New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-25
VIEWS OF A WOMAN
Why Englishmen Back Belgium Against
Germany and Dislike the Kaiser.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir; The German version of the war and
its causes has been freely circulated IN
America, and one wonders II the American
people understand the attitude and sentl-
ments of "the man in the street" on this
side. write this in case you should think
it worth while to publish the opinion OF
an Englishman of the yeoman class, typical
q venture to beleve) of the many Llou-
sands who are leaving home, business, ETC.,
for the old country's sake.
The Germans are trying to make out that
we were prepared for the war and that II
was premeditated on our part; but 1t must
be clear to every impartial observer that
if our government had intended to fight
Germany their only sane course would have
been TO introduce compulsory military SER
vice before doing so. Since the war began
over a million civilians have offered them
selves; and people do not willingly give up
home, family and business for the mere
sake Of fighting or for the love OF con-
quest.
When Germany trod under foot her guar
antee of Belgium neutrality she threw off
the mask, and in doing so made our course
clear. l am speaking for these million-odd
civilians who are now soldiers.
No doubt we are a sinful nation, and de-
serve the punishment this war has brought
made British history, and as such we SIM
ply could not spoil the whole story by stay
ing at home and saying this was none Of
our business. In the face of our guarantee
We could not say with Cain, Am l my
brothers keeper"
But supposing there had been no guaran-
tee on our part, we could not have stood
aside; and believe am still speaking for
the million. II man sees that tiger has
broken loose in his neighbours garden
should he wait for the brute to break
through his own fence before he shoots :?
Germany gave herself away when she at
tackled Belgium. whose only offence was
that she happened to be in the way-as we
are ourselves sometimes.
The Kaiser has studied the Old Tesla
ment. but the New Testament has appar-
emily not yet reached him, for the book
was written on purpose to teach men their
duty to God and their neighbor, and this
Is what he does not understand. Even So,
there is something grotesque about his
feeble imitation of Moses, whose chief char
acteristic was meekness. Numbers, xii, g.
With all his Wanted culture land he has
had fair educaton), the Kaiser appears
to have overlooked the essential fact that
any true leader of Gods chosen people
must be meek and lowly in heart,
With all its dreadful cost in human life,
this war may yet prove to have been Eng
lands salvation. But for 1t we might now
be engaged in the worst kind of war-a
civil war which would rend the empire In
pieces.
Personally Il cannot be quite sure of my
million on this point, would consider il
as much duty to fight for Ireland's honor
as it is now for Englands, seeing that we
are responsible for the proper government
of Ireland. We owe Belgium a debt, but
our debt TO Ireland is far heavier If Ire
land is sold TO the Papists it will be to our
everlasting shame, and 1t would be kind
ness if you Americans would remember this
the next time John Redmond comes round
with the hat. A. G. CHRISTMAS.
Corporal, A Squadron, West Kent Yeomanry,
Cavalry Barracks. Hounslow. Middlesex,
Feb. s, 1915.