TaÌˆgliches Cincinnatier volksblatt. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1885-1919, 1914-11-02
Misrepresentation as aFine
Art.

ject to pcrnicious epidemics as public
health. Let some important event arise
which enlists the passions or calls forth
a conflict of interest and all sources OF
morality which gave healthy tone to
society are poisoned. Such a state OF
affairs which might almost be called a
public calamity has been produced by
the war in Europe. Disingenuousness is
cultivated like an accomplishment, and
perversion OF facts has risen to the
dignity of fine art, and Germany Is
the victim OF there Misrepresentation.
An instance in point is an editorial
squib in Harpers Weekly which reads.
MORALS OF THE HAvE-NorS
The gist OF the German case, as
most strongly presented, ID that current
political morality such as that urged
at the Hague, is the device OF nations
like England, France, and the United
States, that have what they need and
have therefor invented a code of ethics
to keep it. The same thing can Dc said
and is said by individuals OF the laws
against cmbezzlement, arson, and rob.
berry. Indeed the man who steals he.
cause his family needs more luxnrics
has stronger case than the country
that defends aggrcssions on the ground
that when It's citizens emigrate they
have to go to countries that exist
under other flags than the German.
The Individual who, wishing to steal
some bills which he conceives will
widen his chances Of development,
finds it necessary TO kill po-
liceman for the better carrying
out of his purpose, has better case
than the German Chancellor has pre-
sented for trampling on Begium, or
than has been thought out by any other
apologist."
The cryptic language in which the
editor expresses his opinion indicates
kind of embarrassment. He does not
speak boldly. because he feels that he
speaks untruthfully. But what is hidden
under this confused humble is the
charge: That Germany planned and
brought on the war TO obtain colonies
where her emigrants could remain nnter
the German flag and that in the exeeu-
tion OF this criminal design Belgium was
trampled upon. This charge is flgment
OF a disordered brain. The perpetrator
Of the squib can not point to solitary
German in authority who has given
utterance to sach thoughts and inten-
tions. A German professor by the
name of Trei.schke has in his writings
spoken Of German mission OF CON
quest. A German retired General by
the name OF llcrnhardi has pointed out
that Germany had a right to follow the
example OF England that never scrupled
to outrage weaker nations like the
Beers. Egypt etc. to obtain. by force
of arms, colonies to expand her com
merce. Hence Germany had the same
right TO acquire colonies where the
surplus Of her population might he
preserved for the German nation, and
a German philosopher by the name OF
Nietschke has proclaimed the principle
that might goes before right. On such
a flimsy foundation has been reared
n fabric Of SANDER against Germany.
Three irresponsible men who can not
claim shred OF authority, are pro-
duced as witnesses. II this is good
evidence, every disordered mind In this
country could be called an exponent OF
the views Of our own nation. Every
American, the editor OF Iiarpers Weekly
included, wonld repell such an assump-
ton. But with strange Inconsistency
the German nation is held responsible
for the views of extremists or down.
right cranks. Such a line OF arguments
is outrageously unfair and assumes the
character Of willful misrepresentation
when the facts that reiute such SANDER
are Intentionally disregaried.
No one can deny that Germany, for
fourty.three years, has cherished peace,
that with the greatest army OF the
world at her command, she has cult
waited peaceful relations with all the
world and has by her exertions pre-
served peace among the great powers
in that long period. II is, therefor,
contrary to all conceptions Of good
sense that she was all Of sudden
seized with fighting fit. II requires
no philosophical research but only a
spark OF honesty to discover what com
PEELED a nation justly respected for
peaceful disposition to resort TO arms.
One single notorious historical fact
affords sufficient explanation to
those who desire to see and tell the
truth.
The foundation for the present war
was laid when England Joined tho En-.
tente Of Russia and France. The three
enemies that are now fighting Germany
concluded at that time An alliance
fop war. France was brooding
over the loss OF Alsatia Lor.
xa;.a p,..;. ,,,adta sad vencnanee for