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diff --git a/43666-8.txt b/43666-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index fc4e17f..0000000 --- a/43666-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8636 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The German Emperor as Shown in his Public -Utterances, by Christian Gauss - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The German Emperor as Shown in his Public Utterances - -Author: Christian Gauss - -Release Date: September 11, 2013 [EBook #43666] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GERMAN EMPEROR--PUBLIC UTTERANCES *** - - - - -Produced by Norbert Müller and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - [Illustration: _From a photograph by Brown and Dawson_ - WILLIAM II - GERMAN EMPEROR - From a photograph taken since the beginning of the war of 1914] - - - - - THE GERMAN EMPEROR - AS SHOWN - IN HIS PUBLIC UTTERANCES - - BY - - CHRISTIAN GAUSS - PROFESSOR Of MODERN LANGUAGES, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY - - - NEW YORK - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - 1915 - - - COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - - Published February, 1915 - - - - -PREFACE - - -Unlike his grandfather, who shielded himself behind his Chancellor, -the present Emperor has always insisted upon making himself the -storm-centre of the debates in his Reichstag and among his people. -He has played with many, if not all, of his cards upon the table. In -accordance with this policy he has gone through his country from end -to end and into foreign lands, everywhere announcing his policies and -his views on every possible subject of interest or controversy. Up to -1905 he had made upward of five hundred and seventy speeches, and since -that time has made almost as many more. It was manifestly impossible -to give all of these speeches, and it was also thought unfair to give -merely extracts which might fail to represent the spirit of the entire -pronouncement. They are all printed, therefore, in the completest -form available. Particular speeches have often been reported to the -press in widely differing versions. In all cases only those speeches -are here presented which have received official or semiofficial -sanction. The text followed for pronouncements made before 1913, -with the one exception of the _Daily Telegraph_ interview, October -29, 1908, has always been that of the recognized and standard edition -in four volumes, edited by J. Penzler and published in the Reclam -_Universal-Bibliothek_. Now and then only portions of certain addresses -appear to have been reported, and on a few occasions parts of speeches -are given directly and other parts are merely summarized. In all such -cases the speech is translated from the form sanctioned in the official -version. In no case has any change been made. Where significant -differences exist in the versions of addresses as given officially and -unofficially, the official version is in every instance printed first. -It has been the aim to present faithfully the language and spirit of -the speaker, and his phraseology and emphasis have been reproduced as -closely as was at all consistent with fair English usage. The speeches -have been chosen to represent in due proportion his many interests, -and range therefore from agriculture and art to Biblical criticism, -national and international politics. - -The Emperor has, of course, not given titles to his speeches, and -the headings have been assigned by the compiler. It has been his -aim to explain the circumstances under which each address was -delivered and to make plain the references to events embodied therein. -Questions which have had a continuous interest, or which have had -some lasting effect on Germany's policy, such as the attitude toward -Alsace-Lorraine, the Social Democratic party, the retirement of -Bismarck, the development of the navy, the Morocco question, have -been treated at greater length on the first fitting occasion. For -the introductions, therefore, the compiler assumes responsibility. -In preparing them he has had recourse to many incidental sources -of information, and in many cases the true inwardness of certain -situations is still as much a matter of controversy as the causes -of the present war. For his facts generally, he has followed where -possible, besides such incidental and contemporary sources, Bruno -Gebhardt's "Handbuch der Deutschen Geschichte" (1913), the "Cambridge -Modern History--The Latest Age," volume XII (1910), and the volumes of -the "Statesman's Yearbook." In addition, for information concerning -the internal development of Germany he has consulted and drawn -upon the literature of this subject which has appeared in the last -decade, but is more particularly indebted to Doctor Paul Liman's -"Der Kaiser," Dawson's "The Evolution of Modern Germany," Barker's -"Modern Germany," Price Collier's "Germany and the Germans," Forbes's -"William of Germany," Gibbons's "The New Map of Europe," and the -"_Reichsgesetzblatt_." - -As the Emperor has spoken upon almost every phase of German political -life, with the editorial introductions which aim to set forth briefly -the occasion and causes of each address, it is hoped that altogether -the volume will offer a fairly accurate picture of the trend of German -affairs for the last twenty-five years. - -For help in the preparation of this volume, the writer is much indebted -to his wife, whose assistance has amounted to collaboration. - - PRINCETON, N. J. - _December 20, 1914_. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - - PREFACE v - - - I - - THE HOHENZOLLERN TRADITION 1 - - - II - - PRELIMINARIES 25 - June 15, 1888--October 30, 1889. - - The First Official Act of the Emperor 25 - Schloss Friedrichskron, June 15, 1888. - - To My People 28 - Potsdam, June 18, 1888. - - First Declaration of Policy 31 - Berlin, June 25, 1888. - - Opening of the Reichstag 39 - November 22, 1888. - - The Emperor and the Striking Miners 45 - May 14, 1889. - - Visit of the King of Italy 47 - Berlin, May 22, 1889. - - The English Fleet and the German Army 48 - Sandown Bay, August 5, 1889. - - The English Army 49 - Aldershot, August 7, 1889. - - The Czar at Berlin 50 - Berlin, October 11, 1889. - - On Board an English Flag-Ship 51 - The Piræus, October 30, 1889. - - - III - - AFTER BISMARCK 53 - May 6, 1890--June 21, 1895. - - Opening of the Reichstag 53 - Berlin, May 6, 1890. - - Review of the Ninth Army Corps 60 - Flensburg, September 4, 1890. - - Accidents with Agricultural Machinery 62 - Berlin, November 11, 1890. - - Alsace-Lorraine 66 - Berlin, March 14, 1891. - - Swearing in the Recruits 72 - Potsdam, November 23, 1891. - - The Emperor's First Army Bill 75 - Berlin, July 4, 1893. - - Arrival in Metz 80 - Metz, September 3, 1893. - - Dedication of Flags 81 - Berlin, October 18, 1894. - - Navy Recruits 84 - Kiel, December 3, 1894. - - Christening of a Cruiser 86 - Kiel, March 26, 1895. - - Visit to Bismarck 87 - Friedrichsruh, March 26, 1895. - - Opening of the Emperor William Canal 91 - Kiel, June 21, 1895. - - - IV - - THE BEGINNING OF WORLD POLITICS 95 - June 16, 1896--March 22, 1905. - - The Beginning of World Politics 95 - Berlin, June 16, 1896. - - To the Recruits for the Navy 103 - Wilhelmshaven, February 21, 1896. - - A Toast to the Russian Emperor and Empress 104 - St. Petersburg, August 8, 1897. - - The Army Tradition 106 - Coblentz, August 30, 1897. - - Toast to the Italian King and Queen 109 - Homburg, September 4, 1897. - - Address at a Dedication of Flags 111 - Berlin, October 18, 1897. - - On Administering the Oath to the Recruits 113 - Berlin, November 18, 1897. - - The Chinese Situation and the Mailed Fist 116 - December 15, 1897. - - Address to the Regiments of the Body-Guard 121 - Potsdam, June 16, 1898. - - On the Death of Prince Bismarck 123 - Friedrichsruh, August 2, 1898. - - "Our Future Lies Upon the Water" 126 - Stettin, September 23, 1898. - - The Journey to the Holy Land 127 - Bethlehem, October 30, 1898. - - Dedication of the Church of Our Redeemer 132 - Jerusalem, October 31, 1898. - - By Divine Right 135 - Brandenburg, February 3, 1899. - - The Hague Conference 141 - Wiesbaden, May 18, 1899. - - The Housing of Laborers 143 - Early June, 1899. - - French Heroism at St. Privat 143 - The Battle-field of St. Privat, August 18, 1899. - - - V - - THE GREATER NAVY 147 - - "Bitterly We Need a Powerful German Fleet" 150 - Hamburg, October 18, 1899. - - On the Threshold of the New Century 154 - Berlin, January 1, 1900. - - New Boundary Posts 157 - Berlin, February 13, 1900. - - Seaports and Cannon 159 - Lübeck, June 16, 1900. - - The Ocean Knocks at Our Door 160 - Kiel, July 3, 1900. - - Open the Way for Culture 163 - Bremen, July 27, 1900. - - Civis Romanus Sum 167 - Imperial Limes Museum, Saalburg, October 11, 1900. - - Cabinet Order to the Prussian Army 169 - January, 1901. - - Dedication of the Barracks of the Alexander Regiment 171 - March 28, 1901. - - To the Students at Bonn 174 - April 24, 1901. - - A Place in the Sun 180 - Hamburg, June 18, 1901. - - The Great Elector 184 - Kiel, June 20, 1901. - - Entrance of Prince Eitel Friedrich into the Army 189 - July 7, 1901. - - True Art 191 - Berlin, December 18, 1901. - - Monument to General von Rosenberg 201 - April 20, 1902. - - The Old Order Changeth 203 - Aix, June 19, 1902. - - Alfred Krupp and the Socialists 209 - November 26, 1902. - - The Working Man Once More 213 - Breslau, December 5, 1902. - - Scholarship and Religion 216 - Berlin, February 15, 1903. - - Frederick the Great and His Army 225 - Döberitz, May 29, 1903. - - The Future of Germany 227 - Hamburg, June 20, 1903. - - The Reasons for Japan's Victory 232 - March 9, 1905. - - The Salt of the Earth 233 - Bremen, March 22, 1905. - - - VI - - ON THE EVE OF MOROCCO 240 - March 31, 1905--November 12, 1906. - - The Morocco Question 240 - Tangier, March 31, 1905. - - The Great Ally 242 - September 8, 1906. - - Optimism and Literature 247 - Münich, November 12, 1906. - - Twenty-Five Years of Labor Legislation 253 - November 17, 1896. - - - VII - - THE CRISIS OF 1907 256 - February 5, 1907--October 18, 1911. - - Imperialism versus Social Democracy 256 - Berlin, February 5, 1907. - - The Necessity of Faith 259 - Münster, August 31, 1907. - - English Journalists 264 - London, November 16, 1907. - - Alsace-Lorraine 265 - Strasburg, August 30, 1908. - - The _Daily Telegraph_ Interview 267 - October 28, 1908. - - The Emperor and Count Zeppelin 273 - Manzell, November 10, 1908. - - Regatta at Hamburg 274 - Hamburg, June 22, 1909. - - Review of the Fourteenth Army Corps 278 - Karlsruhe, September 11, 1909. - - Emperor by Divine Right 279 - Königsberg, August 25, 1910. - - The Hundredth Anniversary of the Founding of the - University of Berlin 285 - Berlin, October 11, 1910. - - The Emperor in Brussels 290 - October 27, 1910. - - Alcohol and the Schools 292 - Cassel, August 19, 1911. - - International Competition 295 - Hamburg, August 27, 1911. - - Imperial Glories 299 - Aix, October 18, 1911. - - - VIII - - LAST MONTHS OF PEACE 303 - February 7, 1912--June 23, 1914. - - Opening of the Reichstag 303 - Berlin, February 7, 1912. - - Brandenburg Once Again 307 - May 30, 1912. - - Hauling Down the Flag 313 - Hamburg, June 18, 1912. - - Accident to a Zeppelin 316 - Bonn, October 17, 1913. - - We Germans Fear God, Nothing Else 318 - Hamburg, June 23, 1914. - - - IX - - AT THE OUTBREAK OF THE WAR 323 - - Forcing the Sword into His Hand 323 - Berlin, July 31, 1914. - - An End of Parties 324 - Berlin, August 1, 1914. - - Opening of the Reichstag 324 - Berlin, August 4, 1914. - - To the Army and Navy 327 - Berlin, August 6, 1914. - - Proclamation to the German People 328 - Berlin, August 6, 1914. - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - William II, German Emperor _Frontispiece_ - - FACING PAGE - - The Emperor in the Year of His Coronation, 1888 - (Age 29) 26 - - "Our Future Lies upon the Water." The Emperor - on Shipboard in the Autumn of 1898 126 - - The Emperor in 1900 168 - - - - -I - -THE HOHENZOLLERN TRADITION - - -Ernest Renan, the author of that once heretical "Life of Jesus," was -by temperament unenthusiastic and had further schooled himself to look -upon all human events with high unconcern. The great sceptic had been -born in 1823; he was therefore sixty-five at the time of the accession -of William II, and his declining health, in Horatian phrase, refused -to allow him to enter upon any long hope. In looking forward to his -inevitable end one thing, he said, afflicted him. He regretted only -that he was not to see, in its later and more decisive phases, the -unfolding of the multiform personality of the new German Emperor. To -him it was an intellectual puzzle, more intricate and more interesting -than any he had encountered in the many cycles of the history of the -Hebrews or in the complicated schisms of the church. In the early years -of his reign the youthful Emperor was regarded with much interest and -some concern by his contemporaries generally. He was the chameleon -among the royal figures of Europe. One day he receives the Czar at -Berlin and proclaims peace to the world. A few weeks later he visits -the Sultan at Constantinople, and shortly thereafter he announces to -his loyal Brandenburgers that he will lead them on to greater things. -What did he mean? Now he is a soldier, jesting with his officers; and, -with the rising of another sun, in workman's garb, with the axe upon -his shoulder, he goes forth as woodman or laborer on his own estates. -At home he was regarded as Benjamin Constant regarded Madame de Staël. -He was the "_bel orage_," the beautiful storm which had come upon -Europe in the dull and piping times of peace of the last decades of -the nineteenth century. He cleared the air of Continental politics -in the years of late Victorianism. He was a dilettante of dangerous -activities, as Renan had been of antiquated heresies and harmless, -outworn systems, and to him Fate seemed to have given the future as a -toy. Such, at least, was the view of the famous Portuguese poet Eça de -Queiroz, who cast his horoscope in 1891. - -A quarter century of peace had removed much apprehension. After the -dismissal of Bismarck he had shaped his own policy and gone his own -way. To his great advisers he had seemed to say: "_Ôte-toi que je -m'y mette._" Yet his career had ceased to disquiet, and the youthful -exuberance had given way to mature and conscientious labor. With -unshakable confidence in himself and with a determined application he -was making Germany the greatest state in Europe. To those who, unlike -Renan, did not have the misfortune to have been born too soon to be his -later contemporaries, the riddle _seemed_ to be solving itself to the -greater good of humanity. The Emperor's army, so he tells us himself, -is invincible. Never has Germany been defeated so long as she was -united, and God, who has taken such infinite pains with us, will never -leave us "in the lurch." By means of this powerful, unconquerable army, -at whose side he had now set one of the greatest fleets on the seas, he -had, so he told us, laid firm and sure the foundations of peace. - -Then suddenly "the abyss is opened, ... the sword is thrust into his -hand," and reluctantly and with a heavy heart he goes forth to do -battle. Like a shuttle he flits from frontier to frontier, now planning -an invasion of England, now supervising the readministration of Belgian -industries, and now directing a battle in Poland. Surely such a -destiny, so immense a power, has been granted to no man. It may be he -is the great predestined victim; it may be that Time is preparing for -him a final and well-earned European triumph. - -What shall be the end, and where lies the responsibility? No ethical -or political problem of our time forces itself upon us with greater -insistence. His utterances may help to make the question if not the -answer clear. Looking forward dispassionately twenty-three years ago -that Portuguese student prophesied that this could not last, that there -would be war; and in the light of later events that prophecy about "the -allied armies" has been recently recalled. It was in these words that -he closed his brilliant study of the youthful Emperor and King: - -"William II runs the awful danger of being cast down Gemoniæ. He boldly -takes upon himself responsibilities which in all nations are divided -among various bodies of the state--he alone judges, he alone executes, -because to him alone it is (not to his ministers, to his council, or -to his parliament) that God, the God of the Hohenzollerns, imparts -his transcendental inspiration. He must therefore be infallible and -invincible. At the first disaster--whether it be inflicted by his -burghers or by his people in the streets of Berlin, or by allied armies -on the plains of Europe--Germany will at once conclude that his -much-vaunted alliance with God was the trick of a wily despot. - -"Then will there not be stones enough from Lorraine to Pomerania to -stone this counterfeit Moses. William II is in very truth casting -against fate those terrible 'iron dice' to which the now-forgotten -Bismarck once alluded. If he win he may have within and without the -frontiers altars such as were raised to Augustus; should he lose, -exile, the traditional exile, in England awaits him--a degraded exile, -the exile with which he so sternly threatens those who deny his -infallibility. - -"M. Renan is therefore quite right: there is nothing more attractive -at this period of the century than to witness the final development -of William II. In the course of years (may God make them slow and -lengthy!) this youth, ardent, pleasing, fertile in imagination, of -sincere, perhaps heroic, soul, may be sitting in calm majesty in his -Berlin Schloss presiding over the destinies of Europe--or he may be in -the Hôtel Métropole in London sadly unpacking from his exile's handbag -the battered double crown of Prussia and Germany." - - * * * * * - -This drama of a life is twenty-three years nearer its climax than it -was when Renan bade the world good night. With a certain finality of -pathos a Greek poet whom Renan loved, thinking doubtless of his unhappy -countrymen who had fallen in the long wars between Athens and Sparta, -had said: "They that have died are not sick, nor do they possess -any evil things." If this be true, quite possibly, then, the world -was kinder to this aged Frenchman than he shall ever know. For the -disasters which were to follow the rising star of the Emperor, which he -regarded so curiously, were to be far greater than he had ever dreamed. -It may be, therefore, that it is he and not some of his younger -countrymen who are to be congratulated on the bournes which marked the -time of his coming and his passing. - -The question of the responsibility of the Emperor and the limits of his -power is one which perhaps only time can decide. Undeniably Germany -has a written Constitution. But that Constitution is of comparatively -recent date (April 16, 1871). It is not looked upon, as is the American -Constitution, as the source of Germany's political life. It is the -empire and not the Constitution that is holy. Struggles for personal -liberty find little place in the history of Prussia. They have no -Cromwell, no Washington, no Robespierre, and, significantly too, they -have had in times past no Ravaillac and no Guiteau. There, still, -a certain majesty doth hedge about a king. The old idea of fealty, -of _deutsche Treue_, which led the retainers of Teutonic chiefs or -rulers to submit uncomplainingly to every abuse and all oppression and -to follow their lords into misfortune and into exile, though it has -doubtless waned, nevertheless retains some vestiges of its traditional -force even to-day. - -When, therefore, in 1878, by a curious coincidence, two attempts were -made upon the life of Emperor William I (one by Hödel, an irresponsible -person of diseased mind and body, who had been dismissed from the -Social Democratic party; and another by Nobiling, who was not a Social -Democrat), Bismarck immediately and easily seized this occasion to -crush Social Democracy and increase the imperial power. He dissolved -the Reichstag, and in one month the law-courts inflicted no less -than five hundred years of imprisonment for _lèse-majesté_. Within -eight months the authorities dissolved two hundred and twenty-two -workingmen's unions, suppressed one hundred and twenty-seven periodical -and two hundred and seventy-eight other publications, and innumerable -_bona-fide_ co-operative societies were compelled by the police to -close their doors without trial and with no possibility of appeal. With -equal despatch numerous Social Democrats were expelled from Germany -on a few days' notice. This traditional attitude toward the Social -Democrat, who from our standpoint is the German radical and liberal, -appears again in the present Emperor when he declares (May 14, 1889) -that every Social Democrat is synonymous with enemy of the country. How -Social Democracy has grown in spite of the Emperor's attempt to check -it will be evident from a consideration of the following figures, in -which the forty political parties are grouped into their four larger -divisions: - - +----------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ - | | 1871 | 1881 | 1893 | 1907 | 1912 | - +----------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ - | Right, or | | | | | | - | Conservative | 895,000|1,210,000|1,806,000|2,151,000|1,149,916| - | Liberal |1,884,000|1,948,000|2,102,000|3,078,000|3,227,846| - | Clerical | 973,000|1,618,000|1,920,000|2,779,000|2,012,990| - | Social | | | | | | - | Democrats | 124,000| 312,000|1,787,000|3,259,000|4,238,919| - +----------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ - -In spite of this representation in the Reichstag, the power of the -German political parties is slight. The power lies far more with the -Emperor and the Bundesrat. According to Article II of the Constitution, -the Emperor represents the empire internationally and can declare -war if defensive (in German eyes the present is a defensive war), -can make peace as well as enter into treaties with other nations, -and appoint and receive ambassadors. When treaties are related -to matters regulated by imperial legislation, and when war is not -merely defensive, the Emperor must have the consent of the Bundesrat, -in which, together with the Reichstag, are vested the legislative -functions of the empire. But _de facto_, and through her power of veto, -Prussia controls the Bundesrat, and as King of Prussia the Emperor -controls Prussia. - -That, even so, the Constitution is not the real and final source of -political power, but a convenient political instrument, which in the -mind of so great an authority as Bismarck might still easily be changed -without consulting the people, we may gather from the fact that the -Great Chancellor frequently debated the question of limiting the -suffrage. "The blind Hödhur[1] [the German elector] does not know how -to manipulate in his coarse hands the Nuremberg toy [the Reichstag] -which I gave him, and through his voting he is ruining the Fatherland." -According to Hohenlohe, Bismarck considered setting aside the Reichstag -and returning to the old Bundestag. - -[1] In Norse mythology Hödhur was the powerful blind god who slew - Balder. - -The late Price Collier, an enthusiastic admirer of Germany, is -therefore quite justified in saying: "This Reichstag is really only -nominally a portion of the governing body. It has the right to -refuse a bill presented by the government, but if it does so it may -be summarily dismissed, as has happened several times, and another -election usually provides a more amenable body." And if the following -judgment seems somewhat downright, it is none the less substantially -true: - -"The fact that the members of the Reichstag are not in the saddle but -are used unwillingly and often contemptuously as a necessary and often -stubborn and unruly pack-animal by the Kaiser-appointed ministers, the -fact that they are pricked forward or induced to move by a tempting -feed held just beyond the nose has something to do, no doubt, with the -lack of unanimity which exists. The diverse elements debate with one -another and waste their energy in rebukes and recriminations which -lead nowhere and result in nothing. I have listened to many debates in -the Reichstag where the one aim of the speeches seemed to be merely -to unburden the soul of the speaker. He had no plan, no proposal, -no solution, merely a confession to make. After forty-odd years the -Germans, in many ways the most cultivated nation in the world, are -still without real representative government." - -History, to be sure, may be read in many ways, but from one standpoint -it is perfectly possible to regard the framing of the present -Constitution and the building up of the present German Empire not as -the last stage in the attempt to give freedom and self-government to -the German people, but to guarantee and maintain the supremacy of -Prussia. Whether or not this is a possible view, it is, in any case, -one occasionally to be found implied in the speeches of the Emperor, -and it came to open expression in the statement of William I that -the empire was merely a "greater Prussia." So, too, when a few years -ago Alsace-Lorraine proved itself recalcitrant to the wishes of its -imperial master, he threatened that he would make of it a "Prussian -province."[2] - -[2] On this occasion a Socialist orator declared in the Reichstag: "We - salute the imperial words as the confession, full of weight and - coming from a competent source, that annexation to Prussia is the - heaviest punishment that one can threaten to impose upon a people - for its resistance against Germany. It is a punishment like hard - labor in the penitentiary, with loss of civil rights." - -It need, therefore, not appear as startling as would otherwise be the -case if on occasions which to us would seem peculiarly appropriate -(as, for instance, the famous Königsberg speech, August 25, 1910) the -Emperor makes no mention whatever of the Constitution. The sources -of his power and the sanction for his authority he finds not in this -instrument but in the history of his ancestors. - -To understand the personality and the speeches of the Emperor it is, -therefore, necessary to recall that he is also King of Prussia and -that the foundation of his ancestors' rule was laid in the province of -Brandenburg, of which they became some centuries ago the margraves and -electors. In 1300 Prussia was a wilderness inhabited by savages who -were ruthlessly massacred by the Teutonic knights. It was looked upon -as lying outside the German Empire. Through the knights the country -was converted to Christianity, and the reduced native population was -largely augmented by immigration from other German states. - -Although the Emperor is not slow to accept traditions with regard to -his house, he never mentions the old shoot in the genealogical tree of -an elector which carries us back to one of the fugitives who fled from -Troy with Æneas. For our purposes, it was not until 1273 that a count -of Hohenzollern first came into prominence, when, after a fortunate -marriage, he became burgrave of Nuremberg and prince of the Holy Roman -Empire. With the exception of Frederick William II, they have been -a thrifty race. A little more than a century later there appears in -history that one of the Emperor's ancestors to whom he frequently -refers as the founder of his house and that one who began to acquire -for it divine right. - -Frederick VI of Hohenzollern had already come into prominence through -the fact that he had cast in his lot with King Sigismund of Hungary. -The services which he rendered the King, however valuable, were not -altogether disinterested, and it is said that he largely increased his -fortune thereby. He seems not to have been content with mere promises, -and it is a matter of record that Sigismund pledged to him certain -districts in Hungary as security for 40,000 gulden. As Frederick was to -lay the foundation for the greatness of the house of Hohenzollern and -as Emperor William is fond of repeating that he came to Brandenburg in -obedience to a summons from on high, this chapter in the history of the -Emperor's house is particularly significant and interesting. - -For some time previously Brandenburg had been unfortunate in its rulers -and had frequently changed hands. In 1373 it had been sold for 500,000 -gulden to Emperor Charles IV, who turned it over to his son Wenceslaus. -In 1378 it passed to Wenceslaus' half brother, the Sigismund mentioned -above. Sigismund was in financial difficulty. A few years later, -therefore, he pledged the mark of Brandenburg to his cousins Jobst and -Procop of Moravia as security for a loan of 500,000 gulden. Sigismund -defaulted payment in 1393, so that the margraviate passed to them. In -1410 Sigismund eagerly desired to be elected Emperor of Germany. He -entrusted the management of what might quite properly be called his -"campaign" to Frederick of Hohenzollern. Jobst of Moravia, who, as -we have seen, now had claims to Brandenburg was a rival candidate. -Sigismund, without deigning to make repayment, coolly declared that -the transaction with Jobst concerning Brandenburg was null and void -and instructed Frederick to cast the vote for the mark. To this vote -Frederick clearly (if anything in these complicated proceedings is -clear) had no right. He none the less managed the campaign and in a -"snap" election cast the vote of Brandenburg with assurance. This at -least was the view of other electors, and this high-handed performance -did not meet with their approval. They called a rival council and -elected Jobst to the imperial dignity. For both Sigismund and Frederick -it was "fortunate" (we take the word from the Prussian historian -Eberty) that Jobst died shortly after. It is perhaps unfortunate that -it should have been suspected ever since that he died of poison. - -Sigismund himself seems to have been somewhat doubtful about the -validity of that election which Frederick had compassed and after the -death of Jobst had himself re-elected and was finally acknowledged as -Emperor. If the times were bad, Sigismund and Jobst were no better -than their times. It was this same Sigismund who, after having granted -a safe conduct to the great reformer John Huss, allowed him to be -judicially murdered, a proceeding which made even Charles V blush for -the empire. - -For the purpose of electing Sigismund, Frederick had incurred -considerable expense, amounting to some hundred thousand gulden. It -is perhaps again fortunate for all concerned and for the honor of -the venal empire that no bill of particulars specifying the uses of -this fund is now available, if any was ever rendered. That Frederick, -however, had not served Sigismund "_pour l'amour de Dieu_" is plain -from the fact that he again took security for his advances. This time -he was given the unhappy mark of Brandenburg which, as we have seen, -had belonged to Jobst by virtue of a mortgage which Sigismund had never -taken the trouble to discharge. - -If, then, the law of God is at all similar to the law recognized by -men, Sigismund had no right to give and the ancestor of William II no -legal right to accept that province. The right by which Frederick came -into possession of this first state of the later German Empire was, -consequently, a right quite different from rights generally recognized. -This, therefore, must be that "divine right" which William II is so -fond of proclaiming. At its best, the document of June 7, 1411, which -gave the Hohenzollerns their first claim to their first province was -in reality a mortgage to a piece of property of doubtful title, and -if the rather florid style of that document seems to bring in the -business transaction as something quite incidental, it is altogether -similar to the forms in which other mortgages were couched in those -days. That this was so is further evidenced by the fact that the -Brandenburg cities looked upon Frederick as the holder of a mortgage -and did homage to him "_zu seinem Gelde_"--"for his money"; that is, -they recognized that they were bound to him only until he should be -paid. The nobles did not do homage to him at all. After "the rain of -margraves" of the previous decades, it is not strange that they should -have been slow to recognize their latest overlord. Emperor William II -is, therefore, quite right when he describes the mark of May, 1412, as -devastated, unruly, and altogether unpromising. It could hardly have -been otherwise. Before Frederick was invested with Brandenburg (and he -was formally invested only after a further payment of 400,000 gulden), -in 1417, his princely possessions included merely partial claims to -smaller districts like Ansbach and Bayreuth, which he shared with his -brother John. In spite of Frederick of Hohenzollern's devotion to the -cause of religion, the Shakespearean motto, "Thrift, thrift, Horatio," -may be taken to explain satisfactorily his conduct in this regard. That -the nobles would be unruly he must have expected. His own activities -and his acceptance of the mark had helped to make them so. Frederick's -later service consisted in dispelling a confusion which he had helped -to create. - -In these larger transactions the first great Hohenzollern does not seem -to have been given to listening to the still small voice. Incidentally, -he was later to turn against Sigismund. The assumption, therefore, -that he left his southern home for the mark out of heed for a divine -call, as Emperor William in his speech of February 3, 1899, tells us -that he did, is historically, like Laplace's God, a useless hypothesis. -Self-interest, for which he seems to have had a fairly keen sense, -would have impelled him to do no less. Yet it is upon the _faits et -gestes_ of Frederick of Hohenzollern that Emperor William II bases his -claims to rule Germany by divine right. - -As we have seen, the mortgage was not discharged, and Frederick had -been formally invested with the margraviate and electorship in 1417. -He lifted the mark out of the deplorable condition in which he found -it, compelled obedience, and during the period of his rule--he died -in 1440--its lot was much improved and the power of the house of -Hohenzollern much strengthened. History must give him credit for his -ability and his difficult achievement if not for his motives. - -In the process of establishing himself, his rule, like that of his -successors was the rule of the sword and his policy the _Machtpolitik_, -or policy of force. In spite of her comparative poverty, therefore, -Prussia in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries maintained an army -larger than that of Austria or France. The connection between the ruler -and the army in a state which was founded and maintained by force of -arms was, therefore, and remains in modern Prussia so close that the -Emperor is from the standpoint of tradition justified in repeating -that "the only pillar on which the empire rests is the army." It was -literally _ein Volk in Waffen_, a people in arms. The first really -outstanding ruler of the province was the Great Elector (1620-88), who -has always been cited by William II as his model and of whom he speaks -with a respect that amounts to veneration. - -He was born in Berlin and, after passing part of his youth in the -Netherlands, became ruler of Brandenburg and Prussia in 1640, before -the close of the Thirty Years' War. He restored the prestige of the -army and centralized the government and, we are informed by recognized -authorities, by a clever but unscrupulous use of his intermediate -position between Sweden and Poland, procured his recognition as an -independent Duke of Prussia by both powers and eventually succeeded in -crushing the stubborn and protracted opposition which was offered to -his authority by the estates of the duchy. His success in organizing -the army was proved by his great victory over the Swedes at Fehrbellin, -1675. - -From childhood the Emperor has worshipped the Great Elector as his -favorite hero. In their policies there is a striking similarity, for -the elector was the first to recognize the importance of sea power and -is praised by William II for having founded the Prussian navy and for -having encouraged commerce. He built the first great German canal, -from the Oder to the Spree (another lead which the present Emperor -was to follow), and he inaugurated the colonial policy by founding -a settlement on the west African coast. This, likewise, was to be -revived by the present Emperor, for it was allowed to lapse even under -Frederick the Great, who considered a "village on the frontier" a much -greater asset than a state oversea. The aim of the Great Elector was -to make himself an absolute ruler, as he regarded this best for the -internal and external welfare of the state. But he raised Brandenburg -and Prussia to a high place and laid the basis of their later power. - -Under these lords and their followers the progress of Prussia was -amazingly rapid. In 1650, when London and Paris were cities of a -little more or less than half a million inhabitants and Amsterdam -counted 300,000, Berlin was a village of 10,000. The population of -Prussia itself, which, to be sure, had been more than doubled in size, -increased from 1,500,000 in 1688 to 19,000,000 in 1865. It was in the -time of Frederick the Great, however, that her power as a state was -first firmly established. His military genius (he is usually said -to have originated "the oblique order" of battle) and his policy of -dissimulation here stood him in good stead. He sowed discord among -his neighbors and awaited the favorable opportunity to attack even on -very slight pretexts and in the case of Silesia without the formality -of a declaration of war. Like William II, he was a patron of the arts -and sciences and invited noted littérateurs and scientists, especially -Frenchmen, to his court. The scientist Maupertuis and Voltaire were -his protégés, and the exiled Rousseau for a time found refuge in his -domains. He himself wrote in French. It is probably because of his -French sympathies and the fact that he was, in this regard, not a -_kerndeutscher Mann_ that William II rarely speaks of him personally -and mentions usually only his services to his country. - -Frederick died in 1786. He had raised Prussia to the position of a -first-rate power and, in Disraeli's phrase, left it "regarded if not -respected." His successor, Frederick William II, is remembered mostly -because of the scandalous character of his life, and he showed none -of the characteristics of the energetic Hohenzollerns. A contemporary -says of him: "He bears the greatest resemblance to an Asiatic prince, -who, living within his harem with his slaves of both sexes, leaves -the business of the state to his viziers. The wall, twelve feet in -height, by which the new garden at Potsdam is enclosed, reminds one of -the enclosure of a seraglio." He was succeeded by his son, Frederick -William III, in 1797. This conscientious but ill-starred ruler was to -be rendered famous through his misfortunes in the time of Napoleon and -has been overshadowed somewhat in history by his beautiful, devoted, -and heroic wife Louise. They stand closer to modern history than is -generally realized. The present Emperor often mentions them for their -heroism and the brave part they played in the War of Liberation and -in freeing their country from the incubus of the Napoleonic Empire. -They were the parents of Emperor William I, the illustrious grandfather -of the present sovereign. If, then, Emperor William II frequently -takes occasion to recall the memory of 1813 it should be remembered -that in his own family these events were very near to him, since his -grandfather had spent his childhood in those years of humiliation and -had served in the allied armies in the time of Napoleon. The man who -was to become Emperor William I had been born as the second son of -Frederick William III in 1797. He was to be preceded on the throne by -his elder brother, Frederick William IV, who, like the present Emperor -and like Frederick the Great, was an accomplished lover of the arts, -but who lacked the strength to guide his country with a sure hand -through the troubled years of the forties. He became afflicted in his -last years with hopeless mental disease, and his brother, after having -served as regent, became King of Prussia as William I in 1861. - -The idea of uniting Germany into a single empire had already been -seriously agitated in the time of Frederick William IV, but it -was under his brother, largely through the tireless activity and -wonderfully successful diplomacy of Bismarck, that this great aim was -to be achieved in the lifetime of the present Emperor. It was in -the chapel at Königsberg that William I arranged for and held his -coronation. He cannot be said to have been crowned; for although his -brother had granted Prussia a constitution William himself raised the -crown from the altar, set it on his own head, and announced in a loud -voice: "I receive this crown from God's hand and from none other." - -It was such a legacy that the present Emperor inherited when, after -the few months' reign of his father, he succeeded to the imperial -office; and it is this legacy and this tradition which, in fairness -to the Emperor, we must remember in reading such seemingly strange -pronouncements as his own address at Königsberg in 1910. - -The later events in German history and the subsequent policies of the -empire are touched upon in such detail that further preamble is hardly -necessary. That the Emperor has everywhere energetically taken the lead -is undoubted. That he should be held responsible in general for German -diplomacy is implied in his position. That he has urged and directed -the movement in nearly every field of endeavor is plain from the varied -character of his addresses. No one can doubt after reading him that -he desired peace, in the sense that he preferred peace to war. The -question that will undoubtedly interest the reader most is the problem -of the consistency of his various policies; whether, for instance, the -exaggerated worship of the army, the devout desire for peace, and the -insistent imperialism of his later years can be brought into harmony; -whether they can be reduced to any common denominator. However that may -be, that he has been one of the most devoted and conscientious servants -of the German cause as he sees it cannot possibly be denied. - - - - -II - -PRELIMINARIES - -JUNE 15, 1888--OCTOBER 30, 1889 - - -THE FIRST OFFICIAL ACT OF THE EMPEROR - -SCHLOSS FRIEDRICHSKRON, JUNE 15, 1888 - - The aged Emperor William I, grandfather of William II, departed - this life March 9, 1888. He was succeeded by his son, Frederick - III, who, after a reign of only a few months, died on June 15 of - the same year. The present Emperor, who was born on January 27, - 1859, was, therefore, twenty-nine at the time of his accession to - the throne. It is characteristic that his first official act should - have been an order to the army. - - The close connection between the army and the Prussian Kings is a - tradition which William II sedulously maintained. In later speeches - he will frequently give evidence of this desire on his part and - will quote characteristic sayings of his ancestors to the effect - that the army is the "_rocher de bronze_," that it is "the only - pillar on which the empire rests." He will repeat to the army - officers that phrase of his grandfather: "These are the gentlemen - upon whom I can rely." - - If the extraordinary versatility of William II is one of his most - striking qualities, a reading of his speeches will convince us - that it is none the less true that he is first and foremost a - soldier. By far the great majority of his speeches are on military - occasions, and it is the martial triumphs of his ancestors that he - is most fond of commemorating. He seems to be most at home with - his officers, and although at one time or another differences have - arisen between him and every party or caste in the empire, even - including the Prussian nobility, this close relationship with the - army has never been clouded by even a momentary estrangement. - More than any other one subject, army reviews have provided the - occasion for his speeches. If but a few of these are given here - it is because his sentiments in this regard have suffered no - change and these addresses are largely repetitions of his sense - of satisfaction and the expression of his good-will. That he - intended to be the virtual leader of his own host is perhaps best - indicated by the fact that Von Moltke (who was, to be sure, an old - man) resigned six weeks after his accession to the throne. The - present war has proved his capacity in this regard, and the army - has certainly lost nothing in efficiency and has probably gained - somewhat in confidence since he took over the direction from his - ancestors and their advisers. The present order was issued on - the very day of his father's death. On that same date a somewhat - similar proclamation was addressed to the navy. - - - [Illustration: THE EMPEROR IN THE YEAR OF HIS CORONATION, 1888 - [Age 29]] - - -Even ere you, my troops, had put aside the external signs of mourning -for your Emperor and King, William I, who lives ever in your hearts, -you are called upon to suffer another heavy blow through the death this -morning, at five minutes past eleven, of my dear and deeply beloved -father, his Majesty, the Emperor and King, Frederick III. - -It is in these serious days of mourning that God's will places me at -the head of the army, and it is from a heart stirred deeply, indeed, -that I address my first words to my troops. - -I enter with implicit confidence, however, upon this duty to which God -has called me; for I know what a sense for honor and duty has been -implanted in the army by my glorious ancestors, and I know to what -degree this sense has ever and at all times displayed itself. - -The absolutely inviolable dependence upon the war lord [_Kriegsherr_] -is, in the army, the inheritance which descends from father to -son, from generation to