The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-01-21

The discussion OF this branch OF the authors
subject Is appropriately introduced with a
chapter on patriotism ono Of the words most
frequent on the lips OF a German. but seldom
In our days heard from the mouth OF an Eng
lishman. Mr.. Dawson would not. indeed. con-
tend that We ought to Judge solely by outward
demonstrations and infer that the German Is
at heart more patriotic than tho Britoa. 1t is
Acknowledged, nevertheless. that one cannot
witness the assertivo character OF German
patriotism without feeling OF admiration
aud even OF envy. The lavish exterior mani
festation OF patriotic feeling and loyalty which
one now observes in Germany is ascribed to the
fact that Germany Is still in the early youth OF
a new national life which owes its existence to
patriotic sacrifices so great and vet so willing
that their memory not less than their result is
a source OF continual inspiration. The truth
Is that the misfortunes which fell upon Ger
many during the Napoleonic despotsm were a
blessing In Disguise Germany needed a
shock she needed TO be pulled together. to be
reminded OF what she was. had been. and
should be; and the shock. rude as It was.
proved her salvation. The time OF her humil-
iation was also the time Of her regeneration.
The very extremity OF her condition called
forth soldiers. statesmen. and singers OF rare
genius: men whose hearts were warmed by
tho fire OF patriotism. who were Inspired by
the one desire to lift Germany from the dust
and place her again upon a throne. 1t was.
indeed. through suffering that her national
unity was perfected.
From tho close of the last century onward
for seventy years the history Of Germany ia
the history OF an almost uninterrupted move
ment toward national reinyigoration. 'Ys
must be born again" was recognized as tho
condition OF entrance into the condition OF lib
erty. OF independence. and OF empire. A won
derful succession OF epoc h- making events made
an empire out OF q geographical expression
and nation out Of q concourse OF individuals.
No wonder that with the memory OF brilliant
national achievements still green. patriotism
should flourish TO-DAY In Germany as II never
did before. What the elders are because OF
events they have witnessed or taken part In.
the young have become through training. Tho
incubation Of patriotism begins In the ele-
mentary school. where II Is learned with spell
ing and geography. The young pupils very
surroundings remind him OF his eountry's
history. its military renown. its greatness.
and its destiny. As a rule. portraits OF the
Emperor and Empress lock the pro-
spectve citizen in the face from morning till
night Hundreds, perhaps thousands. Of Ger
man schoolrooms are historical portrait gal
leries on n small and unprstentious scale. Not
only the heads OF the imperial family. but. out
side OF Prussia, the rulers OF the constituent
States. together with the two dead Emperors.
and often Bismarck and Moltke. may be seen
upon the walls. Nor are the portraits there
merely 10 be looked at; they ars used TO Illus
tTate the modern history OF Germany. OF tho
higher schools II may be fault that
in the past they have neglected modern
history. have as the present Emperor
once complained. travelled by way OF
ThermopylB and CannB to Sedan and
Grayelotte instead OF reversing the process.
But in the elementary schools, the children
are. for the most part. Wen drilled In the
knowledge Of tho leading national events OF
the last thirty years They know not only who
rules their country. but how ne came 70 rule
II they know that Germany has been unified
since 1870. and that their fathers took part in
a great campaign against France which proved
a series OF famous victories. Moreover. when
ever Sedan Day recurs. the schools throughout
the country are closed and tho children are
dismissed for n holiday aftera celebration con-
sistnE OF patriotic songs and recitations. and
an address from the teacher by WAY OF re-
minder 1.-THE day sienifc Every school,
boy knows the national colors and eau tell OF
tho regiments a. soon as he can mas
ter his multiplication table Patriotism
is further instilled in his younG mind
by the systematic singing OF national
songs. There is not child in Germany who
does not know his He'll dir i'm siegerkranz"
" Deutschland. Deutschland Gber Allies"
sic sOen Inn NIGHT IIahen" and =" Die
Wacht am Ehein." These songs and others
lIkethem, are taught assiduousT and the sing
Ing Of them forms not the least interesting and
i'm portant part Of school life.