The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-09

people have been making steady progress
toward democratic government. The peo-
pie OF Germany now have more political
liberty than ever before. Even the most
radical Socialists admit that And during
twenty-six OF these years the present
Kaiser has been on the throne.
"Kaiscr stands for Peace"
I'm all these twenty-six years the Raj.
ser has never been at war. More than
once he has preserved the peace OF Europe
and would have succeeded in maintaining
II now had It not been for the Diet r.
mination OF the Car 10 seize the oppor-
tunity to use his ally catspaws of the
west to stop revolution at home and i'm.
measurably strengthen Russia abroad.
IF the Kaiser had been the war lori
so many Americans are fond of picturns
him. only awaiting convenient opportunity
TO start campaign Of aggre ssCu AMI
acquisition, II II strange that he took no
advantage OF the Boer war or the Russo
Japanese war. but steadily stood for
peace.
Emperor Williams ambition has been
TO leave behind him n greater, richer.
more prosperous, happier Germany Hence
he hns opposed war lie has been ac-
cused OF vanty-it Is easy to say suCi
things about any great. strong man. But
we Germans know that the Kaiser has
always considered his greatness was tho
greatness Of Germany. 1t is also Easy
to say Germany seeks territorial con-
quest wants to rule the world and set
up Teutonic empires oversee. But after
the war Of 1866. in which Germany de-
feated Austria in n few days Germany
could have taken all the territory sh.
wanted, but took nothing and Austria
has been her friend ever since
After the French war Germany. OF
course. was able TO dictate terms. but
took only Alsace. formerly German. and
part OF Lorraine simply for protection
as buffer provinces. In victory Germany
has been so moderate that II Is Idle to
accuse her OF landlus,
The German people saw this war afar
on they are not surprised that Il has
come. They have known that sooner or
later they would be compelled 10 fight for
their existence. Now they are unanl-
mously behind the Government They
are prepared to make every sacrifice
necessary.
People VIII Sacrifice All.
Great as the sacrifice is sure to be.
Il cannot be said 10 be unparalleled. AL
most exactly a hundred years ago the
German people were fighting for life
against another conqueror of the world,
this time from the west. German men
all they had. Women offered up their
rings, Jewels, heirlooms they even gave
the hair OF their heads to be cut and sold
for the treasury OF defence. I assure you
the German people are to-day moved by
the same spirit They are willing to give
their last penny. their last drop OF blood.
in defence of their country and their
cause, which they believe to be the cause
OF civilization and progress.
Among the Germans here In America
there is only one sentiment. We are
at one with the people OF the Fatherland
We all regret that the war has become
necessary, but no one feels that Germany
has taken any step for which she should
be crit cised Not a word OF complaint
is heard. The feeling is absolutely unani-
nous.
ut Is the same with ultra conservatives
and the most extreme radicals among
us While we recognize the power OF
the coalition. and therefore the danger
OF the situation, we have faith in the
strength of German institutions. In the
efficiency and valor Of those who are
lighting the great battle and in the jus
tice OF their cause. We are not disturbed
by early reports. sent out by the enemy
We remember that in 1870 Il was the
same-German defeats everywhere. ac-
cordng to rumors We believe Germany
will again emerge victorious"