Trench and camp. ([Admiral, Md.) 1917-1919, 1918-06-27

Four years ago-on June 20, 1914,
to be exact-the Archduke Francis
Ferdinand, heir apparent to the I'm
perial throne of Austria Hungary, was
murdered with his wife on the streets
of Serajevo in Bosnia.
That royal murder, the act Of mad
man, was the immediate excuse for
the world war. It was not the REA-
SON. The word Excuse" is chosen
deliberately.
Germany was the reason. Her pam
Germaric policy was predieated upon
war; but pretext for the war was not
at hand until the madman's shots rang
out in Serajevo. Then Germany seized
the opportunity and prepared to set
Europe in flames.
AS early az July she had won a
decision from her ally for war; but not
until July % was the ultimatum sent
by this vassal, Austria, to the Serbian
Kingdom. With elaborate precaution
Germany had made plans to conceal
the fact that the great decision had
been reached eighteen days before. If
the solidarity of the German people
were to be preserved, if their enthusi-
asm were to be aroused, it must be
made to appear that the sword had
been thrust upon Germany and that
she was battling only for the defense
of the Fatherland.
Five days after despatching the ulti-
matum, Austria Hungary declared war
upon Serbia. It was just one month
to the day after the Seraievo murder.
Then began the collapse of the So
called concert of Europe.
Were some Marian visitor, unfa-
miliar with the circumstances culmi-
mating in the tremendous world drama,
to read this recital of dates and facts,
he would miss much Of its great Gig
nifcance. Many young Americans,
enrolled in the National Army are
perhaps quite as unfamiliar. with the
wars background a would be the Wis
itor from our sister planet. Thou
sands Of men WHO quite understand
why America is now projected into
the world struggle cannot comprehend
the causes Of the war in the frst in
stance.
Back of the war was a philosophy
Of Empire, q philosophy that was
taught for forty years until the men
tai attitude Of q whole people had
been altered.
While the other nations Of Europe
and OF the Western world were pros
pering IN Industrial and commercial
pursuits, the German people were be-
ing tangh& that peace was but an ex-
pedient ~Ye shan love peace, as a
means to new wars; and the short
peace better than the long" was the
teaching. The warrior was ideAExed
almoet ido61ed.
WHAT NEETZSCHE TAUGHT
Neitzsehe, one Of the leading phi
losophers, was teaching:
1T Ia mere nawnion and pretty sentaun@nt
TO expect mDeh (evsa anything 1t alI) from
mankind IL e f0gge11 low 70 make war. Az
pet no means are knoWu which call % much
late action ~ 9 great war. that rough energy
bern 0e hatred. that eonneienca born Of mur-
der and cold -bloodedne2. that fervor born
e elfog< In the annGAilAtion Of the enemy,
that proud indifference to loaR. to ones own
existence to that OF ones fellows. to that
earthquAke-like soul -ahakfAg which a people
needs when II is losing fts vitality"
Through the school, the pulpit and
press the German mind was being pre-
pared for the day when Germany
should come to grips with other DOW
ere for world dominion.
In 1856 Prussia defeated Austria and
BY its victory brought close together
twenty-five duchies and principaities
The foundations Of the Empire had
been laid four years before when King