We in England would feel even deeper sadness than weighs upon us now if we could suppose that such principles had been embraced by the nation whose thinkers have done so much for human progress and who have produced so many shining examples of Christian saintliness; but when those principles have been ostentatiously proclaimed, when a peaceful neutral country which the other belligerent had solemnly and repeatedly undertaken to respect has been invaded and treated as Belgium has been treated, and when attempts are made to justify these deeds as incidental to a campaign for civilization and culture, it becomes necessary to point out how untrue and how pernicious such principles are.
Most Wars Needless and Unjust.
What are the teachings of history to which Gen. Bernhardi is fond of appealing? That war has been the constant handmaid of tyranny and the source of more than half the miseries of man; that, although some wars have been necessary and have given occasion for a display of splendid heroism--wars of defense against aggression or to succor the oppressed--most wars have been needless or unjust; that the mark of an advancing civilization has been the subst.i.tution of friendship for hatred and of peaceful for warlike ideals; that small peoples have done and can do as much for the common good of humanity as large peoples; that treaties must be observed, (for what are they but records of national faith, solemnly pledged, and what could bring mankind more surely and swiftly back to that reign of violence and terror from which it has been slowly rising for the last ten centuries than the destruction of trust in the plighted faith of nations?)
No event has brought out that essential unity which now exists in the world so forcibly as this war has done, for no event has ever so affected every part of the world. Four continents are involved, the whole of the Old World, and the New World suffers grievously in its trade, industry, and finances. Thus the whole world is interested in preventing the recurrence of such a calamity and there is a general feeling throughout the world that the causes which have brought it upon us must be removed.
We are told that armaments must be reduced; that the baleful spirit of militarism must be quenched; that peoples must everywhere be admitted to a fuller share in the control of foreign policy; that efforts must be made to establish a sort of league of concord--some system of international relations and reciprocal peace alliances by which weaker nations may be protected and under which differences between nations may be adjusted by courts of arbitration and conciliation of wider scope than those that now exist.
All these things are desirable, but no scheme for preventing future wars will have any chance of success unless it rests upon the a.s.surance that the States which enter into it will loyally and steadfastly abide by it, and that each and all of them will join in coercing by their overwhelming united strength any State which may disregard obligations it has undertaken. The faith of treaties is the only solid foundation on which the temple of peace can be built up.
JAMES BRYCE.
Entrance of France Into War
By President Poincare and Premier Viviani.
Proclamation Issued to the People of France by President Poincare, Paris, Aug. 1.
For some days the condition of Europe has become considerably more serious in spite of the efforts of diplomacy. The horizon has become darkened.
At this hour most of the nations have mobilized their forces.
Some countries, even though protected by neutrality, have thought it right to take this step as a precaution.
Some powers, whose const.i.tutional and military laws do not resemble our own, have without issuing a decree of mobilization begun and continued preparations which are in reality equivalent to mobilization and which are nothing more or less than an antic.i.p.ation of it _(qui n"en sont que l"execution anticipee_).
France, who has always declared her pacific intentions, and who has at the darkest hours (_dans des heures tragiques_) given to Europe counsels of moderation and a living example of prudence (_sagesse_), who has multiplied her efforts for the maintenance of the world"s peace, has herself prepared for all eventualties and has taken from this moment the first indispensable measures for the safety of her territory.
But our legislation does not allow us to complete these preparations without a decree of mobilization.
Careful of its responsibility and realizing that it would be failing in a sacred task to leave things as they were, the Government has issued the decree which the situation demands.
Mobilization is not war. In the present circ.u.mstances it appears, on the contrary, to be the best means of a.s.suring peace with honor.
Strong in its ardent desire to arrive at a peaceful solution of the crisis the Government, protected by such precautions as are necessary, will continue its diplomatic efforts, and it still hopes to succeed.
It relies upon the calm of this n.o.ble nation not to give rein to emotions which are not justified. It relies upon the patriotism of all Frenchmen, and it knows that there is not one who is not ready to do his duty.
At this moment parties no longer exist; there remains only France, the eternal, the pacific, the resolute. There remains only the fatherland of right and of justice, entirely united in calm vigilance and dignity.
[Ill.u.s.tration: RENE VIVIANI, French Premier.
(_Photograph from Bain News Service._)]
NEUTRALIZED STATE RESPECTED.
Telegram from M. Viviani, French Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Ministry in Luxembourg, Published Aug. 3.
Please declare to the President of the Council that, in accordance with the Treaty of London of 1867, the Government of the Republic intended to respect the neutrality of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, as it has shown by its att.i.tude. The violation of this neutrality by Germany is, however, of a nature which compels France to take henceforth the measures in this respect required by her defense and interests.
The Prime Minister of Luxembourg has protested to the German Government, and has brought this protest to the notice of the German Emba.s.sy in Paris, stating the following facts:
On Sunday, Aug. 2, early in the morning, the Germans entered Luxembourg territory by the bridges of Wa.s.serbourg(?) and Remleh, proceeding toward the south of the country and Luxembourg, its capital. They have also brought toward this point armored trains, with troops and munitions of war. Further, the special French Commissioner at Pet.i.tcroix has announced to the Srete Generale that the Germans have just opened fire on the frontier station of Delle-Pet.i.tcroix. Two German cavalry officers have just been killed at Roncray and Boxson, ten kilometers on our side of the frontier.
THE NATION IN ARMS.
Address to the French Parliament by President Poincare, Aug. 4.
Our nation is in arms and trembling with eagerness to defend the land of our fathers.
France is faithfully supported by her ally, Russia. She is upheld by the loyal friendship of England, and, already, from all points of the civilized world, go out to her expressions of sympathy and good-will, for she represents today, once again before the universe, liberty, justice, and reason.
Lift up your hearts! Long live France!
POSITION OF THE REPUBLIC.