstrosity with feet of clay; France a rotten, decaying empire,
+and Russia a barbarian Power with no new _Kultur_ to offer Europe except
+the knout.
+
+Inspired by such conceptions, together with an astoundingly exaggerated
+idea of Germany's peerlessness in order, discipline, obedience,
+morality, genius and other ethical values, as well as an unshaken belief
+in Germany's invincibility by land and sea--the entire nation, from
+Kaiser to cobbler, has long since held that by right of these
+virtues--by right of her absolute superiority over all other
+nations--Germany could and must claim other rights and powers than those
+which fell to her under an antiquated balance of European power.
+
+In few words that is the gospel of _Deutschland, Deutschland, ueber
+alles_. These are the motives which inspired Germany's naval expansion
+and forbade her to accept a compromise. The same ideals led to her
+endeavours to shatter the _ententes_, and it is alone the general
+acceptance of this gospel, which explains the remarkable unanimity with
+which the German nation has stood behind the Kaiser's Government in each
+trial of strength. They have learned to consider all attempts of the
+lesser peoples (Britain, France and Russia included) to maintain
+themselves against the Teutonic onset as impudent attacks on sacred
+Germany, which also illuminates the fact that Germans call the present
+struggle--"Germany's holy, sacred war."
+
+German statesmen were quite clear as to the national course at least
+fifteen years ago. Hence they have persistently pursued a policy of no
+compromise and no agreements. A compromise recognizes and perpetuates,
+in part at least, the very thing which stands in the way. An agreement
+with Britain in regard to naval armaments would have perpetuated British
+naval supremacy, as well as recognized its necessity. Likewise an
+agreement, or the shadow of an understanding with France on the question
+of Alsace-Lorraine would have been a recognition of French claims. Hence
+on these two questions--which are merely given as examples illustrative
+of German mentality--every attempt at an agreement has been a failure.
+
+A cardinal point in Germany's programme has been the consistent manner
+in which she has tried to separate her European neighbours from Britain
+in order to deal with them separately or alone. That her endeavours
+ended in failure is due to the instinct of self-preservation which has
+drawn Germany's opponents closer together, in exact proportion to the
+increasing force of her efforts. Both in peace and war, Germany desired
+and endeavoured to switch off Britain's influence in Europe.
+
+The diplomatic battles of 1905, 1908 and 1911 were a few of the efforts
+to dislodge Great Britain from her _ententes_, while her repeated
+attempts to buy this country's neutrality, down to the eve of war, are
+proof that Germany wanted a free hand in Europe.[192] If she had
+succeeded in her purpose, it is exceedingly doubtful whether any Power
+could have prevented her from exercising a free hand in the whole world.
+
+[Footnote 192: Professor Schiemann: "Wie England eine Verstaendigung mit
+Deutschland verhinderte" ("How England prevented an Understanding with
+Germany"). Berlin, 1915; pp. 20-21: "From the very commencement Berlin
+was convinced that the probability of a combined Franco-Russian attack
+was exceedingly small, if England's entrance to this Germanophobe
+combination could be prevented. Therefore we endeavoured to secure
+England's neutrality in case of war (1909), that is, if an Anglo-German
+alliance could not be achieved--an alliance which would have guaranteed
+the world's peace." (Schiemann's insinuation that Germany desired an
+alliance is an instance of _suggestio falsi_. Germany had decided in
+1902 never to conclude an alliance with this country.--Author.)]
+
+Coming down to the last trial of diplomatic power, we are confronted by
+the immovable fact, that it too was a challenge on the part of the
+Central Empires. The conditions seemed peculiarly favourable to them,
+for the British Ambassador declared to the Russian Government on July
+24th, 1914, that Britain would never draw the sword on a purely Serbian
+question. Moreover, in the preceding year, a British minister, says
+Professor Schiemann, had given what we may style a remarkable
+semi-official promise that Great Britain would never go to war with
+Germany.
+
+"On February 18th, 1913, Mr. Charles Trevelyan, M.P., paid me a visit,
+and assured me with the greatest certainty that England would under no
+circumstances wage war on Germany. A ministry which made preparations
+for war, would be immediately overthrown."[193]
+
+[Footnote 193: Ibid., p. 27. In the light of this revelation it would be
+interesting to know what was the real motive which induced Mr. Trevelyan
+to resign his office when war broke out. Either he was conscious of
+having seriously compromised his position as a Minister of the Crown, or
+he conscientiously believed that Britain was drawing the sword in an
+unjust cause. Unfortunately a section of the British public accepted the
+latter interpretation. In any case, Mr. Trevelyan's indiscretion affords
+overwhelming proof that he had an utterly false conception of
+Germany.--Author.]
+
+Professor Schiemann affirms that his good impression was strengthened by
+a visit to London during March and April, 1914, and reports a
+conversation which he had with Lord Haldane when dining privately with
+the latter in London. After returning to Berlin, he says he received a
+letter from Lord Haldane dated April 17th, 1914, but from Schiemann's
+quotation it is not evident whether the following is an extract or the
+entire letter:
+
+"It was a great pleasure to see you and to have had the full and
+unreserved talk we had together. My ambition is like yours, to bring
+Germany and Great Britain into relations of ever-closer intimacy and
+friendship. Our two countries have a common work to do for the world as
+well as for themselves, and each of them can bring to bear on this work
+special endowments and qualities. May the co-operation which I believe
+is now beginning become closer and closer.[194]
+
+[Footnote 194: Lord Haldane has stated during the war that his visit to
+Berlin in 1912 had filled his mind with doubt and suspicion in regard to
+Germany.--Author.]
+
+"Of this I am sure, the more wide and unselfish the nations and the
+groups questions make her supreme purposes of their policies, the more
+will frictions disappear, and the sooner will the relations that are
+normal and healthy reappear.[195] Something of this good work has now
+come into existence between our two peoples. We must see to it that the
+chance of growth is given."[196]
+
+[Footnote 195: A word or phrase appears to have been dropped in this
+sentence.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 196: Professor Schiemann's book, pp. 27-8.]
+
+It is not difficult to conceive that such utterances, on the part of two
+British ministers, would raise hopes in the German mind, for it would be
+useless to imagine that Professor Schiemann would keep them secret for
+his own private edification. And it is possible that they led the German
+Government into a false reckoning as to what this country would do under
+certain circumstances, and so encouraged Germany into taking up an
+irreconcilable attitude in the crisis of July, 1914.
+
+Whatever Germany expected must, however, for the present, remain a
+matter of conjecture. Schiemann's comment on the above letter leaves no
+doubt that he expected Lord Haldane[197] to resign. "When one remembers
+that Lord Haldane belonged to the inner circle of the Cabinet, and was
+therefore privy to all the secret moves of Sir Edward Grey, it is hard
+to believe in the sincerity of the sentiments expressed in this letter.
+Besides, he did not resign like three other members of the Cabinet (Lord
+Morley, Burns and Charles Trevelyan) when Sir Edward's foul play lay
+open to the world on August 4th."
+
+[Footnote 197: Lord Haldane seems to have injured his reputation both in
+Great Britain and Germany. Professor Oncken designates him: "the
+one-time friend of Germany, the decoy-bird of the British cabinet."
+_Vide_ "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 561.]
+
+The most regrettable side of the whole incident is that the resignation
+of the above gentlemen has been proclaimed by innumerable German writers
+as proof of Sir Edward Grey's double dealing, and proof that Britain is
+waging an unjust war. Still, it may console these gentlemen to know that
+the nation which wages war on women and children acclaims them to-day
+"all honourable men," and doubtless without the Shakespearian
+intonation.
+
+By reason of the above incidents, and more of a similar nature, Germans
+accuse the late Liberal Government with perfidy of the basest kind. The
+author is not in the least inclined to admit the charge, but thinks,
+rather, that the Government in question--individually and
+collectively--was astonishingly ignorant of European conditions and
+problems, especially those prevailing in the Germanic Empires.
+
+To what a degree Germany was obsessed by the idea that Britain was
+trying to strangle her by an encircling policy, is apparent in a
+diplomatic document quoted by Professor Oncken. Its author's name is not
+given, and it was doubtless a secret report sent to the German Foreign
+Office in 1912; its freedom from bias is also questionable. Moreover, it
+is probable that it belongs to the same category of documents as those
+quoted in the French Yellow Book--reports intended to exercise due
+influence on the mind of the Emperor.
+
+"French diplomacy is succeeding more and more in entangling England in
+the meshes of her net. The encouragement which England gives, directly
+or indirectly, to French chauvinism may one day end in a catastrophe in
+which English and French soldiers must pay with their blood on French
+battlefields for England's encircling policy. The seeds sown by King
+Edward are springing up."
+
+Another link in the chain of proof of Britain's guilt, is found in the
+documents seized by the Germans in Brussels. The enemy seems to attach
+great importance to them, for they are being employed in much the same
+way that parliamentary candidates use pamphlets during an election. Yet
+they do not contain a particle of proof that Britain had hostile
+intentions against Germany, but only confirm the presence of the German
+menace.
+
+The documents[198] in question are reports sent by the Belgian Legation
+Secretaries in London, Paris and Berlin to the Minister for Foreign
+Affairs in Brussels. These gentlemen held opinions identical with those
+expressed again and again in German newspapers, and even in some British
+and French organs. Messieurs Comte de Lalaing (London), Greindl
+(Berlin), Leghait (Paris), evidently believed that the activities of the
+Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente endangered the peace of Europe.
+
+[Footnote 198: Published by the Berlin Government as supplements to the
+_Nord-deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_, July 29th and 31st; August 4th, 8th
+and 12th, 1915.]
+
+Further they believed the latter constellation to be the more aggressive
+of the two, and formally reported these convictions to the Belgian
+Government. If read as a modern edition of "Pepys' Diary" they form
+entertaining literature, but by no stretch of the imagination could they
+be classed as historical sources. A gentleman who reports to his
+Government that King Edward took breakfast in company with M. Delcasse
+and that the Press had neglected to chronicle the incident, can hardly
+rank as an historian.
+
+Moreover, it is by no means clear why the German Press should laud M.
+Greindl as a gentleman of German origin. If this be true it would
+probably explain everything which deserves explanation in the said
+documents, and would probably account for the intimate, confidential
+treatment which M. Greindl received at the hands of German officials.
+
+German newspapers are gloating over the fact that the British Government
+has not deigned to reply to these "revelations." There is really nothing
+to which it can reply; three observers expressed their opinion on
+contemporaneous happenings during the years 1905-1911. But a brutal
+sequence of events in 1914 showed them--if they had not been convinced
+during the preceding three years--that they had drawn false conclusions
+from their observations.