generation. I would direct your gaze to my -grandfather, who stands before the eyes of all of you, the glorious war -lord, worthy of all honor--a spectacle more beautiful than any other -and one which speaks most tellingly to our hearts; I would direct your -gaze to my dear father, who even as Crown Prince won for himself a -distinguished place in the annals of the army, and to a long succession -of famous ancestors whose names are resplendent in history and whose -hearts beat warmly for the army. - -So are we bound together--I and the army--so are we born for one -another, and so shall we hold together indissolubly, whether, as God -wills, we are to have peace or storm. - -You are now about to swear to me the oath of fidelity and obedience, -and I vow that I shall ever be mindful of the fact that the eyes of my -forefathers look down upon me from that other world and that I one day -shall have to render up to them an account of the fame and the honor of -the army. - - WILLIAM. - - CASTLE FRIEDRICHSKRON, June 15, 1888. - - -TO MY PEOPLE - -POTSDAM, JUNE 18, 1888 - - Three days after his pronouncements to the army and navy Emperor - William II issued the following proclamation to his people. In - temperament the son was quite unlike his father. The wife of - Frederick I and the mother of the present Emperor was an English - princess, Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria), and through her - Frederick is generally said to have been influenced by the more - liberal English tradition. Critics of William II have occasionally - annoyed him by repeating, justly or unjustly, that his father - regarded certain elements in his character with disapproval. - However that may be, it is true that the people regarded Frederick - in a different light from that in which they have come to regard - his son. In reading the speeches of William II one is conscious - of the fact that he is speaking from a certain eminence, that the - Emperor never forgets that he enjoys the advantage of position. - He has, therefore, put between himself and his people a certain - distance which did not exist in the case of his father. The father - treated his subjects as if he were one of them, and it is this fact - that led them fondly to call him "_Unser Fritz_." However great the - respect which they feel for the son, none of his subjects would - think of bestowing any such title on William II, and, even if they - did, it is doubtful whether he would feel in any way complimented - thereby. He is in this respect more like his ancestor Frederick the - Great than like his father or grandfather, and it is a striking - fact that in all his speeches he never once mentions this somewhat - familiar title, of which his father was proud. - -God has again hung about us the pall of deepest mourning. Hardly had -the grave closed upon my ever-memorable grandfather, than his Majesty, -my dearly beloved father, was called from this earthly sojourn to -everlasting peace. The heroic energy, born of Christian humility, with -which, unmindful of his sufferings, he accomplished his royal duties -seemed to leave room for the hope that he would be spared still longer -to the Fatherland. God has willed it otherwise. To the royal sufferer -whose heart was moved by all that was great and beautiful, only a few -months were allotted in which he might display upon the throne the -noble qualities of heart and soul which have won for him the love of -his people. The virtues which adorned him and the victories which he -gained on fields of battle will be gratefully remembered as long as -German hearts beat, and undying fame will illumine his knightly figure -in the history of the Fatherland. - -Called to the throne of my fathers, I have taken over the government, -looking to the King of all kings, and have vowed to God, following the -example of my father, to be a righteous and gentle prince, to foster -piety and the fear of God, to maintain peace, to further the welfare of -the country, to be a help to the poor and oppressed, and to be to the -righteous man a true protector. - -If I pray God for strength to fulfil these royal duties which He has -laid upon me, I am buoyed up by that faith in the Prussian people -which a consideration of our past history confirms in me. In good -and in evil days Prussia's people have ever stood faithfully to their -kings. I, too, count upon this fidelity, which has ever been preserved -inviolable toward my fathers in all times of trial and danger; for -I am conscious that I reciprocate it whole-heartedly, as a faithful -prince of a faithful people, and that we are both equally strong in our -devotion to a common Fatherland. From this consciousness of the mutual -love which binds me to my people, I derive the confidence that God -will give me wisdom and strength to exercise my kingly office for the -welfare of the Fatherland. - - WILLIAM. - - POTSDAM, June 18, 1888. - - -FIRST DECLARATION OF POLICY - -BERLIN, JUNE 25, 1888 - - After the death of Frederick III the Reichstag was summoned to - meet in extraordinary session. Most of the affiliated sovereigns - of the German states assembled to pay homage to the youthful - Emperor. On this occasion he made from the throne a declaration - of policy which is interesting as showing his ideas before he was - subjected to the pressure of events. Before he had succeeded to - the throne it had been generally reported, possibly because of - his known fondness for the army, that he was by nature bellicose. - This report seriously distressed the new sovereign, and he began - his reign with declarations, which have often been renewed since, - that he would work for peace. He likewise outlines his foreign - policy and expresses the hope that he may further develop friendly - relations with Russia. In this he was to achieve but little - success, and a few years later the agreement which bound Russia - to observe neutrality in case Germany were involved in war was - allowed to lapse, much to the disgust of Bismarck, who at that time - had been superseded by Caprivi. Frederick the Great had warned - his successors that in the future, in case Prussia wished to wage - any war, she would first have to assure herself of the neutrality - of Russia. Bismarck had followed this policy and had established - it on the basis of an agreement. As the relationship to Russia - was to be of particular consequence, it will be interesting to - have before us an article which appeared October 26, 1896, in the - _Hamburger Nachrichten_, recognized as expressing the views of the - great Chancellor. It announces that already in Bismarck's time - the wire between Berlin and St. Petersburg was cut and takes up - certain events of the year 1890. "Up to this time," we are told, - "both empires were fully agreed that in case one of them should be - attacked the other would preserve a benevolent neutrality. After - the departure of Bismarck this agreement was not renewed, and if we - are correctly informed about events in Berlin, it was not Russia, - piqued at the change in chancellors, but Count Caprivi who declined - to continue this mutual assurance, while Russia was prepared to do - so." - - Emperor William's announcement with regard to his personal - friendship and the interests of the realm may be taken as heralding - a new era in German foreign policy. He inaugurated what has been - called "personal diplomacy," and felt that it was possible to - arrange the relationships between states by personally visiting - and conferring with other sovereigns. Shortly after his accession, - therefore, he set out on a tour of the European capitals. Bismarck, - who planned his foreign relations on the basis of race psychology - and possible future clashes of interests, opposed this strenuously. - The visit to St. Petersburg (19th to 24th of July, 1888) gave rise - to certain unpleasant scenes and was only returned by the Czar - in a very perfunctory manner fifteen months later (October 11, - 1889). The effect of the friendly attentions shown the Czar on this - occasion was doubtless weakened by the fact that, less than three - weeks later, Emperor William felt called upon to visit the Sultan, - by whom he was most enthusiastically received in Constantinople. - Even though the Emperor was most sincere in his desire to preserve - friendship with Russia, events were to prove that his method of - cultivating diplomatic relations was far less successful than - Bismarck's way of working in silence and waiting for events. - - With regard to the internal administration of the realm, the - problem that seemed most pressing to William II was the rapid - growth of the Social Democratic party. This problem had already - engaged the attention of William I and of Bismarck, who recognized - its gravity. But here, too, the Emperor and Chancellor were - to disagree. The former felt that he could easily master the - situation, as may be seen from his remark to Bismarck: "Leave the - Social Democrats to me." He was doubtless sincerely concerned for - the welfare of the laborer and recognized in it one of the sources - of the prosperity of the state. His policy was to be patriarchal - and, bluntly put in Shakespearian phrase, amounted to giving them - medicine to make them love him. But if, to change the metaphor, he - offered them his hand in a velvet glove, they were, as may be seen - from his speech, soon to discover that it was a hand of iron. - -HONORED GENTLEMEN: - -I greet you with deep sorrow in my heart, and I know that you grieve -with me. The recent memory of my late father's sufferings, the -astounding fact that three months after the death of his Majesty, -Emperor William I, I am called upon to mount the throne, arouses the -same feeling in the hearts of all Germans, and our grief has found a -sympathetic response in all countries of the world. Under the weight of -this sorrow, I pray God to give me strength to fulfil the high office -to which His will has called me. - -As I follow this command I have before my eyes the example which -Emperor William bequeathed to his successors when, after serious wars, -he ruled with a love of peace. This same example the reign of my late -father strove to maintain in so far as he was not thwarted in his aims -by his illness and death. - -I have called you together, Honored Gentlemen, in order in your -presence to announce to the German people that I am determined, as -Emperor and as King, to follow in that same path by which my late -grandfather won for himself the trust of his allies, the love of the -German people, and the kindly recognition of foreign countries. It lies -with God whether I shall be successful in this or not; but earnestly -shall I strive to that end. - -The most important tasks of the German Emperor lie in the province of -establishing military and political safety for the realm from without -and in supervising the execution of the laws of the empire within. The -Constitution of the empire forms the highest of these laws. To guard -and defend it and all those rights which it secures to both of the -legislative bodies[3] of the nation and to every German citizen, as -well as those which it secures to the Emperor and to each of the states -of the union, and to the reigning princes, is the most important right -and duty of the Emperor. - -[3] Bundesrat and Reichstag. - -With regard to legislation in the realm, according to the Constitution -I am called upon to act more in my capacity as King of Prussia than -in that as the German Emperor; but in both it will be my aim to carry -out the work of imperial legislation in the same spirit in which my -late grandfather began it. Especially do I take to heart in its fullest -application the message published by him on November 17, 1881,[4] and -shall proceed in that spirit to bring it about that the legislation for -the working population shall make more secure the protection which, -in accordance with the principles of Christian ethics, it can afford -the weak and oppressed in the struggle for existence. I hope it may -be possible in this way more nearly to eliminate unhealthy social -distinctions, and I cherish the hope that in fostering our internal -welfare I shall receive the harmonious support of all true subjects of -the realm, without division of party. - -[4] As this message of Emperor William I was practically the beginning - of labor legislation in Germany and is several times referred - to, its significant portion is given below. Emperor William I - had already failed in his policy of crushing Socialism through - drastic measures of repression. He was now to initiate a policy of - attempting to kill it with kindness. In spite of certain admirable - provisions, this too was to fail. The Social Democrats had learned - from bitter experience that they did not enjoy the good-will of - either the grandfather or the grandson, and for this reason the - projects of social legislation were looked upon with suspicion and - accepted without enthusiasm. The awkward and compromising nature of - the Emperor's position is evident in the preamble. - - "Already in February of this year we expressed the conviction - that the healing of social grievances was not to be sought - exclusively in the repression of Social Democratic excesses, but - also in the direct advancement of the welfare of the laborer. - We hold it to be our royal duty to impress this matter upon the - Reichstag, and we would look back with greater satisfaction upon - all the achievements with which God has blessed our reign if we - could carry away with us the conviction that we had left to the - Fatherland new and lasting pledges of internal peace and to those - in need of help greater security and provisions for support, - upon which they may make rightful claim. In our attempts to this - end we are sure of the support of all the affiliated governments - and count upon the support of the Reichstag without distinction - of parties. To this end a draft of a bill for the protection of - laborers against accidents, which was presented by the affiliated - governments in the previous session, will be reformulated in view - of the discussions held in the Reichstag and will be offered for - further consideration. As a supplement to it, a project will be - brought forward which proposes a similar organization of the funds - for laboring men's sick insurance. But those, too, who on account - of age or infirmity are no longer able to work have just claim - upon the community for a higher degree of governmental protection - than it has previously been possible to accord them. To find the - proper ways and means for making such provision is one of the most - difficult but one of the highest tasks of any society which is - based upon the foundations of a Christian national life. By calling - upon the sources of this strong national life and organizing it - into incorporated associations under state protection we hope to - bring about the solution of problems which the state alone could - not solve with the same success. But even in this way the goal - cannot be reached without the employment of important means." - -I hold it, however, likewise my duty to see to it that our political -and social development proceeds according to law and to meet with -firmness any attempt which aims at undermining the order of the state. - -In foreign politics I am determined to keep peace with every one in -so far as in me lies. My love for the German army and my position in -it will never lead me into the temptation of robbing the country of -the benefits of peace, unless some attack upon the empire, or her -allies, forces war upon us. The army is to make our peace secure; yet -if that should, nevertheless, be threatened, the army will be able to -re-establish it with honor. And it will be able to do so by reason -of the strength which it has received from the last army bill, which -you voted unanimously. To make use of that force to wage a war of -aggression lies far from my thoughts. Germany needs no new martial -glory nor any conquest of whatever sort after she has, once for all, -established her right to exist as a single and independent nation. - -Our alliance with Austria-Hungary is publicly known; I hold fast to -this in German faith not only because it is concluded but because I -perceive in this defensive alliance a basis for European balance of -power as well as a legacy from German history. The public opinion of -the entire German people supports this alliance, and it is founded -upon the European law of nations, as it prevailed undisputed until -1866. Similar historical relations, and the fact that we have similar -national needs to-day, ally us with Italy. Both nations wish to -hold fast to the blessings of peace in order to devote themselves -undisturbed to the strengthening of their newly acquired unity, to the -development of their national institutions, and to the furtherance of -their prosperity. - -To my great satisfaction, our existing agreements with Austria-Hungary -and Italy permit me to foster carefully my personal friendship for -the Russian Emperor and the friendly relations which have existed for -a hundred years with the neighboring Russian Empire, a course which -accords with my own feelings as well as with the interests of Germany. - -I stand as ready to serve the Fatherland in the conscientious promotion -of peace as in the care for our army and rejoice in the traditional -relations with foreign powers through which my efforts in the former -direction are being furthered. - -Trusting in God and in the ability of our people to defend themselves, -I entertain the hope that for an appreciable time we may be allowed to -preserve and strengthen through peaceful labor what my two predecessors -on the throne had acquired through their efforts on the field of battle. - - -OPENING OF THE REICHSTAG - -BERLIN, NOVEMBER 22, 1888 - - The first months of the Emperor's reign were devoted largely - to visiting the heads of the confederated German states and in - cultivating the acquaintance of foreign rulers. His main purpose, - as he tells us on a later occasion, was to combat the idea that it - was his intention to enter upon a career of war. - - The workingman's insurance act, which has been referred to, was - one of the most important legislative provisions ever made in the - interests of labor. The cost of this insurance was distributed - between the employer, the employed, and the state. In spite of its - undoubted benefits, it had failed to disarm the Social Democrats, - and the party had continued to increase. They complained that - the proportion of the cost borne by them was too great, and, as - they had been previously and were soon again to be treated as - enemies, they were inclined to look upon it as a bribe. By his - "social-political" legislation the Emperor meant to forestall the - Socialist programme. When this well-intentioned movement failed to - dissolve the party, which continued to increase, he was not slow to - show his resentment. - -HONORED GENTLEMEN: - -When I greeted you for the first time, at the beginning of my reign, -you stood with me under the weight of the severe visitations which my -house and the empire have experienced in the course of the present -year. The sorrow over this loss will never be wholly extinguished -during the lifetime of the present generation, but it cannot hinder me -from following in the footsteps of my late ancestors and completely -fulfilling the demands of duty with manly vigor and fidelity. - -Buoyed up by this sense of duty and assuming that this exists in you to -the same degree, I give you my greeting and bid you welcome as we again -take up our common labors. - -My travels have carried me into different parts of the empire, and -everywhere I have found evidences, both on the part of my exalted -colleagues and of the people, that the princes and the population -of Germany are, with absolute trust, devoted to the empire and its -institutions and find the pledge of safety in their union. From such -testimony you have doubtless come to the conclusion, no less satisfying -to you than to me, that the organic union which now binds the empire -together has taken deep and firm rooting in the people at large. I -therefore feel the need of gratefully expressing on this occasion the -pleasure which it gives me. - -It fills me with great satisfaction that, after difficult and laborious -negotiations, the inclusion of the free Hanseatic cities, Hamburg and -Bremen, into the customs union of the empire has now been realized. -I see in this the blessed fruit of our combined efforts. May the -expectations which we count upon from this extension of the empire's -customs districts be realized in fullest measure, both for the empire -and for these two most important seacoast towns! - -The government of the Swiss Federation has suggested a revision of the -commercial treaty between Germany and Switzerland. Filled with the -desire of confirming the existing friendly relations between the two -countries and of extending them also into the realm of their commercial -policies, I stand ready to meet their proposal. The negotiations have -been conducted through the offices of representatives from the states -bordering upon Switzerland, and their result consists in a further -agreement through which the treaty regulations for reciprocal trade -will be extended and the exchange of industrial products will be made -easier. After its successful acceptance by the Bundesrat the agreement -will be presented to you with the proposal, in order that you may -bestow upon it your constitutional sanction. - -The budget for the next fiscal year will be laid before you without -delay. The draft gives proof of the satisfactory condition of the -imperial finances. As a result of the reforms instituted in the -last few years, with your co-operation, in the way of tariffs and -internal revenues, surplus receipts may be expected, and upon this -basis we shall not only be provided with a new means of fulfilling -the inevitable obligations of the empire but it may be possible for -our constituent states to expect an increase of means for their own -purposes. - -I greet with joy the signs of a revival of economic activity in various -fields. Even though the pressure which bears upon the farmer is not -yet relieved, nevertheless, as I look forward to the possibility which -has lately appeared of a greater utilization of certain agricultural -products, I hope that an amelioration also of this most powerful branch -of our industrial work will be brought about. - -The bill which has already been announced on the regulation of the -industrial and agricultural societies will be laid before you for your -decision. It is to be hoped that the enfranchising of associations with -limited liability which the bill proposes will prove itself beneficial -in increasing agricultural credit. - -Certain shortcomings which have appeared in connection with the -insurance against sickness call for legal remedy. The necessary -preliminary investigations for this have so far progressed as to make -it possible, in all probability, to lay before you in the course of -this session an adequate presentation of the case. - -As a precious legacy from my grandfather, I have taken over the problem -of carrying out the social-political legislation begun by him. I do not -allow myself to be carried away by the hope that through legal measures -the exigencies of our time and human misery can be abolished from -the world. I judge it to be a duty, however, of the executive power -to strive with all its faculties toward the mitigation of existing -industrial grievances and through organized measures to emphasize -the fact that love of our neighbor, which has its foundations in -Christianity itself, should be a recognized duty of the entire state. -The difficulties which stand in the way of the state's assisting in -the universal insurance of all workers against the dangers of age and -sickness are great; but, with God's help, they are not insurmountable. -As the result of extensive investigations a bill will be presented to -you which reveals a possible means of attaining this end. - -Our settlements in Africa have imposed upon the German Empire the duty -of converting that part of the world to a Christian civilization. The -friendly government of England and her Parliament has known for a -hundred years that the fulfilment of this obligation must begin with -combating the hunting of slaves and the trade in negroes. I have, -therefore, sought and concluded an understanding with England, whose -meaning and aim you shall learn. On it depend further negotiations with -other friendly and interested governments and further proposals for the -Reichstag. - -Our relations with all foreign governments are peaceful, and my efforts -are continually directed toward cementing this peace. Our treaties -with Austria and Italy have no other aim. It is incompatible with my -Christian faith and with the duties which as Emperor I have assumed -toward the people needlessly to bring upon Germany the sorrows of a -war, even of a victorious one. In this conviction I have looked upon -it as my duty soon after I ascended the throne to greet not only my -affiliated rulers within the realm but also the friendly neighboring -sovereigns. I have sought to find an understanding with them concerning -the fulfilment of this trust which God has placed upon us, of -preserving, so far as in us lies, the peace and welfare of our people. -The confidence with which I and my policies have been received at all -the courts which I have visited leads me to hope that, with God's help, -I and my allies and my friends will succeed in preserving the peace of -Europe. - - -THE EMPEROR AND THE STRIKING MINERS - -BERLIN, MAY 14, 1889 - - The Emperor's change of attitude toward the Socialists is evident - from his conduct in the conflict which had arisen in the Rhenish - and Westphalian coal districts between the miners and their - employers. He personally received delegations from both sides. The - miners' delegation consisted of Schröder (spokesman), Siegel, and - Bunte. In answer to Schröder's speech, the Emperor announced: - -It goes without saying that every subject, when he presents a wish or -a petition, has the ear of his Emperor. Of this I have given evidence -in that I have invited the deputation to come here and to set forth -their wishes in person. You have, however, placed yourselves in the -wrong, because your agitation is unlawful for no other reason than the -fact that the fourteen days of warning have not yet expired, after -which the workers would have been legally justified in ceasing work. -In consequence of this you are guilty of breaking a contract. It is -self-evident that this breach of contract has angered and injured the -employers. - -Further, there are workers who do not wish to strike and who, either -through force or by means of threats, are hindered from continuing -their work. Also, certain of the workers have seized upon organs of -the authorities and upon property which did not belong to them and -have even, in individual cases, offered resistance to the military -force called to protect them. Finally, you wish that work should be -generally resumed again only when your combined demands shall have -been fulfilled at all the mines. - -As for the demands themselves, I shall, through my government, -carefully examine them and have the results of the investigation -delivered to you through the appointed authorities. Should, however, -there occur transgressions against the public order and peace, or -should the agitation ally itself with the Social Democrats, then I -should not be in a position to reconcile your wishes with my good-will -as ruler. For, to me, every Social Democrat is synonymous with an enemy -of the realm and of the Fatherland. Should I, therefore, discover that -Social-Democratic tendencies become involved in the agitation and -instigate unlawful opposition, I will step in sternly and ruthlessly -and bring to bear all the power that I possess--and it is great. - -Now go to your homes, think over what I have said, and seek to -influence your comrades to reflection. Above all, however, you must -not, under any circumstances, hinder your comrades who wish to return -to their work. - - -VISIT OF THE KING OF ITALY - -BERLIN, MAY 22, 1889 - - At the time of the great spring review of this year, King Humbert - came to Berlin to return the Emperor's visit. A state banquet was - held, at which the Emperor proposed the following toast to the King - of Italy: - -May it please your Majesty to accept from me and my people our -heartiest thanks for the proof of the friendship which your Majesty has -given me by this visit! - -My troops, likewise, are filled with grateful pride that they have been -able to conduct themselves with honor in the eyes of your Majesty, an -experienced soldier. - -Full of the happy remembrance of the army manoeuvres at Rome, I raise -my glass and drink to the health of your Majesty and of her Majesty, -the Queen; to the health of your brave troops as well as to the -unchanging friendship with the house of Savoy, whose motto, "_Sempre -avanti, Savoja_," has led to the unification of the kingdom of Italy. -Long live his Majesty, King Humbert! - - -THE ENGLISH FLEET AND THE GERMAN ARMY - -SANDOWN BAY, AUGUST 5, 1889 - - On this date the Emperor was created admiral of the English fleet - by Queen Victoria. On the same day he was present at a regatta on - Sandown Bay, where he replied as follows to a toast offered by the - Prince of Wales: - -I prize most highly the honor which has been shown me by the Queen in -appointing me admiral of the English fleet. I sincerely rejoice to have -seen the manoeuvres of the fleet, which I consider the finest in the -world. Germany possesses an army which answers to her needs, and if the -British nation possesses a fleet sufficient for the needs of England, -this in itself will be considered by Europe in general as a weighty -factor in the maintenance of peace. - - -THE ENGLISH ARMY - -ALDERSHOT, AUGUST 7, 1889 - - On his mother's side, who was a princess royal of England, the - Emperor was a grandson of Queen Victoria, to whom he paid frequent - visits and whom he held in high regard. William II began his - reign with cordial feelings toward his island neighbors. If the - friendship between the two nations was never particularly close, - the estrangement of modern times may be said to have begun in - colonial and commercial rivalries in the last decades of the - nineteenth century and to have been sharpened by events in China - and especially by the Boer War. The situation became more acute - after the Morocco incident, in 1904-5, and when on that occasion - England sided with France she was by a large portion of the German - people definitely aligned with their enemies. The present toast, - which was reported in this form in the _Kreuzzeitung_ of August 9, - 1889, was received with no protest or denial. The Emperor had been - present at the manoeuvres of 29,000 English troops at Aldershot, - under General Sir Evelyn Wood. The toast was offered in the camp - tent of the Duke of Cambridge, in response to one by that officer. - -It gives me particular satisfaction to have appointed the Duke of -Cambridge, the commander-in-chief of the English army, as a member of -the 28th Regiment, since this same regiment had as chief at one time -our comrade at Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington. - -The friendship with the English, which had been sealed in blood, my -honored grandfather maintained to the end of his life. - -The British army fills me with the greatest admiration. If ever the -possibility of counting upon volunteers is doubted, I shall be in a -position to give testimony to their capacity. - -At Malplaquet and at Waterloo the Prussian and British blood was shed -in a common cause. - - -THE CZAR AT BERLIN - -BERLIN, OCTOBER 11, 1889 - - On the occasion of Alexander III's visit to Berlin the Emperor - offered the following toast at the banquet in the White Room of the - Royal Palace. It may be "considering too curiously to consider - so," but to many there will seem to be something matter-of-fact in - the Czar's reply, which is printed below. This friendship between - the rulers of the two neighboring countries was, however, outwardly - preserved up to the time of the present war, as is evident to - those who will consult the telegrams exchanged between William and - Nicolas on the eve of the outbreak. - -I drink to the health of my honored friend, his Majesty, the Emperor of -Russia, and to the continuation of the friendship which has existed for -more than one hundred years between our houses and which, as a legacy -received from my ancestors, I am determined to foster. - - The Czar replied in French, as follows: - -_Je remercie Votre Majesté de Vos bonnes paroles et je partage -entièrement les sentiments que Vous venez d'exprimer. A la santé de Sa -Majesté, l'Empereur et Roi--Hourra!_ - - -ON BOARD AN ENGLISH FLAG-SHIP - -THE PIRÆUS, OCTOBER 30, 1889 - - On visits to his English relatives the Emperor had, as a lad, made - occasional sojourns in Great Britain, and that romantic temperament - of which he was to give indications even in much later years was - much impressed by the sight of English ships. He recalls the memory - on many occasions. As will be plain later, he early conceived the - idea and realized the necessity of a powerful fleet. As this is his - first reference to the navy in the present volume it is interesting - to note the attitude of humble discipleship which in the mid-years - of the next decade is to give way to quite another conception. - -I am proud of the rank which Queen Victoria has bestowed upon me. It -might be supposed that my interest in the British navy dated from my -appointment as admiral; that, however, is not so. From my earliest -youth, when as a boy I ran about on the wharves at Portsmouth, I was -much interested in British ships. My inspection of the ships to-day -has afforded me great satisfaction, and I congratulate you on their -appearance. Nelson's famous watchword is no longer necessary. They all -do their duty, and we as a young sea power follow England in order to -learn from the English navy. - - - - -III - -AFTER BISMARCK - -MAY 6, 1890--JUNE 21, 1895 - - -OPENING OF THE REICHSTAG - -BERLIN, MAY 6, 1890 - - This address to the Reichstag is of particular importance. The - Emperor had now visited most of the sovereigns of Europe and felt - that he had established himself. He was here definitely outlining - a policy which he himself had framed. In that period when the - Emperor was still Prince William, Bismarck had said: "In him there - is something of Frederick the Great, and he is also able to become - as despotic as Frederick the Great. What a blessing that we have - a parliamentary government!" He had likewise prophesied that the - Emperor would be his own chancellor, and he had discovered in - his own case that the prophecy was a true one. In the spring of - this year, after numerous misunderstandings, Bismarck had himself - been forced into retirement, and henceforth his name will be - mentioned but rarely. One of the points on which they had disagreed - was precisely this project for labor legislation, which was, - unfortunately, not destined to fulfil the hopes entertained by - William II. A number of the projects here laid down were carried - out only partially and others not at all. So, for instance, in this - same year the Emperor had issued the following decree: - - "For the fostering of peace between employers and laborers - legal regulations are contemplated regarding the forms in which - the laborers shall, through representatives who possess their - confidence, participate in the regulation of matters of common - concern and the protection of their interests in negotiations - with employers and with the organs of my government. By such - institutions the laborers are to be enabled to give free and - peaceful expression to their wishes and complaints, and the - state authorities are to be given the opportunity of continually - acquainting themselves with the conditions of the workers and of - cultivating contact with the latter." - - As late as 1905 it had not been carried into execution, though - chambers of labor have since been established which partially carry - out this end. - - The industrial courts of which the Emperor speaks have been far - from successful in arbitration disputes. They are established in - all cities of over 20,000 inhabitants and consist of equal numbers - of employers and employees. Dawson holds that unwillingness to - mediate lies with the employers. During the year 1905, 406 courts - acted as boards of conciliation on 350 occasions, all told, and - in only 128 cases were they successful. Part of the failure lies - in the fact that no wage agreements existed. Of 219 "aggressive" - strikes in Berlin in 1905, organized by the "free" trades - federations, 55 were for the introduction of wage agreements. - - The Emperor's disappointment at the failure of his policy to check - the growing disaffection of the laboring classes will later be - evident. - - It is significant that in this address, though measures for the - army are strongly urged, there is as yet no mention of the navy. - -HONORED GENTLEMEN: - -Since you have been chosen in the recent elections to work in common -with the allied governments, I bid you welcome at this the opening of -the eighth legislative session of the Reichstag. I earnestly hope that -you may succeed in finding a satisfactory solution for the important -problems of legislation which here confront you. A number of these -problems are of so pressing a nature that it did not seem possible to -defer longer the summoning of the Reichstag. - -I consider as most important among them the further enlargement of the -bill concerning the protection of the laborer. The strikes which have -occurred in different parts of the country during the past year have -given me occasion to bring about an investigation of the question as -to whether our present legislation has, to the fullest extent, taken -cognizance of those wishes of the working people which are really just -and reasonable and within the state's power of regulation. The question -of first importance concerns the guarantee of Sunday as a day of rest -for the laboring man, as well as the limitation of woman and child -labor in accordance with consideration for humanity and with regard -to the natural laws of development. The governments of the affiliated -states are convinced that the proposals in this connection made by the -last Reichstag can, according to their present content, be given legal -effectiveness without harm to other interests. In this connection, -however, numerous other provisions have shown themselves unsatisfactory -and capable of improvement. To this category belong especially the -legal provisions for the protection of the laborer against danger -to his life, health, and morals, as well as the laws concerning the -announcement of regulations of labor. The prescriptions concerning -the working men's books need amplification with the aim of insuring -the respect due the older men against the increasing impertinence of -the younger laborers. The consequent changes demanded and the further -expansion of the trade regulations find their expression in a bill -which you will shortly receive. - -A further proposal endeavors to secure the better regulation of the -industrial arbitration courts and, likewise, an organization of these -which shall make it possible to use them as mediators in cases of -dispute between employers and employees over the terms on which labor -shall be continued or resumed. - -I trust that your willing co-operation will secure an agreement of -the law-making bodies concerning the reform laid before you and -thereby take a step forward toward the solution of our relations to -the laboring class. The more the laboring population recognizes the -serious earnestness with which the government is striving to render -their status satisfactory, so much the more will they be conscious of -the dangers which must arise from their insistence upon extravagant -and impossible demands. In the proper provision for the laborer lies -the most effective means of increasing the strength which I and my -associated rulers are called upon and willing to use in opposing with -unyielding determination any attempt to shake the provisions of the law. - -Nevertheless, in the case of this reform there can be question only -of such measures as are feasible without endangering the Fatherland's -industrial activity and with it the most important vital interests of -the laborer himself. Our industry forms only one department in the -economic work of all the peoples who take part in the competition in -the market of the world. With this in mind, I have sought to bring -about an interchange of opinions on the matter, among the states -of Europe where similar economic conditions prevail, as to how far -a general recognition of the legislative problems relative to the -safety of the working man can be established and brought to pass. I -am compelled to gratefully acknowledge that these suggestions have -found favor in all states concerned and especially in those where the -same idea was already being agitated and was approaching execution. -The course of the international conference which met here fills me -with especial satisfaction. Its conclusions are the expression of a -general attitude with regard to this most important province of our -contemporary civilization. The principles there laid down will, I have -no doubt, prove a rich field which, with God's help, shall blossom to -the blessing of the workers of all countries and which will also bear -fruit in drawing all nations together. - -The continued preservation of peace is ever the goal of my efforts. -I dare express the conviction that I have succeeded in securing the -confidence of all foreign governments in the good faith of this policy -of mine. Like myself and my esteemed affiliated rulers, the German -people recognize that it is the problem of the empire to preserve peace -by cultivating the alliances already concluded for our defense, and -the friendly relations now existing with all foreign powers, in order -to further prosperity and civilization. For the accomplishment of this -task, however, we need an armed force compatible with our position in -the heart of Europe. Every postponement of matters pertaining to the -army endangers the political balance of power and with it the success -of our policy directed toward maintaining peace. - -Since the basis of our army organization was decided upon for a -definite period the military organization of our neighbors has been -broadened and perfected to an unforeseen degree. Indeed, we, too, -have neglected nothing in our attempt to strengthen our forces, in -so far as this was possible within the limits prescribed by the law. -Nevertheless, what we could do within these limits was so little that -we cannot postpone a consideration of the whole question without danger -to ourselves. An increase of the present peace strength and an increase -of the bodies of troops--especially for the field-artillery--must not -be longer deferred. A bill will be laid before you according to which -the necessary measures for strengthening the army will go into effect -on the 1st of October of this year. - -The plan which has been instituted in West Africa toward the -suppression of the slave-trade and for the protection of the German -interests has, during the last months, made progress, thanks to the -self-sacrificing activity of our officers and officials who are -stationed there. The complete restoration of peace in those districts -may be expected very shortly. The expense thus incurred will be covered -by an additional grant. - -The budget for the current fiscal year already needs a corresponding -enlargement on account of the plans referred to. Furthermore, the -increase of salary for a part of the officials of the realm, which has -long been projected and which has become ever more pressing, can no -longer be delayed. The supplementary budget which is to be submitted -to you will give you an opportunity to prove your friendly interest in -satisfying this need. - -If the labors hereby imposed upon you come to a successful issue, new -and sound guarantees for the inner welfare of the Fatherland will then -have been won. May it be granted to us through common effort to achieve -this end! - - -REVIEW OF THE NINTH ARMY CORPS - -FLENSBURG, SEPTEMBER 4, 1890 - - The review of the Ninth Army Corps took place in the presence of - the Empress, Princes Henry and Albert, of Archduke Karl Stephen - of Austria, and Count Moltke at Flensburg. It will be remembered - that in 1864 Bismarck succeeded in enlisting Austria to aid - Prussia in a war upon Denmark, which was at that time deprived of - Schleswig-Holstein, the harbor of Kiel, and more than 1,000,000 - inhabitants. One of the battles of the war to which the Emperor - refers was fought in this district. The address was made at the - banquet following the review. - -My opinion of to-day's performance of the Ninth Army Corps under the -command of your Excellency [General von Leszczynski] I have already -expressed to you and your officers. - -Whoever, like myself, has for any length of time stood at the front -or partly at the front and partly as spectator has been present at -many imperial manoeuvres knows what such a parade means to an army -corps. I know very well what arduous preliminary labor is involved, the -agitation, the attention, the exertion of the troops. I know very well -how each individual officer, high or low, every soldier, rejoices in -and yet with a certain solicitude looks forward to the moment when he -shall parade before his war lord.