Evening star., 1918-06-10
Prussianism Dissected and
AnaIyzed Before Audience
at Union College.
CITES OWN EXPERIENCES
TO PROVE HUN FAITHLESS
Prussian History and Writers Dis.
close Real Nature Of Brutal
Philosophy of Germany.

By the Associated Press
SCHENECTADY, n. Y, June TO-
"Prussianism and the idea of endur-
ing peace among nations can never be
brought into harmony; compromise
cannot even be considered" Robert
Lansing, Secretary of State, declared
here today in an address as honorary
chancellor of Union College for 1918.
Instance after instance from his own
experience at the head of Americas
foreign Office were cited to prove his
point, because, he asserted, 3Ameri-
cans, even those intellectually equip.
ped, have but vague ideas of the atti-
tude which made Prussianism posi-
ble."
at is fact not generally known
said Secretary Lansing, "that within
six weeks after the imperial govern
ment had, in case Of the Sussex, given
this government its solemn promise
that il would cease ruthless slaughter
upon the high seas, Count Bernstorff,
appreciating the worthlesness of the
promise, asked the Berlin foreign Office
to advise him in ample time before the
campaign Of submarine murder was re-
newed in order that he might notify
the German merchant ships in Ameri-
can ports to. destroy their machinery
because he anticipated that the re-
newal Of that method of warfare would
in all probability bring the United
States into the war.
Desire for World Dominion, Cause.
"The causes of the war, Mr.. Lansing
said. were simply the German desire
for world dominion.
THAT was and is the central thought
of Prussianism." he said. at excited
the cupidity of the governing and
wealthy classes Of the empire; 1t dag
zled with its anticipated glories and
by its promise of boasted racial su-
periority the German millions who
were to be instruments Of achieve
ment.. With a devotion and zeal
worthy of a better cause, they turned
their energy into those channels
which would aid the ruling class.
1--WE must go on with the war.
There is no other way. This task must
not be left half done. We must not
transmit to posterity legacy OF
blood and misery. We may in this
great conflict go down into the valley
of shadows, because our foe is pow
erful and Injured to war. We must be
prepared to meet disappointment and
temporary reverse, but we must, win
American spirit, rise above them
With courageous hearts we must sp
forward until this war is won"
Secretary Lansing's Address.
Secretary Lansing spoke as follows:
I'm these days when the thought and
energy of the nation are concentrated on
the terrible drama in which we are play
ing so vital a part it would be idle %
take as the theme of discourse one not
directly connected with the subject which
is dominant in every mind. II is there
fore. nv purpose to consider for lew
moments the origin and elements OF
and its relation to the
worldwide desire for peace
THE American people by gradual
process of reasoning have reached the
firm conviction that German victory IN
the European struggle would result N
the greatest of perils to this country ana
to those principles Of government which
dependent nation. Whatever may have
been our past judgments, we now feaiize
the sinister character of Prussianism
which has been manifested in this war.
And yet, with this realization OF the
truth, find that many Americans even
but vague ideas Of the perverted mental
attitude which made Prussianism possf-
BILE, and of the reason why compromise
founded upon the Prussian conception OF
rights must not even be
considered.
'sTo a man who thinks true in these
lays, when passion or hysteria distorts
opinions, Prussianism and the Idea OF an
and just peace among nations
,an never be brought into harmony.
and water. They are at the very antip.
odes of human thought. We should
hen comprehend the true meaning Of
in order to understand the
great obstacle today to a return to peace
while Prussianism is still in power.
Elements of Prussianism.
"In considering the elements Of Prus-
,ianism which made this war inevitable,
ne should also consider the relation Of
to peace, the supreme desire.
II mankind, and its relation to war With
LII its sufferings and destructiveness. The
wastes of western Europe, the ships, and
,orpses in the oceans depths, the forest
II crosses marking the graves of slaugh7
cred men. the legions Of torn and crtp-
,led humanity and the wretched throngS
II unhappy women and children are SAD
witnesses to the horrors of war. On
hese spectacles of brutality. misery and
lesolation all civilized peoples gaze with
Lnguish and bitterness.
"As there comes an increasing realiza-
ion Of the needlessness Of it all, indiGna-
ion and anger burn in the hearts OF men.
But in spite Of the bitterness aroused, by
hese tragical scenes they hope for peace,
hey pray for peace and they look for
yard to that day when rest will come to
his tormented world which has endured
o much Yet, even as they hope and
ray and search the future with yearn-
ng eyes, the armies and navies of de-
nocracy fight on with a grim determine
ion which seems to contradict the hope
nd purpose Of humanity.
Peace the world may seek with
PASSIONATE longing, but not a peace
which contains the seeds of future
vars and future suffering. When an
md comes to this great war, as il
will come, 1t must result in a peace
hat is final and enduring.
Surely mankind has not borne this
CONTINUED on Eleventh PaE.-A
1nnu-u~