+
+To return to the last trial of strength between the two groups of
+European Powers, it is interesting to note that Professor Oncken denies
+German participation in formulating the ultimatum to Serbia, or that
+Germany was aware of its contents. Germany merely left Austria a free
+hand in the matter. Oncken endeavours to show that Austria's demands
+were not excessive, and expresses astonishment that the opposing Powers
+found them exorbitant. He does not mention the fact that a large section
+of the German nation held the same opinion on July 25th, 1914.
+
+His comment on Sir Edward Grey's efforts for peace is characteristic:
+"England claims that she did everything possible to preserve the peace.
+It cannot be denied that Grey made a series of mediation proposals. But
+mere good-will is not everything. It is much more important to weigh
+their practical importance, and the goal at which they aimed: Whether
+they were intended to preserve the world's peace under conditions
+honourable for all parties, or calculated to obtain for the _Entente_ a
+one-sided diplomatic victory which would have established its future
+predominance."[199]
+
+[Footnote 199: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 544.]
+
+"Grey considered the moment suitable for a mediation proposal. On the
+evening of July 26th, after obtaining Russia's consent, he proposed to
+the Governments of France, Germany and Italy that their London
+ambassadors should meet in London to confer on a peaceful solution of
+the conflict.
+
+"The proposal was unacceptable to Austria, because it would have been an
+indirect recognition on her part of Russia's interest in the conflict.
+
+"Only those who had followed the growing intimacy of the mutual
+obligations between the Entente Powers, and their organization to a
+'London Centre' during the summer of 1914, are able to estimate the
+role--to say nothing of Italy--which Russia's two comrades would have
+played in the conference. During its course Russia would have continued
+her military preparations, while Germany would have had to pledge
+herself not to mobilize.
+
+"Finally, no unprejudiced observer would dare assert that the man (Sir
+Edward Grey) who was ready to transform himself at a suitable
+opportunity into an ally of Russia, would have been an impartial
+chairman in a conference held under the pressure of a Russian
+mobilization. The more one thinks about this mediation proposal the more
+convinced one becomes, that it would at least have worked for a
+diplomatic victory for the Entente Powers.
+
+"Grey put the whole machinery of the Triple Entente in motion in order
+to force back Germany and Austria-Hungary along the whole line."[200]
+
+[Footnote 200: Ibid., p. 545 _et seq_.]
+
+An analysis of Professor Oncken's theses gives the following results:
+First, Britain's efforts to preserve peace are admitted, but he fails to
+mention any friendly advances to meet them. Secondly, the fundamental
+principle underlying the Germanic attitude is again exposed, viz., that
+Russia had no right to intervene in a question affecting the balance of
+power in the Balkans and in Europe (_vide_, p. 63). Thirdly, a
+diplomatic struggle was in progress along the whole line, between the
+two groups of Powers.
+
+In weighing the second point it would be wrong to assume that the
+Central Empires were not fully aware of the presence of a far more vital
+question behind the Austro-Serbian conflict. They knew it from the very
+beginning and had already expressed threats in St. Petersburg, hoping to
+achieve the same effect as in the Bosnian crisis. If Austria had been
+allowed to destroy Serbia's military power the material forces of Europe
+would have been seriously disturbed; the ineffectiveness of the Triple
+Entente finally established, and its dissolution the inevitable
+consequence.
+
+If these considerations are correct then the statement attributed by M.
+de L'Escaille (see p. 281) to Sir George Buchanan that Britain would
+never draw the sword could only have served to strengthen the resolution
+of the Germanic Powers in enforcing their point Germany above all
+desired that the balance of power theory should be finally smashed, and
+it may be safely assumed that an Austro-Serbian conflict seemed to her a
+most fitting opportunity to realize her purpose.
+
+The third point suggests two questions. Who provoked the diplomatic
+conflict, and who would have benefited most by a diplomatic victory? A
+reply to the first question is superfluous, and the answer to the second
+is obvious from the preceding line of reasoning. Germany would have
+reached the goal towards which she had striven for more than a
+decade--the removal of all diplomatic hindrances to the unlimited
+assertion of her will in Europe. It may even be doubted whether the Dual
+Alliance would have survived the shock.
+
+Another phase of Professor Oncken's work is the open attack on Sir
+Edward Grey. Only three years ago this statesman was acclaimed in
+Germany as a man of peace--_the_ man who had prevented the Balkan War
+from becoming a European conflagration. To-day he is accused by the same
+nation of being the originator of the world war.
+
+Oncken[201] goes back to the year 1905 and states that Sir Edward Grey
+initiated only two members of the Cabinet--Mr. Asquith and Lord
+Haldane--into the details of the agreement with France, and these three
+gentlemen he refers to as the "inner circle." King Edward, and
+afterwards Sir Edward Grey in continuing the late King's policy,
+succeeded in harnessing the _revanche idee_ and the spirit of Russian
+aggression to the chariot of British Imperialism. All offers of
+friendship made by this country were insincere. (The professorial
+pleader does not say so, but he leaves his readers to infer that
+sincerity is a German monopoly.) Concerning the British Minister's
+declaration in Parliament that no secret treaty existed with France,
+Oncken remarks: "The declaration was just as true formally as it was a
+lie in essentials."
+
+[Footnote 201: The authorities (?) most frequently cited by Professor
+Oncken in making out his case are Messrs. Morel, Macdonald, Hardie, G.
+B. Shaw and the _Labour Leader_.--Author.]
+
+Following the development of events after the conference proposal had
+been dropped, Oncken writes: "Meanwhile the Russian Government
+endeavoured to persuade England's leading statesman that the opinion
+prevailed in Germany and Austria, that England would remain neutral in
+every case, in consequence of this delusion the Central Powers were
+obdurate. England could only dispel the danger of war by destroying this
+false conception, _i.e._, openly joining Russia and France.
+
+"It is noteworthy how quickly Grey assimilated this train of thought.
+Disregarding the suggestions of the British Ambassador in St.
+Petersburg, he did nothing to exercise a moderating influence upon
+Russia and thereby further the success of the conversations between
+Vienna and St. Petersburg. On the other hand, he proceeded to take steps
+which probably in his opinion, were calculated to damp the supposed
+desire for war on the part of Germany. Practically, the result of all
+his actions was to exercise one-sided pressure upon Germany and Austria
+and simultaneously, through unmistakable declarations concerning
+England's eventual attitude, to encourage Paris and St. Petersburg to
+energetic measures.
+
+"But all hopes for peace were destroyed at a single blow by Russia. On
+the evening of July 30th after the conversations with Austria-Hungary
+had been resumed, Sasonow increased his demands--and in truth with
+England's co-operation--to such a degree that their acceptance would
+have meant the complete submission of the Dual Monarchy.
+
+"And as if this were insufficient, a few hours later, before a reply had
+been received and while negotiations were proceeding in Vienna, Russia
+suddenly broke off the communications with a momentous decision
+(mobilization). The certainty which she had gained from the moves of
+English diplomacy, that in case of war she was sure of France's support
+and with it England's, turned the scale--against peace.
+
+"That this calculation was decisive for Russia's change of front is
+confirmed by a witness whose impartiality even our opponents will
+admit."[202]
+
+[Footnote 202: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," pp. 553-4.]
+
+Professor Oncken then supports his argument with quotations from a
+letter written by the Belgian Legation Secretary in St. Petersburg to
+his Government. The letter was doubtless stolen while in transit by the
+Berlin postal authorities. Monsieur B. de l'Escaille wrote the letter on
+July 30th, despatched it by courier to Berlin, where it was posted on
+the following day. The outside envelope was addressed to Madame
+Costermans, 107 Rue Froissard, Bruxelles; inside was a letter addressed
+to M. Darignon, Minister for Foreign Affairs. German writers state that
+no letters were forwarded to foreign countries after martial law was
+proclaimed on July 31st (a statement which is untrue), thus it fell into
+their hands.
+
+Overwhelming importance is attached to this document by German war
+writers. The more important passages of the despatch run as follows:
+"The last two days have passed in the expectation of events which are
+bound to follow[203] upon Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against
+Serbia. The most contradictory reports were in circulation, without any
+possibility of confirming their truth or falsity.
+
+[Footnote 203: Thus the impartial witness whom Germans quote to prove
+their innocence definitely states that Russia had no other course left
+open to her by Austria's actions.--Author.]
+
+"One thing is, however, indisputable, viz., that Germany has done
+everything possible both here and in Vienna[204] to find a means of
+avoiding a general conflict, but has only been met with the
+determination of the Vienna cabinet, on the one hand, not to yield a
+single step, and on the other hand Russian distrust of Vienna's
+declaration that they merely intend a punitive expedition against
+Serbia.
+
+[Footnote 204: How could M. de l'Escaille know what had passed in
+Vienna?--Author.]
+
+"One must really believe that everybody wants war, and is only anxious
+to postpone the declaration in order to gain time. At first England gave
+out, that she would not allow herself to be drawn into a conflict. Sir
+George Buchanan said that definitely. But to-day they are firmly
+convinced in St. Petersburg, indeed they have received an assurance,
+that England will stand by France. This support is of extraordinary
+importance, and has contributed not a little to the war-party gaining
+the upper hand.
+
+"In the cabinet sitting held yesterday, there were differences of
+opinion, and the mobilization order was postponed. This morning at four
+o'clock mobilization was ordered.
+
+"The Russian army feels itself strong, and is full of enthusiasm. The
+reorganization of the navy is still so incomplete that it would be out
+of the count in case of war. For that reason England's assurance of help
+was of the greatest consequence."[205]
+
+[Footnote 205: "Kriegs-Depeschen, 1914" ("German War-Telegrams, 1914").
+Berlin, 1914; p. 96 _et seq_.]
+
+If Professor Oncken is correct in stating that Sir Edward Grey's
+measures were calculated to exercise a pressure on Germany and Austria,
+then he merely confirms what this country has hitherto believed--Sir
+Edward Grey acted rightly. Where else should he have exerted pressure
+except in the quarter from whence a provocative, insolent challenge had
+proceeded?
+
+With regard to the assertion that Russia--stiffened by England--took a
+"momentous decision" on the evening of July 30th, Professor Oncken is
+guilty of distortion. The decision to mobilize had been taken earlier,
+and as M. de l'Escaille wrote, was made public at four o'clock on the
+morning of July 30th.
+
+Whether Russia had increased her demands ("peremptorily sharpened" are
+Oncken's words) the reader can judge for himself by comparing the two
+texts.