[5] - -[5] Kriegsherr. - -I know from my own experience when I was still a captain what -satisfaction I felt when my adjutant could call to me that the Emperor -had nodded as the company passed by him. This is true to-day, -likewise, in the case of every officer. - -I repeat to you my hearty thanks and express to you my congratulation -for the magnificent parade. This army corps which you have marshalled -before me has a bearing and discipline which I must demand -unconditionally from every army corps. I do not doubt for a moment -that the work done in preparing for a review will prove useful in the -preparation for battle. - -We stand here upon historic ground, on which our armies, united with -those of Austria, jointly won a bloody victory. - -I raise my glass and drink to the Ninth Army Corps in the expectation -that here and hereafter, in war as in peace, it will maintain its -famous traditions. Long live the Ninth Army Corps! - - -ACCIDENTS WITH AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY - -BERLIN, NOVEMBER 11, 1890 - - The following address shows the Emperor in one of the little-known - phases of his amazingly versatile career. It exhibits, likewise, - his command of detailed knowledge in a field where we should least - expect it and his solicitude for the welfare of faithful subjects. - Besides his interest in the sea, he has also for many years been - much interested in agriculture; and his estate in East Prussia - has been in a sense an experiment station. He prides himself on - being a pioneer and in personally supervising his domain and is - occasionally pleased to call himself a farmer. He attended the - meetings of the Prussian Agricultural Commission and at one of the - sessions took part in the discussion on the means of safeguarding - the life of the laborers. - -Two points have occurred to me which I would like to ask you to -consider. It is worthy of note that during my reign there have -been brought to my attention many striking cases in which laboring -women have been killed through accidents with machinery. I receive -regularly from the Minister of Justice tabulated lists of requests[6] -for pardon, and it seems to me that there is among them a striking -number of cases of women farmhands who have met with accidents in -tending machines. As has already been said, I am not granting these -pardons as freely as formerly. It is to be noted, furthermore, that a -great difference prevails in the adjudication of the cases in which -penalties may be inflicted and in the penalties themselves. I next -inquired why these women workers--it was especially girls working with -the thrashing-machines--were killed, and it usually appeared that -the girls were caught by their dresses in the transmission pulleys -and so became entangled in them. Then I asked if there were no means -of protection there. Yes, indeed, they said, according to the police -regulations the pulleys must have a cover or a box must be put over -them, but in each of these cases this had not been attended to. There -also appeared here, on the one side, a certain indifference either on -the part of the owner or of the person who was conducting the work -concerning the life of the women in his employ and, on the other -side, an indifference on the part of the women themselves, who had -become accustomed to working near the moving parts of the machines -and to stepping over the pulleys, and finally the accident happened. -Therefore, may I ask you that in using the word "machines" these -provisions regarding power transmission be not forgotten. Many of -the machines stand in one place and the apparatus for transmission -is in another place or in the yard, and that is a chief cause of the -accidents. For every one passes through the yard, and especially if -there are children playing there, all too easily some misfortune may -occur. - -[6] From employers, of course. - -Let me, therefore, remark, concerning what one of the preceding -speakers has said, that I myself have come to the same conclusion as -Professor Schmoller. I believe that it is not sufficient that the -state should lay upon the worker the obligation to be careful and that -it should give him directions how to conduct himself with regard to the -machines. This cannot be carried out. - -I am much more of the opinion that, if such is your desire and if it is -plain that harm has resulted from the fact that the workers move about -too carelessly, it is much better that the obligation should be put -upon the owner or upon the person commissioned to conduct the machines -and that he be required to watch over the employees more carefully. -If the owner cannot burden himself with it then he should have such -officials as would have sufficient influence with the worker to make -him be careful. We must not forget what, for the most part, such a -worker is like and what he knows of machinery. Frequently he knows only -that it cuts or that it is otherwise dangerous. A certain grip is shown -him--he must do it like this--but the rest he does not understand and -regards with indifference. Consequently regulations which concern only -or more particularly the laborer would not help, for the people would -not understand their aim and when the regulation caused them annoyance -or trouble would fail to consider it and thus render themselves liable -to accident. - -I believe, therefore, that it is most important in the question of -the conduct of agricultural machinery that we should work toward -proper supervision over the laborer by the employer. When this happens -accidents will begin to diminish. - -It has interested me very much to learn here that it is not the -machines but altogether different circumstances which cause most of -the accidents in agricultural operations and that particularly in -all provinces where horses are employed accidents are frequent. I am -therefore pleased that this phase of the question of protecting against -accident has also come up here and that the gentlemen are now engaged -upon it. - -For the rest it has been a great pleasure to me to take part in these -deliberations. - - -ALSACE-LORRAINE - -BERLIN, MARCH 14, 1891 - - On this occasion a deputation from Alsace-Lorraine presented a - protest against the continuance of the _Passzwang_, a rule which - made it impossible to leave Alsace-Lorraine except under very - special circumstances and on receiving a pass from the imperial - agent. The rule was particularly obnoxious, and the strictness with - which it had been enforced was much resented, even by subjects - favorably disposed to the empire. It was, however, merely one - of many grievances. Since the time of the Franco-Prussian War, - Alsace-Lorraine had been governed like a conquered province--by - a governor appointed by, and responsible to, the Emperor alone. - Up to this time the policy had been one of repression, save for - a very brief period. It is possible that the Emperor might have - been inclined to give them some relief had it not been for the - unfortunate result of the visit of his mother to Paris. After a - visit in London, the Empress Frederick, in February, 1891 (it - is supposed on the advice of her son), visited Paris and, while - there, was to ask certain of the French artists to exhibit at - the Berlin exhibition. It had evidently been assumed that the - time had come for a _rapprochement_. The Empress descended at - the German embassy very quietly and had received promises from - several artists, when her presence in Paris became known to the - League of French Patriots and to the germanophobe Déroulède, who - immediately started a violent agitation and demonstrations against - Germany. The artists withdrew their promises under the pressure - of outraged patriotic opinion, and the situation became so tense - that the Empress was forced to depart very hastily in a manner - that suggested flight. The incident tended to make bad feeling - on both sides and reacted unfavorably upon the attitude of the - empire toward the former French provinces. The difficulties of - circulation were increased, and the regulations about passes were - made particularly trying. These difficulties were removed in 1899, - but the provinces continued to protest, as they were not given - equal rights with the other German states and have not enjoyed them - up to the present. In May, 1911, a new so-called constitution was - given to Alsace-Lorraine. The executive power is exercised by the - Emperor in the name of the empire; the province has three votes - in the Bundesrat, which are so restricted that they give very - little satisfaction to Alsace-Lorraine and are so far under the - control of Prussia that they give considerable dissatisfaction to - other German states. The Emperor appoints officials, including the - _Statthalter_, or governor, and the delegates are instructed by the - _Statthalter_ and must vote according to instructions. The votes - do not count in any vote concerning the imperial Constitution. - There was much protest because the new constitution did not grant - the provinces sufficient independence. The previous Provincial - Assembly (_Landesausschuss_) had been summarily closed on the - 9th of May, 1911. Affairs were but little improved under the new - arrangement, and the Emperor came to Strasburg in great anger, May - 13, 1912, and made the following threatening address: "If this - keeps up I shall knock your constitution to bits. Up to the present - you have known me from my good side, but you can perhaps learn to - know me from the other side also. If things do not change, we will - make of Alsace-Lorraine a Prussian province." This speech of the - Emperor's is not printed officially, but it was made the subject - of an interpellation in the Reichstag on May 17, 1912, and the - burgomaster of Strasburg admitted that the sense of the imperial - utterance was properly given. With regard to Alsace-Lorraine, the - Emperor has tried both kindness and severity. The Zabern incident - proved that in neither of these policies had he succeeded in - winning either the love or the subjection of the inhabitants. - - The following is the estimate of Dr. H. A. Gibbons on the situation - in Alsace-Lorraine immediately before the outbreak of the European - War: - - "One could easily fill many pages with illustrations of senseless - persecutions, most of them of the pettiest character, but some more - serious in nature, which Alsace and Lorraine have had to endure - since the granting of the constitution. Newspapers, illustrated - journals, clubs, and organizations of all kinds have been annoyed - constantly by police interference. Their editors, artists, and - managers have been brought frequently into court. Zislin and Hansi, - celebrated caricaturists, have found themselves provoked to bolder - and bolder defiances by successive condemnations and have endured - imprisonment as well as fines. Hansi was sentenced to a year's - imprisonment by the High Court of Leipsic only a month before - the present war broke out and chose exile rather than a Prussian - fortress. - - "The greatest effort during the past few years has been made in the - schools to influence the minds of the growing generation against - the '_souvenir de France_,' and to impress upon the Alsacians what - good fortune had come to them to be born German citizens. - - "Among the boys, the influence of this teaching has been such - that over twenty-two thousand fled from home during the period of - 1900-13 to enlist in the Foreign Legion of the French Army. The - campaign of the German newspapers in Alsace-Lorraine and, in fact, - throughout Germany was redoubled in 1911. Parents were warned of - the horrible treatment accorded to the poor boys who were misguided - enough to throw away their citizenship and go to be killed in - Africa under the French flag. The result of this campaign was that - the Foreign Legion received a larger number of Alsacians in 1912 - than had enlisted during a single year since 1871! - - "Among the girls, the German educational system flattered itself - that it could completely change the sentiments of a child, - especially in the boarding-schools. Last year the Empress of - Germany visited a girls' school near Metz which is one of the best - German schools in the _Reichsland_. As she was leaving she told - the children that she wanted to give them something. What did they - want? The answer was not sweets or cake but that they might be - taught a _little_ French! - - "The former French provinces have been flooded with garrisons - and have been treated just as they were forty years ago. The - insufferable spirit of militarism and the arrogance of the - Prussian officers in Alsacian towns have served to turn against - the empire many thousands whom another policy might have won; for - it must be remembered that by no means _all_ the inhabitants of - the _Reichsland_ have been by birth and by home training French - sympathizers. Instead of crushing out the '_souvenir de France_,' - the Prussian civil and military officials have caused it to be born - in many a soul which was by nature German. - - "The Prussian has never understood how to win the confidence of - others. There has been no Rome in his political vision. As for - conceptions of toleration, of kindness, and of love, they are - non-existent in Prussian officialdom." - -It gives me great satisfaction that the committee of the provinces -has turned to me in an important question concerning the interests of -Alsace-Lorraine. I see in this fact a valuable proof of the increasing -understanding which my good-will and my interest in the development of -your home country has begotten in the minds of its representatives. -I am also pleased to accept this assurance that the people of -Alsace-Lorraine, satisfied for the time being with the existing -political relations, spurn every interference by foreign elements and -look to the empire alone for the protection of their interests. - -While I offer you my thanks for this expression of loyal sentiment, I -regret that for the present I cannot fulfil your wishes. I must confine -myself in this matter to expressing the hope that in a not too distant -future our relations may make possible the alleviation of conditions on -the western boundary. This hope will be the sooner realized the more -the people of Alsace-Lorraine are convinced of the inviolability of the -union which binds them to Germany and the more decidedly they exhibit -their resolution to remain forever faithful and immovable in their -loyalty to me and to the empire. - - -SWEARING IN THE RECRUITS - -POTSDAM, NOVEMBER 23, 1891 - - Every year the Emperor is present at the swearing in of the - recruits to the guard and to the navy. He has made innumerable - speeches on such occasions. The present somewhat striking - pronouncement was delivered at a time when his feeling toward the - Socialists, who had been guilty of no particular outrage, still - ran very high. Tolstoi saw in it the worst excesses of militarism - and issued shortly after the following criticism of the Emperor's - attitude: - - "This man expresses what all wise men know but carefully conceal. - He says frankly that men who serve in the army serve him and his - advantage and must be prepared for his advantage to kill their - brothers and fathers. - - "He expresses frankly, and with the coarsest of words, all the - horror of the crime for which the men who enter into military - service are prepared, all that abyss of degradation which they - reach when they promise obedience. Like a bold hypnotizer, he - tests the degree of the hypnotized man's sleep: he puts the glowing - iron to his body, the body sizzles and smokes, but the hypnotized - man does not awake. - - "This miserable, ill man, who has lost his mind from the exercise - of power, with these words offends everything which can be holy for - a man of our time, and men--Christians, liberals, cultured men of - our time, all of them are not only not provoked by this insult but - do not even notice it." - - It is possible that such criticism and the resentment aroused in - the minds of the law-abiding Socialists led him later to tone down - his utterances, though on one subsequent occasion, again with the - Socialists in mind, he made a somewhat similar address (March 28, - 1901). - - -RECRUITS TO THE REGIMENT OF MY GUARD: - -You are brought together here from all parts of the empire to fulfil -your military duty, and in this holy place have just sworn fealty to -your Emperor to your last breath. You are still too young to understand -all this. You will, however, little by little, be made familiar with -its significance. Do not imagine it too difficult, and trust in God; -occasionally also say the Lord's Prayer--that has frequently given many -a warrior fresh courage. - -Children of my guard, to-day you have become incorporated into my -army; you now stand under my command and have the privilege of -wearing my uniform. Wear it honorably. Think of the famous history of -your Fatherland; remember that the German army must be armed against -the internal as well as the external foe. More and more unbelief and -discontent raise their heads in the Fatherland, and it may come to -pass that you will have to shoot down or stab your own relatives and -brothers. Then seal your loyalty with your heart's blood! And now go to -your homes and fulfil your duties. - - --(According to the _Breslauer Lokalanzeiger_ of December 8.) - - According to the _Neisser Zeitung_, the second paragraph ran as - follows: - -Recruits! You have now before the consecrated servant of the Lord -and before His altar, sworn fealty to me. You are still too young to -understand the true meaning of what has just been said; but be diligent -now and follow the directions and instructions given you. You have -sworn loyalty to me; that means, children of my guard, that you are -now my soldiers, you have given yourselves up to me, body and soul; -there is for you but one enemy, and that is my enemy. In view of the -present Socialistic agitations it may come to pass that I shall command -you to shoot your own relatives, brothers, yes, parents--which God -forbid--but even then you must follow my command without a murmur. - - Entirely similar, but shorter, is a clipping from the Berlin paper - _Das Volk_, according to the account of one who heard the speech. - -You have sworn to me the oath of loyalty; that means, from now on you -know only one command, and that is my most high command; you have only -one enemy, and that is my enemy! And so I may sometime--which God -forbid--have to bid you to shoot upon your own relatives, yes, brothers -and parents--then remember your oath! - - -THE EMPEROR'S FIRST ARMY BILL - -BERLIN, JULY 4, 1893 - - The opposition between the Reichstag and the government reached - a climax when the session which opened in 1886 was dissolved in - January, 1887, because it refused to vote for the bill fixing - the army status for the ensuing seven years. The next Reichstag, - elected in February, voted the bill. In spite of the fact that - the new arrangement was to have been effective until March, 1894, - as early as the session of 1890 changes were introduced which - fixed the peace footing at 468,983 men, exclusive of the one-year - volunteers. In November, 1892, a new army bill was presented, - to run for six years, fixing the peace footing at 492,068. All - infantrymen were to serve two years. In the debates of 1887 it - was announced that Russia was an ally of Germany. The failure to - renew the neutrality agreement with that power and the growing - _rapprochement_ between France and Russia seems to have been most - in the Emperor's mind in calling for an increase. The increased - appropriation of 1887 was covered by a tax on spirits, sugar, and - grain. The new increase was to be met by indirect taxes, mostly on - beer and brandy. When the Reichstag refused to vote the bill as it - stood, it was dissolved and a new one called. The new Reichstag, - which is here addressed, accepted the bill on July 15. As much of - the opposition had been due to the fear of the less-favored classes - that the increased cost would fall heavily on them through indirect - taxes, the Chancellor assured the representatives (as the Emperor - here indicates) that there would be no tax on beer or brandy nor - any other necessities of life. - -Since you have been called to work in common with the confederated -governments, it is my desire at the beginning of your deliberations to -greet you and bid you welcome. - -The draft of the bill concerning the peace footing of the German army, -through which a strengthening of our available force would have been -achieved, was presented to the last Reichstag. To my great regret the -project did not meet with the approval of the representatives of the -people. The conviction, unanimously shared by my corulers, that in -the face of the development of the military arrangements of the other -powers this government could no longer put off such a shaping of its -military status as should guarantee its safety and its future led to -the decision to dissolve the Reichstag and, by the calling of new -representatives to attain the end recognized as necessary. Since the -proposal of this law the political situation of Europe has undergone no -change. To my great satisfaction, the relations of the empire to the -foreign states are altogether and everywhere friendly and free from -any cloud. The organized military force of Germany, however, compares -still more unfavorably with that of our neighbors than it did last -year. Since her geographical position and her historical development -impose upon Germany the duty of taking thought for a proportionately -large standing army, the further development of our defensive strength, -therefore, with regard to the progress of other countries becomes a -pressing necessity. In order to satisfy the duties constitutionally -laid upon me, it seemed to me incontrovertible that I should exercise -every existing means at my command toward the restoration of a -sufficient and effective defense of the honor of the Fatherland. - -There will, therefore, be laid before you without delay a new bill -concerning the peace footing of the army. In it the wishes which -were strongly expressed during the discussion of the former bill are -taken account of, and, in accordance with this, demands made upon the -personal capacity and upon the people's ability to pay taxes have, in -so far as this could be done without endangering the end sought, been -lessened. - -The interest of the realm demands, especially in looking forward to the -impending expiration of the seven-year arrangement next spring, that -the bill should be decided upon with all possible despatch, in order -that this year's recruiting can be undertaken on the new basis. A delay -in carrying out this proposal would be felt for more than twenty years, -to the detriment of our defensive strength. - -To make it possible for you to give your undivided attention to the -discussion of the bill, the confederated governments will refrain from -burdening the session with other important matters. - -I and my honored corulers are still of the opinion that the means -necessary for the reorganization of our military equipment can be -raised properly, and without overburdening the people, in the manner -brought forward last autumn in the draft of the proposed taxation -bill. Nevertheless, the question of making good the deficit is still -the object of continued discussions. I expect that a proposal will be -set before you by the beginning of the next winter session in which is -expressed, even more strongly than in the former bill, the principle -that the providing of the necessary means must be carried out with the -utmost regard for the individual's ability to pay and with as little -draft as possible upon our power of levying taxes. Until the expiration -of the present official year the contributions from the various states -may be drawn upon to cover the excess. - -Honored Sirs, we have succeeded in the difficult task of welding the -German race into a strong union. The nation honors those who have given -their possessions and their blood for this work and who have brought -the Fatherland to political and industrial prosperity--a prosperity -which is the pride and the pleasure of their contemporaries and which, -if they build in the same spirit as their fathers, will guarantee to -the generations to come the greatness and the happiness of the empire. -To protect the glorious acquisitions with which God has blessed us in -our struggle for independence is our most sacred duty. We can, however, -only fulfil such a duty toward the Fatherland by making ourselves -sufficiently strong in military power to defend ourselves, so that we -may remain a reliable guarantor of the peace of Europe. I trust that -your patriotic, self-sacrificing assistance in the pursuance of this -aim will not fail me and my honored corulers. - - The Emperor followed the formal address from the throne with the - following: - -And now, gentlemen, go forth. May our ancient God look down upon you -and bestow upon you His blessing to the end that you may bring to -successful issue an honorable work for the welfare of our Fatherland! -Amen. - - -ARRIVAL IN METZ - -METZ, SEPTEMBER 3, 1893 - - On the 3d of September the Emperor, accompanied by the Crown Prince - of Italy, paid a visit to Metz. To Burgomaster Halm's speech of - welcome the Emperor replied as follows: - -It is with a heart deeply stirred that I enter the city of Metz, and if -I could not come last year, as I wished,[7] I see, nevertheless, that -the reason for my remaining away has been rightly understood. - -[7] The Emperor came to Metz ordinarily to review the Eighth and - Sixteenth Army Corps. Because of the cholera scare, the imperial - manoeuvres had not taken place in the previous year, 1892. The - Emperor, who was anxious to conciliate his subjects, had taken up a - domain in Urville. - -I rejoice to see the monument to my late grandfather at length finished -and to be able to allow my troops to pass before it. Metz and my army -corps are a corner-stone in the military might of Germany, destined to -protect the peace of Germany--yes, of all Europe--and it is my firm -purpose to maintain this peace. - -I thank the city of Metz for its festive welcome, and I pray you -that my thanks be made known to the citizens through an official -announcement. If I have removed my headquarters to Urville it is -because as a landholder in Lorraine I could not do otherwise, since -my subjects in this province wish to have me there. In token of my -imperial favor I extend to the burgomaster a golden chain of office -which the burgomasters of Metz shall be entitled to wear from this time -forth. It gives me especial pleasure, however, to be able to bestow -this chain upon the present burgomaster. - - -DEDICATION OF FLAGS - -BERLIN, OCTOBER 18, 1894 - - Through a reorganization of the army which was to be made effective - in the next legislative session, a large number of partial bodies - of troops were created which were later to be increased to bring - up the peace footing of the army from 538 whole and 173 half - battalions to 624 whole battalions. Every two of these constitute - a regiment and every two regiments a brigade. On the anniversary - of the battle of Leipzig the Emperor, in the presence of a large - number of princes, including the young King of Servia, turned - over flags to these troops. His statement that the only pillar - upon which the empire rested was the army was strongly resented - by many of his loyal subjects of the empire who happened to be - merely peaceful merchants or farmers or laborers. The Emperor was - doubtless provoked into making the statement from the fact that - some of his legislative policies had met with determined opposition - on the part of representatives of the people. This he has always - regarded as disloyalty and as boding disaster to the empire. Since - the army's tradition for loyalty to the imperial war lord renders - opposition here impossible, he saw in it the only salvation of the - state. - -In order that they may serve as a shining symbol of glory for the -troops, we have had the blessing of Heaven called down upon the ensigns -which I have bestowed upon every fourth battalion of my regiments, and -I now turn them over to the regimental commanders and to the regiments -themselves. This inspiring day is one whose memories move the world -and which marks an epoch in our German history. I first salute the -mausoleum of him[8] whose birthday was once wont to fill the entire -German Fatherland with jubilation, the mausoleum of him to whom it was -granted to win glorious victories under the eyes of the great, heroic -Emperor, his father, and to cover the flags which were consecrated -in 1861 with glory. They were nailed to their staffs in the rooms -in which the history of Brandenburg and Prussia is immortalized in -paintings. The monuments of the rulers and of the generals who created -the glory of Prussia have looked down upon them. These flags have now -been brought before the monument of the Prussian King who focussed -the eyes of the world upon them in years of fierce conflict and whose -last breath was a wish of blessing for his army. In the year 1861, -when my grandfather undertook the reorganization of his arms, he was -misunderstood by many and attacked by even more; nevertheless, the -future gave him his splendid justification. Just as at that time, so -now, too, distrust and discord are rife among the people. The only -pillar on which the empire rested was the army. So is it to-day! The -flags which are assembled here are destined for entire bodies of -troops, and I hope that the half battalions to which they are to-day -delivered will soon stand as entire battalions in the army of the -Fatherland. - -[8] Emperor Frederick III. - -But you, gentlemen, now take over these ensigns and with them the -obligation of maintaining the tradition of devotion, of discipline -unto death, of unconditional obedience toward the war lord against -all inward and outward enemies. Even as heretofore, may the blessing -of the Most High rest upon our army, and may the watchful eyes of our -ancestors look down upon and protect Prussia's army and her flags! With -God for King and Fatherland! - - -NAVY RECRUITS - -KIEL, DECEMBER 3, 1894 - - It is part of the Emperor's duty to administer the oath every - year to the recruits for the navy as well as to the recruits for - the guard. He is inclined to talk to them usually in very simple - language, as here, for instance. Indeed, though they are usually - twenty years of age, he often addresses them as the "children of my - guard." - -The oath is holy, and holy is the place in which you swear it. The -altar and the crucifix bear witness to this; it means that we Germans -are Christians, that we at all times first give the glory to God in -every affair that we undertake, especially in the highest--that of -strengthening the defense of the Fatherland. You wear the uniform of -the Emperor; you are thereby preferred over other men, and take your -rank equally with your comrades of the army and navy; you receive -a special place and assume obligations. By many you will be envied -because of the uniform which you wear; hold it in honor, and do not -besmirch it; this you will accomplish best when you think of your -oath--you especially, you people of the sea, who so often have the -opportunity in your various journeyings upon the water to learn to know -the almighty power of God! - -Wherein lies the secret of the fact that we have often overcome our -adversary with lesser numbers? In discipline. What is discipline? -Single-hearted co-operation, single-hearted obedience. That our ancient -forebears already clung to this ideal a single example will show: On -one occasion they were marching to war against the Romans. They had -climbed over the mountain and found themselves suddenly face to face -with the huge masses of the army. Then they realized what a difficult -moment was before them. They first prayed, giving God the glory, and -then, bound together with chains, side by side, they fell upon the -enemies and conquered them. To-day we no longer need the actual chains; -we have a powerful religion and our oath. Remain true to it, and think -of it, whether you are within the country or without. Hold your colors -high, the black, white, and red which here stand before you, and think -of your oath, think of your Emperor. - - -CHRISTENING OF A CRUISER - -KIEL, MARCH 26, 1895 - - The Emperor, as will be plain, took much satisfaction in the - development of his navy and was to make innumerable addresses on - these occasions. The present is a fair type of a number of the - shorter speeches. Very soon they were to become occasions in which - he was to broach the idea of the greater navy. The present address - will serve to illustrate the spirit he was hoping to instil into - this branch of the service. - -As a testimony to the industry of the Fatherland, after the diligent -labors of the imperial dockyards, this vessel now stands before us -ready to be given over to its element. Thou shalt now be enrolled in -the German navy. Thou shalt serve in the protection of the Fatherland -to bring defiance and annihilation to the enemy. The names of the -ships which belong to the same class are taken from the old Germanic -sagas. Therefore thou also shalt hark back to the ancient time of our -ancestors, to the powerful divinity who was worshipped and feared by -all our German seafaring forefathers and whose mighty realm stretched -from the north even unto the south pole, in whose province the northern -battles were fought, and whence death and destruction were brought -into the land of the enemy. Thou shalt bear the name of this great and -mighty god. Mayst thou prove thyself worthy of it! So do I christen -thee with the name of _Ægir_. - - -VISIT TO BISMARCK - -FRIEDRICHSRUH, MARCH 26, 1895 - - Historians of modern Germany have discussed and explained in - various ways the causes of the retirement of Bismarck, the "Iron - Chancellor." From the moment he became "Minister President and - Minister of Foreign Affairs," in 1862, his hand was the hand that - guided German policy, and his was the genius that presided over - and shaped the unification of Germany and the building of the - empire. It has been truly said that the biography of Bismarck is - the history of German union. He had been born in Brandenburg and - spent his life in the service of the Prussian Kings. It was he who - in the dark days preceding the victories of the sixties had given - William I heart and had prevented him from giving up his task. It - was, therefore, a great shock to the German world to learn that, - two years after the accession of William II, the great founder of - German unity had been forced into retirement. There had been rumors - of previous disagreements. The German Chancellor is responsible - not to the Reichstag but solely to the Emperor; he takes the - responsibility of shaping the imperial policy. It was said that - Bismarck resented certain interference with his authority in his - own cabinet. It is certain that he looked with disfavor on the - Emperor's policy with regard to labor legislation. With regard to - the attitude toward Russia there was likewise disagreement, and - Bismarck opposed the Emperor's visit to Constantinople. But aside - from these questions of policy, there were deep psychological - incompatibilities. Crabbed age and romantic youth could not live - together. Furthermore, the Emperor wished to take the credit for - initiating and carrying through his own policies. He was not - content to be a shadow king. Bismarck, after nearly forty years of - service, was not willing to be a puppet chancellor. He insisted - on the form of cabinet government decreed in 1852. The Emperor's - disposition of mind may be gathered from the following extracts - from a speech delivered shortly before Bismarck's retirement, and - it should be remembered that at this time Bismarck was far from - being an enthusiastic supporter of certain measures then taking - shape in the mind of William II. On the 5th of March, 1890, the - Emperor announced to the Brandenburgers: "All those who wish to - help me in this work I bid heartily welcome, whoever they may be; - but all those (whoever they may be) who oppose me in this work I - shall smash to pieces" (_zerschmettern_). Bismarck was forced to - offer his resignation two weeks later. Besides his ducal title, he - was given the honorary title of general of cavalry, with the rank - of field-marshal. Because of his opposition, he was treated in the - following years with extreme coolness and occasionally as an enemy. - The German ambassador at Vienna was instructed from Berlin, on - the occasion of the marriage of Bismarck's son, not to accept an - invitation to the wedding. Foreign ambassadors were informed that - for the Emperor there were two Bismarcks: the former responsible - servant and the present irresponsible subject. The honors given him - were not generally honors due a great ex-chancellor, but honors - due a military officer. "Living," said Bismarck, "they give me the - honors of the dead." On this, his eightieth birthday, the Reichstag - voted down the proposal that they send him their congratulations. - The Emperor, with an exclusively military suite, however, paid him - this visit and presented him with a sword engraved with his arms - and with the arms of the conquered provinces, Alsace-Lorraine. In - all probability, Bismarck felt the lack of mention of his services - as Chancellor; his entirely diplomatic reply printed below would - seem to indicate this. - -YOUR HIGHNESS: - -Our whole Fatherland decks itself out to celebrate your birthday. -This day belongs to the army. Its first duty is to do honor to its -comrades, to its old officers, whose efficiency made it possible for -it to carry through the mighty deeds which found their reward in the -crowning of a regenerated Fatherland. - -The military host which stands gathered here is a symbol of the whole -army, especially this regiment which has the honor of calling your -Highness its commander, and especially that standard which reminds us -of the fame of Brandenburg and Prussia, which dates from the time of -the Great Elector and is consecrated by the blood shed at Mars-la-Tour. -Your Highness will see in spirit, behind this gathering of troops, the -collected army of the entire German race in battle array to celebrate -this day with us. - -In sight of this host, I come now to present to your Highness my gift. -I could find no better token than a sword, this noblest weapon of the -Germans; a symbol of that instrument which your Highness with my late -grandfather helped to shape, to sharpen, and also to wield; the symbol -of that great, powerful period of building whose mortar was blood and -iron; that weapon which is never dismayed and which, when necessary, -in the hands of kings and princes will defend against internal foes -that unity of the Fatherland which it had once conquered from the -foes without. May your Highness be good enough to notice the linking -of your arms with those of Alsace-Lorraine here engraved and feel -again all that history which found its conclusion in the events of -twenty-five years ago! - -But we comrades call out: His Highness, Prince Bismarck, Duke of -Lauenburg--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - Bismarck replied with more pith: - -Your Majesty will allow me to lay my humblest thanks at your feet. My -military position with regard to your Majesty does not permit me to -further express my feelings to your Majesty. I thank your Majesty. - - -OPENING OF THE EMPEROR WILLIAM CANAL - -KIEL, JUNE 21, 1895 - - In furthering Germany's economic and industrial development, the - building of canals has served an important function in reducing - the cost of transportation and in making possible competition with - other nations. Although the Emperor William Canal was an idea of - Bismarck's, his name is not here mentioned. Emperor William II - has taken a very lively interest in this development of inland - waterways and has rendered a great service to the industrial - development of his country in this regard. - -In memory of Emperor William the Great, I baptize the canal "Emperor -William Canal." - - The Emperor then accompanied his three hammer strokes with the - following words: "In the name of the Triune God, to the honor of - Emperor William, to the blessing of Germany, and to the welfare of - the people!" - - He proposed this toast at the banquet: - -I behold with pleasure and with pride this brilliant and festive -gathering, and in the name of my honored colleagues I bid you all, the -guests of the empire, most heartily welcome. We wish to express our -inmost thanks for the interest you have taken in the completion of a -work which, begun in peace and accomplished in peace, is to-day given -over to general trade. - -It is not only in our own day that the idea first existed of joining -the North and Baltic Seas by a great canal; far back in the Middle Ages -we find drafts and plans for the working out of this undertaking. In -the past century the Eider Canal was built, which, while it affords a -wonderful example of the ability of that day, still, as it was intended -only for the passage of the smaller craft, could not satisfy the -increased demands of the present day. It remained for the newly founded -German Empire to find a satisfactory solution for this great problem. - -It was my immortal grandfather, his Majesty, Emperor William the -Great, who, thoroughly appreciating the significance of the canal for -increasing the national welfare and strengthening our defense, devoted -his unflagging interest to the plan for the building of an effective -waterway between the North and the Baltic Seas and for overcoming the -many obstacles which stood in the way of its accomplishment. Joyfully -and confidently the affiliated rulers of the empire, as well as the -Reichstag, followed the imperial initiative, and for eight years the -work was industriously carried on which, as it approached completion, -aroused in ever-increasing measure the public interest. What technic on -the basis of its great development has been able to accomplish, what -was possible through pride and joy in the work, what finally could be -done in promoting the welfare of the numberless workers engaged in the -task, in accordance with the principles of the humane social politics -of the empire, has been accomplished in this undertaking. Therefore the -Fatherland dare rejoice with me and my noble colleagues in the success -of this enterprise. - -However, we have worked not only for our own interests. In accordance -with the great cultural mission of the German people, we open the locks -of the canal to the peaceful trading of the nations with each other, -and it will give us great satisfaction if its increasing use shall -prove not only that the intentions by which we were led are understood -but that they are becoming fruitful in increasing the welfare of the -people. - -The interest in our celebration on the part of the powers whose -representatives we see among us, and whose magnificent ships we have -to-day admired, I greet with greater joy the more I have the right to -see in it the complete justification of our efforts directed toward -the righteous maintenance of peace. Germany will also place the work -inaugurated to-day in the service of peace and will consider herself -fortunate if the Emperor William Canal strengthens and promotes in this -service for all time our friendly relations with the other powers. - -I empty my glass to the friendly sovereigns and powers. Hurrah! Hurrah! -Hurrah! - - - - -IV - -THE BEGINNING OF WORLD POLITICS - -JUNE 16, 1896--MARCH 22, 1905 - - -THE BEGINNING OF WORLD POLITICS - -BERLIN, JUNE 16, 1896 - - It is difficult to fix any definite date at which any new movement - in politics may be said to have begun. Toward the close of the - year 1894 there appear unmistakable signs of a new dispensation. - In this year Caprivi, Bismarck's successor as Chancellor, retired - in favor of Prince Hohenlohe. The latter appears in his new office - for the first time in the session of the Reichstag which opened - December 5, 1894. In that session the insufficient protection of - Germans residing in foreign lands was repeatedly insisted upon, and - the colonizing spirit and the agitation for a very considerable - increase in the navy began to make themselves felt. The building - of three new cruisers was authorized, but the plan to erect a - dry dock at Kiel was rejected. The year 1895 was to be crowded - with festivals celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversaries of - the victories of the Franco-Prussian War, and there resulted a - consequent impetus to what might be called nascent imperialism. - This was further stimulated by outward events. In 1895 France, - Germany, and Russia intervened between Japan and China, then at - war. In 1897 Germany seized and then leased Kiaochow from China - for ninety-nine years and intervened in the war between Greece and - Turkey on behalf of the Turks. She began, therefore, to take a more - prominent part in world politics and definitely entered upon her - policy of expansion. The German people felt that this was rendered - necessary by the fact that Germany had become a great industrial - and exporting nation, whose interests demanded insistence on the - "open-door" policy. Her rapidly increasing population (the annual - increase was between 800,000 and 900,000) also, we are told, made - necessary the creation of new colonies to take care of surplus - population and to provide sustenance for those at home who were - being drawn off into industrial pursuits. - - It should be remembered in this connection, however, that - emigration from Germany is very far from being on the increase. It - has diminished astonishingly since 1880. In the decade from 1880 - to 1890 the annual emigration averaged about 135,000, and in 1881 - it reached its highest point, 220,000. In the decade from 1900 to - 1910 it never in any one year ran over 37,000 and averaged about - 27,000--in other words, it had declined, in spite of the increase - in population and in the number of colonies, to one fifth of its - former proportions. The figures have only a relative significance. - The annual emigration from Belgium, for instance, which has little - more than one tenth the population of Germany, was considerably - higher, averaging 35,000 annually for the years from 1906 to 1910. - The annual emigration from the United Kingdom to places outside - of Europe in the same period was approximately 532,000 annually. - As, therefore, German