Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1881-04-07
FIELD MARSHAL MOLTKE,
Views of the Stern Old Soldier about Wal
q Misfortune but Unavoidable,

Views of the Stern Old Soldier about War.
q Misfortune but Unavoidable.
The letter addressed by Field Marshal
Moltke to Prof. Bluntscheli, in which he
declares that war is an institution ordained
by providence, was published some time
ago. This letter Tor rather the singular
idea advanced therein) has induced Mr..
Goubareff, member Of the society for the
Reform and Codifcation of International
Laws, to address another epistle to the tact
turn, grim old warrior, in which he (Goub-
aretf) attempts to demonstrate the fallacy
of some Of the views and propositions ad-
vanced by Moltke. The latter has now re-
sponded in another letter, which can also
be regarded as answer to those who assert
that the Field Marshal is guilty of gross
inconsistency, as seems to appear from his
letter to a peasant in Saxony, wherein he
plainly stated that every war, even vic
torious one ia great misfortune for the
people. He reiterates the same statement,
but often shows that the truth of it will not
prevent people from going to war. Follow
ing is the letter:
Mr.. Goubaref, Beaulieat, France-DEAR
| SIR: You were kind enough to send me a
memorandum containing your thoughts and
views in relation to the grave questions
which occupy the serious attention of the
present age, and at the same time you ask
FOR my opinion in reference to them. I
must content myself with answering your
views about war from my own stand point.
You Internationally declare war to be a
crime, although it has been glorified in
verse and prose. I regard war as the last,
but entirely justifable, means to maintain
the existence, the independence and the hon.
or of state. 1t is to be hoped that the ap:
plication of these last means will become
less frequent as we progress in culture; but
no state Tan discard or renounce war alto
gether as remedy under certain circum-
stances. Is not the life of human being
yes, of all nature a continuous conflict
between that which is being created anew
and the existing? And does this not apply
to the development and existence of peo-
Piles and nations as well? Who would dare
to deny that every war, even a victorious
one, is misfortune for the people, because
no acquisition of property or lands, no mil
| lizards in money, Or a remuneration for the
loss Of human life and the deep sorrow and
anguish caused to families? But who in
this world can escape misfortune or the de-
mands made by necessity? Are not both
ordained by Providence to be con-
ditions of our terrestrial existence? Not the
lips Of Wallenstein, but those of Max,
our great poet (Schiller) tells us, war is
terrible like Heavens plaques; but it is
good, because, like those, it is fate" And
that war has its good sides, that it awakens
and develops virtues which. would other
wise have slumbered, or perhaps might
have been extinguished forever, hardly any
one will attempt to dispute.
OF course it is by far easier task to run
into ecstasy over the blessings of peace than
| to advise and suggest how peace can be
preserved. In order to harmonize the an
tagonistic interests of nations, to settle their
quarrels and controversies, you propose to
put in place OF diplomacy permanent Con-
gress of chosen delegates of all nations.
have more confidence in the intelligence
and power of Governments themselves than
in such an areopagus. The time of Cab
met wars belongs to the past. and to- day
hardly any ruler of State can be found
| who would take the terrible responsibility
upon his shoulders to draw the sword with
out just cause. If only everywhere the
Governments were strong enough to keep
in check the passions of their people who
are clamoring for war!
Your memorandum particularly emphasi-
zes the warlike inclination of the Germanic
race. request that you should examine
the history of our century, and then judge
for yourself whether Germany inaugurated
any war or not. Germany has gained its
object; it is united. Germany has not the
least cause or desire for warlike adventures.
But Germany may be forced to defend it.
prepared. unite my wishes with yours,
that such an emergency may never arise.
Very respectfully,
C0T1NT Y M0rTKE