New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-07-16

hurl into mortal conflict against each
other the mightiest states of history,
and to condemn the leading races OF
mankind to miscries and butcheries be-
You'd all measures.
To those who had believed in Ger
many, which for more than forty years
had waged no war, it was inconceiva-
Bile that there should be no remedy, no
break in this monstrous confederation,
and that one thing should lead to an
other in a senseiess way till all were
dragged into the abyss. Others, who
had been forced to watch more closely
the military and naval aspects, were
oppressed by a sense of deliberate Ger
man purpose; of cold decisions taken
months. even years, before; OF prepare
lions long maturing; OF terrible de-
sign. But, still, the Agadir crisis had
passed away, safely surmounted.
French Counted on Britain.
And then on top Of all this moment
Gus uncertainty came the special prob
lens of Great Britain. We were free
from all legal or formal engagements
One hundred and sixty thousand Brit
ish soldiers was the most that, even
IL we sided with her, France ever asked
for or expected. All our military and
, naval discussions with the French
stats had proceeded on the avowed
and accepted basis that the British ma
ton must be free to choose its own
course when the moment came. Still,
the French counted on us. They be-
lieved that not for a war OF revanche,
but in resistance 10 naked aggression,
thew could count on us. They had made
their military, even more, their naval
dispositions, in that hope-not, thank
God, unfounded.
And what would be our position any
how if they went down in the struggle
and we were left TO face Germanized
Continent? And is it not in any case
the ancient duty and special mission OF
this island power TO prevent the mill
tary domination of Europe by any SIN
gle state? Has not that always been our
task7 Do we not here subserve some
cause in the vast economy of the uni
verse? Still, by cool temper, by good,
faithful intention. by earnest assiduity,
not unbacked by some force, peace
might be preserved.
The foreign policy of Sir Edward
GREY in the momentous hours which
followed every hour might have
counted every hour will be brought
under the scrutiny of posterity-was
simply not 10 encourage France and
Russia into an ambitious course by
any assurance we should take their
side. not TO let Germany suppose that
we were afraid or unable TO tight her,
70 try somewhere, somehow, TO get
both sides 10 parley around table.
To this must be added the Admiralty
policy-"ready." And had there not
been a deliberate. overriding intention
10 make war on the part OF Germany,
10 which intention Emperor William
had consciously and resolutely gwen
his support. Sir Edward Grey. would
Internationally have succeeded. But
against the ram Of stubborn purpose
nothing could avail.
Kaiser's Decision Made.
II has often been asked whether
Britain could have prevented war at
this stage by an immediate declaration
that she stood By France and Russia. 1t
was not possible in the state OF pubic
or Parliamentary or Cabinet opinion
which then existed TO make such decla-
ration without tearing the nation IN
half But had il been possible, would II
have succeeded The answer. according
20 ali we know to-day, IS certainty