+
+              I                            II
+  "If Austria, recognizing      "If Austria agrees to
+  that the Austro-Serbian        stay the advance of her
+  question has                   troops on Serbian territory,
+  assumed the character          and if, recognizing
+  of a European question,        that the Austro-Serbian
+  declares herself ready to      dispute has assumed the
+  eliminate from her ultimatum   character of a question
+  the points which               of European interest, she
+  infringe the sovereign         admits that the Great
+  rights of Serbia, Russia       Powers shall examine
+  engages to stop her            the satisfaction which
+  military preparations."        Serbia might give to
+  (Russian Orange Book,          the Austro--Hungarian
+  No. 60.)                       Government without
+                                 affecting her sovereign
+                                 rights and independence,
+                                 Russia undertakes
+                                 to maintain her waiting
+                                 attitude." (French
+                                 Yellow Book, No. 113.)
+
+Oncken, in making this comparison, comments: "It is most remarkable that
+the original formula chosen by Sasonow had been peremptorily sharpened
+(_einschneidend verschaerft_) on July 31st at the request of the British
+Ambassador. This interference by England in the formulation of the
+proposal must arouse the gravest doubt regarding the peaceful tendencies
+of England's policy. Sasonow had every reason to thank Grey 'for the
+firm, amicable tone which he has employed in his pourparlers with
+Germany and Austria.'"[206]
+
+[Footnote 206: "Deutschland und der Weltkrieg," p. 553. Oncken's
+quotation in the last lines taken from the Russian Orange Book, No. 69.]
+
+Sir Edward Grey had proposed five days earlier (July 26th) that all
+military measures should cease pending a settlement. Hence the
+introduction of this clause is not a new demand. Moreover, in the
+meantime Russia and Germany--in spite of the latter's denial--had
+commenced to mobilize; Austria had mobilized and commenced hostilities
+against Serbia. Thus there were far more urgent reasons to include the
+cessation of military measures on July 31st than before. Lastly, it was
+the only acceptable pledge of Austrian sincerity which Russia could
+accept. Whether the formula would have met with Austria's approval
+cannot be determined, for Austria was saved from what Oncken terms
+"complete submission" by Germany's ultimatum to Russia, despatched on
+the same day, July 31st.
+
+It is impossible to get rid of the suspicion that Germany thought
+Austria might accept the proposal; in any case, Germany deliberately
+shattered the last chance of a settlement by her demand that Russia
+should demobilize.
+
+If Germany outwardly worked for peace in St. Petersburg, as M. de
+l'Escaille states, it would be quite in harmony with the methods of
+German diplomacy. But, as the same gentleman testifies: "Austria would
+not yield a step"--the conclusion must be drawn that Germany had ordered
+her to stand firm. Austria did not yield a single inch, and so it is a
+matter of indifference as to the sincerity or otherwise of Germany's
+peace endeavours.
+
+Oncken further mentions Britain's refusal to remain neutral in return
+for a promise that French territory should not be annexed, but he omits
+the question of French colonies. His analysis of the Belgian question
+deserves quotation: "Grey was seeking an excuse for war, and he found
+one in the question of Belgian neutrality. It was just such a reason as
+he required in order to carry away the Cabinet, Parliament and public
+opinion. And since then that reason has been much discussed, accompanied
+by appeals to international law and humanity, by England's and the
+world's Press.
+
+"But there is more than one irrefutable proof at hand, to show that this
+reason for war, was merely a veil covering the real ones. Anticipating
+Grey's intentions, before the German Government had finally declared
+themselves on the subject,[207] Prince Lichnowsky put the question to
+Sir Edward Grey on August 1st, as to whether England would remain
+neutral if Germany undertook to respect the neutrality of Belgium.
+
+[Footnote 207: Britain had asked Germany a day or two before, whether
+she would respect Belgium's neutrality.--Author.]
+
+"Grey, however, refused to give the pledge with which he could--if he
+was really concerned about Belgium--have spared that unhappy land its
+terrible fate. But by these means the trump card of Belgian neutrality
+had been taken from our opponent's hand in advance. Yet Grey actually
+considered it permissible to conceal this offer from the British
+Cabinet. Yes, he dared even more.
+
+"After the matter had been mentioned by Ramsay Macdonald in the _Labour
+Leader_, Keir Hardie asked a question in the House of Commons on August
+27th, as to whether Lichnowsky's proposal had been submitted to the
+Cabinet, and why the same had not been made the basis of peaceful
+negotiations with Germany. Grey made a weak attempt to discriminate
+between official proposals made by a government, and a private question
+asked by an ambassador.
+
+"When the inconvenient questioner asked for further information, he was
+cried down. The Oxford theologian Conybeare gained the impression from
+this Parliamentary incident: 'That all Sir Edward Grey's answers to Mr.
+Keir Hardie's questions are examples of _suppressio veri_ and _suggestio
+falsi_.' His later revocation of this judgment does not alter its value
+as objective evidence.
+
+"After Grey's refusal, Prince Lichnowsky pressed him to formulate
+England's conditions for her neutrality. At the same time the Ambassador
+increased his offer of July 29th by proposing to guarantee the integrity
+of France and her colonies in return for England's neutrality. Grey
+suppressed this proposal too before the Cabinet, as any negotiation on
+this basis would have thwarted his pre-conceived plans. Only an
+immovable determination for war can explain this behaviour.
+
+"Even before he could assume that Belgian neutrality was in danger, he
+pledged English policy to the wishes of France. On the afternoon of the
+same August 1st, he gave the French Ambassador--who was anxiously
+pressing for a decision--reason to believe that he would be able to give
+a formal promise on the following day. At the Cabinet meeting on August
+2nd--the same in which he suppressed Germany's offer!--he got a motion
+accepted empowering him to assure Cambon that if Germany attacked the
+French coast, England would intervene."
+
+It is necessary to return to Germany's proposal in regard to Belgian
+neutrality. In simple language it means that Germany wanted to sell her
+pledged word, given in 1839, for British neutrality in 1914. In view of
+the fact that Professor Oncken looked upon this as a legitimate bargain,
+one wonders in silence at his standard of morality and honour. Is he not
+a scoundrel who first gives his word of honour and afterwards tries to
+strike a bargain with the same? Stripped of all verbiage that is
+Germany's proposal in its naked immorality, and the author chronicles
+with pleasure that the House of Commons cried down even its discussion.
+It recalls to his memory the fact, that the Reichstag--Germany's highest
+legislative assembly--cheered to the echo Bethmann-Hollweg's
+announcement that German armies, in violating the dictates of moral and
+international law, by breaking Germany's word of honour, had occupied
+Luxembourg and entered Belgium. The two incidents are drastic, concrete
+illustrations of the gulf which separates British and German conceptions
+of right and wrong.
+
+Furthermore, there are two questions of a disciplinary nature arising
+out of this incident which "the man in the street" has a perfect right
+to raise. Assuming that Sir Edward Grey exercised his discretion and
+concealed the "infamous proposal" from the Cabinet, which of his
+colleagues afterwards betrayed the fact and from what source--German or
+English--did he obtain his information?
+
+Full knowledge on these points would probably be of great assistance in
+destroying the "trail of the serpent" (_i.e._, German influence and
+intrigues) in the political and national life of Great Britain.
+
+Professor Oncken praises German disinterestedness in offering to
+guarantee the integrity of French continental and colonial territories
+in case Germany gained a victory in the war. Sir Edward Grey's refusal
+to guarantee British neutrality in return for this promise, the
+professor considers supreme and final proof that Britain was bent on
+war. The nation has rightly approved of this policy and the point need
+not be argued in this place; but Professor Oncken in the seclusion of
+his German study would do well to weigh two problems:
+
+If Germany had gained a victory--and in August, 1914, she was absolutely
+convinced that France and Russia would succumb if they faced her
+alone--then Germany would have obtained the long sought upper and "free
+hand" in Europe. What earthly powers could have compelled her in that
+moment to respect her promise in regard to French territories? Certainly
+Germany's sense of honour could not be counted upon to do so.
+
+The second problem refers to the bull and the china-shop. Presuming that
+the bull could talk, would Professor Oncken advise the guardian of the
+proverbial china-shop to accept the bull's promise to respect the
+_status quo ante_ of his property, before letting him (the bull) run
+amock amongst the china?
+
+Lastly, readers are advised when studying the German "case" to remember
+that Germany never offered to respect the integrity of French
+territories _and_, the neutrality of Belgium. Although German
+writers--with malice aforethought--seek to give that impression. Yet,
+had this combined offer been made, the author submits that in spite of
+such a promise, it would still have been ruinous to British interests to
+stand aside and see Germany gain the upper and "free hand" in Europe.
+Having obtained that, all else would have followed to the desire of
+Germany's heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE LITERATURE OF HATE
+
+
+"The English are wretched scoundrels."--_Frederick the Great_.
+
+"It must come to this, that not even a German dog will accept a piece of
+bread from an Englishman."--_Heinrich von Treitschke_.
+
+"England, the Vampire of Europe," by Count Reventlow.
+
+"Down with England," by Admiral Valois.
+
+"England, our Enemy in the Past, Present and Future," by Erich von
+Kabler.
+
+"A German Victory, Ireland's Hope," by Dr. Hans Rost.
+
+"England, the Scourge of Humanity," by Germanicus.
+
+"The Poisonous Press," by Germanicus.
+
+"England against England," by Mathieu Schwann.
+
+"A Woman's War Letters," by L. Niessen-Deiters.
+
+"Albion's Death Struggle," by Eugen Detmolder.[208]
+
+[Footnote 208: Written by Detmolder (a Belgian) during the Boer
+War.--Author.]
+
+"How John Bull recruits his Hirelings," by Dr. Herbert Hirschberg.
+
+"Advance on England! The Destruction of Britain's World Power,"
+Anonymous.
+
+"In English Captivity," by Heinrich Norden, late missionary.
+
+"British _versus_ German Imperium," by an Irish-American. Introduction
+by Sir Roger Casement.
+
+"Lousyhead goes on Lying." The latest war news of Messrs. Grandebouche
+(France), Lousyhead (Russia), and Plumpudding (England), by Karl
+Ettlinger.
+
+"England and Germany," by Houston Stewart Chamberlain.
+
+"Cable Warfare and the Campaign of Lies," by Dr. Meister, Professor in
+Muenster University.
+
+"England and Continental Interests," by Captain H. Schubart.
+
+"The Annihilation of England's World Power," Essays by twenty-three
+different authors, including Professors Haeckel, Eucken and Lamprecht;
+State Secretary Dr. Dernburg; Dr. Sven Hedin, etc.
+
+"German Misery in London," by Carl Peters.