emigration has in the last quarter century - steadily declined, it may be safely inferred that the problem of - finding colonies for her surplus population is not now, at least, a - more pressing one for Germany than it was twenty-five years ago. - - A conscientious American student of contemporary politics has said - quite justly that "the most vital and burning problem in the world - to-day" is the problem of Germany's _Weltpolitik_. It is not the - purpose of this volume to enter into questions of controversy. - He who wishes, however, to understand Germany's position and - the Emperor's position toward the world to-day must consider - carefully not only the problem itself but some of its practical - implications. In one of his bursts of enthusiasm the Emperor will - tell us later[9] that this policy implies that no question in the - world--no question of international politics, in other words--is to - be decided without Germany. This would mean, strictly interpreted, - that no transfer or change of status in colonial possessions--Cuba - or the Philippines, for instance--no international canal, like - Panama, could be made without her sanction. And there are those in - Germany, like Doctor Liman, who believe that this doctrine should - have been more rigidly maintained than had hitherto been the case. - _A priori_, Germany is, of course, as much entitled to the right - to pursue such a policy as any other power. Ethically, however--if - ethics have any place in the discussion--it must be the result - which justifies such a policy: not the results merely to the nation - pursuing the policy but the results also to the nation or tribe at - whose expense the policy is pursued. In the utilitarian phrase, it - must redound to the greater good of the greater number. - - [9] "Germany's greatness makes it impossible for her to do without - the ocean--but the ocean also proves that even in the distance, - and on its farther side, without Germany and the German Emperor - no great decision dare henceforth be taken." (July 3, 1900.) - - A dispassionate consideration of Prussia's treatment of her - dependencies must convince any except the most partisan that her - efforts here have been far less successful than those of most other - nations, if they are not to be qualified as utter and absolute - failures. Chancellor Caprivi had said quite justly that the worst - blow an enemy could give him would be to force more territories in - Africa upon him. Nevertheless, Germany has since Caprivi's time - and at imminent risk of war acquired further African possessions. - The attempt to colonize Africa, begun, as we have seen, by the - Great Elector, was Germany's first venture in this field. Yet at no - time did the Germans seem to get on well with the blacks. In the - Emperor's speeches to the Reichstag he has spoken of his desire - to introduce Christian customs and Christian morality among the - negroes. Yet his attempts here were hardly successful. The Herreros - in Southwest Africa revolted and massacred German colonists, - sparing the Boers and English who had come before the German - occupation. Doctor Gibbons tells us that the suppression of this - rebellion took more than a year and cost Germany an appalling sum - of money and many lives. But it cost the natives more. Two thirds - of the nation of the Herreros were massacred, and, while only six - or seven thousand were in arms, the German official report states - that forty thousand were killed. The Germans confiscated all the - lands of the natives. In 1906, after twenty-one years of German - rule, there were in Southwest Africa sixteen thousand prisoners of - war out of a total native population of thirty-one thousand. All - the natives lived in concentration camps and were forced to work - for the government. It may be conceded that Germany's problem here - was a difficult one; it must also be recognized that her policy had - been neither of advantage to the natives nor to Germany herself. - - In other cases, where the problem would seem to have been simpler, - the results have likewise been disastrous. It is not our purpose - to give the reasons but to state the facts. After one hundred - and twenty-five years of incorporation into Prussia the Poles - of East Prussia have in large part not been amalgamated and are - still the victims of discriminatory legislation. In judging such a - policy it is not merely a question as to whether Alsace-Lorraine, - for instance, did or did not once belong to Germany. Morally it - is difficult to concede to any nation the right to govern any - population which it makes permanently unhappy. After forty-four - years the problem of Alsace-Lorraine seemed to be very little - nearer a solution than it was at its inception. It is a mistake - to believe that the discontent was due principally to the fact - that the inhabitants must transfer their allegiance from France to - Germany. The discontent was due to the empire's refusal to give the - population rights and status compatible with their self-respect - as enlightened subjects of a twentieth-century government. Men of - German as well as of French descent, and even German emigrants who - were induced to settle in the province since 1870, took part in the - opposition. In a recent haphazard list of the "real leaders" of - Alsace-Lorraine, we find the following six names: Wetterlé, Preiss, - Blumenthal, Weber, Bucher, and Theodor. Of these the last five, - at least, are wholly or in part of German descent. Yet the most - serious demonstration in Metz since its annexation took place in - June, 1910. On July 25 of that same year, for the first time since - the University of Strasburg had been re-established by the Germans, - a professor was hissed out of his lecture-room; and, as we have - seen, in spite of an energetic propaganda by German newspapers, in - 1912 more Alsacians enlisted in the French Foreign Legion than in - any single year since 1871. The situation in that province has been - already discussed in connection with the Emperor's speech of March - 14, 1891. Quite evidently, the problem there was hardly on the - way to successful solution in August, 1914. Of course, Germany's - success in colonizing is not the only question to be considered - with regard to her _Weltpolitik_. It is, however, an essential - factor. - - As will be evident from subsequent addresses, it was the Emperor - who everywhere gave the initial impulse. Whether or not he involved - himself in contradictions here, the student must decide. To - certain of his subjects he appeared to be doing so, and it was - for this reason that one of his hostile critics, Doctor Liman, - tells us in bitterness that German politics of the last twenty - years is "a fantastic mixture of tearful longing for peace and - an inflated desire for prestige." ("Der Kaiser," p. 317.) The - present empire had been proclaimed on the 18th of January, 1871, - and the anniversary marked the crowning celebration of the year. - In his speech the Emperor announces that "The German Empire has - become a world-empire." This may be said to provide the key to his - subsequent policy and to mark the dawning of a new era. The address - was delivered at a dinner held in the Royal Palace. - -The present day, like the entire year in all its festivities, is -a day of grateful retrospect. It is a continued high festival of -gratitude for and in commemoration of the great departed Emperor. A -blessing rests upon the present day, and over it hovers the spirit -of him who lies in Charlottenburg,[10] and of him who sleeps in the -Friedenskirche.[11] What our fathers had hoped and what German youth -in her dreams had sung and desired it was granted to them, the two -Emperors, to achieve; working with the princes, it was granted to them -to reconquer and re-establish the German Empire. We are privileged -gratefully to enjoy its advantages; we have a right to rejoice on -the present day. Nevertheless, it is our earnest duty to maintain -what the great lords have won for us. The German Empire has become a -world-empire. Everywhere in distant quarters of the earth thousands of -our countrymen are living. German guardians, German science, German -industry are going across the sea. The value of what Germany has upon -the seas amounts to thousands of millions. It is your earnest duty, -gentlemen, to help to bind this greater German Empire firmly to our -ancestral home. The vow which I made you to-day can become truth only -if you are animated by a united patriotic spirit and grant me your -fullest support. It is my wish that, standing in closest union, you -help me to do my duty not only to my countrymen in a narrower sense -but also to the many thousands of countrymen in foreign lands. This -means that I may be able to protect them if I must. It is with this -wish, and deeply conscious of the injunction which is issued to us -all--"What you have inherited from your fathers, conquer it in order -that you may possess it"--that I raise my glass to our beloved German -Fatherland and call out: Long live the German Empire!--once again, may -it live!--and a third time, long live the Empire! - -[10] Emperor William I. - -[11] Emperor Frederick III. - - -TO THE RECRUITS FOR THE NAVY - -WILHELMSHAVEN, FEBRUARY 21, 1896 - - On the occasion of administering the oath to the naval recruits at - Wilhelmshaven the Emperor delivered the following address: - -In the sight of God and of His servants you have sworn to me the oath -of allegiance, and I expect from you that you will become good and -sturdy sailors. Keep to what you have sworn, for "one man, one word." -The soldiers of the army frequently have the occasion to show what -they have learned and what they are capable of under the eyes of their -superiors. This is not true in the navy, for many of you will be for -years in foreign waters. But you must not think that on that account my -eyes have been turned away from you. - -In relation to other navies our own navy is still small, is in the -budding stage; but through our discipline we must become strong and -by it compensate for all that we lack in material strength. What is -discipline? Nothing but the unconditional subjection of our own will -to a higher will. Even if every one intends to do good, he must none -the less subordinate his intention to the good of the whole. Only -by holding together can we create a firm body that will be able to -accomplish something complete and great. - - -A TOAST TO THE RUSSIAN EMPEROR AND EMPRESS - -ST. PETERSBURG, AUGUST 8, 1897 - - The visit which the Czar had paid Emperor William at Breslau - the year before (September 5, 1896) had led to unfortunate - consequences. The Czar, in his answer to the wishes of the Emperor - that the two empires might draw more closely together, had - announced, according to the official report, that he was animated - by the same traditional sentiments as his Majesty, Emperor William - II. Certain important papers printed a reading which made it appear - that the Czar had said that he shared the same feelings which had - moved his father (who was notoriously anti-German). The State - Secretary, Von Marschall, was drawn into an ugly suit as a result. - It was stated that the Foreign Office was involved. Although this - was not true, it left a decidedly bad impression, and several - officials resigned. - - On the occasion of the visit of the German Emperor and Empress to - St. Petersburg they were greeted by a most friendly address of - welcome from the Czar, and Emperor William II was made an admiral - of the Russian fleet. On this occasion he offered the following - toast to the Russian Emperor and Empress: - -In the name of her Majesty, the Empress, and in my own, I thank your -Majesty warmly for the hearty and magnificent reception which you have -given us and for the gracious words with which your Majesty has so -lovingly bid us welcome. At the same time, with deep feeling I would -like to lay at the feet of your Majesty my grateful acknowledgment -for the renewed and unexpected distinction which your Majesty has -conferred upon me in giving me a place in your glorious fleet. This -is a particular honor, which I appreciate at its full significance -and which is also a distinction conferred very particularly upon my -navy. In my appointment as a Russian admiral I see not only an honor -conferred upon my person but also a new evidence for the perpetuation -of the close relationship, traditional and unshakable, which exists -between our two empires. The unalterable decision of your Majesty to -preserve now and hereafter peace for your people finds in me also a -joyful echo, and wandering together in the same way we two shall strive -in concert, under the blessing of this peace, to guide the cultural -development of our peoples. My whole people is behind me, I know, as -I confidently lay this renewed pledge in the hands of your Majesty--I -shall bestow upon your Majesty my most powerful support and stand at -your side with all my heart in this great work of preserving the peace -for the nations and in directing my strength against any one who might -attempt to disturb or break this peace. I drink to the health of their -Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress! [These last words the Emperor -spoke in Russian.] - - -THE ARMY TRADITION - -COBLENTZ, AUGUST 30, 1897 - - On this date the Emperor reviewed the great parade of the Eighth - Army Corps, under the leadership of the commanding general, the - Grand Duke of Baden. At the dinner after the review the Emperor - offered the following toast. The address illustrates what Doctor - Liman calls the romanticism of the Emperor. He is easily impressed - by his surroundings and speaks with particular animation and fervor - on the occasions (and they are frequent) in which the memories of - his ancestors are brought back to him: - -A review in the Rhine country, what an entrancing and what a beautiful -picture! But a review on the shores of the River Rhine itself, and in -sight of the old historic city of Coblentz--how this appeals to our -hearts! The sight of the soldierly sons of the Rhine country, under the -command of your Royal Highness, has moved me to deep joy. But it moves -me with deep sadness, likewise, for the place on which we stand and the -city in which we tarry is a witness to a great time and reminds us of -great names and figures. - -We, therefore, do not wish to forget that the time[12] which Emperor -William the Great spent in Coblentz was of deepest significance, -especially for us in the army. Here the work which he was called upon -to carry through came to maturity; here it was granted him in quiet -retirement to work out the organization of his army, which was often -attacked with animosity and often misunderstood but which has so -magnificently justified itself. His nation under arms has proved in -three victorious wars that he was right. - -[12] 1850-7. - -And now let us turn from our glance into the past to the present day. -The splendid corps which I took from the hands of a general [Vogel von -Falckenstein] whose name spelled bravery, whose conduct, chivalry, -and whose life, fidelity on the battle-field and in peace, I have now -given over to you, the grandson of the great Emperor, the son[13] -of the lofty Princess who would not be deprived of the pleasure of -appearing here to-day and, in the spirit of her great departed mother, -of celebrating and tarrying for a while with us in memories. - -[13] The hereditary Grand Duke of Baden at this time was Frederick - William, born July 9, 1857, son of the Grand Duke Frederick I and - the Grand Duchess Louise-Marie, Princess of Prussia. The Grand - Duchess Louise-Marie was the daughter of Emperor William I. The - hereditary Grand Duke, who since the death of his father, in 1907, - has been reigning Grand Duke of Baden, is therefore a grandson - of William I and first cousin of the present Emperor, which will - explain the somewhat unusual familiarity of the Emperor's address. - -The corps has been honored by the fact that his Royal Highness, the -Duke of Cambridge, who was for a long time the highest in command of -the brave British army, has decided to appear here and to lead before -me his gallant historic regiment. I express my hearty thanks to your -Royal Highness. The corps, is indeed, highly fortunate in this. We -are privileged to greet in the noble person of your Royal Highness an -associate, a contemporary of our departed great Emperor, about whom -I know particularly that he always spoke with deepest respect and -greatest friendship of your Royal Highness, and that he always praised -your Royal Highness's military achievements. - -My dear Fritz [turning to his Royal Highness, the hereditary Grand -Duke], to-day's parade does you and the corps great honor in every -respect, and we can say with a clear conscience that the sons of the -Rhineland who have marched by to-day will do their duty as completely, -and that they are as well trained and as brave as they were in the time -of the great Emperor. _It is our duty to maintain, in all its parts, -the army, the work of the great Emperor, against every influence and to -defend it against every opposition from without_, and I hope that every -general will be as faithful and as upright as you are, and that he will -strive to achieve this aim in his field with as good results as you -have done. - -With this hope I raise my glass and drink to the health of the Eighth -Army Corps and its commanding general. The Eighth Army Corps! Hurrah! -Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -TOAST TO THE ITALIAN KING AND QUEEN - -HOMBURG, SEPTEMBER 4, 1897 - - On this day the Emperor reviewed the Eleventh Army Corps, which was - under the command of General von Wittich, in the presence of the - Empress and of the King and Queen of Italy. At the banquet which - followed in the Castle of Homburg, the Emperor offered this toast: - -MY DEAR WITTICH: - -I am happy to be able to express to you before our royal and princely -guests and to the whole army corps my heartiest congratulations on -this day. I am pleased to be able to say that the present day in its -achievements does not suffer in the least by comparison with the day -when, many years ago,[14] the corps defiled before my late grandfather, -my dear father, and the late Grand Duke. I thank his Royal Highness, -the Grand Duke, for the splendid division which he has led, and I am -pleased to see him at the head of the magnificent troops which have -done such great things under his father. - -[14] September 25, 1883. - -A great honor has been conferred upon the corps through the fact -that riding at the head of one of his regiments [13th Hessian Hussar -Regiment] his Majesty, King Humbert of Italy, has led it before us. - -Your Majesty! My army thanks your Majesty whole-heartedly for the great -honor which has been conferred upon it. Not only my army but also the -whole German Fatherland greets in the person of your Majesty the lofty -prince, the close friend of my departed father, the faithful ally, -whose coming here shows again to us and to the world that the bond of -the triple alliance stands firm and inviolate, the triple alliance -which was founded in the interest of peace and which, as time goes on, -strikes deeper and firmer root in the consciousness of the peoples, in -order finally to bring forth greater fruit. - -In deepest gratitude I bid the great Queen welcome in the name of -my people. We rejoice that she has not disdained to come here, -leaving behind her her repose and her activities dedicated to art and -literature, and that she should have graced with her fair presence this -camp of our soldiers. Her Majesty is particularly dear and precious to -us Germans, because she is like the image of the great constellation to -which her people and Fatherland look up with confidence; because the -artist, the wise man, the musician, and the student always have free -access to her, and because under the protection of her Majesty so many -a German can fulfil his life devoted to learning and so many an invalid -can go in search of his health to the beautiful sunny south. - -With a whole heart I bid you both welcome, and call out with my -Eleventh Corps: Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Italy!--Hurrah! -Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -ADDRESS AT A DEDICATION OF FLAGS - -BERLIN, OCTOBER 18, 1897 - - On this occasion sixty-three new flags were dedicated to the newly - formed regiments of the guard, of the First to the Eleventh and of - the Fifteenth to the Seventeenth Army Corps. The Emperor and people - celebrate this anniversary of the battle of Leipzig, 1813, with - particularly patriotic demonstrations, and he almost invariably - makes it the occasion for a military address. After the religious - ceremony the Emperor addressed the following words to his troops: - -The flags which have just now been consecrated before the altar of -God and which have received His blessing I now turn over to the new -regiments which spring from their old and proved predecessors in -accordance with the custom of our army, which forever renews itself and -its youth out of the ranks of its older and proved regiments. I do this -in a hallowed place, before the statue of the great King and before -the windows of the great Emperor. If the site is holy, so too is the -day. It is the anniversary of the great victory after which the German -people for the first time dared look forward in prospect to the dawn of -coming union and the future greatness which was conditioned thereby. -The day on which, for everlasting memory, the October fires leap from -Germany's hills is the birthday of the heroic first German Crown Prince -and of the second German Emperor.[15] - -[15] Frederick III. - -Out of the old and proved regiments which he led to battle and victory -the shoots have been taken for these new ones to which I now turn over -their field insignia. May Almighty God, who has ever been so faithful -and well intentioned to our Prussia and to the whole German Fatherland, -help always to maintain the vows of the thousands of German youths who -shall stream from the circles of the people to these new flags and who -before them shall swear their oath of allegiance! - -I hope that in these regiments the qualities of the great Emperor will -live on--the absolutely unselfish devotion to the whole, the unreserved -sacrifice of one's own capacity, bodily as well as spiritual, for -the honor of the army and for the safety of the beloved Fatherland. -Then, I am convinced, will the foundations remain firm and intact in -these new regiments, the foundations upon which the discipline of our -army rests--bravery, sense of honor, and absolute and unconditional -obedience. - -This is my wish for the new regiments. - - -ON ADMINISTERING THE OATH TO THE RECRUITS - -BERLIN, NOVEMBER 18, 1897 - - After the administering of the oath to the recruits of the - garrisons of Berlin, Charlottenburg, and Spandau by the - representatives of the Evangelical and the Catholic churches, the - Emperor took the occasion to deliver the following admonition: - -To-day I greet you as soldiers of my army, as grenadiers of my guard. -With the oath to the flag you have sworn allegiance as German men, -and even before the altar of God, under the open skies, and upon His -crucifix, as good Christians must. He who is not a good Christian is -not a brave man and no Prussian soldier; and he cannot fulfil under any -circumstances what is demanded of a soldier in the Prussian army. - -Your duty is not easy; it demands of you self-control and -self-abnegation, the two highest qualities of a Christian, and in -addition unconditional obedience and subordination to the will of those -who are appointed above you. - -But you have examples before you out of the history of the German army. -Thousands before your time have sworn their oath and kept it. And -because they did keep it our Fatherland has become great and our army -victorious and unconquerable. Because they kept their oath, their flags -stand before you, garlanded with honor and covered with the tokens of -glory, and wherever they are shown, heads are uncovered and regiments -present arms. - -In the time of your service temptation will surely draw near to many of -you. If it does approach, either with regard to your personal conduct -or with regard to your relationship as a soldier, turn it from you with -the thought of the past of your regiments; turn it from you with the -thought of your uniform, which is the uniform of your King. Whoever -offends against the uniform of the King lays himself open to the most -grievous punishments. Wear your uniform in such wise that you will -compel respect from the world and from those who oppose you. - -My glorious ancestors look down upon you from the vaulted heavens. The -monuments of the Kings look down upon you and, above all, the statue of -the great Emperor. When you are discharging your service remember the -grievous times through which our Fatherland had to pass; remember them -when your labor seems heavy and bitter. Stand firm in your inviolable -faith and trust in God who never forsakes us. Then will my army and -especially my guard be equal to its task in all times, whether in peace -or war. - -It is now your task to stand faithfully by me and to defend our highest -possessions, whether against enemies from without or from within, and -to obey when I command and never to forsake me. - - -THE CHINESE SITUATION AND THE MAILED FIST - -DECEMBER 15, 1897 - - In accordance with her general colonial policy, Germany had for - some time been attempting to obtain a footing in China. Already - in 1895 the German consul-general had arranged an agreement with - the Chinese authorities which was to allow the establishing of - a base at Hangchow. German explorers had examined the coast and - had noticed the favorable situation of the harbor of Kiaochow. - In November, 1897, two German Catholic missionaries were - murdered. Admiral Diedrichs, who is remembered in America for - his interference with Admiral Dewey at Manila Bay, resolved upon - immediate action, steamed into the harbor of Kiaochow and took - possession of the island of Tsingtao. He announced the occupation - of the bay and of all the islands and dependencies on November - 15. An indemnity of 200,000 _taels_ was demanded, as well as the - repayment of the expenses of the occupation, a ninety-nine year - lease of the captive territory, and the cession of all mining - rights and railway privileges. All this was granted, and Germany - made good use of her privileges. At the outbreak of the European - war the country had been developed and reclaimed to such a degree - that Tsingtao with its buildings and forts looked like a bit of - Prussia set into the Chinese coast. - - Through her occupation of this rich province and through the - fact that Germany thus established a naval base opposite Japan's - coast, she incurred the ill will of Japan. This ill will was - later to be increased through Germany's conduct with regard to - commerce regulations. At the time of the occupation Germany - declared that Tsingtao was to be a port open to all the world. - Subsequent regulations which she had made amounted to very serious - discrimination against the commerce of other nations, especially - that of the Japanese, which had already attained considerable - importance. A plan was evolved in 1906 according to which Chinese - customs duties were allowed to be collected in the colony in return - for an annual consideration, which amounted to twenty per cent of - the entire customs duties of the Tsingtao district. In this way, - what she allowed China to collect from German merchants she forced - China to pay back to her. Other merchants were, of course, likewise - forced to pay the duties, and Germany received a considerable - percentage of the toll. The discrimination, if not obvious, was - very real, and the feeling of the Japanese distinctly hostile. - - Prince Henry was sent out to take command of the increased East - Asiatic Squadron on December 16, 1897, and took command in the - following March. On the eve of his departure a great farewell - dinner was given him in the Royal Palace at Kiel. The Emperor spoke - as follows: - -MY DEAR HENRY: - -As I rode into Kiel to-day I thought of the many times on which I had -visited this city joyfully at your side and on my ships, either to be -present at the sports or at some one of our military undertakings. On -my arrival in the city to-day an earnest and deep feeling moved me, -for I am perfectly conscious of the task which I have set before you -and of the responsibility which I bear. But I am likewise conscious -of the fact that it is my duty to build up and carry farther what my -predecessors have bequeathed to me. - -The journey which you are to undertake and the task which you are to -accomplish indicate nothing new in themselves; it is merely the logical -consequence of what my departed grandfather and his great Chancellor -inaugurated politically and what our glorious father won with his sword -on the field of battle. It is nothing more than the first expression of -the newly united and newly arisen German Empire in its tasks beyond the -seas. The empire has developed so astonishingly through the extension -of its commercial interests that it is my duty to follow up the new -German Hansa and to give it the protection which it has a right to -expect from the empire and the Emperor. - -Our German brothers of the church who have gone out to their quiet -work and have not spared risking their lives in order to spread and -make a home for our religion on foreign soil have placed themselves -under my protection, and it is now a question of providing support -and safety for these brothers who have been so often insulted and -oppressed. For that reason the undertaking which I intrust to you and -which you must fulfil in company with your comrades and the ships -which are already out there is really one of protection and not one -of defiance. Under the protecting banner of our German flag of war -we expect that the rights which we are justified in demanding will -be guaranteed to our commerce, to the German merchant, and to German -ships--the same right which is vouchsafed by strangers to all other -nations. - -Our commerce is not new; in old times the Hanseatic League was one -of the most powerful enterprises which the world has ever seen, and -the German cities were able to build a fleet such as the sea's broad -back had never carried in earlier days, but finally it came to naught -because the one condition was lacking, namely that of an Emperor's -protection. Now things have changed; the first condition, the German -Empire, has been created; the second condition, German commerce, -flourishes and develops, and it can only develop properly and securely -if it feels itself safe under the power of the empire. Imperial power -means sea power, and sea power and imperial power are so interdependent -that the one cannot exist without the other. - -As a token of this imperial sea power the squadron which has been -strengthened by your division must now take its place, with all the -comrades of the foreign fleet out there in close relationship and -on good terms of friendship, but for the purpose of protecting our -particular interests against every one who might be tempted to intrude -upon the right of the Germans. That is your task and your mission. - -Make it clear to every European there, to the German merchant, and, -above all things, to the foreigner in whose country we are or with -whom we have to deal, that the German _Michel_[16] has set his shield, -decorated with the imperial eagle, firmly upon the ground. Whoever -asks him for protection will always receive it. And may our countrymen -out there cherish the firm conviction, whether they are priests or -merchants or whatever profession they follow, that the protection -of the German Empire as exemplified in the Emperor's ships will -continuously be granted them! But if any one should undertake to insult -us in our rights or to wish to harm us, then drive in with the mailed -fist and, as God wills, bind about your young brow the laurels which no -one in the entire German Empire will begrudge you! - -[16] The German _Michel_ is the proverbial representative of the German - character, as Uncle Sam is of the American or John Bull of the - English. He is usually pictured as a simple, good-natured fellow. - -In the firm conviction that you, following good examples--and, God -be praised, examples are not wanting in our house--will carry out my -thoughts and wishes, I raise my glass and drink it to your health, with -the wish for a good voyage, for a happy issue to your task, and for -a joyous return. Long live his Royal Highness, Prince Henry! Hurrah! -Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -ADDRESS TO THE REGIMENTS OF THE BODY-GUARD - -POTSDAM, JUNE 16, 1898 - - On the day of the tenth anniversary of his coming to the throne - the Emperor assembled the regiments of the guard in the gardens of - Potsdam and made them the following address: - -The most important heritage which my noble grandfather and father left -me is the army, and I received it with pride and joy. To it I addressed -my first decree when I mounted the throne. As I enter into the next -decade of my reign I again address it in these words: You who are -now assembled here constitute the 1st Infantry Regiment of the guard, -in which I grew up; the Regiment of the Gardes du Corps, the most -distinguished regiment of the cavalry body-guard of the Prussian Kings; -the Hussar Regiment of the Body-Guard, which I have always commanded; -and the Cadet Corps of the Infantry Battalion, which represents the -entire army and which in Potsdam enjoys the honor of providing the -guard for the King and his house. - -Perhaps never did an army suffer such severe loss as in the year 1888. -Never has an army lost in the course of a single year two such powerful -leaders crowned with laurel and honor, who were at the same time its -war lords.[17] I look back gratefully upon the years which have passed -since that time. - -[17] It is interesting to note that the Emperor here himself explicitly - makes the distinction between commander of an army, _Heerführer_, - and war lord, _Kriegsherr_, a title which can only be bestowed - upon the Emperor. - -Seldom has so difficult a task fallen to the lot of a successor who -in a brief period had been forced to see both his grandfather and his -father carried away by death. The crown was weighed down with heavy -cares. Every one lacked confidence in me; everywhere I was falsely -judged. One alone believed in me, one alone had faith--that was the -army. And leaning upon her, trusting upon our old guard, I took up my -heavy charge, knowing well that the army was the main support of my -country, the main support of the Prussian throne, to which the decision -of God had called me. I therefore turn to you first to-day and express -to you my congratulations and my gratitude, and in these expressions I -include likewise with you all your brothers in the army. I am of the -firm conviction that, through the self-sacrificing devotion of the -officers and men in their faithful work of peace, the army during the -last ten years has been maintained in the same condition in which I -received it from my departed predecessors. - -In the next ten years, faithfully bound together, let us seek further -the unconditional fulfilment of our duty in old and unremitting labor, -and may the main supports of our army remain forever intact! They are -courage, sense of honor, and unconditional, iron, blind obedience. - -That is my wish which I to-day address to you and with you to the -entire army. - - -ON THE DEATH OF PRINCE BISMARCK - -FRIEDRICHSRUH, AUGUST 2, 1898 - - After the founding of the German Empire Prince Bismarck, who - initiated and carried through many of the policies which brought - great prosperity to the German people, was looked upon with much - favor and enjoyed great popularity. Emperor William II, as has - been noted, dismissed him from his post as Imperial Chancellor in - the second year of his reign. His attitude toward Bismarck has - already been discussed (March 26, 1895). In most of his speeches - which recount the progress of the empire the Emperor is strangely - silent about this great figure in German history. When Bismarck - died, however (July 30, 1898), the Emperor immediately interrupted - his journey into the north and returned on the second of August to - pay his respects at the bier of the first Imperial Chancellor in - Friedrichsruh. On the same day he issued the following statement - which appeared that evening in the special edition of the - _Reichsanzeiger_. - - It is noticeable that on this occasion the Emperor speaks of - his grandfather as "William the Great." His tendency to set - his ancestors upon lofty pedestals and to praise them somewhat - extravagantly finds expression in many of the speeches. He was - very desirous of having his grandfather called by this title, and - here as everywhere took the initiative. His lead, however, was not - generally followed. When the city of Hamburg erected a monument - to William I the pedestal was left without an inscription. This - has been explained by the fact that they were unwilling to say, - "William the Great," and afraid to say merely, "William I." - -With my lofty peers and with the whole German people I stand in -mourning at the bier of the first Chancellor of the German Empire, -Prince Otto von Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg. We who were witnesses of -his masterly work, who looked upon him as the master of statecraft, -as the fearless champion in war as in peace, as the most devoted -son of his Fatherland and most faithful servant of his Emperor, are -deeply shaken by the demise of the man in whom the Lord God created -the implement with which to carry into effect the deathless idea of -Germany's union and greatness. - -At this moment it is not fitting to recount all the deeds which the -great departed accomplished, all the cares which he bore for the -Emperor and the empire, all the successes which he won. They are too -powerful and manifold, and only history can and will engrave them upon -her brass tablets. - -But I feel constrained to make some expression before the world of the -whole-hearted grief and grateful reverence which to-day fill the entire -nation and, in the name of the nation, to make a vow that what he, the -great Chancellor, built up under Emperor William the Great I shall -maintain and develop and, if need be, defend with our possessions and -our blood. - -In this may the Lord God help us! - -I commission you to bring to public attention this, my decree. - - WILLIAM, I. R. - - To the Imperial Chancellor. - - - [Illustration: "OUR FUTURE LIES UPON THE WATER" - THE EMPEROR ON SHIPBOARD IN THE AUTUMN OF 1898] - - -"OUR FUTURE LIES UPON THE WATER" - -STETTIN, SEPTEMBER 23, 1898 - - A previous address shows that in the mind of the Emperor the idea - of world-empire carried with it the idea of naval supremacy. In - this period he was increasingly interested in the industrial and - especially the naval and maritime expansion of Germany. A number of - his speeches take up this subject; so, for instance, he was present - at the opening of the new harbor at Stettin and delivered this - address: - -With full heart I congratulate you on your completed work. You began -with a fresh spirit of daring. You were able to begin it, thanks to the -interest of my departed grandfather, the great Emperor, who built the -iron girdle around the city. After the moment when this iron mantle -fell you could take a larger and wider point of view. You did not delay -but carried it out with real Pomeranian recklessness and obstinacy. You -have succeeded, and I am pleased that the old Pomeranian spirit has -again come to life in you and has driven you from the land upon the -water. - -Our future lies upon the water, and I am deeply convinced that this -work which you, Herr Burgomaster, have carried out with foresight -and care and energy will always be linked with your name, even after -centuries, by the grateful citizens of the city of Stettin and that -your work will always be recognized. - -But I, as lord of the land and King, express my thanks to you that you -have brought the city of Stettin to such a flourishing position. I hope -and expect, yes, I might say, I demand, that she shall go on developing -at this same rate, not divided by party strife and with her glance -fixed upon the great whole, in order that she may come to a state of -development such as has never yet been achieved. That is my wish! - - -THE JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND - -BETHLEHEM, OCTOBER 30, 1898 - - On the 12th of October, 1898, the Emperor and Empress set out on - their journey to the Holy Land, accompanied by many representatives - of the church. In Venice they visited the Italian King and Queen - and passed on by way of Messina and Constantinople. They reached - Jerusalem on October 29. During his stay at Constantinople the - Emperor obtained the rights to a piece of land, the _Dormitio - Sanctæ Virginis_, and turned it over to the German Catholics in - Jerusalem. On November 4 they began their return journey via - Damascus. Though the dedication of the Church of Our Redeemer - constituted the ostensible object of the visit, the Emperor had - also other purposes in mind. He took the occasion to announce that - he would protect the interests of all Germans of whatever faith. - This is the more significant when we remember that up to this time - the French had always been allowed to assume the duty of protecting - the Catholics there. The Emperor likewise had in mind increasing - his prestige in the East. One of the outward indications of the - growing friendliness between Turkey and Germany which was then - strengthened may be found in the fact that the building of the - Anatolian railway was intrusted to a German company, to which was - also granted a concession for a harbor and permission to extend the - line through Bagdad to Bassora. - - It will be noted that the approach to Jerusalem aroused a very - unfavorable impression in the Emperor. Nevertheless, he had - somewhat unusual preparations made for his entrance. The old - walls of the sacred city were breached in order to allow him to - make his entry in imperial state. In pursuance of his policy as - a world-emperor he attempted during his visit, as we have seen, - both by his acts and by his speeches, to conciliate all sects and - creeds; the Catholics through the grant of land, which likewise - pleased the Centre or Catholic party at home; the Evangelicals - through the dedication of a church; and the Moslems incidentally - and through his speech nine days later at Damascus, in the course - of which he said: "May the Sultan and may the three hundred - million Mohammedans who are scattered over the face of the earth - and who recognize him as their caliph be assured of the fact - that at all times the German Emperor will be their friend!" This - friendship of the Emperor for the Sultan was not to be clouded by - the Armenian massacres, nor did the assassinations in Asia Minor - evoke any protest. Indeed, we are told by a well-known foreign - correspondent that "five days after the great massacre of August, - 1896, in Constantinople, when Turkish soldiers shot down their - fellow citizens under the eyes of the Sultan and of the foreign - ambassadors, William II sent to Abdul-Hamid for his birthday a - family photograph of himself with the Empress and his children." At - Damascus, he likewise laid a wreath upon the tomb of Saladin. - - After the service in the Evangelical Church at Bethlehem the - Emperor gathered about him the Evangelical ministers and made them - this address, which was reported by E. Bosse, who at that time was - the Prussian _Kultusminister_. - -If I am to give you the impressions of these last days, then I must -tell you that, above all, I am very much disappointed. I did not wish -to say that here, but after I had heard that the same thing had -happened to others also, and among them to my court chaplain, for -instance, I no longer wish to hide this from you. It may, indeed, -be that the very unfavorable approach to the city of Jerusalem has -contributed to this impression, but when one sees such conditions in -the holy places and sees how things happen there it cuts one to the -quick. - -That the emanation of the love of the Creator took place here where -we are now standing is a fact of extraordinary import, and yet how -little does it correspond to what we have seen! I am, therefore, doubly -pleased to have received my first elevating impression in the Holy -Land at this service among you. The particular example of Jerusalem -warns us insistently that we must suppress as far as possible the -slight deviations in our sects, and that the Evangelical Church and the -Evangelical creed must put forward a firmly united front here in the -East. Otherwise we can accomplish nothing. We can only work through -example, through the practice and proof that the gospel is a gospel of -love in all quarters of the heavens and that it bears other fruits. - -Only the life of Christians can make any impression upon the -Mohammedans. No one can criticise them if they have little respect for -the Christian name. Our churches divide against each other. Indeed, -they must be restrained from quarrelling through the external power of -arms. In the political world, under all possible pretexts we take away -from them [the Mohammedans] one piece of territory after another, for -which we have no justification, so that our influence has been much -weakened and we have fallen to a very low level. - -And now it is our turn! The German Empire and the German name have now -won a consideration in the entire Ottoman Empire such as has never -existed before. It is, therefore, for us to show what the Christian -religion really is, that the practice of Christian love even toward the -Mohammedan, not through dogmas and attempts at conversion but merely -through example, is our plain duty. The Mohammedan is a very zealous -believer, so that preaching alone will not suffice. But our culture, -our institutions, the life which we live before them, the manner of our -conduct toward them, and the proof that we are united among ourselves, -these alone will have effect. - -It is a kind of examination which we must pass for our Protestant -faith and our creed. Through this we must give them proof of what -Christianity is. In this way we may inspire in them an interest for -our religion and for the Christian creed. See to it that this remains -so! - - -DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF OUR REDEEMER - -JERUSALEM, OCTOBER 31, 1898 - - The Church of Our Redeemer at Jerusalem was dedicated in the - presence of the Emperor by the general superintendent and head - court chaplain, Doctor Dryander, of Berlin. The church had been - planned by King Frederick William IV. After the dedication there - was a special church service, and after the prayer by the general - superintendent the Emperor offered the following address: - -God has been gracious enough to allow us to dedicate in this city, -which is holy to all Christians, and in this place, which is -consecrated by labors of true love, a house of worship which we -have built to honor the Saviour of the world. Through the building -and dedication of the Church of Our Redeemer there has now come to -successful issue a plan which my blessed predecessors cherished for -more than half a century and sought to carry out as the protectors of -the work of love which was founded here in Evangelical interests. - -Through the saving power of the love which serves, all hearts should -now here be brought to the consideration of those things in which alone -the troubled human spirit may find salvation, rest, and peace here and -hereafter. - -All Evangelical Christians, even far beyond Germany's borders, are -following our service here with closest interest and sympathy. The -delegates of the Evangelical congregation and many who share the -Evangelical faith from all parts of the world have come with us to this -place in order to be personal witnesses to the completion of this work -of faith and love through which the name of our great Lord and Saviour -is to be glorified and the kingdom of God upon earth to be advanced. - -Jerusalem, the lofty city on which our feet are standing, calls to mind -memories of the great act of redemption of our Lord and Saviour. She -shows us the common labor which unites all Christians, regardless of -confessions and nations, in the apostolic faith. - -The power which renewed the world through the gospel which originated -here drives us to follow Him; it warns us to look up in faith to Him -who died for us upon the cross. It warns us to be patient Christians -and to carry out the doctrine of unselfish love of our neighbor in -regard to all men. It promises us also that if we hold firm to the -true teaching of the gospel even the gates of hell shall not prevail -against our dear Evangelical Church. - -It was in Jerusalem that was born the Light of the World, in whose -splendor our German people has grown great and powerful. What the -Germanic peoples have become they have become under the protection of -the cross upon Golgotha and through the practice of self-sacrificing -love of their neighbors. Just as two thousand years ago, so to-day that -call, "Peace upon earth," which voices the earnest hopes of us all, -should go forth to all the world. - -Not splendor, not might, not glory, not honor, not earthly goods it -is that we seek here. We pant, beseech, and strive only for the one -highest good, the salvation of our souls, and as I now on this solemn -day here repeat the vow of my ancestors who are resting in God, "I and -my house, we will serve the Lord," so I ask you all to make the same -vow. Let every one seek according to his position and his calling to -bring it about that all those who bear the name of the crucified Lord -will live their lives under the sign of His holy name to a victory over -all the dark powers which are begotten in sin and selfishness. - -May God grant that rich streams of blessing may flow back from here -into united Christendom, and that on the throne as in the hut, that -at home as abroad, trust in God, love of our fellows, patience in -affliction, and thorough labor may remain the brightest jewels of the -German people, and that the spirit of peace may permeate and hallow the -Evangelical Church more and more. - -He, the God of grace, will hear our prayers; that is our expectation. -He alone is the strong and safe retreat upon which we build. - - "Did we in our own strength confide, - Our striving would be losing; - Were not the right man on our side, - The man of God's own choosing. - Dost ask who that may be? - Christ Jesus, it is He; - Lord Sabaoth His name, - From age to age the same, - And He must win the battle."