Germany, France Russia, & Islam

The following essays were brought into print between the dates of 1871 and 1895. They cover a varied group of subjects, but they are alike char¬acteristic of the method of thought of the author and of the assured conclusiveness of his opinions. Treitschke does not make space for historic doubts or probabilities. He has the satisfaction of having arrived at final opinions in regard to actual conditions, while his predictions for the future are almost as assured as his descriptions of the present. The point of date was written in i87l-while the provisions of the settlement with France were Jaeing. put into shape by the authorities. It would hardly be accurate to say that these provisions were under consideration with the people of Germany for, under the conditions existing, the people had very little to say in regard to the terms of the treaty. It is possible, however, that the views of Bismarck and Moltke (views which were accepted with little question by the old Emperor) may have been influenced, or at least have been strengthened, by the counsel of so good an advocate of Imperialism as Treitschke. In any case, the adjustment finally arrived at was in substantial accord with Treitschke's recommendations. Treitschke phrases the German claim as follows: The sense of justice to Germany demands the lessening of France. Every intelligent man sees that that military nation cannot be forgiven, even for the economic sacrifices of the war, on the payment of the heaviest indemnity in money. Why was it that, before the declaration of the war, and before a single German newspaper had demanded the restitution of the plunder, the anxious cry rang through Alsace and Lorraine, "The dice are to be thrown to settle the destiny of our provinces'' ? Because the awakened conscience of the people felt what penalty would have to be paid in the interests of justice by the disturber of the peace of nations.