Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-07-29

ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence
London, July 15.-The noise Of war
is -prevading here and little but
war is in the minds OF people. But
out of the blackness Of war details,
accounts of battles, long casualty
lists, war loans. recruiting and am
munition supplies. the student habits
of Viscount Bryce, in viewing the MS
torical values of events permit him to
detach himself from the day-to-day
turmoil and take his bearings on some
Of the larger results that may come
out of the struggle.
When seen in his study by a repre-
sentative Of The Associated Press
Lord Bryce showed the same keen
interest in American affairs that has
made him an authority on them since
his American Commonwealth appear
ed. and the same intimate acqualnt-
ance with American men and affairs.
political and party questions and pub
lie issues. He is little changed from
bis days as ambassador at Washing
ton: the same alertness and intense
keennes Of manner; his shaggy full
beard and heavy eyebrows now quite
white; every movement having the
vigor Of a man of middle life. Since
he became q member Of the House Of
Lords he gives much attention to the
pressing questions now crowding on
Parliament, taking quarters within
easy reach of the upper chamber at
Westminster, where he often joins in
the serious and rather heavy debates
Of that august body. And yet he finds
time for his literary work and for
guaging some of the historical re-
suits likely or possible to survive the
conflict.
The interest taken in America in
Lord Bryce's notable report on AL
legged Atrocities Committed by the
Germans in Belgium was source of
much satisfaction to him. THE Com
mittee over which l presided reached
conclusions very slowly and reluctant
ly," he added. Il personally have
many friends in Germany and 1 could
hardly believe that such things could
be true or that they knew such
things were happening. But begin
ming with an open mind, and even in
doubt. the truth of the charges was
finally forced upon all the committee
by the accumulation of evidence. AS
1t is, l cannot believe the German
people know what is going on. They
receive only the military version and
the people are not aware of the real
conditions, not only as to Belgium
but In the whole range of events con-
nected with the war. The military
party with its Won Bernhard spirit
is still completely dominant"
Reference was made in the course
of the talk to Lord Bryce's pamphlet
on Neutral Nations and The War.
and to some interpretations drawn
from 1t on some Of the larger results
which might come out of the war. AL
though these interpretations were not
intended at the time for publication,
Lord Bryce later approved their use
as expressing his view. as follows:
1T Is too soon to say what the war
will bring in good or evil. but we can
at least hope. and perhaps see dimly,
some of the things to be gained. One
of the most desirable l should say,
will be the territorial integrity of
small states-Belgium, Serbia, Switz-
erland, Holland. If this war means
anything it means that a group of
great states are banded together in
protecting the small states against
absorption and humiliation. The
small state has been as useful in its
way to the worlds progress as the
great state, and of incalculable value
as pacific barrier between antagon-
lstlc races. And yet the small state
cannot exist under the rule of force
and the survival of the strongest, as
1t has not the resources for vast mill
tary establishments; it's very existence
depends on the good faith of the great
and powerful states in dealing with it,
So that either the small state is 60
! ing to disappear in this conflict, or is
to emerge with far greater security
| than it had before, and with lasting
assurances Of it's territorial integrity
and the good faith Of great states in
dealing with it. l do not doubt that
the result will be in favor of the small
state. and that it will be one of the
most beneficial results to come out
of the conflict"
Lord Bryce was asked If this would
not lead to some internationalizing Of
treaties SO that it would become the
duty of the great states to uphold
treaty obligations toward the small
! state.
Yes. that is what we all desire;
that is what the article referred to
was meant to advocate; it is one of
the larger results which we may fore
see with some hope of realization"
said Lord Bryce. This war has in
creasingly shown the need of an in
ternational code under which treaties
are not alone respected by states
party to them. but are part Of an in