[18] - -[18] Luther's "Ein' Feste Burg," translated by F. H. Hedge. - - -BY DIVINE RIGHT - -BRANDENBURG, FEBRUARY 3, 1899 - - There is a particular whole-heartedness noticeable in all of the - Emperor's speeches to his hereditary subjects, the Brandenburgers. - He seemed to take them most fully into his confidence and expect - from them a higher degree of loyalty and understanding. For them - he felt a particular kinship. His personal pretensions are, - therefore, set forth in these speeches and in those to the - Prussians, as for instance in his Königsberg speech (August 25, - 1910) with less reserve than usual, if we may speak of reserve in - one who shows but little and who is unusually frank and personal - in his statements. It is for this reason that these speeches have - occasionally been severely criticised by his South German subjects, - as for instance by Doctor Liman in his "Der Kaiser." This address - was delivered by the Emperor at a banquet which was given by Doctor - von Achenbach, _Oberpräsident_ of Brandenburg Province and Minister - of State, to the members of the Provincial Assembly. The wording - is taken from the "_Reichsanzeiger_." The historical facts here - referred to will be found in chapter I. - - -MY HONORED PRESIDENT AND DEAR MEN OF BRANDENBURG: - -The speech which we have just heard has laid before us in small compass -and in patriotic spirit, embellished with poetic flights, the deeds of -my house and the history of our people. I think that I speak from the -heart of all of you when I say that there were two circumstances which -made it possible for my ancestors and my house to discharge their tasks -in this way. The first and prime circumstance was the fact that, above -all other princes, and even in a time when perhaps such thoughts and -feelings were not yet current, they felt and discharged the personal -responsibility of the ruler toward Heaven. The second circumstance is -the fact that they had behind them the people of the mark. Let us look -back to the time when Frederick I had been named Elector and when he -exchanged his magnificent Frankish home country for the mark, which at -that time was in a condition which we can hardly picture to ourselves -even from the description of historians. We can only understand this -exchange on the assumption that the ruler felt within himself the -call to journey to this land, which had been intrusted to him by the -imperial protection in order here to bring about a better-ordered -condition, not only for the Emperor's sake or for his own sake, but he -was convinced that the task had been given him from above. - -The same conviction we shall find in all of my ancestors. Their great -battles without and the development and the making of laws within -the country have always been dictated by the thought that they were -responsible for the people given over to them and for the country which -had been intrusted to them. - -Your President has been kind enough to mention our journey to Palestine -and the acts which I accomplished there. I dare say that many different -impressions of a lofty nature forced themselves upon me, and they were -partly religious, partly historical, and partly drawn from modern life, -but aside from the celebration in our church (October 31, 1898), the -loftiest and the deepest was the consciousness that I was standing on -the Mount of Olives, that I was treading upon the very place where the -greatest battle which was ever fought out upon the earth, the battle -for the salvation of mankind, had been fought out by our Saviour. This -fact moved me, as it were, on that same day to renew my oath to the -flag above that I would leave nothing untried in order to unite my -people and to push aside whatever might be able to divide it. - -But as I was tarrying in the far country, and in different places where -we Germans feel so keenly the lack of dear woods and beautiful waters, -I remembered the lakes of the mark with their dark, clear waves, and -the woods of oak and of fir, and I thought to myself that, although in -Europe they sometimes looked down upon us, we are none the less much -better off in Brandenburg than in foreign countries. And when I think -of the tree and of the use we make of it and our love for the woods I -am reminded of an incident that is very interesting for us as we begin -to develop the empire. - -It was after the great and noble achievements of the year 1870-1. The -troops had returned home; the tumult and the enthusiasm had subsided, -and the old work of founding and developing our newly conquered -Fatherland was now to begin. There, for the first time, the three -paladins of the great old Emperor, the great General,[19] the powerful -Chancellor,[20] and the faithful Minister of War,[21] were sitting -together at their common meal. After they had emptied the first glass -to the Lord of the Land and to the Fatherland, the Chancellor spoke and -turning to his two colleagues said: "We have now achieved everything -for which we have striven, suffered, and fought. We have reached the -highest point of which we had ever dreamed. What can there now be, -after what we have lived through, which shall interest or elevate or -inspire us?" There was a pause and then the old master of battles said -suddenly, "We can watch the tree grow," and a deep silence fell upon -the room. - -[19] Moltke. - -[20] Bismarck. - -[21] Roon. - -Yes, gentlemen! The tree which we watch growing and for which we must -care is the German imperial oak. A healthy growth is in store for it -because it stands under the protection of the people of the mark in -whose land it is rooted. It has lived through many a storm and has -often been threatened, but the stalk and the shoot which are sunk in -the sands of the mark will, God willing, endure to all eternity! - -I can merely vow once again to-day to do everything for it that is in -my power! And even the journey to hallowed shrines and places will help -me in this, and I shall be better able, therefore, to protect this -tree and to watch and foster it, cutting back like a good gardener -the branches which are superfluous, and keeping watch upon and -exterminating the animals which would gnaw at its roots. I hope that -I may then see this picture. The tree will have developed gloriously -and before it the German _Michel_ will be standing, his hand upon his -sword, and looking out into the distance in order to protect it. That -peace stands firm which stands under the shield and under the sword of -the German _Michel_. - -It is a magnificent thing to begin with the idea of bringing peace to -all the nations; but an error is likely to slip into our calculations. -So long as there is unregenerate sin in humanity, so long there will -be war and hatred, envy and discord, and one man will try to take -advantage of another. But the rules which govern men govern nations -also. Therefore we must see to it that we Germans, at least, stand -together like a firm block. Far beyond the seas[22] and here in Europe, -may every wave that threatens peace break upon this "_rocher de -bronze_" of the German people! But it is the mark and its inhabitants -first of all which are called upon to help me in this, and as I assume -that it is not hard for you to follow the black and white banner and -your red one,[23] so I hope that I shall be understood by you when I say -that I intend to look for aid to the mark now and hereafter, and that I -count upon its loyal support! - -[22] The Spanish-American War was ended by treaty December 10, 1898. - -[23] The flag of Brandenburg is a red griffin on a white field. - -Therefore I raise my glass and call out: Long live Brandenburg and the -inhabitants of the mark. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -THE HAGUE CONFERENCE - -WIESBADEN, MAY 18, 1899 - - On the Czar's birthday the Emperor was present at the banquet given - in Wiesbaden, to which the Russian Ambassador, Count Osten-Sacken, - had been invited. The Emperor proposed the following toast. On the - same day the peace conference at The Hague had been opened and the - Russian delegate De Staal had been elected its president. At the - end of August, 1898, the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs had - issued the following communication to all the representatives of - the powers in St. Petersburg. "The maintenance of universal peace - and a possible reduction of the armaments which burden all nations - in the present state of civilization is an ideal for all the world - toward which all governments must be directed." The Czar believed - that a conference might achieve this object, and he suggested that - they might regulate the reduction of armaments all around and - eliminate many of the horrors of war through the establishment of - certain humane principles. The programme was presented by Russia on - January 11, 1899, and the conference was called on her invitation - for May 18 of that year. - -Every year I offer my toast to the health of his Majesty, the Emperor -of Russia, with deep feeling. To-day I add to it my heartiest good -wishes for the success of the conference which owes its inception to -his Majesty's initiative. - -My honored Baron, my wish includes the hope that the two tried and -experienced statesmen, his Excellency Baron de Staal and Count Münster, -may succeed in their efforts and that they may conduct the conference -on the old, established tradition which unites my house to that of -his Majesty and the German people to the Russian; and by doing so, in -accordance with the exactly similar orders which the Emperor and I have -issued, that the conference may result to the entire satisfaction of -his Majesty. - -His Majesty, the Emperor Nicholas! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -THE HOUSING OF LABORERS - -EARLY JUNE, 1899 - - Kadinen is one of the Emperor's many farming estates and is - situated in the neighborhood of Elbing, in East Prussia. It was - here that he expressed the following sentiment: - -Many things must be changed at Kadinen; especially the housing of the -laborers must be changed. Here in the east this seems still to be a -particular evil. The fine cattle stable in Kadinen is a veritable -palace compared to the homes of the laborers. We must see to it that -the pigsties are not better than the laborers' houses. - - -FRENCH HEROISM AT ST. PRIVAT - -THE BATTLE-FIELD OF ST. PRIVAT, AUGUST 18, 1899 - - The following noble address of the Emperor's was delivered at the - dedication of the monument to the soldiers of the 1st Regiment of - the Guard, who fell in the battle of St. Privat (August 18, 1870). - In it he speaks of the splendid heroism of the French troops who - were fighting for their Emperor. It should be remembered that the - monument was erected in the provinces which had been conquered - from France by Germany. At this time the Emperor had adopted a - conciliatory attitude toward the inhabitants of these provinces. - (See speech of March 14, 1891.) If, therefore, it may seem - ungracious, it is nevertheless merely just to call attention to - the fact that when he later (March 28, 1901) presented a painting - of the battle of St. Privat to the Alexander Regiment of the Guard - in Berlin he did not mention French heroism and speaks a different - language. - -Serious and solemn memories surround this day and make our hearts beat -high. My 1st Infantry Regiment of the Guard is represented here by -my company of the Body-Guard, by its glorious flags, and by many old -comrades who once fought and bled in this place. They are to-day to -unveil this monument to their fallen comrades. This ceremony will take -place in the presence of my youngest regiment,[24] and the troops of the -Fourteenth Army Corps, which represent the entire German army. - -[24] Infantry Regiment No. 145, garrisoned at Metz. - -It has been almost the only regiment which up to the present has not -been represented by a monument in this place, where so much blood was -shed, and yet it had full claim to be thus commemorated. Through its -history it is closely associated with my house, and it is called upon -to train its Princes and Kings, and may therefore be properly regarded -as a family and a house regiment. Nevertheless, my imperial grandfather -did not hesitate a moment to hazard these troops, which were so dear -to him, for the good of the Fatherland. - -History teaches us how the regiment fought and bled and respected its -oath to the flag and how its conduct, its sufferings, and its losses -won the praise and the tears of the great Emperor. - -With me as its oldest comrade the regiment now erects this shaft to the -memory of the heroes that rest beneath the green sod. The form of the -monument differs from that which is usually found on battle-fields. -The archangel in armor, peacefully at rest, is leaning upon his sword, -which is decorated with the proud motto of the regiment, "_Semper -talis_."[25] I therefore wish that a general significance should be -attached to this figure. It stands upon this bloody field as the -guardian of all the brave soldiers, both the French and our own, who -fell here. For bravely and heroically the French soldiers sank to their -honored graves, fighting for their Emperor and their Fatherland. And -if our flags touch each other as they are lowered before the bronze -monument and sadly rustle over the graves of our dear comrades, may -they also wave over the graves of our opponents and whisper to them -that in reverent sorrow we remember the brave dead! - -[25] By an unfortunate error Penzler prints the motto as "_Semper - talio_"--"Retaliation forever." The reading has been changed, as - the motto of the regiment is in reality "_Semper talis_"--"Ever - the same." - -Let us look up to the Lord of Hosts and thank Him for the guidance -graciously given to our great Emperor. Let us picture to ourselves -to-day that the souls of all those who once opposed each other in -fierce conflict upon this field are now gathered about the throne of -the Supreme Judge and that, united in the everlasting peace of God, -they now look down upon us. - - - - -V - -THE GREATER NAVY - - -Many of the speeches which follow will be found to bear upon the -question of increasing the navy, and from this time forth, for various -reasons, that idea will be uppermost in the Emperor's mind. His -statement that he had, from the first, strongly urged an increase in -the navy must be accepted with certain reserves. Such increases as were -suggested were slight as compared to the programmes now to be urged, -and his speeches of that time give little evidence of any particular -insistence or disappointment at his failure in this regard. He really -begins to preach the need of the greater navy insistently in the last -years of the century, and his present statement, "Bitterly do we need -a powerful German fleet," is his sharpest pronouncement up to this -time. It takes on an added significance if we remember that it was made -nine days after the Boer ultimatum which began the Boer War had been -despatched. In this connection it is well to read the telegram sent to -President Krüger, printed with the _Daily Telegraph_ interview (October -28, 1908). - -William II had in 1889 divided the admiralty and appointed a naval -officer to act as head of the organization and development of the -fleet. It was only in the late nineties, however, after the appointment -of Admiral Tirpitz, that this work began to go forward with leaps and -bounds. That German sentiment was quick to follow the lead of the -Emperor is shown by the immense enthusiasm which has made the German -Navy League (organized in 1898) so great a success. In 1907 it already -counted a million paying members, and its journal, _Die Flotte_, had a -circulation of over 370,000 copies, which is about as large as that of -nearly all other important German monthlies combined.[26] Shortly after -the disaster of Spion Kop Admiral Tirpitz spoke thus: "We do not know -what adversary we may have to face. We must therefore arm ourselves -with a view to meeting the most dangerous naval conflict possible." -The preamble to the German navy bill of 1900 reads: "Germany must have -a fleet of such strength that a war against the mightiest power would -involve risks threatening the supremacy of that power." Emperor William -protests, and there is no reason for doubting his sincerity, that this -policy of increasing the navy was not primarily directed at England. It -was necessary to protect Germany's commerce and increase her prestige. -On this point his famous interview given to the _Daily Telegraph_ is -interesting. Undoubtedly, however, this rapid increase in the navy, -which began with the navy bill of 1900 and which happened to coincide -with the events of the Boer War, did much to heighten the ill feeling -which had already begun to spring up between England and Germany. The -idea of increasing the navy met with more general support among the -people than any other policy of the Emperor's, though it called for -very decided increases in taxation. How keen was the Emperor's personal -interest in the matter we may judge from the fact that in 1897 he sent -to all the members of the Reichstag and innumerable other officials a -memorandum comparing the naval strength of Germany, France, Russia, -America, and Japan. The appropriation bill of that year calling for -240,000,000 marks was voted with a slight reduction. The sense that the -struggle for naval supremacy with England was impending made necessary -immensely larger appropriations in the bill of 1900. - -[26] These are the figures given by J. Ellis Barker in "Modern Germany." - - -"BITTERLY WE NEED A POWERFUL GERMAN FLEET" - -HAMBURG, OCTOBER 18, 1899 - - The _Kaiser Karl der Grosse_ was launched in Hamburg on the 18th - of October, 1899. It will be noticed that the Emperor is always - careful to observe the anniversaries that commemorate the military - prowess, the birthdays, and the achievements of the members of his - house. The present date is again an anniversary of the battle of - Leipzig, 1813. In the evening the Emperor spoke as follows at the - banquet in the Rathaus: - -It is with particular pleasure that I find myself among you again on -this historic anniversary. It always gives me new strength and vigor -when I feel around me the dashing spray and bubbling life of one of -the cities of the Hanseatic League. It was a solemn act that we have -just witnessed when we gave over to its element a new portion of the -floating defense of the Fatherland. Every one who was present must have -been impressed with the thought that the proud ship would soon be able -to take up its calling. We feel its lack, and bitterly do we need a -powerful German fleet. - -Its name reminds us of the first glorious days of the old empire and -of its mighty protector. The first beginnings of Hamburg date from -that time, even though it was merely the point of departure for the -missions in the service of the powerful Emperor. Now our Fatherland -has been newly united through Emperor William the Great and is in a -position to take up its glorious outward development. And right here -in this great emporium of trade we feel the sense of power and energy -which the German people are capable of putting into their enterprises -through the fact that they are bound together and united. But here, -too, we can most readily understand how necessary it is that we should -have powerful support and that we can no longer continue without -increasing our fighting strength upon the seas. - -But this feeling penetrates all too slowly into the German Fatherland, -which unfortunately wastes its strength in fruitless party strife. -I have had to watch with deep concern how slow is the progress of -interest in, and political comprehension of, the great world problems -among the German people. - -If we look about us we can see how in the last few years the face of -all the world has been changed. Old world empires are disappearing -and new ones are arising. Nations have appeared among the peoples and -are taking their place in the competition--nations which previously -the layman had scarcely noticed. Events which change the whole field -of international relationships and the whole field of our national -economy, and which formerly were accomplished only in the course of -centuries, now take place in a few months. Through this fact the tasks -of the German Empire and the German people have grown greatly in extent -and demand from me and my government extraordinary and serious efforts. -They can be crowned with success only if the Germans stand behind us -firmly united and give up their party divisions. But our people must -make up their minds to make sacrifices. Above all things, it must give -up the attempt to find the highest by dividing itself more and more -sharply into parties. It must cease to put the party above the good of -the nation. It must put a check upon its old hereditary failing to make -everything the occasion of unrestrained criticism, and it must realize -the boundaries which its own vital interests draw for it. For it is -precisely these old political sins which are now being visited upon -our interests on the sea and upon our fleet. I insistently requested -and warned that it must be strengthened in the first eight years of -my reign, and if these requests had not been continually refused, and -refused in ways which heaped scorn and ridicule upon me, we would have -been able to advance our growing trade and our oversea interests far -differently. - -But my hopes that the German will choose the manlier way have not yet -disappeared, for in him love of the Fatherland is great and powerful. -The October fires which to-day he lights upon the hills and by which he -celebrates the noble figure of the Emperor[27] who was born on this day -bear eloquent witness to this fact. - -[27] Frederick III. - -And, in fact, Emperor Frederick with his great father and his great -paladins did help to build a wonderful edifice and left it to us as the -German Empire. It stands before us in glory, as it had been yearned -for by our fathers and celebrated by our poets! Let us no longer, -therefore, as heretofore, dispute uselessly as to how the particular -rooms, halls, and apartments of this building are to look or how they -are to be furnished; but may the people, burning like these October -fires with an ideal enthusiasm, strive to follow its ideal second -Emperor, and above all things let it rejoice in the beautiful edifice -and help to protect it. Let it be proud of its greatness. Let it be -conscious of its inner worth. Let it watch every foreign state in -its development. Let it make the sacrifices which our position as a -world-power demands. Let it give up the spirit of party and stand -united and firm behind its princes and its Emperor--then only will the -German people help the Hanseatic cities in carrying out their great -work for the benefit of the Fatherland. - -That is my wish to-day, and to it and the health of Hamburg I raise my -glass. - - -ON THE THRESHOLD OF THE NEW CENTURY - -BERLIN, JANUARY 1, 1900 - - The military New Year's celebration took place near the armory, and - the standards of the entire Berlin garrison were for this purpose - brought from the Royal Palace. The Empress and her younger children - watched the celebration from the windows of the armory. - -The first day of the new century sees our army, that is our people -under arms, gathered about its standards and kneeling before the Lord -of Hosts. And, indeed, if any one has particular cause for bowing down -to-day before God it is our army. - -A glance at our flags will explain the reason, for they embody our -history. At the beginning of the last century what was the position of -our army? The glorious army of Frederick the Great had become ossified -and was interested only in petty and insignificant details; it was led -by generals feeble with age and no longer capable of conducting active -campaigns; its corps of officers had lost the habit of invigorating -labor; through a life of luxury and comfort and foolish exaltation of -self it had fallen asleep upon its laurels. In one word, the army was -not only no longer capable of carrying out its task, but had forgotten -it. - -The punishment of Heaven was grievous, for it was suddenly visited -upon our entire people. Cast down into the dust, Frederick's glory -vanished, and the army's standards were broken. In the seven long years -of grievous slavery God taught our people to take thought, and under -the pressure of the foot of an insolent conqueror developed the idea of -universal military service, the idea that the greatest honor lies in -dedicating our services in arms and in sacrificing our blood and our -possessions for the Fatherland. My great-grandfather gave the idea form -and life, and new laurels crowned the newly established army and her -recent flags. - -But the idea of universal military service reached its full -significance only under our great departed Emperor. In spite of -opposition and lack of comprehension he quietly went to work at the -reorganization, and at the re-establishment of our army. Victorious -campaigns, nevertheless, gave his work an altogether unexpected -sanction. His spirit filled the ranks of his army, even as his trust -in God carried them on to unheard-of victories. With this, his own -creation, he brought the Germanic peoples together again and gave us -the German unity for which we had prayed. We owe it to him that, thanks -to this honor, the German Empire commands respect again and takes up -its appointed place in the council of the nations. - -It is for you, gentlemen, to cherish and exemplify in the new century -the old qualities through which our forefathers gave greatness to the -army. This means that you must make few demands in daily life,[28] that -you must practise simplicity and give yourselves up unconditionally -to the royal service, that you must in ceaseless labor offer all the -powers of body and soul to the building up and development of our -troops, and, just as my grandfather labored for his land forces, -so, undeterred, I shall carry through to its completion the work of -reorganizing my navy in order that it may stand justified at the side -of my army and that through it the German Empire may also be in a -position to win outwardly the place which she has not yet attained. - -[28] "To the Americans the pay of the German troops, officers and men, - is ludicrously small. It is evident that men do not undertake - to fit themselves to be officers, and do not struggle through - frequent and severe examinations to remain officers, for the pay - they receive. A lieutenant receives for the first three years $300 - a year, from the fourth to the sixth year $425, from the seventh - to the ninth year $550, and after the twelfth year $600 a year. - A captain receives from the first to the fourth year $850, from - the fifth to the eighth year $1,150, and the ninth year and after - $1,275 a year. Of one hundred officers who join, only an average - of eight ever attain to the command of a regiment. In Bavaria and - Würtemberg promotion is quicker by from one to three years than - in Prussia. In Prussia promotion to _Oberleutnant_ averages 10 - years, to captain or _Rittmeister_ 15 years, to major 25 years, - to colonel 33 years, and to general 37 years. It would not be - altogether inhuman if these gentlemen occasionally drank a toast - to war and pestilence."--PRICE COLLIER, "Germany and the Germans." - -When both are united I hope to be in a position, firmly trusting in the -leadership of God, to carry into effect the saying of Frederick William -I: "If one wishes to decide anything in the world, it cannot be done -with the pen unless the pen is supported by the force of the sword." - - -NEW BOUNDARY POSTS - -BERLIN, FEBRUARY 13, 1900 - - On the occasion of the return of Prince Henry from the Orient, - whither he had been sent at the time of the troubles in Kiaochow, - the Emperor greeted him at a dinner held in the Royal Palace in - Berlin. The question of the imperial foreign policy, as during all - this period, is evidently here uppermost in the Emperor's mind. - -YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, MY DEAR BROTHER: - -I bid you a hearty welcome to our Fatherland and our capital! Two years -ago I sent you forth to carry out your task in the far East, and could -only hope that God would give you His protection and bring the work to -a successful issue. The joyous and enthusiastic reception which all -classes in my home city, Berlin, give you is a testimony to the loving -interest which our entire people have in the completion of the task -which you had set yourself. - -But this reception has a still deeper significance. It is an -unambiguous indication which proves how deeply the people have come to -understand the need of strengthening our sea power. The German people -is of one mind with its princes and its Emperor in the feeling that in -its powerful development it must set up a new boundary post and create -a great fleet which will correspond to its needs. - -Just as Emperor William the Great created the weapon by whose help we -became again black, white, and red, so the German people is now lending -its efforts to forging the weapon through which, God willing and in all -eternity, both here and in foreign countries, it will remain black, -white, and red. - -On your return you find a little lad[29] in the arms of your faithful -wife. As sponsor for the growth of our young fleet may you see him grow -up to full maturity under the protection of God! Hurrah! - -[29] Prince Henry, born January 9, 1900. - - -SEAPORTS AND CANNON - -LÜBECK, JUNE 16, 1900 - - The opening of the Elbe-Trave Canal took place at Lübeck in the - presence of the Emperor. He again took up the question of the - development of the German Empire. - -On this day I congratulate the city of Lübeck most heartily. First -of all I offer my heartiest thanks for the wonderful reception which -you prepared for me. I have seen in the attitude and the faces of the -citizens how joyously their hearts are moved to-day; for they know -that I, too, take a lively interest in all that now moves them. May -the canal which they have carried through with their irresistible -Hanseatic activity not fall short in any way of their expectations, and -I am convinced that it will not do so. You see, as you look upon the -completed work, how significant it is that a united German Empire now -exists. Its past glories Lübeck owed to the German Emperors, and its -present glory it owes to the German Empire, so I hope that everywhere -in the empire and among the people the conviction may grow that through -the re-establishment and strengthening of the German Empire we are -now called upon to carry through those old tasks which could not be -accomplished formerly and which were rendered impossible through the -unfortunate lack of union of our ancestors. - -I hope that in the future, under my protection, Lübeck may continue to -develop. I could not express this hope with the same satisfaction if -I did not now stand before you joyously buoyed up by the hope that we -to-day have the prospect of at last possessing a German fleet. - -An Emperor can only undertake to protect a seaport when he is in a -position with his cannon to protect her flag, even in the farthermost -corners of the world, whether it be that of Lübeck, or of Hamburg, or -of Bremen, or of Prussia. - -May it be granted us to maintain peace outwardly through our fleet, -and may we succeed through the building of the necessary canals within -to simplify the problem of transportation! A blessing will certainly -always rest upon our waterways. - - -THE OCEAN KNOCKS AT OUR DOOR - -KIEL, JULY 3, 1900 - - The ship of the line "Wittelsbach" was launched on this day. As - the house of Wittelsbach is the reigning house of Bavaria, Prince - Rupprecht of Bavaria was present at the christening and gave the - boat its name. A banquet took place in the evening at the officers' - casino. The Emperor replied to Prince Rupprecht as follows: - -I thank your Royal Highness for the friendly words which you have been -good enough to address to me. - -At the christening of this new ship your Royal Highness has mentioned -the support which the house of Wittelsbach has given to the German -Emperors. I would like to call attention in this connection to an -episode in the early history of our houses. - -On the fields before Rome it was granted to one of the ancestors -of your Royal Highness in company with one of mine to be made the -recipient of a very unusual distinction. Mounted upon their horses -and clad in armor, in sight of the hostile squadron of knights, -they received the accolade from Emperor Henry VII. The incident is -immortalized in a picture upon my yacht _Hohenzollern_. - -The descendants of those princes gave each other assistance at -Mühldorf,[30] where the Hohenzoller won the battle for Emperor Ludwig -of Bavaria. Just as at that time the houses of Wittelsbach and of -Hohenzollern fought side by side for the good of the empire, so now, -too, and in the future they will work together. - -[30] Battle fought in 1322 between two competitors for the empire, - Louis V and Frederick the Fair. - -Your Royal Highness has had the opportunity to be present during these -days when we came to weighty conclusions and to be the witness of -historical moments which mark a new point in the history of our people. -Your Royal Highness has been able to convince himself how powerfully -the wave beat of the ocean knocks at the door of our people and forces -it to demand its place in the world as a great nation; drives it on, in -short, to world politics. - -Germany's greatness makes it impossible for her to do without the -ocean--but the ocean also proves that even in the distance, and on its -farther side, without Germany and the German Emperor no great decision -dare henceforth be taken.[31] - -[31] See the introduction to chapter IV, "The Beginning of World - Politics." - -I do not believe that thirty years ago our German people, under the -leadership of their princes, bled and conquered in order that they -might be shoved aside when great decisions are to be made in foreign -politics. If that could happen the idea that the German people are to -be considered as a world-power would be dead and done for, and it is -not my will that this should happen. To this end it is only my duty -and my finest privilege to use the proper and, if need be, the most -drastic means without fear of consequences. I am convinced that in this -course I have the German princes and the German people firmly behind me. - -It is of great significance that precisely at this time, when Bavarians -and Würtembergers, Saxons and Prussians are going into the far East in -order to re-establish the honor of the German flag, your Royal Highness -should have accepted the honor of the _à la suite_ position to the -naval battalion. Just as the house of Wittelsbach took up arms in 1870 -to fight for Germany's honor, for her union, and her imperial dignity, -so I hope that the empire may always be assured of the support of this -noble race. - -As a representative of this noble house I greet your Royal Highness -with the wish that the close connection which the _à la suite_ position -to my navy now gives you will always maintain your Royal Highness's -interest for our fleet. - -I drink to the health of his Royal Highness, Prince Rupprecht of -Bavaria. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -OPEN THE WAY FOR CULTURE - -BREMEN, JULY 27, 1900 - - Events in China touched upon in the speech delivered on December - 15, 1897, had finally brought about the Pekin crisis. Baron von - Ketteler, the German Minister, had been shot down in the streets on - June 20. - - The following is one of five speeches which the Emperor delivered - on the occasion of the departure of the German troops for China. - This particular one was delivered to the troops at Bremen in the - presence of the Empress, Princes Eitel Friedrich and Adelbert, - Chancellor Hohenlohe, Secretary of State von Bülow, Minister - of War von Gossler, and Lieutenant-General von Bessel. Various - versions of this speech exist and in many of them the harshness of - the Emperor's expression has been toned down. We give first the - version which was printed in the _Reichsanzeiger_, the official - journal, and which seems to have been somewhat edited. In order - that the reader may realize more fully the impression conveyed by - the Emperor's farewell address to his troops, we print under it - the account which a volunteer of the 1st East Asiatic Regiment of - infantry sent home to his family. - -Great tasks oversea have fallen to the lot of the newly arisen German -Empire, tasks far greater than many of my countrymen have expected. The -character of the German Empire makes it a duty for it to protect its -citizens no matter how far they may have penetrated into foreign lands. -The new German Empire is in a position to discharge the task which -the old Roman Empire of the German Nation could not discharge. The -instrument which makes this possible for us is our army. - -In thirty years of faithful and peaceful labor it has been developed -according to the principles of my late grandfather. You too have -received your training according to these principles, and are now -called upon to give proof before the enemy whether or not you have -observed them well. Your comrades of the navy have undergone this -trial; they have shown you that the principles of our training are -good, and I am proud of the praise which has come from the mouths of -foreign leaders, in recognition of the service which your comrades out -there have given. It is now for you to do likewise. - -A great task is waiting for you. You are to right the grievous wrong -which has been done. The Chinese have overthrown the law of nations; -in a way which has never been heard of in the history of the world, -they have scorned the duties of hospitality and the sanctity of the -Ambassador. This is the more revolutionary, as this crime was committed -by a nation which is proud of its very ancient culture. Preserve the -old Prussian thoroughness; show yourselves as Christians in joyfully -bearing your trials; may honor and glory follow your flags and weapons! -Give the world an example of manliness and discipline. - -You know very well that you are to fight against a cunning, brave, -well-armed, and terrible enemy. If you come to grips with him, be -assured quarter will not be given, no prisoners will be taken. Use your -weapons in such a way that for a thousand years no Chinese shall dare -to look upon a German askance. Show your manliness. - -The blessing of God be with you! The prayers of an entire people and my -wishes accompany you, every one. Open the way for culture once for all! - -And now take up your journey! Adieu, comrades! - - We here subjoin the account of this speech as given in the letter - of a volunteer in the 1st East Asiatic Regiment of infantry: - -After the Emperor had gone down the front and had greeted separately -every battalion, every division or squadron, he pictured the present -situation in eloquent words and called attention to the fact that no -crime which so cried to Heaven had been recorded in the history of the -world, but he also set in their proper light the difficulties of the -task which we had set for ourselves and emphasized the fact that we -had before us an opponent equal in equipment and fame but ten times -superior in numbers. But, and his words ran about as follows, "you will -and must defeat him with the help of God and, indeed, in such a way -that the Chinese in thousands of years will not presume to raise his -hand against a German"; and his voice became deeply moved and powerful -as he spoke the following words: "On the strength of the oath to the -flag which you have sworn to me I demand that you give no pardon, that -no prisoners be taken, for you shall be the avengers of the abomination -which has been committed in this present time." Then followed certain -words of farewell, and the speech of the Emperor which for me and for -many others will be unforgettably closed with the phrase, "Adieu, -comrades." - - - [Illustration: THE EMPEROR IN 1900] - - -CIVIS ROMANUS SUM - -IMPERIAL LIMES MUSEUM, SAALBURG, OCTOBER 11, 1900 - - _Limes_ was the Latin name for the boundary wall extending for - about 300 miles from the Rhine to the Danube and separating the - Roman Empire from the free Germanic peoples. At Saalburg, in the - Taunus Mountains, there stood on the _Limes_ an old Roman citadel - which was excavated and restored. The Romanized ceremony at the - laying of the corner-stone of the Imperial Limes Museum struck - certain German critics as somewhat theatrical. The guards had been - drilled to clash their swords on their shields after the manner of - the Pretorian guards, the rector of the school offered his homage - in Latin verses, and boys whose hair had been dressed in Roman - fashion swung their censers. The Emperor's historical references - here about the relation of Germany to Rome are somewhat one-sided. - It may be recalled, in connection with the Emperor's remarks about - Augustus and his salutary influence on Germany, that in the Forest - of Teutoburg there is a great monument to commemorate the fact that - the united German tribes, struggling victoriously against this - "Roman culture which fell so fruitfully upon Germany especially," - there annihilated the forces of the general of Augustus, Quintilius - Varus. - -My first thought to-day goes back in solemn gratitude to my father of -everlasting memory, Emperor Frederick III. It is to his creative will -and to his activity that Saalburg owes its restoration. - -Just as in the far east of the monarchy at his bidding the powerful -stronghold, which once had implanted German culture into the east, -rearose and is now nearing completion, so, too, here in the beautiful -Taunus Mountains the old Roman citadel has arisen again like a phoenix -from its ashes. It is a testimony to the Roman power, a link in the -great chain which the legions of Rome built about the powerful empire -which, at the bidding of the Roman Emperor Cæsar Augustus alone, forced -its way upon the world and opened the whole world to that Roman -culture which fell so fruitfully upon Germany especially. - -With the first blow of my hammer I therefore dedicate this stone to -the memory of Emperor Frederick III; with the second I dedicate it to -German youth, to the generations now growing up who may learn here -in this restored museum what a world-empire means; with the third -I dedicate it to our German Fatherland, to which I hope it will be -granted, through the harmonious co-operation of princes and peoples, of -its armies and its citizens, to become in the future as closely united, -as powerful, and as authoritative as once the Roman world-empire was, -and that, just as in old times they said, "_Civis romanus sum_," -hereafter, at some time in the future, they will say: "I am a German -citizen." - - -CABINET ORDER TO THE PRUSSIAN ARMY - -JANUARY, 1901 - - The relationship of the army to the Prussian Kings here referred to - is treated in chapter I. - -TO MY ARMY: - -To-day, at the celebration which commemorates the two-hundredth -anniversary of our taking over of the royal power of Prussia, my -thoughts are directed first of all to my army. In Prussia the King and -the army belong indissolubly together. This close personal relationship -between me and every single one of my officers and soldiers rests upon -a tradition that dates back 200 years. The spirit which from the time -of Frederick the Great has been fostered in the army by all the Kings, -the spirit of honor, of fidelity to duty, of obedience, of courage, -of chivalry has made the army what it is and what it ought to be, the -sharp, reliable weapon in the hand of her Kings for the protection and -the blessing of the Fatherland's greatness. - -To serve the Fatherland at the head of the army, that is my will and -that also was the foremost wish of all my predecessors. It is to their -care that the army owes its power and the consideration which it -enjoys. For 200 years she has proven true the sentence of the great -King: "The world does not rest upon the shoulders of Atlas any more -securely than the Prussian state upon the shoulders of the army!" It -has sealed with its blood its love and gratitude for its Kings! - -For all this I thank the army deeply. I thank it for the devotion which -it has unselfishly shown me and my house year in and year out, in its -unceasing service for the Fatherland. So long as this spirit binds the -army to its Kings, so long we need fear no storms; and Prussia's eagle -will proudly pursue its lofty and undeflected flight for the good of -Prussia, for the good of Germany! May God grant us this! - - WILLIAM, I. R. - - BERLIN ROYAL PALACE. - - -DEDICATION OF THE BARRACKS OF THE ALEXANDER REGIMENT - -MARCH 28, 1901 - - On the 6th of March the Emperor had been struck in the face by a - piece of iron hurled at him by an irresponsible youth, Weiland, in - the streets of Bremen. It was doubtless this incident coupled with - the increasing strength of the Social Democrats that made him think - of the possibility of an uprising and deliver the following address - to the population of Berlin. The Social Democrats and many others - resented his suggesting the possibility of turning the troops - upon the citizens. We give first Penzler's more or less official - account of the speech as it appeared in the _Kreuzzeitung_. If the - extract which we quote from Doctor Liman's work "Der Kaiser" may be - considered at all authentic, the speech seems to have been somewhat - edited before publication. - -MEMBERS OF THE EMPEROR ALEXANDER REGIMENT: - -To-day a new period in your history begins. May the spirit of the -memories which you leave behind you in the old barracks live on in -your new home. They are memories of beautiful days of peace and of -fierce days of conflict. Like a firm bulwark, your new barracks stand -in the neighborhood of the palace, which it is primarily your duty to -be ever ready to defend. The Emperor Alexander Regiment is called upon -in a sense to stand ready as body-guard by night and by day and, if -necessary, to risk its life and its blood for the King and his house; -and if ever again (the Emperor here called to mind the faithful bearing -of the Alexander Regiment at the time of the revolts against the King -in 1848) a time like this should reappear in this city, a time of -uprising against the King, then I am convinced the Alexander Regiment -will be able energetically to force back into bounds any impertinence -and rebelliousness against its royal master.