+
+"The English Face," by six university professors; Frischeisen-Koehler
+(Berlin); Jastrow (Berlin); von der Goltz (Greifswald); Roloff
+(Giessen); Valentin (Freiburg); von Liszt (Berlin).
+
+"Starvation, England's Latest Ally," by Friedrich Simon.
+
+"England and the War," by Professor Lujo Brentano.
+
+"Against France and Albion," by A. Fendrich.
+
+"The Land of Unlimited Hypocrisy," by Spiridion Gopevi.[209]
+
+[Footnote 209: Probably the most scurrilous and vulgar work of its type;
+but the writer of it is not a German.--Author.]
+
+"England"; "England and America," _Sueddeutsche Monatshefte_ (South
+German Review) for January and May, 1915.
+
+"England's Tyranny and former Supremacy of the Seas," by Admiral
+Kirchoff.
+
+"England's Blood-Guilt against the White Peoples," by Woldemar Schuetze.
+
+"The Greatest Criminal against Humanity; King Edward VII. of England. A
+Curse-pamphlet," by Lieut.-Col. R. Wagner.
+
+"England, tremble!" by J. Bermbach.
+
+"England as Sea-Pirate State," by Dr. Ernst Schultze.
+
+"In the Pillory! Our Enemies' Campaign of Lies," by Reinhold Anton.
+
+"London's Lie Factory: Renter's Office," by A. Brand.
+
+"England's Wicked Deeds in the World's History," by A. Kuhn.
+
+"Our Settlement with England," by Professor Hermann Oncken.
+
+"England's Betrayal of Germany," by M. Wildgrube.
+
+"England's Guilt," by Gaston von Mallmann.
+
+"English Character," by Professor Arnold Schroeer.
+
+"England and We," by Dr. J. Riessner, President of the Hanseatic League.
+
+"How England prevented an Understanding with Germany," by Professor Th.
+Schiemann.
+
+"God Punish England," published by _Simplicissimus_.
+
+"Perfidious Albion," by Alfred Geiser.
+
+"Our Enemies among Themselves," Caricatures from 1792-1900 collected by
+Dr. Paul Weiglin.
+
+"Words in Season," Poems, including the "Hymn of Hate," by Ernst
+Lissauer.
+
+About sixty-five other titles might be added to those given above, but
+the author has restricted the list to books in his possession. Some of
+them are scurrilous and obscene, deserving no further attention than a
+record of their existence. Yet the fundamental idea running through
+these works is identical, differing only in the mode of expression.
+
+Hate in itself is a confession of weakness, to a certain extent an
+admission of defeat. The presence of hate in a nation or an individual
+may be explained as resulting from the desire to remove or destroy an
+obstacle, which has proved to be immovable and indestructible. A
+healthy, well-balanced mind admits defeat and endeavours to make a
+compromise--to adjust itself to the inevitable.
+
+But assuming other conditions--a false sense of honour, a morbid
+conception of self-importance--then hate seems to be a natural, although
+unhealthy result. Unfortunately there is evidence that these factors
+influence modern Germany. One of the roots of tragedy is to be found in
+the inequality between the will and power to perform. In its
+helplessness the will recoils upon itself, turning to gall and
+bitterness, or seeks a solution in self-destruction.
+
+It is noteworthy that some thirteen thousand individuals commit suicide
+every year in Germany. Unwilling or unable to adjust themselves to the
+phenomena of life, they choose death in preference to the
+compromise--life. A leaning towards the tragic characterizes the German
+of to-day; an inclination not to compromise, not to admit defeat,
+thereby admitting the "will" to be incapable of transformance into
+actuality.
+
+Between Germany and Britain fate has placed such a rock of destiny,
+_i.e._, this country's position in the world, above all, her naval
+supremacy. Germany has held that this rock hinders, even endangers, her
+just and historical development in the world. With wonderful energy,
+perseverance, self-sacrifice and heroism, Germany has endeavoured to
+surmount or destroy the obstacle. The united will of the nation was
+expressed in the momentum of the onslaught--in vain. And as no
+reconciling influences are at work, no tendency to accept the
+inevitable--Germany hates.
+
+Outside Germany there is, probably, no one who doubts the invincibility
+of the British Navy and the unchangeable will of the British
+(strengthened by the danger of the past year) to maintain its supremacy.
+Yet even to-day responsible Germans are appealing to their nation to
+fight till "modern Carthage" is finally destroyed.
+
+"In spite of the publications of our enemies, we in Germany, from the
+highest to the lowest, will believe unto all eternity that this war was
+caused by England alone. All Germany replied to England's declaration of
+war with a cry of indignation. The hate for the hypocritical island
+kingdom was so bitter that it took the form of demonstrations against
+the British Embassy, while the representatives of the other enemy
+countries were able to depart unharmed.[210]
+
+[Footnote 210: Admiral Valois appears to be unaware that both ladies and
+gentlemen from the Russian Embassy were beaten with sticks, fists and
+umbrellas before leaving Berlin.--Author.]
+
+"Up till then political England was little known in Germany, but now the
+bitter hate which reigns throughout the land characterizes her as the
+incarnation of all that is base and vile. It brings back to our minds
+the saying of the old Hanseatic towns:
+
+  'England, thou land of shame,
+  Why hast thou, Satansland,
+  The name of Angel-land?'
+
+"No sacrifice and no effort will be too great, for us to drag her from
+her imagined height into the dust. By force of arms, starvation and the
+power of lies, they hoped to force us back to unimportance, and now the
+issue is: Whether the categoric imperative of the East Prussian Kant, or
+the hypocrisy of British cant, shall gain the victory.
+
+"We are unalterably convinced that England is our mortal enemy, and that
+all endeavours to find a _modus vivendi_ will be in vain. Still our
+present naval forces are unequal to the task of overthrowing her. This
+will make it easy for the German Government to obtain even the greatest
+sums from the Reichstag in order to increase our fleet. Every other
+aim--no matter what it is--must be laid aside, till this one is
+attained: Down with England!
+
+"It is to be hoped that this attempt on England's part to get rid of a
+competitor will be the last. We Germans anticipate the future with an
+unshakable belief in victory. Possibly sooner or later, England's
+present allies will see that in reality they are serving English
+interests. When this unnatural alliance has crumbled to pieces under the
+might of our blows, then we shall at last stand face to face with
+England--alone!
+
+"Our life-work will then begin--to settle up with the pioneers of
+hypocrisy so that they shall never again cross our path! If at any time
+this high endeavour seems to slacken, then think of East Prussia!
+Remember that a third of the province was laid waste; that men, women
+and children were murdered and violated; that the lists of the missing
+contained the names of nearly fifty thousand fellow-countrymen. And all
+this had to happen so that every Englishman might become a few pounds
+richer.
+
+"Think of it as long as you live, and pass it on to your descendants as
+an inheritance. Give all your strength and your last farthing to
+increase our fleet and any other necessary means to attain our goal:
+Down with England!"[211]
+
+[Footnote 211: Admiral Valois: "Nieder mit England!" ("Down with
+England!") p. 5 _et. seq_.]
+
+"Truly it is no longer necessary either in this assembly or in all
+Germany to create popular opinion for the cry 'Nieder mit England!' It
+re-echoes daily from the lips of every German. But still we must
+continue to point out its necessity--it is a commandment which must
+banish every weak inclination to yield, and make us strong to hold out
+to the bitter end.
+
+"To some it may appear 'one-sided,' but yet it is a moral duty to
+emphasize and strengthen our hate for England. Not only because we
+_will_ hate, but because we _must_. Hatred ennobles when it is directed
+with full force against the evil and bad. And what is the evil? For an
+answer consider how the English pedlar-spirit with cunning and lies, has
+subjugated the world and holds it in bondage.
+
+"Even in the upper classes (English), ignorance reigns supreme. In their
+famous schools, _e.g._, Eton College, the young people--besides sports
+and so-called gentlemanlike behaviour--learn exceedingly little. Except
+in regard to purely English affairs most Englishmen possess an almost
+inconceivable ignorance of history and geography. The view held by so
+many Germans that the majority of the English nation, especially the
+so-called 'upper ten,' have enjoyed a thorough education--is utterly
+false. But in spite of this, English conceit and unexampled pride leaves
+little to be desired."[212]
+
+[Footnote 212: Vice-Admiral Kirchhoff: "England's Willkur" ("England's
+Tyranny"), p. 1 _et seq_.]
+
+All German naval writers whine in unison concerning the "protection of
+private property in naval warfare." The shoe appears to pinch at that
+point, but the complaints sound hollow when made by a nation which has
+shown so little respect for private property in land warfare.
+
+"Turkey was compelled to hand over Cyprus; in return she received an
+assurance of protection from England. What the latter understands by
+'protection' we have learned from her recent actions. The behaviour of
+England's last naval commission in Constantinople speaks volumes. The
+very men who were in Turkey's pay, destroyed the weapons (ships, _i.e._,
+cannon, machinery, etc.) entrusted to their care."[213]
+
+[Footnote 213: Ibid., p. 31.]
+
+Besides Kirchhoff, several other writers charge the British naval
+officers who were in Turkey's service before the outbreak of war, with
+acts of _sabotage_. Another writer (Heinrich Norden, late missionary in
+Duala, German Cameroons) sinks a little lower and states that English
+officers were guilty of thieving when Duala was captured.
+
+"Indeed, it is not saying too much when I maintain that the true
+historical purpose of this war, is only half fulfilled if we do not
+bring England to her knees--cost what it may in blood and treasure. That
+much we owe to our children and their children. We will not only be
+victorious, victory is only half the work; we must annihilate the power
+of our enemy.
+
+"All our dearly-bought victories in East and West will be of no avail
+if, at the conclusion of peace, we have not conquered and compelled
+England to accept our terms. There can never be justice or morality on
+earth, or keeping of treaties, or recognition of moral international
+obligations, till the power of the most faithless, hypocritical nation
+which ever existed, has been finally broken and lies prostrate on the
+ground. So long ago as 1829 Goethe said to Foerster: 'In no land are
+there so many hypocrites and sanctimonious dissemblers as in England.'
+
+"We must wait in patience and with confidence in our leaders for the
+final settlement which the future will bring. The men in our navy are
+burning to imitate the deeds of their comrades on land. Whenever an
+opportunity has arisen, they have shown themselves equal to the enemy.
+Our navy knows, and that is a consolation for the men during inactivity,
+that the lofty task of breaking England's power will fall to their
+share. The men know that the final purpose of this world war can only be
+attained with their help, they know what is before them, and that the
+enormous stake demands and deserves all they have to give.
