New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-19
THE PEACE OF EUROPE.
Hoo Triple and Dual alliances
Haze Maintained 1t.
To the Editor of The tribune.

10 the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The Germans count the Triple Alliance
among the greatest achievements of their greatest
statesman. and they point to thirty-four years of
peace as direct result of this alliance They assert
that 1t was this alliance which kept the French
people from rushing into another war with their
neghbor, and that IT assured the peaceful progress
of Germany and France OF Austria and Italy dur
ing these years.
They also say that the traditional policy OF Eng
land aims at fostering among the Continental
nations OF Europe. because history proves that war
between these nations has enabled England TO
monOpolze one-ffth of the earth.
The English Cor must we say. The United King
dom people p maintain that Bismarck played false
TO Austria and Italy by entering into a private
agreement with Russia, which had for Its object TO
assure Russia OF German neutrality in case she
should be attacked by any other power.
This view this SANDER, the Germans call IT,
has been persistently and widely spread In
this country that cannot open a newspaper or
a review without finding It presented whenever
anything is said about the Triple Alliance.
But If this alliance is to secure peace why
should It be right for any of the powers con-
cerned to enter into a similar agreement with any
other power? The Triple Alliance has no other
object than TO limit war If 1t should be forced by
any outside power, TO the two countries concerned
and to prevent the interference of any other IN
the interest of the attacking power.
To illustrate: Should France attack Germany
and Russia offer to help France, both Austria ana
Italy would enter the war as alne5 OF OIeTHldhS
This is the principle of the Triple Alliance, On
the other hand II any power should attack Russia
Germany according TO the provisions of the Bis
marck agreement would stand aside until thlrd
power should interfere in favor Of the attacking
power. Germany would then be the ally OF Russia
and vice versa
This is the special agreement between Russia and
Germany the prototype of the agreement since en-
tered into by England and Japan 1t will be seen
that no wrong is done by such an arrangement 10
any power willing to keep the peace. In spite OF
her two brilliant campaigns when assailed by Aus
tria and afterward by France-unequalled' as the
Germans think in the annals OF war-Prussianized
Germany has been the most peaceful power OF Eu-
rope ever since the outbreak OF the first Slleslan
war more than one hundred and sixty years ago.
In the Seven Years War Prussia, assaiied oy
Franco and Austria helped England gain Canada
and the territory extending westward from the
Aneghanies to the Mississippi. Fredericks victory
at Rossbach decisive for this country In so far
in consequence OF this defeat. the French aoan
doned Montcalm and sent all their troops into
Germany But Just as soon England had &C
complished her Intentions she left Prussia to hght
both France and Austria alone; ,-,,.a,.-,, ,,,,ed
In the wars with Napoleon the Prusslarls galneu
three decisive battles the French OF the katz-
bach Cross Reeren and Dennewitz thereby fore
ing Napoleon 10 withdraw from Dresden to Leipsic
There they and the Russians assisted by the Aus,
Germany and led TO Napoleon's downfall
At WATERLOO they fought Grouchys ZOO men az
La Belle Alliance. thereby saving Wellington s
OF Napoleon. "A cost OF twice the loss In dead
and wounded sustained by Weington's army
In 1870 France again forced Prussia into war;
No country. Carlyle wrote at the time. ever mad
such a dangerous and troublesome neighbor as
Germany had for three hundred years In france
I'm twenty-four between France and Ger
many. France has been invariably the aggressor.
said Bismarck IN the German Parliament ana no
one has ever been able 70 show that he spoke any
thing but the exact truth
Hence the Triple Alliance. II II did result IN keep
Ing France quiet, was, indeed, great achievement
and II Il was Instituted solely in tho interest or
peace, II was as useful for France as for the rest
But there was also a Dual Alliance" between
Russia and France What was the duty or n
German statesman now
Evidently 10 assure Russia that Germany wes
pledged a policy OF peace, and that she would
never consent to peace disturbed by the ~anton
attack OF any power. Feeling sure that neither
Austria nor Italy would think Of such On attack az
long az the Triple Alliance existed. Bismarck be
trayed no one by entering in the name OF Germany
alone into agreement similar 20 the one which
forms the basis OF the Triple Alliance. Germany
might enter Into such agreement with France.
II France were willing. and might Italy or Aus
There would be In such agreements only al
dit!onal guarantees for the peace OF Europe. and
10 say that they would constitute ''treasonabl Bile
or ''perndious' breaches OF faith is 70 misunder-
stand or misrepresent the entire question.
England is bitter toward Germany just now nut
this bitterness will vanish after while. England
must and Will finally recognize that IL Is not enough
10 talk about and honesty but that there Is
also needed discrimination. an exact understanding
OF the facts. and above all, profound respect Tor
the truth IL fairness and honesty are TO be the rule
between nations CHARLES A f.CItf:.ft,da -,
Johns Hopkins University. Baltimore, May To- 1914