The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-10-11
German "Kultur" and Thirst of
Power Go Hand in Hand.
Deutschland Ueber Allies der
Welt" National Slogan.
STRENGTH IS GLORIFIED
Former Student at Leipzig Ana
IyzeS German Ideals.
w. S. CuIbertsOn Addresses
Kansas Presbyterian Synod.

Emporia, Kan, Oct. 11.-"German
'kultur' has become byword of
shame because it has been enslaved by
false and immoral ideas. In spite of
its many virtues it has become a men
ace to other nations In Germany
mere power is worShiped; brute
strength is glorified; necessity justi-
fies anything in international deal
ings; intrigue, brutality, the deStruc-
ton of monuments of art and libra
ries-all are right if they further the
cause of Germany in attaining world
dominion; if they satisfy her thirst for
power Before things German all must
yield-treaties are scraps of paper;
millions of men are pawns in the game
which is played for world mastery; in
ternational law is no protection to
weaker nations if they stand in Ger
manys way Belgium and Serbia tes-
tify to the terrible, sad reality of Ger
many'S Self-aSsertion and will to
power"
Thus was the present attitude of
Germany epitomized by William S.
Culbertson, member of the United
States tariff commission in an address
last night before the Kansas PreSby-
terrain synod at its annual banquet.
The synod is holding it's yearly ses-
sion here this week. Mr.. CulbertSon
who is an "Emporia boy" graduate
of the College of Emporia, speaks
spent several years as a student in
German universities
Tradition of German Education.
ut may be dangerous to make any
dogmatic statements about cause and
effect, but I am convinced that the
teaching of the educational institu-
lions of Germany had much to do
with bringing about the present war,
continued Mr.. CulbertSon. mo doubt
back of them there is the tradition of
Bismarck and the glorification OF
force by the HohenZollern house. A
leader like Bismarck, who deliberately
brought about war with Austria in
1866 for the purpose of securing PruS-
sian ascendency and who precipitated
war with France in 1870 by garbling
the Ems telegram, does not, to say the
least, inspire in nation the love or
international fair dealing. Yet the
Germans worship him. When was
studying in Leipzig 1 recall attending
a students celebration of Bismarck
anniversary. Bismarck was lauded as
their greatest national hero and they
mingled with their praise of him the
strains of that song which they be-
lieve in with national fervor-
Deutschland, Deutschland. ueber
allies, aueber allies in der Welt.
| 5 Then. the Hohenzollerns looked
upon a teaching as heresy which did
not recognize the infallibility of their
rule and the right to supremacy OF the
German people. 1t was said that no
one could be elected to professor
ship in German university that was
not acceptable in his views and per-
son to the kaiser. Perhaps this is one
| of the explanations of the attitude
v hieh the leaders of German thought
have taken toward the war. They
have been, perhaps, unconsciously
subservient to rule of brute force,
which has shaken the confidence of
the world in their judgment.
Germany Denies Everything.
shortly after the war broke out
| the leading professors of Germany
addressed an appeal To the Civilized
World This now famous declara-
| ton began its paragraphs with the re-
frain, Tt is not true They sought to
deny categorically that Germany was
guilty of causing the war; that Ger
many had trespassed in neutral Bel
GUM; that the life and property of
German soldiers without the bitterest
| self-dafense having made il necessary;
that German troops treated Louvain
brutally; and that German warfare
pays no respect to international laws.
To this declaration were signed many
famous names, among them Rudolf
Eucken, Ernst Haeckel Adolf Won
/ Varnack, Karl Kamprecht and Will
helm Wundt. [ know from having
[ sat in the lecture room of three of
these men that they have striking per-
sonalities and learned minds. But I
+ fear, all unconsciousIy, perhaps they
have made their intellect subservient
to an immoral and brutal philosophy
which. altho frequently dressed in an
attra ctive garb, is the greatest enemy
of civilization today"