+
+"In this time of trial we can best help by waiting in patience. The
+fleet's turn will come; the fleet created by our Kaiser will fulfil its
+mission. Everyone of us recognizes that a well-thought-out plan is
+behind all this; even the enemy has premonitions of it.
+
+"In regard to England's downfall there can, may, and must be only one
+opinion. It is the very highest mission of German _Kultur_. Our war,
+too, is a 'holy war.' For the first time England's despotic power is
+opposed by an enemy possessing power, intelligence and will."[214]
+
+[Footnote 214: Ibid., p. 37 _et seq_.]
+
+Another of the fundamental reasons for German hate must be sought in the
+different conceptions of life and its duties in the two nations. In its
+chief results this has found expression in two totally different beings.
+Professor Engel (Berlin) once wrote that from the cradle to the grave,
+the German is "on the line," or, in other words, the State directs his
+every action.
+
+Probably it would be more correct to look upon the German State as a
+Teutonic Nirvana--with this distinction, that it is a negation of
+personal individuality, but at the same time a huge, collective
+positive. The individual German fulfils his life's mission by absorption
+into Nirvana and by having all his activities transformed in the
+collective whole for the benefit of the State. The will of the State is
+supreme; individuals exist in, through, and for, the whole. And, above
+all, the State's motto has been thoroughness and efficiency in every
+department of its manifold life; knowledge and power its aims.
+
+Britain's development has been along other lines; the widest possible
+room has been left to the individual, and the ties binding him to the
+whole have been loose in the extreme. German discipline is replaced by
+British liberty, with its advantages to the individual and corresponding
+disadvantages for the State. Liberty implies the right to rise by honest
+endeavour, but does not exclude the possibility of a wilful surrender to
+slothful inactivity, _e.g._, the human flotsam and jetsam of British
+cities, the casual ward and similar institutions. These and other
+phenomena of life in our islands have aroused bitter contempt among
+Germans. Contempt has been succeeded by envy and hatred. Rightly or
+wrongly the German has argued that the people who prefer sport to
+knowledge, self-will to a sense of duty to the community, selfishness to
+sacrifice,[215] wire-pulling and patronage to efficiency--this people is
+no longer worthy of the first place among the nations. By right of
+merit, morality and efficient fitness--that place belongs to Germany.
+
+[Footnote 215: An article by the present writer on "Some German Schools"
+in the _Times_ Educational Supplement, October 5th, 1915, gives some
+faint idea of the unprecedented sacrifices made by German schools.
+During the war all classes of the population have voluntarily renounced
+a part of their earnings for war charities. In the _Fraenkischer Kurier_
+for October 13th, 1915, the Burgomaster of Nuremberg announced that the
+voluntary reduction of salaries agreed to by the municipal officials of
+that city had resulted in 264,000 marks (L13,000) going to charitable
+funds. The author could cite dozens of similar instances, but it would
+interest him most of all to know whether any town in the British Isles
+can show a better record than Nuremberg, with a population of 350,000.]
+
+Unfortunately the present war has brought many proofs that there is no
+small amount of truth in this indictment, and most unfortunate of all,
+neutral countries too accept Germany's version that Britain is
+unorganized, self-interested, inefficient and effete. And to just the
+same degree they are convinced that Germany is thorough. They love
+Britain's humanitarian idea, but admire German efficiency--although they
+fear the latter's militarism.
+
+Still when they are driven to choose to whom they shall confide their
+vital interests, _i.e._, future existence, they prefer to lean on
+successful German thoroughness, than on Britain's humanitarianism
+unsupported by the strong arm. At the moment of writing there is wailing
+and gnashing of teeth throughout the British Empire at the diplomatic
+failure in Bulgaria and the previous fiasco in Turkey. Sir Edward Grey
+has dealt with the question in Parliament, but he has not mentioned the
+true reason.
+
+The true reason is that this country has fallen into the habit of
+sending diplomatic representatives abroad who have not been keen enough
+to obtain a mastery of the language, or a full knowledge of the feelings
+and national aspirations of the peoples to whom they were accredited.
+Instead of being living ambassadors of the British idea, they have often
+been concrete examples before foreign eyes of British inefficiency. An
+example of the language question which came under the author's personal
+notice, deserves mention.
+
+In the spring of 1914 there seemed to be a danger that a German would be
+appointed British Consul in Nuremberg, and in order to prevent this the
+author wrote to a British Minister stationed in Munich. He was greatly
+surprised to receive a reply--the latter, of course, was in
+English--addressed on the outside to:
+
+  "Dr. T. Smith,
+  "_On the top_ of the University of Erlangen."
+
+That is to say, the German preposition _auf_ was employed instead of
+_an_. A mistake which even an elementary knowledge of German should have
+made impossible. In the British Legation at Munich there was a
+German-British Consul--a Munich timber-merchant. If readers imagine that
+Munich was an unimportant city in the diplomatic sense, then they are
+recommended to study the French Yellow Book, which contains final proof
+that an efficient French Minister was able to make important discoveries
+at the Bavarian Court.
+
+British prestige, confidence in British efficiency and power among
+neutrals has gravitated dangerously in the direction of zero, while
+admiration for Germany has correspondingly risen. That there is only too
+much reason for the change, the course of the war has given ample proof,
+and therein lies the hope of Britain's future. The war will reveal to
+the British both their strength and weakness, and if the war does not
+destroy the dry rot in the land, then it is merely the precursor of
+Britain's final downfall.
+
+There can be no greater mistake than closing one's eyes to the good
+points in a resolute enemy. As far as this war is concerned they can be
+summarized under two heads: (1.) The German Board of Education, which
+has developed and mobilized the last ounce of German brains and directed
+them into the service of the Fatherland.[216] (2.) The German War
+Office, which has mobilized Germany's physical and technical forces.
+
+[Footnote 216: Five years ago the present author wrote in the September
+number, 1910, of Macmillan's _School World_:--"Educational reforms and
+plans must come from the schoolmen; they never spring of themselves from
+out of the people; and this is perhaps the most deplorable admission of
+all, that modern England has no great educationist or statesman capable
+of formulating a national system of schools which shall develop the
+intellectual material of the nation to its highest powers, and direct
+those powers into the best channels. For several decades school
+inspectors, etc., have visited continental countries to study their
+educational systems, and have returned home with innumerable fads--but
+no system. Everything of the fantastic has been copied, but no
+foundations have been laid; with the result that England's educational
+system to-day resembles a piece of patchwork containing a rich variety
+of colours and a still greater variety of stuff-quality. It were better
+for us to have done with educationists who preach about 'the rigid
+uniformity of system which is alien both to the English temperament and
+to the lines on which English public schools have developed.' The said
+public schools have hopelessly failed to meet the necessity of a
+national system of education, or to form the nucleus from which such a
+system could or can develop itself. That the Falls of Niagara, however,
+dissipate untold natural forces is just as true as that England wastes
+immeasurable intellectual force because her forces are allowed to
+dissipate through not being disciplined and bridled by a fitting
+educational mechanism. Therefore let England turn to the prosaic work of
+organising!"]
+
+No other State possesses institutions to compare with them. They are the
+foundation of Germany's strength, and the present author's only regret
+is, that the overwhelming forces obtained by bridling the Teutonic
+Niagara of brains and muscle, have been directed by a false patriotism
+into the wrong channels. Still that is what Britain is up against, and
+Britain can only secure an honourable victory by surpassing them. And
+this much may be admitted even at this stage of the struggle: one part
+of the "German idea" is certain of complete victory along the whole
+line--German thoroughness and self-sacrifice.
+
+Because only by adopting that ideal is it possible for Germany's enemies
+to beat her. Political intrigues, hunger caused by blockade, cant,
+wire-pulling, hiding the truth, etc., etc., will break down before the
+German onslaught like waves break upon a rock. Britain has got to hark
+back to Strafford's watchword "thorough" and season it with the spirit
+of Cromwell's Ironsides.
+
+To-day Germans are seriously discussing measures by which Britain's
+financial supremacy--and therewith her naval supremacy--can be
+overthrown, after the present war. One writer proposes a return to
+Napoleon's Continental system, and concludes his plea:
+
+"The British Empire can and must be overthrown, so that the Continent of
+Europe may flourish and develop according to the dictates of Europe's
+will. According to Herbert Spencer's view, Europe must exercise the
+highest ethics, viz., 'give the highest possible total of human beings,
+life, happiness and above all harmony of work.'
+
+"England has never comprehended what 'the harmony of work' means. Her
+entire heroism consisted in brutally suppressing the weaker, and
+avaricious exploitation of everything foreign by means of cunning
+treaties and business tricks. Even an Englishman, Sir J. Seeley, in his
+book, 'The Growth of British Policy,' has defied this characteristic
+with objective clearness.
+
+"For sixty years England struggled against Holland--after which the
+latter lay prostrate before her. Now England's battle against her
+greatest and mightiest rival has commenced--against Germany. This
+struggle will last sixty years and longer if Great Britain does not
+succumb before. Every peace will only mean preparation for new battles,
+till the final result is attained; English history affords proof of
+this.
+
+"Shall Germany, the latest rival, be broken too? Or shall it be her
+mission to awaken Europe to war against greed and avarice, hypocrisy and
+theft, robbery and violence? Lands which have slept and dreamed for
+centuries, do not easily awake. And a part of Europe still dreams deeply
+under the hypnotic influence of English cant and altruism, or at least
+of her God-ordained hegemony.
+
+"This must be the goal of German statecraft and German diplomacy. The
+dream must be dispelled, and the mask torn from the hypocrite's face. If
+Germany desires to exist, then the weak, faltering expediency-policy of
+the German Empire must be at an end. Our one and only aim must be: Down
+with England!
+
+"Germany, however, may not strive to enter into England's heritage--that
+must fall to the Continent. England's heir shall be Europe, which will
+then be able to progress and develop as history intended."[217]
+
+[Footnote 217: Captain H. Schubart: "England und die Interessen des
+Kontinents" ("England and Continental Interests"), p. 50.]
+
+German hate has been fed by stories of British atrocities, ill-treatment
+of German civilians, the alleged use of dum-dum bullets by British
+soldiers, and the employment of coloured troops from India etc. A book
+has been published under the style of "The Black Book of Atrocities
+committed by our Enemies."[218] The charges concerning the use of
+dum-dum bullets by the British are dealt with on pp. 39-43.
+
+[Footnote 218: "Das Schwarzbuch der Schandtaten unserer Feinde." Berlin,
+1915.]