[32] - -[32] This last sentence reads as follows in Doctor Liman's work: - "But if the city should ever again presume to rise up against - its master then will the regiment repress with the bayonet the - impertinence of the people toward their King." Doctor Liman states - that it was currently reported that this sentiment had been - expressed in phrases which were even more objectionable to the - citizens who were standing outside the circle of soldiers. - -I hope that a brilliant and beautiful existence may be in store for -the regiment in its new home, and that such an existence will be -reserved for it in the future. May it cherish above all things its -memories of its earlier leaders and its enduring relationships to -them. These memories can only be fostered through courage, fidelity, -and unconditional obedience. And if this old spirit lives on in the -regiment then must its acts always win for it the satisfaction of its -royal master. - - (After the banquet in the officers' mess the Emperor turned over to - them a large painting of the Alexander Regiment on the evening of - the battle of St. Privat. The official report gives the Emperor's - speech partly in his own words and partly in summary.) - -He was convinced that the officers had brought the old spirit into -their new quarters, and that they would continue to foster it. He, too, -on his side, wished to contribute something to the decoration of their -new home, and to this end had chosen an episode out of the victorious -history of the regiment, and in doing so he wished to carry out a wish -of the officers. - -"In most of the pictures based upon the martial history of Prussia the -Prussian troops are represented in victorious advance when, under their -powerful shock, they are overthrowing the enemy. I thought it fitting -for once to have the Prussian toughness and endurance on the defensive -represented in the battle of a smaller body against an overwhelmingly -superior force. The picture represents how a small number from the -Alexander Regiment defended themselves with heroic spirit against an -entire brigade and finally victoriously repulsed it. My grandfather -expressed to the body-guard as a whole his gratitude for its brave -conduct in the face of the enemy and for all its heroic deeds. I am -firmly convinced that the officers of the Alexander Regiment will -always be mindful of its task, seeing that it educates soldiers for -the one moment when it is a question of sealing with their life-blood -their fidelity toward King and Fatherland. This consciousness gives -me the certainty that we shall conquer everywhere, even though we be -surrounded by enemies on all sides; for there lives a powerful ally, -the old, good God[33] in heaven, who, ever since the time of the Great -Elector and of the great King, has always been on our side." - -[33] _Der alte, gute Gott._ - - -TO THE STUDENTS AT BONN - -APRIL 24, 1901 - - Emperor William had himself been a student at Bonn. On this day the - Crown Prince was matriculated at that university and in the evening - the students held a _Festkommers_, a kind of banquet of the student - societies, at which the Emperor appeared with the Crown Prince - and his brother-inlay, Prince Adolph von Schaumburg-Lippe. After - singing two student songs, the student leader of the _Kommers_, - "Studiosus" von Alvensleben, greeted the Emperor with a speech - of welcome. In this friendly gathering the Emperor took occasion - to discuss the history of the empire and especially the reasons - for the failure of the older empire because of its cosmopolitan - character. The new empire must be based upon a recognition of the - characteristic German traits and will be possible only through the - whole-hearted support of the constituent states of the realm. - -I do not need to emphasize or even to mention to you, my dear young -comrades, what emotions thrill my heart at finding myself again among -students in beautiful Bonn. There unrolls before my mind's eye the -glimmering picture of sunshine and happy contentment with which the -period of my own sojourn here was filled. It was the joy of living, joy -in people old and young, and, above all things, joy in the development -of the young German Empire! - -It is therefore my wish at this moment, when I place my dear son among -you, that he, too, may have as happy a time as a student as was once -vouchsafed to me. And, indeed, how could it be otherwise? For Bonn, -the lovely city, is so accustomed to the presence of young men full of -life and seems by nature to have been designed to no other end. Here -the Crown Prince will find memories of his glorious grandfather who -could not forget Bonn--his kindly eyes brightened whenever the name of -the city which had become so dear to him was mentioned--memories of -his great-grandfather, the noble prince consort, the companion of that -now sanctified royal lady,[34] who always strove to maintain a peaceful -and friendly relationship between her people and ours, which are both -of German stock--memories of many another noble German prince who here -prepared himself for his later career. - -[34] Queen Victoria. - -But even more than that--Bonn is situated on the Rhine; it is here -that our grapes are gathered; our legends cluster about it, and every -castle, every city, speaks to us of our past. The magic of Father Rhine -will certainly exercise its power upon the Crown Prince likewise. And -when you joyfully pass the cup and sing a new song, then I hope that -your spirits may rise and enjoy the beautiful moments as becomes happy -German youths! But may the source from which you draw your joys be as -clear and pure as the golden juice of the grape, may it be deep and -constant as Father Rhine! If we look about us in the joyous Rhineland, -our history rises up before us in very palpable form. You may well -rejoice that you are young Germans, as you travel through the stretch -from Aix to Mainz, that is, from Charlemagne to the time of Germany's -splendor under Barbarossa. - -But why did all this glory come to naught? Why did the German Empire -dwindle away? Because the old empire was not founded upon a strictly -national basis. The universality idea of the old Roman Empire of the -German Nation did not admit of any development in the spirit of German -nationality. The life of a nation depends upon its frontiers, upon -the personality of its people, and upon its racial traits. And so the -glory of Barbarossa had to fail, and the old imperial structure had to -fall, because through its idea of universality it hindered the process -of crystallization which might have made it a rounded and completed -nation; for the smaller units crystallized into the form of powerful -principalities and laid the foundation for new states. But through -this process their rulers unfortunately came into conflict with the -empire and the Emperor, who dreamed of universal dominion, and internal -peace was lost to the ever weakening empire. Unfortunately, at the -head of this chapter in the development of our German people we must -write the telling words of Tacitus, that great student of Germany: -"_Propter invidiam_." The princes were envious of the power of the -Emperors, just as once they were envious of the power of Arminius in -spite of his victory. The nobility was envious of the cities which had -become wealthy, and the peasant was envious of the noble. What unhappy -consequences and what grievous woes our dear and beautiful Germany had -to suffer "_propter invidiam_"! The shores of Father Rhine can tell you -long stories about this. But finally God allowed one to accomplish what -before had been impossible. Aix and Mainz are for us historic memories; -the longing to be brought together into a single nation remained in -the German breast, and Emperor William the Great, in union with his -faithful servants, achieved it. So cast your eyes from Coblentz to the -German Eck and from Rüdesheim to the Niederwald! The pictures teach and -prove to you that you are now Germans in a German land, citizens of a -definitely bounded German nation. You are here to prepare yourselves to -contribute to her future welfare and development. In its proud flower -the empire stands before you. May you be filled with joy and grateful -happiness, and may you be thrilled with the firm and manly resolve, as -Germans, to give your service to Germany, to support, strengthen, and -elevate her! The future waits for you and will need your strength; -it does not expect that you will waste it in idle cosmopolitan dreams -or enlist it in the service of selfish party tendencies, but that you -will devote it to strengthening the national idea and our own ideals. -Powerful, indeed, are the intellectual heroes which the Germanic stock, -through the grace of God, has produced, from the time of Boniface -and Walter von der Vogelweide to Goethe and Schiller; and they have -become a light and blessing to all humanity. Their influence was -exerted universally, and yet they were strictly Germans, set apart by -themselves; that is, personalities, men. We need them to-day more than -ever. May you strive to become such as they were! - -But how is this to be possible, and who is to help you? Only one, our -Lord and Saviour, whose name we all bear and who has borne our sins and -redeemed us, has provided us with an example, and labored as we are to -labor. He has implanted moral earnestness in you so that the springs of -your activity may remain pure and that your aims may be lofty! The love -of father and mother, of the ancestral home and Fatherland, is rooted -in the love for Him. Then will you be provided with a charm against -temptations of every sort, above all against pride and envy, and you -can sing and say: "We Germans fear God, nothing else in this world." -Then will we stand firm and spread culture through the world, and I -shall close my eyes in peace if I see such generations growing up and -gathered about my son. Then "_Deutschland, Deutschland über Alles!_" -With this prospect in mind I call out: Long live the University of Bonn! - - -A PLACE IN THE SUN - -HAMBURG, JUNE 18, 1901 - - From his childhood the Emperor has been fond of the sea. Most - of his vacations have been taken aboard his famous yacht - _Hohenzollern_, and almost every year he has been an enthusiastic - spectator, and occasionally participant, in the regattas on the - Elbe. On this occasion the steam-yacht _Prinzessin Victoria - Luise_ was placed at his disposition by the directors of the - Hamburg-American Line. He is using his famous phrase, "a place in - the sun" with reference to the happy outcome of events in China, - for on May 27 of this year China had finally accepted the terms - of the powers. Of the 90,000 men sent by the powers, Germany had - furnished 22,000, and the general direction of the expedition had - been intrusted to the German general Von Waldersee. Ballin, of the - Hamburg-American Line, had acquired 3,000 feet of water-front and - had leased for twenty-five years most of the landings of a Chinese - navigation company. The Emperor's speech was delivered in reply to - one by Burgomaster Mönckeberg of Hamburg. - -I offer my heartiest thanks for the eloquent address of your -Magnificence. I express to you and all comrades on the water the -pleasure which I feel that I should once more be allowed to appear -among you and take part in the races of the North German Regatta -Association. - -His Magnificence, in his short and pregnant speech, gave us as good and -beautiful a picture as possible of the development of our Fatherland -during recent years in the field of water sports and of our relations -to foreign countries. It will be my sole task for the future to see -to it that the seeds which have been sown may develop in peace and -security. - -In spite of the fact that we have no such fleet as we should have, we -have conquered for ourselves a place in the sun. It will now be my task -to see to it that this place in the sun shall remain our undisputed -possession, in order that the sun's rays may fall fruitfully upon our -activity and trade in foreign parts, that our industry and agriculture -may develop within the state and our sailing sports upon the water, -for our future lies upon the water. The more Germans go out upon the -waters, whether it be in the races of regattas, whether it be in -journeys across the ocean, or in the service of the battle-flag, so -much the better will it be for us. For when the German has once learned -to direct his glance upon what is distant and great, the pettiness -which surrounds him in daily life on all sides will disappear. Whoever -wishes to have this larger and freer outlook can find no better place -than one of the Hanseatic cities. What we have learned out of the -previous history of our development amounts really to what I already -pointed out when I sent my brother to the East Asiatic station (Dec. -15, 1897). We have merely drawn the logical conclusions from the -work which was left us by Emperor William the Great, my memorable -grandfather, and the great man whose monument we have recently -unveiled.[35] These consequences lie in the fact that we are now making -our efforts to do what, in the old time, the Hanseatic cities could -not accomplish, because they lacked the vivifying and protecting power -of the empire. May it be the function of my Hansa during many years of -peace to protect and advance commerce and trade! - -[35] Bismarck. - -In the events which have taken place in China I see the indication that -European peace is assured for many years to come; for the achievements -of the particular contingents have brought about a mutual respect and -feeling of comradeship that can only serve the furtherance of peace. -But in this period of peace I hope that our Hanseatic cities will -flourish. Our new Hansa will open new paths and create and conquer new -markets for them. - -As head of the empire I therefore rejoice over every citizen, whether -from Hamburg, Bremen, or Lübeck, who goes forth with this large outlook -and seeks new points where we can drive in the nail on which to hang -our armor. Therefore, I believe that I express the feeling of all your -hearts when I recognize gratefully that the director of this company -who has placed at our disposal the wonderful ship which bears my -daughter's name has gone forth as a courageous servant of the Hansa, in -order to make for us friendly conquests whose fruits will be gathered -by our descendants. - -In the joyful hope that this enterprising Hanseatic spirit may be -spread even further, I raise my glass and ask all of those who are my -comrades upon the water to join with me in a cheer for sailing and the -Hanseatic spirit! - - -THE GREAT ELECTOR - -KIEL, JUNE 20, 1901 - - Because of his activity in founding the Brandenburg fleet, a - monument was erected to the Great Elector at Kiel. His history has - been touched upon in chapter I. In connection with the services - of the Dutch admirals it is interesting to note that one of the - Emperor's heroes was the God-fearing Dutch admiral De Ruyter, - who always offered prayers before battle. The Emperor once laid - a wreath upon his grave, and to-day on board the battle-ships - the Dutch prayer before going into action is often read by the - chaplains of the navy. - - What extraordinary progress has been made in naval matters - under the Emperor we may judge when we remember that before the - Franco-Prussian War there were in Germany no construction bureaus - and no wharves in which cruisers could be built. The first armored - cruisers, _König Wilhelm_, _Kronprinz_, _Friedrich Karl_, were - bought from England and France. In thirty years Germany has here - achieved not only complete independence but something approaching - very nearly to supremacy. His service in this field has been - generally recognized. A German critic not usually favorable to the - Emperor speaks thus: "Perhaps nowhere in the development of our - political life does the personal activity of the Emperor stand out - so strongly as in the building up of the German fleet. From the - beginning he has displayed so much energy and perseverance, in - this respect, and has so emphatically carried his will into effect - that history will certainly credit him with a great and unique - service." - - At the unveiling of the monument to the Great Elector, the founder - of the German navy, the Emperor spoke as follows: - -Downtrodden fields, desolate plains, razed villages, disease, poverty, -and misery; these were the conditions in the sandy mark when the -young Elector in his earliest youth was called to the throne by the -sudden death of his father. Truly, no enviable heritage; a task that -called for a man who was mature, experienced, and conversant with all -branches, and one which, even so, might have proved too difficult. - -Undismayed, the young man entered upon his mission, and with wonderful -ability he succeeded in discharging it. With an iron energy, keeping -the goal which he had once set for himself ever before his eyes, -allowing nothing to turn him aside, the Elector raised up and -strengthened his country, put his people in a position to defend -themselves, freed his borders of enemies, and soon acquired for himself -such a position that the contemporary world, and even his enemies, gave -him while still living that title, "The Great," which in other cases a -grateful people only bestows after an arduous life of service upon a -departed ruler. - -And this youth who grew up to powerful manhood, who had directed his -country in this work, was the first prince who called our attention to -the sea; he was the founder of the Brandenburg fleet. - -If the German fleet, then, sets up a monument to him, and if her -officers and crews educate themselves and learn steadfastness of -purpose by looking at his statue, they are merely discharging their -honorable duty. God had so disposed that the Elector should pass his -youth in the Netherlands and learn to foster and appreciate labor, -industry, foreign relationships, and the advantages of trade. He -carried over into his own country what he had acquired among that -industrious and simple folk of seafarers who come from German stock. At -that time it was, indeed, a most important decision, and one which at -first his subjects and contemporaries could hardly understand. - -Under his powerful will and protection, and in the hands of tried -Netherlanders, the Admiral Raule and his brother, the Brandenburg fleet -flourished. Only after the death of the Elector did his creation fall -to decay. They were not destined to harvest the fruits of their labor. -His successors in power had first to establish through battles their -rights, in order to have a voice in the world and to be allowed to -rule, undisturbed and in peace, the people within their borders. As a -result, our eyes were turned from the sea again in order that after -centuries of fierce conflict the mark and Prussia might finally be -welded together. - -Thus, through the guidance of God and through the labors of the -successors of the Great Elector, the power of his house was founded -on that firm foundation and with the corner-stone which he had laid. -It was this princely power that made it possible for the house of -Hohenzollern to take up the German imperial dignity. They founded that -dynastic power which the German Emperor must have in order to be in a -position to care for and protect powerfully the welfare of the empire -everywhere and to force its opponents to respect its flag. - -His monument now stands before the academy. That younger generation to -whom the future belongs, which is to cultivate the seeds that we have -sown and to reap the harvest of our labors, may now direct its gaze -toward this prince and be edified by his example. - -He was God-fearing and stern, inflexibly stern toward himself and -toward others; he trusted firmly in God and allowed God to direct him, -undismayed by any reverse or by any disappointment; as a Christian, he -looked upon these merely as trials sent him from on high. In this way -the Great Elector lived his life, and this is the example which we are -to follow. The motto which made it possible for him never to lose his -hope and courage, in spite of all vexations, in spite of all reverses -and all grievous experiences and trials, was the red thread which ran -through his life and which is expressed in his phrase: "_Domine, fac me -scire viam, quam ambulem._" - -May this be true also of the officers and crews of my navy! So long -as we work on this basis we can overcome, undismayed, every grievous -phase in the development of the navy and of our Fatherland which God's -providence may have in store for us. Let that be the way that you shall -go! Let that be the foundation on which my navy is built up! This will -enable you to conquer in battle and to endure all vexations until the -sun again breaks forth from the clouds. - -I therefore turn over this new monument to the navy. May she protect, -cherish, and honor it, so that in the future she may develop characters -which are like his who now stands before her! Let the monument be -unveiled! - - -ENTRANCE OF PRINCE EITEL FRIEDRICH INTO THE ARMY - -JULY 7, 1901 - - The second son of the Emperor took up his service in the 1st - Infantry Regiment of the Guard on the completion of his eighteenth - year. On this occasion, in the presence of many princes, officers - of the army, and military attachés, the Emperor turned over his son - to the regiment with the following words: - -My second son, Prince Eitel Friedrich of Prussia, having applied -himself eagerly to his studies, has now, according to the verdict of -his superiors, passed his examination with a "good." His childish -years lie behind him, and to-day he takes up the tasks of life for -which he has prepared himself--his foremost task the defense of the -Fatherland--his noblest weapon the sword, his noblest uniform the -Prussian soldier's uniform, the uniform of my 1st Infantry Regiment of -the Guard. - -The qualities which the Prince has shown in the course of his youthful -development, as well as his oath, are a pledge to me that he will be -a thoroughgoing officer and a faithful servant of his Fatherland. -Particularly gifted for the military life, with a quick eye for detail, -the Prince, as soon as he has passed his examination as an officer, -will in the ranks of the regiment devote himself actively to the -service for which he longs. - -Although still very youthful, he should, nevertheless, be an example -of earnestness, an example in observing all military rules, an example -above all as an officer and man. I can think of nothing more beautiful -than this, that he may be an earnest officer who turns an experienced -eye upon life, unbending as iron in everything which constitutes the -chivalry of the officer's position, stern with himself and maintaining -in strictest self-control the traditions of his house and of this great -regiment. May he go his way untroubled by voices from without, with his -eye firmly fixed upon his goal, and responsible only to his God and to -his father! - -But the regiment in which I have now enrolled my second son gives me -the assurance that the young Prince will grow up in an environment, -where from all sides the glorious traditions of Prussian history in -good and evil days will be brought before him. The grenadiers of this -regiment will be fully conscious of the honor which is bestowed upon -them through the fact that once more a young Hohenzollern takes his -place under her flag. - -My son, I wish you happiness of this day. Up to the present you have -given me joy, and from this time forth I hope that you will experience -joy in the life and the work which lies before you. Step into the ranks -and draw your sword! - - -TRUE ART - -BERLIN, DECEMBER 18, 1901 - - The family of the Hohenzollerns has possessed undoubted genius - in many lines. Frederick the Great and the Emperor's great-uncle - Frederick William IV were particularly gifted on the artistic - side. The present Emperor, whose versatility is amazing, has taken - a particular interest in things literary and artistic, and has - himself occasionally assumed the rôle of creative artist. The - symbolic picture, representing the coming of the "Yellow Peril," - which he is said to have painted for the Czar, caused much comment, - mostly unfavorable.[36] He has, however, assumed a prominent if not - a decisive rôle in directing sculpture, painting, and drama in his - capital. Just as he has directed modifications in battle-ships, - so also he has directed modifications in public buildings. As he - is in a position to distribute rewards, his advice is frequently - accepted without question. The following anecdote, told by a - prominent German architect and recounted by a recent writer, may - serve as an illustration: Drawings for a new church in Berlin were - submitted to the Emperor for assent or correction. His Majesty, - intending to make a marginal remark, with regard to the cross on - the top of the steeple, put a letter for reference above the cross - and drew a straight line from the letter down to the cross. Having - changed his mind, he drew an X vigorously through the letter. When - the architect received his plans again he studied carefully all - the Emperor's corrections, but mistook the cancelled letter for a - star. Knowing better than to ask questions, he built the church - and put a big star on a huge iron pole above the top of the cross. - This strange excrescence was in existence a few years ago and is - probably still visible. - - [36] "Emperor William, one of the most comical persons of our - time, orator, poet, musician, dramatic writer, and artist, - and, above all, patriot, has lately painted a picture - representing all the nations of Europe with swords, standing - at the seashore and, at the indication of Archangel Michael, - looking at the sitting figures of Buddha and Confucius in the - distance. According to William's intention, this should mean - that the nations of Europe ought to unite in order to defend - themselves against the peril which is proceeding from there. - He is quite right from his coarse, pagan, patriotic point of - view, which is eighteen hundred years behind the times. The - European nations, forgetting Christ, have in the name of their - patriotism more and more irritated these peaceful nations and - have taught them patriotism and war, and have now irritated - them so much that, indeed, if Japan and China will as fully - forget the teachings of Buddha and of Confucius as we have - forgotten the teachings of Christ, they will soon learn the - art of killing people (they learn these things quickly, as - Japan has proved), and, being fearless, agile, strong, and - populous, they will inevitably very soon make of the countries - of Europe, if Europe does not invent something stronger than - guns and Edison's inventions, what the countries of Europe - are making of Africa. 'The disciple is not above his master: - but every one that is perfect shall be as his master' (Luke - 6:40)."--TOLSTOI. - - It is a curious fact that for all the Emperor's insistence upon - what might be called nationalism, in artistic matters at least, - in poetry, sculpture, and the drama, he has very little sympathy - with the modern German tendencies. Klinger and Stuck, Ludwig von - Hofmann and Thoma have found no favor, and no attention was paid to - Böcklin. His literary preferences will become more evident after a - reading of his talk with Ganghofer (November 12, 1906). - - In the matter of sculpture, the achievement in which the Emperor - takes most pride is undoubtedly the famous Siegesallee in Berlin. - It consists of a number of monumental, heroic figures taken from - the history of his house. The avenue, the general scheme, and the - arrangement of many of the figures were planned by him, and the - figures were chosen in consultation with his historiographer. The - style is supposedly classic; there are many incidental animal - figures, and a sphinx and the sibyl help to represent Bismarck. The - attempt to make heroic and classic certain of the fairly mediocre - representatives of his line, like Albrecht, Otto and John, Joachim, - Frederick, and George William, seems to have been too difficult - a task even for that Berlin school of sculpture, which the - Emperor feels would bear comparison with that of the Renaissance. - Notwithstanding his own efforts to awaken art "from the cold sleep - of unculture," it is perhaps significant that powerful, independent - personalities, Michelangelos in sculpture and Bismarcks in - politics, do not seem to thrive under the Emperor's protection. - -This eighteenth day of December has a certain significance in the -history of our art here in Berlin, from the fact that that revered -protector of the Muses, my late father, and my mother, who was so -gifted in the arts, dedicated on that day, fifteen years ago, the -Anthropological Museum. This was in a way the last great closing act -which my father accomplished in this direction, and I look upon it as a -special piece of good fortune that it is on precisely this day of the -year that the works for the Siegesallee could be completed. - -I seize with joy the opportunity to express to you all, first, my -congratulations and, secondly, my thanks for the way and manner -in which you have helped me to carry out my original plan. The -accomplishment of the programme for the Siegesallee has required a -number of years, and it was the able historiographer of my house, -Professor Doctor Koser, who put me in a position to assign to the -gentlemen the tasks which it was possible for them to carry out. - -Once we had found the historical basis, it was possible to go ahead; -and after the choice of the princes was decided upon, then the most -competent men in the way of historical research were found to help the -gentlemen in their work. In this way the groups were conceived, and, -conditioned to a certain degree by history, they gradually took form. - -After this part of the work was done, then, naturally, came the -hardest question of all: Would it be possible, as I hoped, to find -enough artists in Berlin who would be in a position to give themselves -entirely to the execution of this programme? - -I had in mind when I approached the solution of this problem, if I -were successful, to show to the world what I considered to be the most -advantageous method of solving an artistic question of this character. -The best way to go about it, I believe, consists not in the appointment -of commissions, not in the establishment of all possible kinds of prize -contests and competitions, but in following the old established method -which they used in classical times and also later in the Middle Ages. -In this way, the direct intercourse between the employer and the artist -offers a security for the favorable shaping of the work and for the -successful accomplishment of the task. - -I am especially indebted in this particular to Professor Rheinhold -Begas in that, when I went to him with these thoughts, he made it clear -to me without further ceremony that there was absolutely no doubt but -that there were enough artists of all kinds in Berlin to carry out -such an idea without difficulty. With his help and on the basis of -friendships formed in the circle of sculptors here through visits to -exhibitions and studios I did, indeed, succeed in getting together -a staff with which to proceed in carrying out this task--a staff the -greater part of which I see gathered about me here to-day. - -I believe that you will not deny that I have made the execution of the -programme developed by me as easy as possible for you. I have placed -the task before you and limited it in a general way, but for the rest -I have given you absolute freedom, not only freedom in the combination -and composition but precisely that freedom to put into it a certain -amount of yourselves--a thing that every artist must do in order to put -his own stamp upon his work; for every work of art contains within it a -kernel of the artist's own character. I believe that this experiment, -if I may call it so, through which the Siegesallee was completed, dare -be looked upon as a success. - -Although interviews have been necessary between me and the artists -who were carrying out the work in order to settle every doubt and to -answer every question, no difficulties of a more serious nature have -shown themselves. I believe, therefore, that from this point of view -we can look back upon the Siegesallee with general satisfaction. You -have individually solved your problems as you saw fit, and I, on my -side, have the feeling that I have allowed you the fullest measure of -freedom and time--a thing I hold to be necessary for the artist. I have -never gone into details and have contented myself with giving merely -the direction, the impulse. - -But it fills me with pride and joy to-day when I think that Berlin -stands before the whole world with a body of artists who are capable -of carrying out such a magnificent work. It proves that the Berlin -school of sculpture stands at a height such as could hardly have been -surpassed even in the time of the Renaissance. And I think every one -of you will agree, without jealousy, that the effective example of -Rheinhold Begas and his conception, based upon his knowledge of the -antique, has been a guide to many of you in the working out of this -great task. - -Here, also, we could draw a parallel between the great achievements in -the art of the Middle Ages and of the Italians; since in that time, -also, the sovereign and art-loving prince who offered the commissions -to the artists at the same time found the masters, about whom a crowd -of young disciples gathered, so that a certain school was in this way -developed which was able to accomplish remarkable things. - -Now, gentlemen, the Pergamon Museum has also been opened on this same -day, in Berlin. I regard that, too, as a very important portion of -our art history and as a good omen and a happy coincidence. A more -magnificent collection cannot be imagined than the abundance of beauty -which is displayed in these rooms before the eyes of the astonished -observer. - -But how does art stand in the world to-day? It takes its examples and -creates out of the great sources of Mother Nature; and Nature, in spite -of her great, apparently boundless, limitless freedom, acts according -to everlasting laws which the Creator has set for Himself and which -can never be infringed upon or overstepped without endangering the -development of the world. - -It is the same in art. And in looking upon the magnificent remains -from the old classic period we experience the same feeling. Here, too, -an eternal, unchanging law rules; the law of beauty and harmony--of -æsthetics. This law was expressed by the ancients in so surprising and -powerful a manner and in so complete a form that we, for all our modern -perceptions and our power of accomplishment, are proud if it can be -said of some very especially good piece of work: "That is almost as -good as if it had been done 1900 years ago." - -"Almost!" Under this impression I shall ask you to take this injunction -to heart. Sculpture has for the most part remained free from the -so-called modern tendencies and influences; it still stands high -and sublime. Keep it so; do not let yourselves be led astray by the -judgment of men and by all sorts of windy doctrines to give up these -great principles upon which it is based. - -An art which oversteps the laws and boundaries which I have indicated -is no longer art; it is factory work, it is trade; and that no art dare -become. Through the much-misused word "freedom" and under her flag -one often falls into indefiniteness, boundlessness, conceit. However, -he who cuts loose from the law of beauty and from the feeling for -æsthetics and harmony which, whether he can express it or not, every -man feels in his heart; he who thinks the chief thing is to turn his -thoughts in a certain direction toward a definite solution of more -technical problems, sins against the very sources of his art. - -Furthermore, art must help to educate the people; it must also give the -lower classes, after their cramping exertions, the opportunity to right -themselves again through ideals. To us, the German people, great ideals -are a lasting possession, while with other peoples they have been more -or less lost. It is now the German people whose special province it -is to protect these great ideas, to foster them, to set them forth; -and to these ideas belongs the duty of giving to those classes who -tire themselves out through labor the opportunity to raise themselves -through beautiful things and to work themselves out of and above their -ordinary circles of thought. - -If, however, art, as often happens nowadays, does nothing more than to -make misery even more hideous than it already is, then it sins against -the German people. The fostering of the ideal is the greatest work -of culture; and if we wish to be and to remain a pattern in this for -other peoples, then we must all work together; and if culture is to -accomplish its full task, then it must penetrate through to the very -lowest strata of the people. That it can only do if art lends a hand, -if it raises up instead of drawing down into the gutter. - -As ruler, I often feel very bitter that art, through her masters, -should not be energetic enough to make a stand against such tendencies. -I do not doubt for a moment but that many an earnest but misguided -character, perhaps filled with the best intentions, is to be found -among the devotees of this tendency. The real artist needs no -advertising, no press, no connections. I do not believe that your great -examples in the realm of science, either in ancient Greece or in Italy -or in the time of the Renaissance, used any such methods as are now -often practised through the press to bring their ideas especially into -the foreground. They worked as God directed them; for the rest they -allowed the world to criticise. - -And that is the way an honorable, sincere artist must act. Art which -stoops to advertising is no longer art, were it praised to the skies. -Every one, be he never so simple, has a feeling for that which is -beautiful or ugly, and it is to foster this feeling further among -the people that I have need of all of you; and that you should have -accomplished such a piece of work in the Siegesallee, I, therefore, -thank you particularly. - -I may now confide something to you. The impression which the -Siegesallee makes upon foreigners is quite overwhelming; everywhere -an immense respect for German sculpture is noticeable. May you remain -standing upon these heights; may also my children and my grandchildren, -if they shall one day be granted to me, keep the same masters by their -side! Then, I am convinced, our people will be in a position to love -the beautiful and to hold high the ideal. - -I raise my glass and drink to the health of all of you; and, once more, -my heartiest thanks. - - -MONUMENT TO GENERAL VON ROSENBERG - -APRIL 20, 1902 - - A monument was erected to the famous cavalry general Von Rosenberg, - in Hanover. After the unveiling of the monument the Emperor - responded to Count von Waldersee's toast as follows: - -To-day I greet all the cavalry of the German army. Even from his grave -the general's personality has issued so magic and so powerful an appeal -that it has called the horsemen together from all quarters of the -German Empire and from the contingents of my affiliated rulers, so that -to-day for the first time our German cavalry is gathered together in a -single great cohort. - -We wish to draw a lesson from this day. As the general recognized only -his service and the call of duty, may we do likewise! The highest -reward that can come to an officer through his service in life is to -fill his position to his own complete satisfaction. Looking back over -the life of General von Rosenberg, we can compose a proverb which -should apply to us also, now and for all time: "Know your aim, and then -exert every effort." Let that be the standard for our cavalry! - -So may we also create for ourselves from this simple monument a symbol -and an example. A block of granite from the mark bears the features of -the general inlaid in bronze; so may we hedge and protect that piece of -granite of our army which we call the cavalry and allow it to harden, -so that he who bites upon it may lose his teeth![37] - -[37] A phrase of Frederick the Great which Count Bülow had used in the - Reichstag January 8, 1902, in speaking of the English Colonial - Secretary Chamberlain's attack on the German army. - -With this wish I raise my glass and drink to the memory of the general, -to the German cavalry, and to its most conspicuous representative, the -General Field-Marshal, Count von Waldersee. Hurrah! - - -THE OLD ORDER CHANGETH - -AIX, JUNE 19, 1902 - - The Emperor, accepting an invitation from the city, came to Aix - with the Empress and the Crown Prince. It was here that Charlemagne - was probably born and here that he died. The present Rathaus was - built upon the ruins of his palace, and it was in the so-called - Coronation Room that the Emperor delivered his address. - -In the name of her Majesty, the Empress, and in my name I thank you -particularly for the indescribably patriotic and enthusiastic reception -which has been prepared for us by all classes of the city of Aix. I -earnestly desired to visit the city of Aix, and I thank you for the -opportunity which you have given me through your invitation. - -Who would not be deeply moved on such historic ground as that of Aix -by the breath and murmur of the past and of the present? Who would not -think of the providential guidance of Heaven as he looks back over the -history of the centuries which our Fatherland has lived through in its -connection with Aix? - -Aix is the cradle of German imperialism, for it was here that -Charlemagne erected his throne, and the city of Aix shone in his -reflected glory. So important, so imposing was the figure of this -great German prince that from Rome the dignity of the Roman Cæsars was -bestowed upon him, and he was chosen to enter into the inheritance -of the _Imperium Romanum_--certainly a splendid recognition of the -capability of our German stock as it appeared for the first time -in history. For the Roman sceptre had fallen from the hands of the -Cæsars and their successors. Crumbling and decayed, the Roman edifice -was tottering to its fall, and only the appearance of the victorious -Germans with their virtuous dispositions made it possible to point a -new and as yet untrodden road for the history of the world. It goes -without saying that the mighty Charles, the great King of the Franks, -drew upon himself the gaze of Rome which looked to him as to its -bulwark and protector. - -But the task of combining the office of Roman Emperor with the dignity -and burden of the German King was too severe. What he was able to -accomplish through his powerful personality Fate denied to his -followers; and through their desire for a world-empire, the Emperors -of the later generations lost sight of the German people and country. -They turned toward the south in order to maintain the world-empire, and -in so doing forgot the Germans. So gradually our German country and -people perished. - -Just as the blossoming aloe gathers up all the strength of the plant -for this task and, striving upward, develops flower on flower and -fascinates the eye of the astonished beholder, while the plant itself -withers and its roots shrivel away, so it was with the Roman Empire of -the German Nation. - -Another empire has now arisen. The German people are now blessed with -another Emperor, whom they had themselves gone out to seek. Sword in -hand, on the field of battle, the crown was won, and the flag of the -empire flutters high in the breeze once more. With the same enthusiasm -and love with which the German people held to the imperial idea has -the new empire entered into being; but the tasks are now different. -Limited from without by the boundaries of our country, it became our -duty to steel ourselves from within in preparation for the duties which -were then laid upon our people and which could not be discharged in the -Middle Ages. - -And so we see the empire, although still young, growing strong within -itself from year to year, while confidence in it is becoming more and -more secure on every side. The powerful German army, however, affords -a support to the peace of Europe. In keeping with the character of -the Germans, we limit ourselves from without in order to remain free -within. Far away over the sea our speech is spreading, and far away -flows the stream of our knowledge and research. There is no work in the -realm of later research which is not written in our language, and no -thought is born of science which is not first utilized by us in order -later to be taken over by other nations. And this is that world-empire -which the German spirit strives for. If we, then, wish to discharge -adequately our further great responsibilities, we dare not forget that -the foundation on which the empire was built is based upon simplicity -and the fear of God as well as the lofty moral conceptions of our -ancestors. Heavily, indeed, was the hand of our God laid upon us at the -beginning of the previous century, and mighty was the arm of Providence -which shaped the steel and welded it in the furnace of misery until the -weapon was finished. - -And so I expect of you all that, whether churchmen or laymen, you will -help me to maintain religion among the people. We must work together in -order to preserve the moral foundations and the healthy strength of the -German stock. But that can only be done if we preserve its religion, -and this is true equally of Catholics and Protestants. - -I am, therefore, the more pleased to-day, to bring to the leaders of -the church who are here represented a bit of news of which I am proud -to be the bearer. Beside me stands General von Loë, a faithful servant -of his Kings. He was sent to Rome to the jubilee of the Holy Father, -and when he delivered to him my gift and my congratulations and in -private conversation had explained how things stood in our German -country the Holy Father answered him that he was happy to be able to -say that he had always thought highly of the piety of the Germans and -of the German army; he said he could even go further and commissioned -General von Loë to report the following to his Emperor: The German -Empire is the only[38] country in Europe in which training, order, and -discipline rule, in which respect for authority and reverence for -the church exist, and in which every Catholic can live freely and -undisturbed in his faith, and for this he thanked the German Emperor. - -[38] The word "only" has not received official sanction, but is printed - by Penzler. - -This, gentlemen, justifies me in saying that both our churches, -standing side by side, must forever have before their eyes the idea of -strengthening and preserving the fear of God and respect for religion. -The fact that we are modern men and that we work in this or that field -makes no difference. Whoever does not base his life upon religion is -lost. - -And as it is fitting on this day and in this place not merely to speak -but also to make a pledge, I hereby express my vow that I set myself -and my house, the entire empire, the entire people, and my army, -symbolically represented by this baton, under the cross and under the -protection of Him of whom the great apostle said, "Neither is there -salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given -among men whereby we must be saved," and who has said of Himself: -"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away." - -I drink to the health of the city of Aix in the firm conviction that -the words which I have spoken will here fall upon good ground, just as -I am assured from what I have seen among both the older and younger -citizens of this city that our house and our throne will in the future -likewise find firm support within their walls. Long live the city of -Aix! - - -ALFRED KRUPP AND THE SOCIALISTS - -NOVEMBER 26, 1902 - - The present speech and the one which follows it, to the working - men in Breslau, may conveniently be taken together, as they both - concern the Emperor's attitude toward the Socialists. Of all - his policies, his attempt to destroy this political party has - been least successful. It had increased from 763,000 in 1887 to - 4,250,000 in 1912, when it numbered more than twice as many voters - as its nearest competitor, the Centre party, 1,996,000. The Emperor - had tried to introduce repeatedly subversion acts which would have - made for the persecution of this the largest political party in his - empire. When, on October 13, 1895, a manufacturer was murdered in - Mülhausen by a workman who had been repeatedly convicted of theft, - William II telegraphed to his widow: "Another sacrifice to the - revolutionary movement engendered by the Socialists." This hostile - attitude was unavailing and aroused the criticism of the greatest - German historian, Mommsen: - - "It is unfortunately true that at the present time the Social - Democracy is the only great party which has any claim to political - respect. It is not necessary to refer to talent. Everybody in - Germany knows that with brains like those of Bebel it would be - possible to furnish forth a dozen noblemen from east of the Elbe in - a fashion that would make them shine among their peers. - - "The devotion, the self-sacrificing spirit of the Social - Democratic masses, impresses even those who are far from sharing - their aims. Our Liberals might well take a lesson from the - discipline of the party." And again, only about a week after this - speech of the Emperor's Mommsen wrote: - - "There must be an end of the superstition, as false as it is - perfidious, that the nation is divided into parties of law and - order on the one hand and a party of revolution on the other, and - that it is the prime political duty of citizens belonging to the - former category to shun the labor party as if it were in quarantine - for the plague and to combat it as the enemy of the state." - - The Emperor has had many friends among the leaders in the - industrial world. Alfred Krupp had stood in close relation to his - sovereign and had been one of the founders and prime movers in - the German Navy League, which, more than anything else, had made - possible the realization of the imperial naval policy. The Emperor - is altogether mistaken in ascribing the stories circulated about - Krupp to the malignity of Social Democratic editors. Very ugly - rumors, whether true or false, had long before this time circulated - about this industrial leader; they could have been heard in other - countries of Europe, especially in Italy, and most particularly in - Tiberius's island of Capri, where he is said to have had a villa. - - The address was delivered in the waiting-room of the station at - Essen on the day of Krupp's funeral. - -I feel the need of expressing to you how deeply my heart is moved by -the death of this man. Her Majesty, the Empress and Queen, wishes me -to express to you her grief also, and she has already expressed it in -writing to Frau Krupp. I have often, with my wife, been a guest in the -Krupp house and have felt the charm of his lovable personality. Our -relations have become so well established in the course of the years -that I dare call myself a friend of the deceased and of his house. -On this account I have not wished to deny myself the privilege of -appearing here to-day at his funeral, and I hold it to be my duty to -stand at the side of the widow and daughters of my friend. - -The peculiar circumstances which accompanied the sad event also make it -incumbent upon me to be here as the head of the German Empire, to hold -the shield of the German Emperor over the house and the memory of this -man. Whoever knew the deceased intimately knows with what a sensitive -and delicate nature he was endowed and that this was the one vulnerable -point through which to deal him a death-blow. He was the victim of his -unimpeachable integrity. - -An event has occurred within the German countries so degrading and low -that it has aroused all hearts and must bring the blush of shame to -the cheeks of every German patriot, because of the disgrace brought -upon our entire people. The honor of a man, German to the core, who -lived only for others, who had in his mind only the welfare of the -Fatherland, but above all that of his employees, has been assailed. - -This deed, with its consequences, is nothing less than murder; for -there is no difference between him who mixes a poisonous drink and -offers it to another and him who from the safe ambush of his editor's -office destroys the honorable name of a fellow man with the poisoned -arrows of his slanders and kills him through the torment of soul caused -by them. - -Who was it that began this shameful attack upon our friend? Men who up -to the present have been counted as Germans, but who are now unworthy -of this name, who sprang from the classes of the German working people, -who have such a tremendous amount to thank Krupp for and of whom -thousands in the streets with tearful faces waved a last farewell to -the bier of their benefactor. - -You, Krupp's workmen, have ever held faithfully to your employer and -have clung to him; gratitude is not wiped out of your hearts. With -pride I have seen everywhere abroad the name of the Fatherland honored -through the work of your hands. Men who wish to be the leaders of the -German workmen have robbed you of your dear master. It remains for you -to shield and protect him and to preserve his memory from disgrace. - -I trust, therefore, that you will find the proper means of making it -clear to the body of German working men that it is important hereafter -to make it impossible for good and honorable working men to have any -community of interest or close relationship with the perpetrators of -this shameful deed; for it is the honor of the working man that has -been besmirched. Whoever will sit at the same table with these people -deliberately lays himself open to a charge of moral participation in -the crime. - -I have sufficient confidence in the German laborers to believe that -they are conscious of the extreme seriousness of the present moment -and that, as German men, they will find a solution for this difficult -question. - - -THE WORKING MAN ONCE MORE - -BRESLAU, DECEMBER 5, 1902 - -That the working men of Breslau have decided to come to me, their King -and father, fills me with the greatest satisfaction, for two reasons. -In the first place, you have not disappointed the expectations which I -expressed in Essen; in the second, you have helped thereby to maintain -free from reproach the memory of my late friend Krupp. - -From my heart I thank the spokesman for his cordial, patriotic words. -You show thereby that an honorable attitude and a dependence upon the -King and the Fatherland are taking firm root among you. Your condition -has indeed become the object of my deepest interest and consideration, -for I observed with pride in foreign lands how the German working man -was considered above all others, and with justice. Your hearts may -exult and you may well rejoice in your work and your condition. - -Led by the remarkable message[39] of the great Emperor William I, I have -improved the social legislation so that a good and secure condition of -existence has been created for the working men through old age, and -this has been accomplished often at great sacrifice to the employer. -And our Germany is the only country in which legislation relating to -the welfare of the working classes has developed to any great degree. - -[39] See footnote to "First Declaration of Polity," June 25, 1888. - -On the ground of the great concern which your King has for your -condition I am justified in giving you also a word of warning. For -years you and your brothers have allowed yourselves to be deluded by -the agitators of the Socialists into thinking that if you do not belong -to this party and acknowledge it no one pays any attention to you and -that you will not be in a position to obtain a hearing for your just -interests in the amelioration of your condition. - -This is a gross lie and a serious error. Instead of representing you -directly, the agitators seek to stir you up against your employers, -against the other classes, against the throne, and against the church, -and have in this way taken advantage of you, terrorized you, and -flattered you in order to strengthen their own power. And to what end -is this power used? Not for furthering your welfare, but for sowing -hatred between the classes and for disseminating cowardly slanders that -respect nothing as sacred; and finally they have outraged the Almighty -Himself. - -As honor-loving men you cannot and dare not have anything more to do -with such people, and you must no longer be led by them. No! Send us -as representatives your friends and comrades from your own ranks, the -simple, plain man from the shop who has your confidence. Such a man -stands for your interests and your wishes, and we will gladly welcome -him as the representative of the German working classes, not as a -Social Democrat. With such representatives of the working classes, no -matter how many there may be, we will gladly work together for the good -of the people and of the country. - -In this way your future will be well cared for, especially since it -naturally and closely depends upon loyalty to the King, upon respect -for law and for the state, for the honor of one's fellow men and -brothers, true to the proverb: "Fear God, love your brothers, and honor -the King." - - -SCHOLARSHIP AND RELIGION - -BERLIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1903 - - As a result of a lecture before the Oriental Society of Berlin, a - very serious controversy arose in religious circles in Germany. The - Emperor gave his opinion in the following open letter, which was - printed in the _Grenzboten_. It is said that this very significant - letter shows the influence of the court chaplain, Doctor Dryander. - Certain of the ideas are, however, thoroughly characteristic of the - Emperor. - -MY DEAR HOLLMANN: - -My telegram to you must have removed the doubts which you still -entertained regarding the conclusion of the lecture. It was perfectly -clearly understood by the audience and therefore had to stand as it -does; but I am very pleased that through your inquiry the matter of -this second lecture was again taken up, and I am glad to take this -occasion, after reading through the section again, to present my -position in a clear light. - -During an evening meeting among ourselves Professor Delitzsch had the -opportunity, with her Majesty, the Empress, and General Superintendent -Dryander, to confer and discuss thoroughly for several hours, during -which I remained a passive listener. He, unfortunately, departed from -the standpoint of the thoroughgoing historian and Assyriologist and -penetrated into the region of theological and religious conclusions and -hypotheses, which were hazy and bold. When, however, he came to the -New Testament it soon became evident that I could not agree with him -in the ideas which he developed concerning the person of the Redeemer, -and I was compelled to state my own standpoint, which was diametrically -opposed to his. He does not recognize the divinity of Christ and -therefore concludes in regard to the Old Testament that it does not -refer to Him as the Messiah. Here the Assyriologist and investigating -historian ceases and the theologian with all his lights and shades -steps in. In this province I can only advise him to go very carefully, -step by step, and in any case to ventilate his theories only in -theological publications and in the circles of his colleagues and to -spare us laymen and especially the Oriental Society, before whose forum -all this is out of place. We excavate and read whatever we find and -publish it for the advancement of knowledge and history, but not in -order to help justify or combat the religious hypotheses of any one of -many learned men. - -In Delitzsch's case the theologian has run away with the historian, -and the latter serves merely as a point of departure for the former. -I think it unfortunate that Delitzsch should not have stuck to his -original programme, which he developed in former years, namely, on -the basis of the discoveries of our society, to ascertain through -scientifically approved translations of the Scriptures how far these -offer an illustration of the chronicle of the people of Israel; -that is, enlightenment as to historical events, customs, and uses, -traditions, politics, legislation, etc.; in other words, how far the -undeniably highly developed Babylonian culture came into contact with -the Israelites, could work upon them, yes, even impress its stamp upon -them, and thereby accomplish, from a purely human point of view, a -sort of rehabilitation for the Babylonians, who were, according to the -Old Testament at least, a very crude, shameful, and one-sided people. -That was his original intention, at least as I understood it, and a -province very fruitful and interesting to us all, the investigation, -explanation, and exposition of which must have interested us laymen to -the highest degree and would have demanded our deepest gratitude. But -he should have stuck to this. Unfortunately, however, in his zeal he -has overshot the mark. As was to be expected, the excavations brought -to light communications which bear in a religious way upon the Old -Testament. He should have collated this material and pointed out and -explained coincidences, when such occurred, but he should have left it -to the listener to draw for himself all purely religious conclusions. -In this way his discourse would have commanded the interest and -good-will of the lay public. That, unfortunately, he has not done. -Pretending that he could explain it all on historical and purely human -grounds, he has attacked the question of revelation in a very polemical -manner and more or less denied it. That was a serious mistake, because -he touched many of his hearers in what was deepest and most sacred to -them. And whether he was right or wrong--that for the moment is all -one, since we are concerned not with a purely scientific gathering -of theologians but with laymen of all kinds and conditions--he has -overturned and rudely shaken many favorite conceptions and images -with which these people connect sacred and cherished ideas and has -ruthlessly shaken the foundation of their belief, if he has not swept -it away altogether, a thing which only a mighty genius dare be bold -enough to undertake and which the study of Assyriology alone does -not justify. Goethe also once treated this subject and pointed out -especially that one must be careful before a great, general public to -break down only "_Terminologiepagoden_" [the pagodas of terminology]. -The excellent professor, in his zeal, has overlooked the principle that -it is very necessary to distinguish between what is and what is not -fitting to the place, the public, etc. As a theological specialist he -can, through the avenue of special publications, express for his circle -of colleagues his theses, hypotheses, and theories as well as his -convictions, which it would not do to express in a popular lecture or -book. - -I would like now to come back once more to my own personal standpoint -in regard to the doctrine or view of revelation, as I have often -explained it to you, my dear Hollmann, and to other gentlemen. I -distinguish between two different kinds of revelation: one a continuous -and in a manner historical revelation; the other a purely religious -one, preparing for the later appearance of the Messiah. - -In the first place, let me say, there is not the slightest doubt in my -mind but that God reveals Himself, always and permanently, through the -human race which He created. He has "blown the breath of His nostrils" -into man; that is, He has given him a piece of Himself--a soul. With -fatherly love and interest He follows the development of mankind; in -order to lead and advance it further, He "reveals" Himself in this or -that great sage or priest or king, be he heathen, Jew, or Christian. -Hammurabi was one, so were Moses, Abraham, Homer, Charlemagne, -Luther, Shakespeare, Goethe, Kant, Emperor William the Great. These -He has sought out and made worthy, through His grace, to accomplish -according to His will splendid and imperishable deeds for their people -in the spiritual as well as in the physical world. How often has my -grandfather expressly said that he was only an instrument in the hand -of the Lord. The works of great spirits are given to the people by God -in order that they may imitate them and feel their way further through -the intricacies of the unexplored regions of this life. Certainly God -has "revealed" Himself in different ways at different times, according -to the condition and culture of the people, and still does so to-day. -For, as we are overcome by the greatness and power of the magnificent -nature of creation and are astounded to see in it the revealed -greatness of God, so, just as surely, do we thankfully recognize in -every really great and splendid thing which a man or a god does the -splendor of the revelation of God. He works directly upon and among us! - -The second kind of revelation, the more religious, is that which -relates to the coming of our Lord. From the time of Abraham on it -is introduced slowly but prophetically--the coming of the All-wise, -the All-knowing; for mankind would otherwise have been lost. And now -begins the most wonderful phenomenon of all, the revelation of God. -The seed of Abraham and the people who developed from it regard as the -most sacred thing in the world a rigorous belief in a single God. They -must cherish it--. Separated during the Egyptian exile, the scattered -portions, welded together a second time by Moses, strove ever to hold -fast to their belief in a single God. It was the direct working of God -upon these people which allowed them to rise again. And so it continues -further down the centuries until the Messiah, who was announced and -foretold by the prophets and psalmists, finally appears. The greatest -revelation of God in the world! For He appeared in the person of His -Son; Christ is God; God in human form. He redeemed us, He inspires -us, He draws us on to follow Him, we feel His fire burning within us, -His pity strengthens us, His dissatisfaction destroys us, but His -intercession saves us. Sure of victory, building only upon His Word, we -go through work, scorn, sorrow, misery, and death, for we have in Him -the revealed Word of God and He never deceives. - -That is the way I look at these questions. The Word of God has, -through Luther, become everything, especially for us Evangelicals; -and as a good theologian Delitzsch should not have forgotten that our -great Luther taught us to sing and to believe: "Ye shall let the Word -stand!" For me it goes without saying that the Old Testament contains -a great number of extracts which are of purely human origin and not -"the revealed Word of God." There are purely historical descriptions -of events of all kinds which took place in the life of the people of -Israel in the realm of political, religious, moral, and spiritual -matters. So, for instance, the giving of the law on Mount Sinai may be -looked upon as inspired by God in only a symbolical sense; for Moses -was compelled to have recourse to some means of giving new force to -old and well-known portions of the law (which were probably derived -from the Codex of Hammurabi). Otherwise he might not have been able -to unite and weld together a people whose organization had become lax -and incapable of resistance. Here the historian can perhaps construe -from the sense and the run of the words some relation to the laws of -Hammurabi, the friend of Abraham, which would perhaps be perfectly -logical; that would, however, in no way detract from the fact that God -inspired Moses to do it and in so far revealed Himself to the people of -Israel. - -As I see it, therefore, our good professor ought hereafter to avoid -handling and bringing forward religion, as such, in his addresses to -our society. On the other hand, he may continue unmolested to bring -forward whatever connections there may be between the religion, -customs, etc., of the Babylonians, etc., and the Old Testament. From -which I derive the following conclusions: - -(a) I believe in one God, and one only. - -(b) In order to teach this we need a form, especially for our children. - -(c) This form has been up to the present time the Old Testament in its -present state. Through investigation, inscriptions, and excavations, -this form will certainly change materially; that does not matter, and -even the fact that much will be lost from the nimbus of the chosen -people does not matter. The kernel and the content remain ever the -same: God and His work! - -Religion was never the result of science but the outpouring of the -heart and being of man in his intercourse with God. - -With heartiest thanks and many greetings, - - Your true friend, - - (Signed) WILLIAM, I. R. - -P. S. You may make the fullest use of these lines; whoever wants to may -read them. - - -FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS ARMY - -DÖBERITZ, MAY 29, 1903 - - After conducting the manoeuvres of the guard the Emperor dedicated - the obelisk to Frederick the Great. The character and achievements - of Frederick have been summarized in chapter I. - -One hundred and fifty years ago, on these same fields, his Majesty, -Frederick II, who even in his lifetime was called "the Great," gathered -together a considerable part of his army in order to train and steel -it for the mighty struggles which he foresaw in spirit through his -prophetic vision. So important was this preparation for him that he did -not hesitate to trust his columns to the direction of his experienced -field-marshals. Here the great soldier King, working restlessly, -not overlooking details in his interest for the greater concerns of -history, trained his regiments for the difficult tasks of the Seven -Years' War, which was soon to set in, and created that inner bond -between himself and his soldiers which inspired them to the greatest -deeds of daring, while he infused his spirit into his generals and -so laid the foundation for the unmatched results which found their -crowning achievement in the victorious overthrow of a world in arms -united against him. Let these achievements be unforgotten; unforgotten -the names of the heroes of that great time. - -Frederick's enemies derisively called his little army the "_Potsdamer -Wachtparade_" [the "Potsdam Guard's Parade"]! Well, he showed them what -he could do at the head of it! And in later times likewise the "Potsdam -Guard's Parade" fittingly showed the way to every one who tried to -cultivate too close an acquaintance with it. This obelisk of northern -granite is erected in memory of that time. A memorial to "Fredericus -Rex, the King and Hero," to be emulated by us all in working with -unabated strength to the end that we may be ready to strike in any -emergency. When in a moment the curtain shall fall, when the flags -and standards dip in greeting, swords are lowered, and presented -bayonets glisten--all this is done in honor not only of this block of -stone but of him, the great King, his generals and field-marshals; -of his great successor, William the Great, and his paladins, who now, -assembled around the Great Ally above, look down upon us; and in honor -of Prussia's glorious martial history and tradition. Attention, present -arms! - - -THE FUTURE OF GERMANY - -HAMBURG, JUNE 20, 1903 - - The equestrian statue of Emperor William I was dedicated in - Hamburg, June 20, 1903. The Emperor's interest in glorifying and - occasionally even in sanctifying his ancestors is frequently - noticeable. He has tried to assure to his grandfather the title - of William the Great, and the Emperor's friend Ballin, of the - Hamburg-American Line, has given this title as well as that of - Imperator to the well-known transatlantic steamers. It is perhaps - significant that Bismarck is not mentioned. The pedestal of this - monument was left blank. As has been noted, rumor has it that the - citizens of Hamburg were unwilling to bestow this title and feared - to offend with the simpler "William I." - -It has often been my task to express my thanks to great cities and -their enthusiastic citizens; never have I found it so difficult to find -the correct, pertinent, and adequate expression for what I feel and -what I have seen and experienced. - -If, first of all, I may speak as grandson of the great Emperor, whose -bronze likeness the city of Hamburg has just unveiled, I would like -to give utterance to the gratitude which so stirs my heart, that the -citizens of Hamburg have been able in such a brilliant, handsome, and -noble manner to show their feeling for Germany and their gratitude to -the old hero. As his grandson, this has pleased me greatly and has -stirred me deeply. - -For the rest, I cannot forbear to emphasize the truly overwhelming -reception which was accorded me here by great and small, young and old, -high and low. The many thousand faces which lighted toward me to-day -gave evidence that the greeting came from the heart and from feelings -which were deeply moved, and I beg the senate and the citizens to -accept my heartiest, sincerest, and warmest thanks and to communicate -them to the city. - -Indeed, for the younger generation which stood with us about the bronze -portrait to-day the great Emperor is already a historical personage, -and the events which weave themselves about his person and the time in -which he worked are already described in history. - -I believe that I am not presuming if I prophesy that some time in -future centuries the awe-inspiring figure of my grandfather will stand -forth before the German people, surrounded by at least as many legends -and as powerful and as conspicuous for all time as once the figure of -the Emperor Barbarossa was. Truly, the younger generation is accustomed -to look upon what we call the empire, together with what it has brought -us, without thinking what it has cost to arrive at this point. - -And I believe we recognize the hand of Providence when we look upon -that awe-inspiring figure which stands yonder in its peaceful attitude -before the Rathaus, with its earnestness and its silent tranquillity -of old age. It was precisely, this man whom Providence sought out to -accomplish this hardest of all tasks--the uniting of the German races. -For no one could resist the charm of the personality, the simple -modesty, the winning lovableness of the lofty ruler; and so it was -permitted to him, surrounded by his powerful paladins who were devoted -to him and who worked with him, to smooth the way and reconcile the -differences; while he kept ever before his eyes the goal, the union of -the Fatherland. During a long time of peace, in quiet work his thoughts -ripened and the plans of the already gray-haired man were ready when -the mighty task came to him of once more reviving the empire. I hope -that the youth of Hamburg, when they pass this monument, will never -forget the time of preparation through which this noble ruler lived. - -With justice you speak of the time of Emperor William as great and -powerful--powerful in its impulses, mighty in its flaming enthusiasm. -Gentlemen, I think that our time is also great. The tasks which were -assigned to the great Emperor have been accomplished; yet when things -for a while seem dark and the tasks which are assigned us seem too -hard we must not forget what that noble ruler endured. Let us not -forget that he lived through and remembered Jena and Tilsit, and that, -nevertheless, he never despaired of the future of the Fatherland. From -Tilsit we travelled to Versailles! - -And even so is it destined to be in the future; there remain tasks for -our time also. The great Emperor with his great aides has laid the -basis, the corner-stone of the building; it is for us to build upon -it! Therefore it is my opinion and firm conviction that a great future -awaits us also, if we are but determined to make it so. Tasks are -assigned to us, and, whether they are light or heavy, we must face them -as well as we are able and enlist all our strength. Then we shall be -able to accomplish them and I am convinced that now as then the German -Empire and the German people will never lack the right sort of men. - -For this reason I turn to-day to that place where formerly from the -depths of my heart I issued an earnest appeal to the German people; -and I repeat again to-day: "May it remain true to its ideals and to -itself!" Then, as the block of granite yonder bears the great Emperor, -so will the German people, true to their traditions, bear upon their -hearts and discharge with their strength the new tasks and undertakings -which come to them. May they enter with decision upon the work which -Heaven assigns them without asking whether it be easy or difficult, -without worrying as to how they shall accomplish it, provided only they -are going forward! - -Raise your eyes! Lift up your heads! Look to the heights, bend your -knee before the Great Ally, who has never forsaken the Germans, -and who, if he has at times allowed them to be sorely tried and -discouraged, has again raised them from the dust. Put your hand on -your heart, direct your gaze into the distance, and from time to time -give a backward glance for memory to the old Emperor and his time, -and I am convinced that, as Hamburg is progressing in the world, so -will our Fatherland progress along the road of enlightenment, the road -of improvement, the road of practical Christianity: a blessing for -mankind, a bulwark of peace, the wonder of all countries! - -I give this as my firm hope and conviction, and to this wish I empty my -glass: Long life to the city of Hamburg!--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -THE REASONS FOR JAPAN'S VICTORY - -MARCH 9, 1905 - - It will have been noted that the Emperor usually addresses his - recruits in very simple language. On the occasion of administering - the oath to the naval recruits at Wilhelmshaven, he was concerned - about explaining to them the reasons for the Japanese victory, for - he had repeatedly told them that only a good Christian can be a - good soldier. - - The speech was reported through a letter of one of the recruits. - -The Emperor spoke, among other things, of the heroic deeds of the -Japanese and explained that they had sprung from the Japanese love -of country and children, which had begotten a splendid manliness in -the army and navy. He said that we must not conclude, however, from -the Japanese victories--the victories of a heathen over a Christian -people--that Buddha was superior to our Lord Christ. If Russia was -beaten, it was due for the most part, according to his opinion, to the -fact that Christianity in Russia was in a pretty bad way; and then, -too, there were many Christian virtues among the Japanese. A good -Christian is synonymous with a good soldier! - -But Christianity is poorly off among the Germans also, and he--the -Emperor--doubted whether we Germans in case of a war would have any -special right to pray God for victory, to wrest it from Him in prayer -as Jacob did in his struggle with the angel. The Japanese were the -scourge of God just as once Attila and Napoleon were. - -And so we must take care lest God should have to chastise us with such -a scourge, etc. The Emperor spoke very earnestly but very impressively -and simply, so that he could be understood by every one. - - -THE SALT OF THE EARTH - -BREMEN, MARCH 22, 1905 - - The following address was delivered at the Rathaus in Bremen on the - occasion of the dedication of the monument to Emperor Frederick - III. The Emperor here presents his views on the mission of Germany - in much the same spirit in which it is expounded in a number of - his addresses of this time. He has become increasingly conscious - of her "manifest destiny" in the decade which had passed after the - celebrations of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Franco-Prussian - War. Germany had entered upon a period of great prosperity and had - begun to possess the sense of latent power. The Emperor gives us - here the purely historical reasons which have led him to refrain - from pretensions to world-dominion. It is significant that his - next address will be delivered at Morocco. The question naturally - arises, what hopes or aspirations were in the minds of the audience - before whom the Emperor made this _gran rifiuto_. It was in a time - of insistent agitation by the Navy League and the Colonial party. - - -MY HONORED BURGOMASTER: - -Will you allow me first, with a heart deeply moved, to perform the duty -of a son and thank you sincerely for having transmitted to me the wish -of your countrymen that I should participate in this festive day and be -present at the unveiling of the unique and splendid statue which the -free Hanseatic city of Bremen has erected to my father? - -I can assure you that it stirred me deeply to-day as my eye wandered -over the masses of people to think that the former Prussian Crown -Prince, subsequently the first Crown Prince of the German Empire, and, -finally, second Hohenzollern Emperor, should be fêted in a free German -city just as though this were his home. It is a proof that his figure, -as well as that of his great and illustrious father, has become a -common possession of the entire German people. - -I sincerely thank the city of Bremen that it has honored my father -and his memory in such a magnificent manner. You have created a work -of art, the like of which is not often seen in German lands. And I am -convinced that in later generations his powerful personality, which -will have become surrounded by the glamour of legend, will through this -statue be brought nearer to the hearts of the people. And I am sure -that the generations of Bremen which are to follow, from father to son, -will never forget the second Emperor, whose noble Siegfried figure led -the German army to victory and whom we have to thank for our unity. - -And so, now, beautiful statues of both my father and my grandfather -stand in this loyal German city and furnish mile-stones for the history -of our Fatherland as well as for the city of Bremen. - -Truly, the historical retrospect which you have been good enough to -present us shows magnificently the leadership of God and the grace -which Providence has bestowed upon our people and our country. The -portion of time which is represented by both of these two noble leaders -who stand here in bronze has, like a foundation-stone, been firmly laid -in history. It remains for later times and their generations to build -upon the foundation which these great rulers have set down. - -You have had the goodness to express the thoughts which stirred you -upon a former occasion in this same place. They correspond entirely -to what I myself thought at that time. When, as a lad, I stood before -the model of the Brommy[40] ship, I bitterly felt the disgrace which -our fleet and our flag had been forced to suffer. And perhaps, since -on my mother's side a bit of sea blood flowed into my veins, this was -the thing which was to give me my cue for the manner in which I would -envisage the tasks which henceforth were to confront the empire. - -[40] Bromme (called also Brommy) was a German seaman who served in - the Greek navy and who was later placed in charge of the Naval - Commission by the German National Assembly in 1848. He organized - the first modern German fleet and as admiral drove off the three - Danish ships blockading the Weser. This navy was considered merely - a passing necessity, and in 1853 Bromme was retired, after the - little fleet had been sold at auction. - -I swore to the colors when I came to the throne, after the mighty time -of my grandfather, that, so far as in me lay, the bayonet and cannon -would have to rest, but that bayonet and cannon, however, would have -to be kept sharp and effective in order that jealousy and envy from -without should not disturb us in the development of our garden and -our beautiful house. I have made a vow, as a result of what I have -learned from history, never to strive for an empty world-dominion. For -what has become of the so-called world-empires? Alexander the Great, -Napoleon I--all the great warriors--have swum in blood and have left -subjugated peoples behind them who at the first opportunity have risen -up again and brought the empire to ruin. - -The world-empire of which I have dreamed shall consist in this, that -the newly created German Empire shall first of all enjoy on all sides -the most absolute confidence as a quiet, honorable, and peaceful -neighbor; and that, if in the future they shall read in history of a -German world-empire or of a Hohenzollern world-ruler, it shall not -be founded upon acquisitions won with the sword but upon the mutual -trust of the nations who are striving for the same goals. To express -it briefly, as a great poet has said: "Limited outwardly, but with no -limits upon inward development." - -You have mentioned the ships which here hang memorially from the -ceiling of this beautiful old hall. The time in which I grew up was, in -spite of the great war, not a great and glorious one for the seafaring -part of our nation. I, too, have here drawn the logical conclusions -from what my ancestors have done. In a military way much had been done -within, as was necessary; now the equipment of the navy had to be -brought forward. - -I thank God that I do not have to make a desperate appeal here in this -town hall as I once did in Hamburg.