Year: 1872

The imprisonment OF About by the


Germans. tnt


The friends of Germany who looked for the
development of liberal and progressive ideas
under the new Empire must be somewhat dis
appointed by the policy pursued by the
government of Prince Bismarck. From what
ever point of view we regard that policy we
can find nothing in it to admire except the
stern adherence to the fixed idea Of making
Fatherland strong and united. Now that this
has been accomplished, with success that
must have astonished even the most enthu-
siastic German dreamers, the world has been
looking forward to the growth of those large
and liberal ideas which form the chief motive
force of modern civilization. Unfortunately
the retrogressive military class seems to have
acquired complete ascendancy over the coun-i
ellis Of Germany. The result is seen in the
outburst of feudal tyranny which, ignoring
the progress of ages. attempts to restore the
rule of brute force by ignoring the rights of
the weak One day the world is startled by
the announcement of religious persecution
of German subjects, another by the publica-
ton of an ulsase declaring it crime for the
industrious serf to seek home in more con-
genial lands. Much as these acts panied those
who sympathized with German unity, because
they hoped to see Few progressive
force bern into the world, they had
some sanction in the laws of the
country. But the arrogance of power,
of which these acts were but indica-
tons, has carried Germany too far when she
outrages public right by the arrest of
foreign citizen for words spoken and acts done
in his own country. No such fragrant viola
ton of public right has been known in mod
ern times and unless the authorities at Berlin
quickly correct the action of their subordinates
at Metz by ordering the release of M. About
Germany must be regarded as country with
out respect for the common rights accorded
to all by civilization. No writer who ventures
to express an opinion hostile to German pre-
tensions will hereafter venture within reach
of German power, any more than he would
venture into the dominions of some African
chief whose anger he might have incurred.
The new insult offered t9 France can only
result in increasing the hatred felt for Ger
mans in that country. It can serve f6 pc..:..i- pc..i-
cal purpose, as France is too wise to resent
the outrage. It will not, however, be without
an unfavorable influence on the public
opinion Of the world. Germany may feel
herself strong enough to defy opinions, but
in this her statesmen are mistaken. No
country can afford to occupy so false posi-
ton. The very power and greatness of
Germany make us less tolerant of such abuses
of power as her statesmen have committed,
as it is impossible not to feel contempt for
the bully who delights to make war on the
weak and helpless. The Prussian Court Mar
tial charges against the prisoner are of q very
serious character He will be ably defended
by French counsel. The captive realizes the
serious gravity of the international crisis, and
from his place of confinement, appeals to
President Theirs, entreating him ''to be calm
and take no step in his case which will i'm
peril France" The new born republic may
gain grand moral victory by exercising self
restraint under these trying circumstances.