+
+In spite of the fact that von Treitschke advocates the employment of all
+available troops, irrespective of colour, by a State at war, and in
+spite of the fact that Germany has herself employed native troops in
+this war (Cameroons, etc.), their employment by Britain has aroused a
+wave of bitter hatred in Germany. As a justification for this
+indignation the Black Book quotes Earl Chatham's speech against the
+employment of Red Indians in the war with the American colonies.
+
+It is impossible to suppose that some of the charges of ill-treatment of
+Germans by the British are more than the squeals of the bully on feeling
+the pinch. Carl Peters' book "Das deutsche Elend in London" ("German
+Misery in London") must certainly be dismissed as belonging to the
+squeals. Another booklet[219] may perhaps be quoted, though with all
+reserve, because it involves the charge of endangering the white
+man--above all, the honour of white women--in Africa.
+
+[Footnote 219: "In Englischer Gefangenschaft" ("In English Captivity"),
+by Heinrich Norden, late missionary in Duala, Cameroons.]
+
+"In declaring my willingness to relate our experiences during the
+defence and surrender of Duala and my experiences in English captivity,
+my motive was not to add fuel to the fires of hate against England. But
+it would be an injustice if we were silent concerning English outrages.
+Thousands of our brother Germans lie in English prisoners' camps; their
+hands are tied and their mouths closed by the force of circumstances.
+But with inward wrath they endure in silence. Yet their position demands
+that we, who have suffered with them and have luckily escaped, should
+speak for them.
+
+"It is our bounden duty to the Fatherland to reveal the truth about
+English atrocities, and I am all the more conscious of that duty because
+some circles betray a certain amount of mistrust concerning the reports
+of English horrors.
+
+"On Sunday, September 27th, after all the necessary preparations had
+been made, the white flag was hoisted. In a few hours the town was
+teeming with black and white English and French landing parties, who
+were received with indescribable joy by the natives. The latter followed
+the soldiers about like dogs, and in real dog-manner began to show their
+teeth (against the Germans).
+
+"Everything remained quiet on Sunday, but on the following day robbery
+and plundering began in a way which we had never believed possible.
+Still less were we prepared for the brutal treatment which the English
+practised on us defenceless Germans. At first they made sure of those
+who had borne arms; with lies and deceit they were enticed into a trap.
+They were requested to give in their names, whereupon they would be set
+at liberty. However, when the English thought that the majority had been
+collected, the victims were driven on to a steamer which took them to
+French Dahomey.
+
+"During the months of our imprisonment I had ample opportunity to
+observe how the Germans have been ill-treated by the blacks. The English
+incited them like a pack of hounds to worry their own race--and looked
+on with a laugh. Yet the Germans bore all this degradation with proud
+calm, and with the consolation that a day will come when all this shame
+will be wiped out.
+
+"On the way to the harbour I met about twenty Germans; our company
+increased from hour to hour. Women were weeping who did not know the
+fate of their husbands, but this had not the faintest effect on the
+brutal hearts of the English. At last night fell; we were tortured by
+hunger and burning thirst. We were in anguish as to what would become of
+us. Why were our enemies so inconceivably bitter?[220] Why did they tell
+us no word of truth? They declared openly that everything German was to
+be destroyed, German thrones overthrown and the German devils driven
+out.
+
+[Footnote 220: Norden has had ample opportunities to learn the story of
+Belgium, but he and all other Germans writers, in apparently holy
+innocence, look upon all bitterness against their nation as a cruel
+injustice.--Author.]
+
+"Albion's heroic sons were only able to capture the Cameroons with the
+aid of native treachery. The blacks showed them the ways, betrayed the
+German positions, and murdered Germans in cold blood wherever
+opportunity occurred. The English even paid a Judas reward of twenty to
+fifty shillings for every German, living or half-dead, who was brought
+in by the natives.
+
+"Later I met various prisoners whose evidence corroborated the inhuman
+tortures which they had endured. Herr Schlechtling related how he was
+attacked at Sanaga by natives with bush-knives, just as he was aiming at
+an English patrol. Herr Nickolai was captured by blacks and his clothes
+torn from his body and numerous knife wounds inflicted on his body. The
+natives took him to an English steamer whose captain paid them twenty
+shillings.
+
+"Another German, Herr Student,[221] was compelled to look on while the
+natives drowned his comrade (Herr Nickstadt) in a river, while he
+himself was afterwards delivered up to the English. Yet another, Herr
+Fischer, was surprised while taking a meal, bound hand and foot, beaten
+and then handed over to the English."[222]
+
+[Footnote 221: Four of these men are still in British captivity. Another
+Teuton who has sent blood-curdling tales to Germany may be found in the
+person of Martin Trojans, prisoner on Rottnest Island. It would be good
+to give these men an opportunity of making statements in London before a
+commission of neutral diplomatists.--Author.]
+
+[Footnote 222: "In englischer Gefangenschaft," pp. 1-30.]
+
+After all, the picture does not seem so terrible as this good missionary
+would make out. In any case he has failed to make out a case which will
+bear comparison with that already proved against the German army in
+Europe, or even so bad as the treatment dealt out by German civilians to
+their fellow-countrymen during August, 1914. Furthermore it may be
+safely assumed that the bitterness of the natives is to be ascribed to
+German tyranny, which culminated, as Norden relates on p.16 of his book,
+in the strangling of a number of natives, including chiefs of tribes
+just before the advent of the British.
+
+Still his book has had due influence on German public opinion. A German
+lady in a book full of hysterical hate[223] has based a foul charge upon
+Norden's statements (besides publishing his experiences the missionary
+has delivered many public lectures), that the English and French left
+German women to the mercies of the natives!
+
+[Footnote 223: Louise Niessen-Deiters: "Kriegsbriefe einer Frau" ("The
+War Letters of a Woman"), p. 56.]
+
+"In the hearts of all those Germans who in this great time, are banished
+from the Fatherland and who do not know how things really stand, there
+burns a great hate, hate for England and the ardent desire to fight
+against her--the basest and most hated of all our enemies.
+
+"I have come to the end of my report, which contains only a fraction of
+the outrages committed by Albion. And this nation talks of German
+atrocities! If all the lies spread by the English Press were true, even
+then England would have every reason to be dumb. Only he who has felt
+the effects of English hate upon his own person can understand the
+brutal deeds perpetrated recently on Germans in London and Liverpool.
+There, England's moral depth is revealed only too clearly, and before
+the world she seeks to drag us down to the same level."[224]
+
+[Footnote 224: Norden's book, p. 43 _et seq_.]
+
+Considering that the total number of Germans captured in the Cameroons
+is only equal to the number of civilians murdered or wounded in British
+towns by Zeppelin bombs, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds to
+the German Government, one begins to wonder whether Norden and his
+countrymen possess any sense of proportion. Germans are assiduous
+students of Shakespeare, but have seemingly overlooked the comedy: _Much
+ado about Nothing_.
+
+Ireland is another text for long and windy sermons of German hate, but
+the conclusion of one of these tirades[225] will suffice to show
+Germany's real motive.
+
+[Footnote 225: Dr. Hans Rost: "Deutschland's Sieg, Irland's Hoffnung"
+("Germany's Victory, Ireland's Hope"), p. 25 _et seq_.]
+
+"At present the direction of the Irish revolutionary movement is in the
+hands of Professor Evin MacNeill, Mac O'Rahilly and, above all, Sir
+Roger Casement. The final acceptance of the 'Constitution of Irish
+Volunteers' was carried on Sunday, October 25th, 1914, in Dublin. At
+that congress of Irish volunteers--who to-day number more than 300,000
+well-armed men--special stress was laid on the fact that the volunteers
+are Irish soldiers and not imperialistic hirelings.
+
+"Further the members of the organization have engaged not to submit
+under any circumstances to the Militia Ballot Act, a kind of national
+service law which, remarkable to say, is only enforced in Ireland.
+
+"The Irishmen are thronging to join the movement, and pamphlets are
+being distributed, and appeals made on all sides. Besides which, weapons
+are being gathered and money collected. The entire episcopacy of Ireland
+has warned the young men against enlisting in English regiments on the
+ground that they will be placed in regiments to which no Catholic priest
+is attached. The warning has been most successful in hindering
+recruiting. In order to break the opposition of the bishops, England has
+appointed a special representative to the Vatican.
+
+"When the German Emperor took steps to appoint Catholic priests in the
+prisoners' camps where Irish soldiers are interned, the English at once
+appointed forty-five Catholic priests with officer's rank, to the
+British army in France. Even this measure, as well as the sudden
+diplomatic activity at the Vatican, is little calculated to extinguish
+the hate for England in the Irish mind.
+
+"On November 24th (1914) James Larkin began a propaganda in America. He
+appealed to all Irishmen to send gold, weapons, and ammunition to
+Ireland, for the day of reckoning with England. 'We will fight,' said
+Larkin, 'for the destruction of the British Empire and the foundation of
+an Irish republic; we will fight to deliver Ireland from that foul heap
+of ruins called England.' The assembly broke into enthusiastic applause.
+
+"At that moment the curtain was raised, and on the stage a company of
+Irish volunteers and a number of German uhlans were revealed. The
+officers commanding the companies crossed swords and shook hands while
+the assembly sang the 'Wacht am Rhein' and 'God save Ireland.'
+
+"Sir Roger Casement has long been a thorn in the side of the English
+Government, therefore the latter has not shrunk from making a murderous
+conspiracy against the life of this distinguished Irish leader. In
+agreement with Sir Edward Grey, the British Minister in Christiania, Mr.
+Findlay, tried to bribe Casement's companion--named Christensen--to
+murder Sir Roger. The attempted murder did not succeed, but the original
+documents are in the possession of the German Foreign Office, so that
+all doubt is excluded as to the English Government's participation--with
+their most honourable Grey at the head--in this Machiavellian plan."
+
+This colossal Germanism concerning a plan to murder Sir Roger Casement
+has been assiduously spread throughout the German Press. The Berlin
+Government allows the German people to believe that incriminating
+documents are in their possession, and the vilest statements to blacken
+Mr. Findlay's character were printed in German newspapers when that
+gentleman was appointed to the Bulgarian Court in Sofia.
+
+There are so few utterances in German war literature, which display
+reason or even moderation, that the author feels glad to be in a
+position to cite two. In the May number of the
+_Sueddeutsche-Monatshefte_, Professor Wilhelm Franz (Tuebingen) reviewed
+one of the hate-books, viz., a work entitled "Pedlars and Heroes" by a
+German named Sombart. A few passages will suffice to show that Germany
+is not quite devoid of straight-forward men, who dare to castigate hate.
+
+"Towards the end of his book, Sombart solemnly assures the English that
+'they need not fear us as a colonizing power; we (the Germans) have not
+the least ambition to conquer half-civilized and barbarian peoples in
+order to fill them with German spirit (_Geist_). But the English can
+colonize and fill such peoples with their spirit--for they have none, or
+at least only a pedlar's.'
+
+"It would never occur to any sane man to refute effusions of this kind,
+for they cannot be taken seriously. Still I cannot but wish that an
+angry English journalist with his clever and fiery pen, would fall upon
+Sombart's book and give its author a sample of English spirit. The work
+teems with unjust, incorrect opinions; is full of crass ignorance and
+grotesque exaggerations, which lead the unlearned astray, injure
+Germany's cause, and annoy those who know better--so far as they do not
+excite ridicule.
+
+"What is one to think when Sombart asks his readers: 'What single
+cultural work has emerged from the great shop, England, since
+Shakespeare--except that political abortion the English State?'
+
+"If I had to answer Sombart I should say, the great shop has given the
+English State practically everything which makes for internal peace,
+solidarity and national health. It has enabled the nation to exercise
+tolerance within, and develop splendour and power without, which in
+their turn have made Britannia the mistress of the world's waterways,
+and the British the first colonial nation in the world.
+
+"England's cultural development has brought all these since
+Shakespeare's time; energy, willpower, united with high endeavour to
+realize great aims and overcome mighty resistance. And the basis of this
+splendid progress which compels the admiration of all other States, was
+what Sombart presumes to call an 'abortion.'"
+
+The other is taken from "Der englische Gedanke in Deutschland" ("The
+English Idea in Germany,") by Ernst Mueller-Holm, p. 72. "It is not true
+that all Englishmen are scoundrels. It is not true that there is nothing
+but pedlar's spirit in England, and because it is not true it should not
+be said, not even in these times when war passions run high.
+
+"The fatherland of Shakespeare, Byron and Thackeray; the home of Newton,
+Adam Smith, Darwin and Lyell will ever remain a land of honour to
+educated Germans. Where would it end if I were to count up the heroes of
+English intellect whose names are written in letters of gold in
+humanity's great book?"
+
+It is well to conclude this chapter of hate with two quotations which
+breathe respect. The author does not believe that German hate will be so
+long-enduring as the hate-mongers would have us think. Rather, he is
+convinced that mutual interest will force the two nations together
+within one or two decades. Preparatory for that day, it is Britain's
+duty to compel Germany's respect.
+
+There are good, even magnificent forces in the German nation; there are
+still noble-minded, high-thinking Germans who yearn to work in the great
+civilizing world enterprises. But--and therein lies the tragedy--"the
+good, the true, the pure, the just" are not to-day the predominating
+powers. They must work out their own salvation; but if the time ever
+comes when the finest and best German thought directs Germany's
+destinies, then there will be no lack of sympathizers in this country,
+who will hail the day as the advent of a new world era. For the present,
+all mutual jealousies, all the burning ambitions, all quarrels and hate,
+are submitted to the arbitrament of the sword. If Britain only wields
+her sword so well and honourably, as to gain unstinted victory, that
+will prove to be the firmest basis for future respect and enduring
+peace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"MAN TO MAN AND STEEL TO STEEL"
+_Scott_.
+
+
+Mention has already been made of German disrespect, even contempt for
+England and the English. One of the reasons for this contempt was the
+smallness of the British army, and the fact that our soldiers are paid
+servants of the country. Germans apparently never could comprehend why a
+man should receive payment for serving his country by bearing arms, and
+that fact appeared to them to afford overwhelming evidence of the
+pedlar-soul (_Kraemergeist_). The second conclusion drawn, has generally
+been that the Britisher is devoid of all sense of duty and
+self-sacrificing patriotism. Probably the flocking of several million
+men to arms in defence of the Empire, and in defence of British
+conceptions of right and wrong has done something to convince Germans
+that the premises of the syllogism, were not so self-evident as they had
+imagined.
+
+"Among all the great European Powers, England is the only one which has
+not introduced national service and remained true to the principle of
+keeping an army of paid soldiers. Hence, when in all other lands at the
+outbreak of war, the entire people stands ready to defend the national
+honour, England is compelled to beat the recruiting drums before she can
+wage war."[226]
+
+[Footnote 226: Dr. H. Hirschberg: "Wie John Bull seine Soeldner wirbt"
+("How John Bull recruits his Mercenaries"), p. 3. Hirschberg reproduces
+in facsimile a large number of the recruiting placards which have
+decorated the British Isles since the outbreak of war. "Your King and
+Country need you" is also given (English and German) with music.]
+
+"England wages war on business lines. It is not the sons of the land who
+bleed for Britannia's honour; mercenaries from the four corners of the
+world--including blacks--carry on the war as a trade for England's
+business world and nobility. England might well smirk as she uttered
+blessings on the Triple Entente, for has she not borne the brand of
+perfidy for centuries? Her breast conceals the meanest pedlar's spirit
+in the, world.
+
+"Every battle which Russia loses is a victory for England, and every
+defeat which France suffers means profit for England. She can afford to
+wait till her allies are beaten and then take over their business.
+'First come, first served' does not hold good in England's case; for her
+motto is, the last to come gets the prize.
+
+"Twelve Powers declared war on Germany. Then Japan, the thirteenth,
+poked out her yellow face and demanded Kiau Chou. A hyena had smelt
+corpses, but the blackmailing Mongol received no reply to his ultimatum.
+Grim laughter was heard in Germany--booming, bitter laughter at the band
+of thieves who hoped to plunder us. And in the wantonness of their
+righteous wrath, German soldiers scribbled on the barrack walls an
+immortal sentence: 'Declarations of war thankfully received!'"[227]
+
+[Footnote 227: A. Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion" ("Against
+France and Albion"). Stuttgart, 1915; pp. 11-12.]
+
+"How wickedly the war was forced upon Germany! A ring of enemies
+surrounded her. Envy and ill-will were their motives, but they lacked
+the right measure for Germany's greatness. Our people stand invincible,
+united, staking life and everything they have--till the last enemy lies
+in the dust.
+
+"Not much longer and the goal will be attained; the many-sided attack
+has been smashed and the war carried into enemy lands. Shining glory has
+been won by Germany's armies. The passionate _elan_ of our soldiers,
+their death-despising bravery and one-minded strength, have gained
+victory after victory.
+
+"Revenge begins to glow against the originator of the
+world-conflagration--against false England! Mute and astonished the
+world saw her baseness--wondering at her greatness and her sin. Envy and
+ill-will inspired her to cast the lives of millions into the scales, to
+open the flood-gates of blood, to spread pain and unspeakable
+misery--herself coldly smiling.
+
+"What are men's lives to England? She pays for them. Her army of
+mercenaries which was to force her yoke on Europe, is paid with the gold
+of blackmailers. She sends hirelings into the field to defend the
+inheritance of her ancestors; paid mercenaries fight for her most sacred
+possessions, while those who pay the blood-money throng to see the
+masterly exponents of football. And England is proud of her splendid
+sons who prefer this intellectual game to stern battle with the enemy.
+
+"How different it is with our men! With shouts of joy they march forth
+to meet the foe, offering their lives in a spirit of glad sacrifice for
+the highest and best which the world has to offer humanity. Storming
+forwards with the song, 'Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles,' our
+youthful hosts, greeting death with a smile, hurl themselves upon the
+enemy. Truly, wherever and so long as men are men, the glory of our
+warriors will find remembrance in brave hearts."[228]
+
+[Footnote 228: J. Bermbach: "Zittere, England!" ("England, tremble!").
+Weimar, 1915; p. 5 _et seq_.]
+
+"It would be neither right nor just to accuse English soldiers of a want
+of courage. They have fought everywhere, by land and sea, with
+respect-inspiring gallantry--for mercenaries! But the warlike virtues of
+England's armies cannot atone for the cowardice with which she has
+conducted the struggle for naval supremacy. Albion means England's
+rulers. And this England of Messrs. Grey and Churchill, has covered
+herself with shame for all time by the manner of her warfare on sea.
+
+"Albion has not changed. She has hidden her battleships in the bays of
+northern Ireland, and conducts war on sea--not against our ships and
+soldiers, but against those at home, German women and children! 'The
+pinch of hunger makes the heart weak,' said the noble-minded
+Churchill."[229]
+
+[Footnote 229: Fendrich: "Gegen Frankreich und Albion," p. 152 _et
+seq_.]
+
+"According to its composition the English army is an army of
+mercenaries. On that account, however, it would be a great mistake to
+despise the quality of the soldiers or to cherish contempt for them. The
+standard of physical fitness demanded of the recruits was--at least up
+till a short time ago--more severe than that imposed in other lands.
+There is no doubt, our German brothers who have met the English on the
+field of battle, admit that they fight not only with valour but with
+unyielding stubbornness.
+
+"This results not so much from barrack-yard drill and field manoeuvres,
+as from the practical experience of warfare gained in many campaigns.
+England is occupied almost uninterruptedly, in warlike enterprises in
+some part of the world or other. Further, the officers--belonging mostly
+to the upper circles--have distinguished themselves in the field by a
+rash bravery which was marked perhaps, not so much by military as
+sportsmanlike behaviour.
+
+"All in all the strategic value of the English army in regard to
+leadership, training, discipline and the spirit of the troops, cannot
+compare with the conscript armies of other lands--especially the German
+army. Yet the contempt which has been expressed for it in the Press as
+an army of hirelings, is just as little merited to-day as it was in the
+past when it added many a glorious page to England's history.
+
+"These remarks are intended as a refutation to the reproaches made
+against the English army. It is true, those unjust criticisms did not
+originate with experts, or they would imply a dangerous under-estimation
+of the enemy. But in consequence of the widespread acceptance among the
+masses they unjustly feed the fires of hate."[230]
+
+[Footnote 230: Dr. G. Landauer: "England." Vienna; 1915, pp. 74-5.]
+
+"For the last ten days we have been resting to the west of Lille not far
+from Armentieres; an English army is opposed to us. My battery is one of
+the links in the long chain of growlers[231] which daily pour fire and
+iron on to the enemy. We gave up counting the days and fights, for every
+day has its battle. Besides the English there are Indian troops, and a
+few French batteries in front of us.
+
+[Footnote 231: The Germans call their big guns "Brummer," _i.e._,
+growler.--Author.]
+
+"Every day confirms our experience that we are faced by an enemy with
+incomparable powers of resistance and endurance. An enemy who can hardly
+be shaken by the sharpest rifle-fire or the most awful rain of shell and
+shrapnel. We gain ground slowly, exceedingly slowly, and every step of
+soil has to be paid for dearly.
+
+"In the trenches taken by storm the English dead lie in rows, just like
+men who had not winced or yielded before the bayonets of the stormers.
+From the military point of view it must be admitted that such an enemy
+deserves the greatest respect. The English have adapted the experiences
+gained in their colonial wars to European conditions in a particularly
+clever manner.
+
+"Every attempt to cross the canal was thwarted by artillery fire and in
+many places the enemy was more advantageously situated than our men. His
+trenches were at least dry while ours were flooded with water. I went
+into the front trenches by Dixmude and found them lined half a yard deep
+with faggots and wood, yet at every step our feet sank into the water
+and slush.
+
+"On the other bank of the Yser lay the enemy and fired continuously.
+Anyone who saw our soldiers under these conditions and heard their jokes
+will never forget the sight. All the folk at home who grumbled at the
+slow progress ought to have been sent for a single day and night into
+that mud-swamp!
+
+"In those fields and canals, in this endless morass--made impassable by
+flooding--many, many brave German soldiers have sacrificed their lives.
+During the autumn and winter months of 1914 the whole Yser domain was
+transformed into a vast graveyard.
+
+"The battle-front was determined by the nature of the land. It stretched
+from the sea through Ramscapelle, Dixmude, Roulers, Paschendaal to Ypres
+and the rage of battle swayed like a tossing ship in ocean storm. Even
+now Germany does not know the greatness and terror of the battles fought
+there. Only names are known, such as Middelkerke, Zonnebeeke, Warneton,
+etc.
+
+"The Belgians fought with the courage of despair. Their battle-cry was
+'Louvain!' and 'Termonde!' Highlanders, Indians, Sikhs, Ghurkas,
+Zouaves, Turkos, Canadians, Belgians, French and English were thrown
+into the line, and ever-new regiments landed at Calais. Houses and
+villages were taken and re-taken at the point of the bayonet, as many as
+seven times. Towns and bridges were conquered and lost often eight times
+in succession, accompanied by heavy artillery duels and incredible
+losses."[232]
+
+[Footnote 232: Heinrich Binder: "Mit dem Hauptquartier nach Westen," p.
+123 _et seq_.]
+
+"We[233] have just gone into billets. Not far off are the positions of
+_the_ enemy--the English. There will be a battle to-morrow and everybody
+is serious. Mostly by the evening, we are too tired to think, but it is
+not so to-day.
+
+[Footnote 233: Extracts from the diary of a German soldier, published in
+"Der Weltkrieg" ("The World War"). Leipzig, 1915; p. 632 _et seq_.]
+
+"Again and again I arrive at the same conclusion--war is too great a
+thing to comprehend. Now we are going into battle with the
+black-white-gold band on our breasts. Greetings to you all at home,
+above all to you, father. I have your blessing, haven't I?
+
+"October 24th.--We are lying before the road from Ypres to Paschendaal.
+The Lt. Colonel has just told us that 'the losses cannot go on at this
+rate.' By the side of the brook, on this side the road, English
+sharpshooters are in hiding. They shoot damned straight. Our artillery
+is not yet up; the reason for our heavy losses yesterday.
+
+"The infantry advance with a rush towards the windmill, but we no sooner
+top the hill than the English machine guns begin to rattle. Our front
+ranks are mown down. Every attempt to advance fails. The order was given
+to lie down and there we remained for four hours. Then we rush one after
+the other through a hedge. When darkness fell we had nearly reached the
+English trenches, but were recalled and spent the night in our trench.
+
+"The next morning passed quietly, except for rifle-fire. Captain von K.
+was hit, and rolled over in front of the trench. Three comrades crept
+out one after the other to fetch him--all three fell. At last our
+wounded captain was still too--killed by a second bullet. Being
+compelled to watch this scene without power to help, was the beginning
+of our day.
+
+"Just after mid-day the music began. Crash! a shell lands in our trench
+on the right. A short pause, and crash follows crash as the shells are
+dropped into our trench at distances of four yards. Death walks slowly
+up the trench towards us. We know that he is coming, we see him.
+Everybody is lying flat on the ground. We are waiting for 'our' shell.
+
+"If we had a communication trench we could escape--but there isn't one.
+We reckon the distance: twenty-five yards away another direct hit.
+Crash! only twenty yards. Fifteen yards! We have only five minutes to
+live. Thoughts of God and home and parents rush through the mind; yet
+they are only numb feelings. Crash! ten yards; one more and then comes
+'ours.' But no, the next boom was in the trench behind, and in the same
+manner that trench was cleared from end to end.
+
+"'Lieutenant T. killed, Lieutenant K. takes command' was passed along.
+We have hardly left the trench when bullets begin to whistle round our
+heads. Man after man remains behind. At last night sinks and hides the
+horrors of the day. I have lost my company and spend the night in the
+open with a few others.
+
+"The next morning the sun shone brightly; the morning wind blows coldly
+over the furrows and over the dead. I have no words to describe what I
+saw--but my heart bled! Near Paschendaal I found my company. Altogether
+there are thirty of us--out of two hundred and fifty."
+
+German war literature affords a complete picture of the transformation
+of German contempt for the British army into profound respect. As
+witness the following:
+
+"It cannot be denied that the English have supported Joffre's offensive
+with valour, strength and vigour. The battles which have raged since the
+end of September on the front between Givenchy la Gobelle and
+Armentieres, have confirmed the deadly seriousness of the English. And
+if they have not obtained great successes, still, in this gigantic
+grapple, they have displayed desperate courage which compels the
+admiration of their opponents.
+
+"The Commander of a division, with whom I spent the last few days, said
+to me in a tone of deep conviction: 'Nobody must talk lightly of English
+soldiers in my presence. Their bravery and the extraordinary courage of
+English officers compels my admiration. Regimental commanders and staff
+officers advanced in the first line of their troops. They fight and fall
+by the side of their men. I saw several high officers killed myself.'
+Besides, I have heard his Excellency's words confirmed by many of his
+officers."[234]
+
+[Footnote 234: Julius Hirsch; War Correspondent with the German Army, in
+the _Fraenkischer Kurier_, October 22nd, 1915.]
+
+In a previous work the author has expressed the opinion that Great
+Britain must employ all her strength in this, the greatest of all wars,
+and in concluding this work he repeats that warning still more
+emphatically. Only a true realization of the inevitable fact that
+British democracy is on trial by battle--"man to man and steel to
+steel"--will give the necessary courage, endurance, faith and hope to
+bring the issue to a victorious end.
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+Alleged Ill-Treatment of Germans in Belgium
+Appreciation, a German, of England
+Atrocities
+Attack on Liege by a Zeppelin
+Attitude of Germany and Austria
+Austrian mobilization
+
+Battle of the Marne
+Belgian kindness to Germans
+Belgrade during the crisis
+Bethmann-Hollweg falsely accuses Russia of causing the war
+Bismarck
+Britain's position in the world
+British
+  accused of plundering
+  Army
+  General Staff's guide-books to Belgium
+  inefficiency
+  Navy
+  Socialists
+Brutal treatment of foreigners in Germany
+
+Courage of British Army
+
+Demonstrations in Favour of War
+Diplomatic battles
+
+England's Attitude
+  heir
+  neutrality, German offers for
+Excitement in Germany
+
+French Airmen, Alleged Attack near Nuremberg
+  alleged attack on Frankfort
+
+German Brutality towards Germans
+  Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag
+  comment on the conference proposal
+  Crown Prince
+  frontiers, alleged violation by the French
+  General Staff, did it conspire to bring about war?
+German efficiency
+  invasion of France
+  losses
+  methods
+  mobilization
+  nerves
+  opinion of England
+  plundering
+  Press plays Germany a foul trick
+  provocation to Belgians before the war
+  State, a Nirvana
+German Socialists
+  and conscription
+  and universal peace
+  cheer the announcement that Germany had invaded two neutral countries
+  help Kaiser's government
+  support the war
+  vote for a war of aggression
+  why they supported the war
+German Socialists' attitude to England
+  campaign against Russia
+  class-war
+  peace programme
+  proclamation on August 1st, 1914,
+German troops enter Belgium and Luxembourg
+  unity
+  war against civilians
+German White Book on atrocities by the Belgians
+Germans charge French with looting
+  enter Brussels
+  invade Belgium
+Germany declares war on France
+  declares war on Russia
+  made peace impossible
+  rejects British friendship
+Germany's alleged efforts  for peace
+  case
+  case against Belgian civilians
+  hunt for phantom gold
+  hunt for spies
+  re-birth
+  ultimatum to Russia
+Grey, Sir Edward
+Grey's, Sir Edward, conference proposal
+
+Haldane Lord
+Hate literature
+Heligoland prepared for war
+
+Ill-treatment, alleged, of Germans by British
+Ireland and Germany
+Iron Crosses
+Italian Socialists condemn their German comrades
+
+Japan
+
+Kaiser's return to Berlin
+  threat
+  threat to England
+_Koenigin Luise_ starts to lay mines round the English coast
+
+Lassalle's opinion of Austria
+Last protest against war
+Legend of gouged-out eyes
+Letter of Belgian Legation Secretary
+Louvain
+Lying, a foundation-stone of German policy
+
+Macdonald, Mr. Ramsay
+Martial law proclaimed in Germany
+Militarism, spirit of
+
+Necessity knows no law
+Neutrality of Belgium
+"Now there are only Germans"
+
+Oncken, Professor Hermann
+Opinion in France at the outbreak of war
+
+Peace, did Germany work for?
+Poisoned water-supply scare
+Press, German, condemns the Austrian ultimatum
+Prince Heinrich's telegram to King George
+Proclamation of the Social Democrats, July 25th, 1914
+Propaganda for the annexation of Belgium
+
+Reconciliation with Germany
+Roman Catholic Church refutes German atrocity legends
+Russia ignores the German ultimatum
+Russia's attitude during the crisis
+  military measures
+  right to intervene
+
+Secret Belgian documents seized in Brussels
+Social Democratic demonstrations against war
+Social Democrats' report on Belgium
+Socialists, German, vote for war
+Spy scare and its results
+Status of German professors
+Swiss Neutral on Belgian neutrality
+
+Terms of Triple Alliance
+Treatment of Belgian civilians
+Trevelyan's, Mr. Charles, remarkable promise
+Tricks of the German Press
+
+Unprepared Condition of the Franco-Belgian Frontier
+
+Violation of Belgian Neutrality
+_Volksstaat_ (People's State)
+
+War Delirium
+Warsaw citadel blown up
+Wolff's News Agency
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's What Germany Thinks, by Thomas F. A. Smith
+
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