[41] The fleet is built and is on -the seas; we have material for crews. The eagerness and the spirit are -the same as those which filled the officers of the Prussian army at -Hohenfriedberg, at Königgrätz, and at Sedan; and every German war-ship -which leaves the slips is one more guarantee for peace on land. We are -correspondingly more powerful as allies, and our opponents will be -correspondingly less willing to offer us any aggression. - -[41] The appeal referred to is the speech delivered at Hamburg on - October 18, 1899, with its famous "Bitterly do we need a powerful - fleet." - -To-day, as I scanned the citizens of Bremen, I saw the old and the -young standing next each other--the old with their medals and their -crosses, comrades in battle and in deeds under both the great leaders -whose statues stand in this city, and before them stand the youth who -shall grow up to the new empire and its tasks. - -What will these tasks be? To develop steadily; to shun strife, hate, -division, and jealousy; to rejoice in the German Fatherland as it is -and not to strive after the impossible; to hold fast to the conviction -that our God would never have taken such great pains with our German -Fatherland and its people if he had not been preparing us for something -still greater. - -We are the salt of the earth, but we must also be worthy to be so. -Therefore must our youth learn to give up and deny themselves what -is not good for them, to put far from them the things which have -slipped in from foreign peoples, and to preserve their morals, good -conduct, reverence, and religion. Then some day may we write over -the German people the motto on the helmet of the 1st Regiment of my -guard: "_Semper talis_"--"Ever the Same." Then we shall be looked upon -from all sides with respect and in a measure with love as a safe and -trustworthy people and can stand with our hand on our sword-hilt and -with our shield grounded before us and say: "_Tamen_, come what will." - -I am sure that my words will fall upon good ground here in Bremen. -Earnestly I hope that the golden peace which up to the present with -God's help we have maintained we may preserve still further and that -under this peace Bremen may grow green, may bloom, and prosper. That is -my innermost wish. Long life to Bremen--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - - - -VI - -ON THE EVE OF MOROCCO - -MARCH 31, 1905--NOVEMBER 17, 1906 - - -THE MOROCCO QUESTION - -TANGIER, MARCH 31, 1905 - - On the 8th of April, 1904, an _entente_ which had settled all - outstanding questions between France and Great Britain and gave - to Great Britain a free hand in Egypt and to France a free hand - in Morocco was formally signed in London. The German Government - officially declared that the settlement between France and Great - Britain concerned only these two countries; but the Pan-German - Society, the Colonial Society, and the Navy League began so - insistent an agitation that the government changed its attitude - and the Emperor here declares in no uncertain terms that what - Germany undertakes in Morocco will be done exclusively with the - "_sovereign_ Sultan." Germany was evidently picking a quarrel with - France over Morocco, with or without warrant, as the case may - be, and was trying to ascertain, it is generally believed, the - closeness of the relationship between France and Great Britain. - The large commercial interests of which the Emperor speaks were - fairly negligible; though he doubtless had the right to protect it, - Germany's yearly trade there did not amount to as much as that of - an ordinary department store or of a fairly successful merchant. - For the previous eight years it averaged less than half a million - dollars annually. Her course here has usually been regarded as - unnecessarily belligerent. - - True to his policy of personal diplomacy, the Emperor suddenly - appeared at Tangier and while there made his speech to the German - colony. - - The whole question was taken up at the conference of Algeciras - in 1906. Although the policy of "the open door," which protected - Germany's commercial interests was guaranteed, the very general - storm of protest in Germany, especially on the part of the war - party and Navy League, showed that she had entered the contest with - more serious intentions. World policy by aggressive interference - had already been initiated when, in the Spanish-American War, - the German Admiral Diedrichs started to hamper the operations of - the American fleet at Manila. Morocco was looked upon by some, - Doctor Liman, for instance, as a second defeat. In the Algeciras - conference Italy sided with France and England. Italy had been - continuing as a member of the Triple Alliance partly through fear - that the French would annex Tripoli, which Italy desired. England - and France had now privately agreed to give Italy a free hand. She - sided with them and it was evident that her vital interests in the - Triple Alliance had been considerably lessened. As England and - Russia were also settling all their Eastern points of difference, - Germany began to be conscious of her isolation, which had been - largely a result of her attitude and unfortunate diplomacy. - -I am pleased to make the acquaintance of the pioneers of Germany in -Morocco and to be able to tell them that they have done their duty. - -Germany has great commercial interests here. I shall advance and -protect our commerce, which shows a satisfying increase, and for that -reason shall insist upon equal rights with all powers, which is only -possible through the sovereignty of the Sultan and the independence of -the country. For Germany both of these must be unquestioned, and I am, -therefore, ready to intervene for them at all times. - -I hope that my visit in Tangier declares this plainly and emphatically -and that it will call forth the conviction that what Germany undertakes -in Morocco will be negotiated exclusively with the sovereign Sultan. - - -THE GREAT ALLY - -SEPTEMBER 8, 1906 - - On this date the Emperor and his four sons dedicated a monument - to Frederick the Great on the site of his famous bivouac at - Bunzelwitz. In the evening he addressed a banquet in Breslau, in - which he took up especially the services of the Silesians to the - crown. He particularly recalls the support they gave Frederick - William III in 1813, at the lowest ebb of that King's fortunes. - Divisions of patriotic volunteers, "free corps," were organized - in the province, who, not being Prussians, could not serve in the - Prussian line. The best known of these was that of Lützow, to which - the poet Theodor Körner belonged. It is from one of his most famous - war-songs that the quotation in the Emperor's speech is taken. The - manner in which he speaks of the coronation of his grandfather - "by the will of Heaven" and with no mention of the Constitution, - is to be found in several of his speeches, notably the address at - Königsberg (August 25, 1910). Most of these speeches were made in - his hereditary provinces, Prussia, Silesia, and Brandenburg, and - aroused considerable protest in other parts of Germany. - -MY DEAR PRESIDENT: - -With a heart deeply moved, I take the opportunity to-day to speak as -sovereign Duke of Silesia to my Silesians, for the impressions which -have been showered upon me during the short time that I have been among -you are of so powerful and compelling a nature that words fail me to -express them or to find the proper form for the thanks which I would -like to communicate to my people of Silesia. I do not refer only to -yesterday's demonstrations, which surpassed, if that were possible, -the jubilations on the day of my entrance. And I do not mean only those -on the part of the old soldiers in black uniforms with their military -decorations on their breasts, who can say, "We have been present at -the time when history was made," and who dare pride themselves on -having been fellows in arms of the great Emperor and his noble son, my -father, whose heart, as is known to all of you, beat high for Silesia, -but I mean to-day, on my journey through the green Silesian country to -Bunzelwitz, Schweidnitz, and Rogau and back--everywhere I have found -the same warmth, the same glowing, burning enthusiasm. It is the old -Silesian loyalty which breaks forth and which proves the appreciation -on the part of the people for what the house of Hohenzollern has done -for them. This loyalty is rooted in ground specially consecrated -by history. For who will deny that the province of Silesia, almost -more than any other, stands in closest union with the history of -our Fatherland and of our house? And, especially, how could any one -speak of the development of Silesia without first thinking of the one -powerful figure of whom the grenadiers sang from the Rhine to the -Oder: "Fredericus Rex, our King and leader"? Wherever we look over -the plains of Silesia rise the memories of him, of the incomparable -battles through which he made Prussia a world-power, and also of the -splendid work of peace in which he sought to raise and strengthen the -sorely oppressed country. And again in later times it was precisely to -Silesia that it was reserved to send a new ray of hope to that sorely -tried Hohenzollern King, Frederick William III, when he encountered the -ardent enthusiasm of the first volunteers in Breslau, when the first -raising of troops took place here, and when the "wild, dashing Lützow -hunters" started in their career against the enemy at the Zobten. And -so it has been ever since. The sons of Silesia have fought whenever it -was a question of coming forward and sacrificing their blood for the -Fatherland. And so it may be very well said that the history of our -house is indissolubly bound up with that of Silesia, one of her most -beautiful provinces. And when we glance back over this great history we -can characterize it with the phrase which my great departed grandfather -used when, after fierce conflicts, through the will of Heaven the -imperial crown was set upon his brow: "God was with us, and His be the -honor!" And when I stop to think how the flags of the veterans passed -me with proud bearing I believe that we can apply this to the present -and thank God that He has disposed everything for the good and profit -of this province and of our house; above all, for the fact that it has -been granted us to carry out our work in peace. But if God was with -us we ought earnestly to ask the question whether we were worthy of -His help. Has every one among us also done his part by offering up his -thought, his health, and strength to carry on and develop the legacy -which was bequeathed to us by the past? If every one with his hand -upon his heart asks himself this question sincerely, many a man will -find it difficult to answer. And then, gentlemen, let us draw a lesson -from the personality of the great King and decide where it was that we -have failed in the work, where we have allowed our spirits to flag, -and where dark thoughts and fears have bewildered our minds. Away with -them! And just as the great King was never left in the lurch by the -old Ally, so our Fatherland and this beautiful province will always be -near His heart. And so out of the beautiful circle of memories and of -golden loyalty which I have here encountered, let us coin a new vow: -from this time on, through offering up our strength of soul and body, -we will devote ourselves to the task of urging our country forward, -of working for our people; and every one, according to his position, -whether high or low, will do this; and the various creeds will unite -to check unbelief; and above all things, for the future, we shall keep -our vision clear and never despair of ourselves or of our people. -The world belongs to the living, and the living are right. I cannot -endure pessimists, and whoever does not take part in the work let him -depart and, if he likes, seek out a better country. But I expect from -my Silesians that they to-day will unite in the decision to be ever -mindful of their great aims and examples, that they will follow their -Duke, especially in his work of peace for his people. In this hope, -I empty my glass to the health of the province of Silesia and of all -faithful Silesians. - - -OPTIMISM AND LITERATURE - -MÜNICH, NOVEMBER 12, 1906 - - One of the men of letters whom the Emperor has been particularly - delighted to honor and in whom he sees one of the glories of German - literature is Doctor Ludwig Ganghofer, who is certainly not more - than an able writer of the second rank. After a performance in the - _Hoftheater_ in Münich the Emperor expressed the desire to see him, - and the following conversation took place which was reported in a - confusing combination of direct and indirect quotation. - -The Emperor said that he had recently read the "Hohen Schein" and -spoke at some length about it, going over the content and thought of -the book. From the way in which he spoke about it one could see how -intensely he was occupied with one thing in particular. - -What pleased him especially in the book was the optimistic tone which -pervaded it, the preaching which stimulated belief in life, and the -manner of accepting the misfortunes of existence, as well as the -trust in the future and trust in humanity. "This," said the Emperor, -"makes such an impression upon me because I am an optimist through and -through and will allow nothing to prevent me from remaining one to the -end of my days." He spoke of himself as a man full of his work and -one who believed in his tasks. He said further: "I will go forward. -I would greatly rejoice if men would understand me and would support -me in my desires." In this connection he spoke of the difficulty -every one encountered in his work on account of distrust. He again -recalled a passage from Ganghofer's "Schweigen im Walde" which had also -especially appealed to him because it had expressed his own point of -view concerning life. The passage runs: "He who distrusts, commits a -wrong against another and harms himself. It is our duty to believe that -every man is good so long as he does not give proof to the contrary." -"On this basis," said the Emperor, "I have always accepted every man -with whom I had anything to do. One may sometimes meet with unpleasant -experiences, but on that account he dare not give up. One must always -go on again with new trust in humanity and in life." - -The Emperor then directed the conversation to a tablet which he had -had made and which contained, besides the above-mentioned quotation, -certain aphorisms of a like tenor from Ganghofer's novels. - -These quotations appealed to him so strongly because they expressed -entirely his attitude toward life. With a good bit of optimism and a -bright and trustful outlook a man will go much further, not only in -his own personal life but in his vocation also, than he will if he -looks upon all things with a pessimistic eye; and even in politics -the case is the same. The German people certainly have a future, and -there is one word, "_Reichsverdrossenheit_" [sullenness toward imperial -destiny], which always offends him as often as he hears it. "What have -we to do with sullenness? Rather work and look forward. I work--yes, -not unwillingly--and I believe that I progress." - -In connection with this word, the Emperor described the way in which -he worked every day and told how the difficulty of the many duties -and tasks which stormed in upon him often made him very weary. It -was at such times that the need overcame him to get out of harness -and see another part of the world, to become acquainted with other -men who stimulated him again. Thus, his journeys to the north always -invigorated him both mentally and physically. - -The Emperor described earnestly and vividly how such a journey -gradually rested and refreshed him. In the first days there was of -course an abundance of work. Telegrams and letters came even to the -boat, and he and those about him could not leave work for long. Then it -became gradually more restful and solitary until eventually he found -complete rest and could give himself up to the glories of nature. -He then gave lively descriptions of his journeys, of the special -beauties of the fjords, and of his impression of the midnight sun. He -spoke especially of his pleasure at the simplicity and the cordiality -of the people, who responded to him so naturally. Everything that -oppressed him was cast aside for a few weeks--and yet the pleasures -which he received were begrudged him by many people. He knew that he -had always been called the "travelling Emperor," but he had always -taken it lightly and had not allowed his pleasure to be spoiled by it. -We discover friends in travelling, even in our own home. He believed -that the feeling of interdependence was strengthened in that way and -added that there were many Germans who did not know how beautiful -their own land was and how much there was to be seen in it. He always -rejoiced when he had learned to know a new portion of Germany. The -south especially seemed to him beautiful, and he was very much drawn -to it by the manner of life there. He always remembered, he said, with -particular pleasure a journey which he had made many years before to -Berchtesgaden and the beautiful days which he had been allowed to -spend in the hills behind it with his uncle, the Duke of Coburg. If -only travelling were not accompanied by so many inconveniences! It was -always necessary to take along so many paraphernalia. Often he longed -to seat himself in an automobile and go whizzing off for a few days, -to return satisfied and ready to work again. And such refreshment was -necessary in a serious calling like his own--doubly necessary because -he had to fight so much misunderstanding; it was a thankless situation, -because no one ever gave him credit for being independent. If he -succeeded in anything, then all the world asked: "Who advised him?" -If he was unsuccessful, then they said: "He did not understand it." -"What in the cases of other princes is accepted as self-evident becomes -in mine a matter of debate. And, nevertheless, the one answer is: -'Because I wish the good of the German Empire and of the German people.' - -"Many times also I meet with pleasant experiences--and most often on -these very journeys which are made such a reproach to me." So the days -in Münich would remain an untroubled joy to him which he would never -forget. The warmth and heartiness in the behavior of the population -as well as the beautiful picture, gay with color, of the city in its -artistic decorations had completely charmed him. - -The conversation then turned upon several questions of literature and -politics. The Emperor also related some anecdotes concerning his own -family, and here the intimacy with which he spoke was particularly -agreeable. He said merely, "my wife" and "my _Buben_" [boys]. In a -particularly sincere manner the Emperor spoke of our regents, whose -energy and self-sacrifice in such trying days he lauded, and expressed -the wish that the Great Prince might preserve us all for a long time to -come. - - -TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LABOR LEGISLATION - -NOVEMBER 17, 1906 - - The policy of introducing legislation in the interest of the - laboring classes may be said to have been inaugurated by Emperor - William I in 1881. If one of its aims was to alleviate the - condition of this class and to promote the welfare of Germany - generally, another and perhaps its most important aim in Bismarck's - eyes was to stem the growth of the Social Democratic party and - bring about a greater sense of solidarity within the empire. In - this latter aim of "taking the wind out of the sails" of the - Social Democratic party it had not proved successful at the time - of the accession of William II. He began his reign with the idea - of making still further concessions and on this point broke - with Bismarck. When these again failed to conciliate the Social - Democrats, he took measures to legislate against them. He declared, - as we have seen, on one occasion: "For me, every Social Democrat - is synonymous with enemy of the nation and of the Fatherland." - (May 14, 1889.) The fact that the party has continued to increase - has always been a thorn in his side, and his attitude has been - more or less contradictory with regard to the working classes; so - that occasionally, as here, he seems to attempt to threaten and - conciliate at the same time. - -Twenty-five years ago to-day the late Emperor and King, William the -Great, made his memorable announcement, and I welcome the opportunity -of calling to mind with reverent gratitude this work of peace through -which my noble ancestor inaugurated new lines of legislation for -the protection of the economically weak. In obedience to his lofty -will, with the hearty approval of the allied governments and the -intelligent co-operation of the Reichstag, we succeeded in so advancing -the difficult and multifarious development of the state's labor -legislation, in the domain of sick, accident, and disability insurance, -that those deserving help in their day of need now possess a regularly -constituted legal claim. Thanks to the comprehensive acts of the -realm and of the employers as well as to their own contributions, the -laborers have hereby attained a much higher degree of security with -regard to their means of livelihood and the support of their families. -But the great and fruitful ideas in the imperial message have not -only inaugurated this condition in our own Fatherland but have served -as an epoch-making example far beyond her borders. Unfortunately, -through lasting opposition in the very quarter which believes that it -has a right to represent the interests of labor the fulfilment of the -highest aims of the imperial message is being checked and delayed. -Nevertheless, I believe that a recognition of what has been done and a -growing realization of the limits of the economically possible will in -all circles of the German people bring about its final triumph. Then -the hope of Emperor William that the laboring man's insurance would be -a lasting pledge of internal peace for the Fatherland will have been -fulfilled. With this in mind, it is my firm will that legislation in -the domain of social and political provisions should not cease, but -that it should be carried out toward the fulfilling of the highest -Christian duty with regard to the protection and the welfare of the -weak and needy. But the task proposed by the spirit of the imperial -message and its lofty framer cannot be carried out through merely legal -acts and provisions. I gladly recognize to-day that in the German -people there has never been a lack of men and women who willingly and -joyfully gave up their strength in loving service for the good of -their neighbor; and to all of those who devote themselves in unselfish -sacrifice to the great social work of our time I express my imperial -thanks. - -I commission you to bring this decree to general notice. - -Issued to the Imperial Chancellor, Donaueschingen, November 17, 1906. - - WILLIAM, I. R. - - - - -VII - -THE CRISIS OF 1907 - -FEBRUARY 5, 1907--OCTOBER 18, 1911 - - -IMPERIALISM VERSUS SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - -BERLIN, FEBRUARY 5, 1907 - - A number of scandals in army and colonial administration had been - exposed in 1906. It will be remembered that for years back the - Emperor had been insisting on union between the various religious - creeds. This was perhaps due in part to a spirit of toleration, - but to a larger extent it was due to the fact that the Centre - party (Catholic) had for a number of years been in control. The - Reichstag of 1906 was dissolved, ostensibly over the government's - quarrel with the Centre party over the comparatively paltry sum of - $2,000,000 demanded for the Southwest African colony. In reality - the causes probably lay deeper. The late Reichstag had voted an - insufficient sum for the navy and was beginning to object to the - increasing taxes on the necessities of life. The Navy League was - demanding a doubling of the German fleet. The government seemed to - wish to undertake a more rapid policy of expansion. Mr. Barker - is authority for the statement that leaders of the imperialistic - agitation had gone so far as to recommend that if the Reichstag - did not vote the credits necessary for doubling the fleet, a _coup - d'état_ should be effected by the government and that it should - levy the taxes and govern in case of necessity against the will of - the Reichstag or without the Reichstag. The expansionist policy was - strongly advocated by the Colonial party and the Navy League and - was championed by the Chancellor. As the Social Democrats opposed - increases in taxation, they were likewise now specially under the - ban of official disapproval. There are usually about forty parties - in the Reichstag. The issue was, therefore, clearly drawn between - a policy of imperialism and a stronger insistence on world-policy, - on the one hand, and Social Democracy and the opposition on the - other. The Emperor and the Chancellor, particularly the latter, - threw themselves vigorously into the campaign, and in spite - of the support of the Centre party the Social Democrats lost - thirty-six representatives and their representation was reduced to - forty-three. Although the Social Democrats have to a certain point - supported the policy of commercial expansion, their defeat here may - be looked upon as the unconditioned triumph of imperialism. - - On the night of February 5, when it was announced that the Social - Democrats had been defeated, a crowd gathered about the palace, and - when the Emperor returned at about midnight from the meeting of the - Electrical Society, where he had delivered an address, he stepped - out on his balcony and made the following speech to the crowd: - -GENTLEMEN: - -With my whole heart I thank you for the beautiful demonstration of -homage which you have shown me. It arises from the feeling that you are -proud to have done your duty toward the Fatherland; in the phrase of -our Chancellor, you are able to ride, and you will ride down everything -that opposes us if all conditions and creeds stand together in firm -union. Do not allow this hour of celebration to end like a passing -wave of patriotic enthusiasm, but stand firmly to the path on which -you have started. I close with the words of the great poet Kleist in -his "Prince von Homburg" when old Kottwitz speaks to the Great Elector -somewhat as follows: "What do we care for the rules according to which -the enemy fights if he is beaten in the fighting? We have now learned -the art of conquering him and are filled with the desire to practise it -further."[42] - -[42] The exact passage runs as follows, though the lines are separated - in the play and do not occur in this order: - - "What, I pray you, do you care for the rule - According to which the enemy fights, if only - He goes down before you with all his flags? - The rule that conquers him is the highest rule." - - ACT V, SCENE 5. - - - -THE NECESSITY OF FAITH - -MÜNSTER, AUGUST 31, 1907 - - The following address of a general character, which represents the - Emperor's faith in God and in Germany, was delivered at a banquet - in the Westphalian Provincial Museum. It is somewhat similar in its - general attitude to the one delivered about a month later at the - unveiling of the national monument at Memel. - -I wish to express to the representatives of the province whom I have -gathered about me to-day my warmest thanks for the way in which I have -everywhere been received in this beautiful country of Westphalia. -I would also like to repeat to you in the name of her Majesty, the -Empress and Queen, how disconsolate she is that it was unfortunately -not possible for her to celebrate the Westphalian days with you and to -come into personal contact with the Westphalian people. - -The province of Westphalia offers an attractive picture of a state in -which it has been proved possible to reconcile historical, religious, -and industrial differences through love and loyalty for a common -Fatherland. The province is made up of several districts, of which -many have for a long time belonged to the crown of Prussia, while -many others have been but recently acquired. They, however, vie with -one another in their loyalty to our house. As I make no difference -between old and new districts, so I also make no difference between -the adherents to the Catholic and the Protestant creeds. Let them both -stand upon the foundation of Christianity and they are both bound to -be true citizens and obedient subjects. All the children of my country -stand equally near to my heart, which is devoted to the Fatherland. In -its industrial relations the province also offers a highly edifying -example. It shows that the great branches of industry do not need to -harm each other and that the welfare of the one works for the good of -the others also. The farmer diligently cultivates his red Westphalian -soil, holding fast to the traditions which have come down to him -from ages past; a sturdy character, with unyielding energy and lofty -purpose, of loyal nature, a firm foundation for our state. Therefore, -the protection of agriculture lies especially near my thoughts. Your -citizen brings his cities ever nearer to perfection; there are works -for the benefit of the public--museums and collections, hospitals and -churches. And deep in your mountains lie hidden the treasures which, -mined by the diligent hands of the brave mountain people, give to -industry the opportunity to develop itself--that industry, the pride of -the nation, wonderful in its progress, the envy of all the world. May -it be permitted to gather together further treasures for our national -wealth and to increase abroad the good reputation of the thoroughness -and excellence of German work. - -In this connection I am mindful also of those laborers who, in these -vast industrial undertakings, tend the great blast-furnaces and of -those who, far from the daylight, accomplish their work with steady -hands in the leads of the mines. Consideration for them, for their -prosperity and their welfare I have taken over as a precious heritage -from my late grandfather, and it is my wish and my will, in the -province of such social regulations, to hold fast to the principles -laid down in the memorable message of Emperor William the Great. - -The lovely picture of unity which the province of Westphalia presents -to the observer I would gladly see made general over our entire -Fatherland. I believe that for such a unity of all our citizens, of -all our conditions, only one means is possible, and that is religion. -Not, indeed, understood in the sense of strict theological doctrine, -but in the broader sense, practical for daily life. I must here go back -to my own experience. In the long period of my reign--it is now the -twentieth year since I came to the throne--I have had to do with many -men and I have had to endure much from them; many times unconsciously, -and unfortunately many times consciously, they have hurt me grievously. -And if at such moments I have been in danger of losing my temper and -thoughts of revenge have arisen, I have asked myself what were the -means best fitted to temper anger and increase moderation. The only -one which I have found is to say to myself: "All men are like you, -and, although they do you harm, they bear a soul born in the realms -of light above, to which we all wish to return, and through their -souls they have a part of the Creator within them." Whoever thinks -in this way will judge his fellow men mildly. If this idea of mutual -forbearance could only be spread among the German people, then the -first condition for a complete unity would be established. This can -only be accomplished if we tend toward one central ideal--the person of -our Redeemer, the Man who called us brothers, who lived as an example -for all of us--the most personal of all personalities. He still wanders -among the people, and we are all conscious of Him in our hearts. In -looking up to Him our people must find their union, and they must build -firmly upon His words, concerning which He Himself has said: "Heaven -and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away." If they -do that, then they will succeed. To such co-operation I should like -to-day to invite especially the men of Westphalia. For, as I have -before explained, in their province they have understood how to present -that charming spectacle of differences reconciled. They will also -understand me first and best. In this spirit let old and new districts, -citizens, farmers, and laborers hold together and unitedly work -together through loyalty and love for the Fatherland. Then the German -people will be the rock of granite upon which our Lord God can build -and complete his work of culture in the world. Then will the words of -the poet be fulfilled when he says: "In contact with German life, the -world will grow well again." To whosoever is ready to offer me his -hand on this I shall be most grateful and I will accept it joyfully, -no matter who or of what condition he may be. I believed that I would -be most quickly understood by the Westphalians, and therefore I have -turned to them. - -I now raise my glass with the wish that God's blessing may rest upon -the red Westphalian earth and upon all its people, that I may be -permitted still longer to maintain peace in order that they may follow -their calling undisturbed. God bless Westphalia! The province of -Westphalia--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -ENGLISH JOURNALISTS - -LONDON, NOVEMBER 16, 1907 - - In November and December, 1907, the Emperor paid a visit to - England. On this occasion the degree of Doctor of Civil Law was - conferred upon him by Oxford University. Ever since the Morocco - incident, in 1905, the feeling between the two countries had been - somewhat strained and newspapers on both sides of the channel had - helped to foment discontent. To a group of English journalists who - had visited Germany during the summer the Emperor gave an audience - and addressed them as follows: - -GENTLEMEN: - -I greatly appreciate your greeting. It gives me pleasure to think that -your visit to Germany during the past summer has been so fruitful and -that you are satisfied with the welcome accorded you by my countrymen. -The power which you possess is great and extremely beneficial when it -is used as a means for strengthening the feeling of friendship among -the peoples. Your address shows that this task lies near to your -hearts. I thank you, therefore, for your appearance here to-day. I -rejoice to have seen you and hope that you will exert your influence -to foster between our two nations the friendly feelings which are so -necessary to the peace of Europe. We belong to the same race and have -the same religion. These are bonds which should be strong enough to -preserve harmony and friendship between us. - - -ALSACE-LORRAINE - -STRASBURG, AUGUST 30, 1908 - - The Emperor delivered the following address at a banquet after the - imperial manoeuvres in Alsace-Lorraine. The general situation in - Alsace-Lorraine has been discussed in connection with the address - to the delegates of the _Landesausschuss_ on March 14, 1891. - -I bid you, gentlemen, heartily welcome and express to you the warmest -thanks of the Empress and myself for the beautiful reception through -which, here as in Metz, the people of Alsace-Lorraine have given -so telling an expression of their love and loyalty. My heart also -bids me thank you once more for the restoration of the old castle of -Hohkönigsburg, especially the people of Lorraine for their patriotic -attitude and the donation of the charming Lorraine Room in the castle. -For more than thirty-seven years you have now been able to follow -your different callings in peace, and beautiful Alsace-Lorraine, -keeping pace with the unexpected development of the German Empire, -has in this time blossomed forth most joyously. As inhabitants of -this border-land, you naturally have the greatest interest in the -further maintenance of peace, and I rejoice to be able to express to -you my innermost conviction that the peace of Europe is in no danger. -It rests upon too firm a foundation to be easily disturbed through -instigations and slanders aroused in certain quarters by jealousy and -envy. A solid security of the first rank is afforded by the consciences -of the princes and statesmen of Europe who know themselves responsible -to God and feel for the life and prosperity of the people intrusted to -their charge. On the other hand, it is the wish and will of the people -themselves to make themselves useful in the further development of -the magnificent acquisitions of their progressive civilization and to -measure their strength in peaceful competition. And, finally, peace -will be secured and protected also through our forces on water and -on land--through the German people in arms! Proud of the unequalled -discipline and love of honor of her armies, Germany is determined, -without threatening others, to carry these to still greater heights and -so to expand as to further her own interests without either favoring -or doing harm to any one. With God's help and under the protection of -the German eagle, you can therefore follow still further your peaceful -callings and garner the fruits of your industry. May the blessing of -God rest upon your work at all times! Long life to the German province -Alsace-Lorraine! - - -THE "DAILY TELEGRAPH" INTERVIEW - -OCTOBER 28, 1908 - - Perhaps the most startling incident in the Emperor's reign and the - most extraordinary evidence of what may be called his "personal - diplomacy" policy was brought out by the publication of an - interview in the _Daily Telegraph_ of London. German sympathies - before and during the Boer War had been strongly pro-Boer. On the - third of January, 1896, the Emperor had telegraphed to President - Krüger: "I beg to express to you my sincere congratulations that, - without help from foreign powers, you have succeeded with your - own people and by your own strength in driving out the armed - bands which attempted to disturb the peace of your country and in - re-establishing order and in defending the independence of your - people from attacks from outside." - - The German people had, therefore, assumed that the Emperor shared - their friendliness toward the Boers and that the government was - observing a policy of neutrality at least. When they learned - that his General Staff had been called upon, and that he had - prepared a plan of campaign against the Boers, a universal shout - of protest was raised. The publication of this interview, which - was designed to conciliate England, had a contrary effect upon - Holland, and the feeling that their ruler was held down by no - sense of responsibility was borne in forcibly upon the people. - The matter was made the subject of innumerable controversies, - debates in the Reichstag, and investigations. It was originally - announced that the interview had been given to an English diplomat - who had retired to private life. It was discovered that such was - not the case. It had been granted to an English journalist who - had written certain flattering articles about the Emperor. As for - the text, it was admitted that it was substantially authentic; it - had been shown to and had practically received the _visé_ of the - German Foreign Office. The Emperor's Chancellor, however, had not - seen the interview and under the storm of criticism offered his - resignation. This the Emperor did not accept, and the Chancellor - attempted to defend the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Emperor - withdrew and for a time, like Achilles, pondered in his tent. Even - the Chancellor had to admit the Emperor's indiscretion and to - inform his sovereign that it would be impossible to carry out any - consistent foreign policy if the Emperor did not observe a proper - reserve in his public and private utterances. - - Any number of projects were presented in the November debates - of the Reichstag for changing the Constitution, to bring - about co-operation between the Reichstag and the Emperor in - the appointment and dismissal of Chancellors and declarations - of war, and for introducing a law to bring about ministerial - responsibility. Nothing came of these, however, and we shall see - from the Königsberg speech (August 25, 1910) that the chastening - which the Emperor had received on this occasion had no particularly - lasting effect. Although both the interview and the telegram are - undoubtedly authentic (the interview was published in official - government organs in Germany, like the _Norddeutsche Allgemeine - Zeitung_, and by the Wolff Bureau), they are not included in any - official collection of the Emperor's utterances, and Penzler, of - course, does not print them with the speeches. The interview as - here given is taken from the account of the London _Times_, of - October 29, 1908. - -The Emperor, who is stated to have spoken with "impulsive and unusual -frankness," began by declaring that "Englishmen, in giving the rein -to suspicions unworthy of a great nation," were "mad as March hares." -"What more can I do," he asked, "than I have done? I declared with all -the emphasis at my command, in my speech at Guildhall, that my heart is -set upon peace and that it is one of my dearest wishes to live on the -best of terms with England. - -"My task is not of the easiest. The prevailing sentiment among large -sections of the middle and lower classes of my own people is not -friendly to England. I am, therefore, so to speak, in a minority in my -own land, but it is a minority of the best elements, just as it is in -England with respect to Germany. That is another reason why I resent -your refusal to accept my pledged word that I am the friend of England." - -The writer reminded his Majesty that "not England alone, but the whole -of Europe, had viewed with disapproval the recent action of Germany in -allowing the German consul to return from Tangier to Fez." His Majesty -replied, "with a gesture of impatience," that German subjects in Fez -were "crying for help and protection." - -"And why not send him? Are those who charge Germany with having -stolen a march on the other powers aware that the French consular -representative had already been in Fez for several months when Doctor -Vassel set out?" - -The Emperor then reverted to "the subject uppermost in his mind--his -proved friendship for England." It was commonly believed in England, he -said, that during the South African War Germany had been consistently -hostile to her. German opinion, he admitted, was hostile--"bitterly -hostile"; but not so official Germany. In fact, while other European -peoples had received and fêted the Boer delegates who came to solicit -European intervention, he alone had refused to receive them at Berlin, -"where the German people would have crowned them with flowers." His -Majesty continued: - -"Again, when the struggle was at its height, the German Government -was invited by the governments of France and Russia to join with them -in calling upon England to put an end to the war. The moment had -come, they said, not only to save the Boer republics, but also to -humiliate England to the dust. What was my reply? I said that so far -from Germany joining in any concerted European action to put pressure -upon England and bring about her downfall, Germany would always keep -aloof from politics that could bring her into complications with a sea -power like England. Posterity will one day read the exact terms of the -telegram--now in the archives of Windsor Castle--in which I informed -the sovereign of England of the answer I had returned to the powers -which then sought to compass her fall. Englishmen who now insult me by -doubting my word should know what were my actions in the hour of their -adversity." - -These were not the only proofs which his Majesty had given of sympathy -with the British cause: - -"Just at the time of your Black Week, in the December of 1899, when -disasters followed one another in rapid succession, I received a letter -from Queen Victoria, my revered grandmother, written in sorrow and -affliction, and bearing manifest traces of the anxieties which were -preying upon her mind and health. I at once returned a sympathetic -reply. Nay, I did more. I bade one of my officers procure for me as -exact an account as he could obtain of the number of combatants in -South Africa on both sides, and of the actual position of the opposing -forces. With the figures before me, I worked out what I considered to -be the best plan of campaign under the circumstances, and submitted -it to my General Staff for their criticism. Then I despatched it to -England, and that document, likewise, is among the state papers at -Windsor Castle, awaiting the serenely impartial verdict of history. -And, as a matter of curious coincidence, let me add that the plan which -I formulated ran very much on the same lines as that which was actually -adopted by Lord Roberts and carried by him into successful operation." - -In conclusion, his Majesty dwelt upon the importance to Germany of a -powerful fleet. Germany must be able to protect her growing commerce -and manifold interests "in even the most distant seas." "Germany," -he went on, "looks ahead. She must be prepared for any eventualities -in the far East. Who can foresee what may take place in the Pacific -in the days to come?" Looking to the accomplished rise of Japan and -the possible national awakening of China, he urged that "only those -powers which have great navies will be listened to with respect when -the future of the Pacific comes to be solved," and that even England -herself may welcome the existence of a German fleet "when they speak -together on the same side in the great debates of the future." - - -THE EMPEROR AND COUNT ZEPPELIN - -MANZELL, NOVEMBER 10, 1908 - - With Prince Fürstenberg the Emperor journeyed from Donaueschingen - to Manzell in order to be present at a flight of the dirigible - Z-1. Count Zeppelin received the Emperor and conducted him in a - motor-boat to the dirigible hangar. Prince Fürstenberg, Admiral - von Müller, and General von Plessen ascended with the count. The - Emperor did not make the flight. After the landing of the airship - he bestowed upon Count Zeppelin the order of the Black Eagle with - the following words: - -In my name and in the name of our entire German people I heartily -congratulate your Excellency on this magnificent work which you have so -wonderfully displayed before me to-day. Our Fatherland can be proud to -possess such a son--the greatest German of the twentieth century--who -through his invention has brought us to a new point in the development -of the human race. It is not too much to say that we have to-day lived -through one of the greatest moments in the evolution of human culture. -I thank God, with all Germans, that he has considered our people worthy -to name you one of us. Might it be permitted to us all, as it has been -to you, to be able to say with pride in the evening of our life, that -we had been successful in serving our dear Fatherland so fruitfully! -As a token of my admiring recognition, which certainly all your guests -gathered here share with the entire German people, I bestow upon you -herewith my high Order of the Black Eagle. [Then followed the investing -by his Majesty and the head marshal, Prince Fürstenberg.] Now allow me, -my dear count, to bestow unofficially upon you the accolade! [Embraces -him three times.] His Excellency, Count Zeppelin, the Conqueror of the -Air--Hurrah! - - -REGATTA AT HAMBURG - -HAMBURG, JUNE 22, 1909 - - The Emperor, as an enthusiastic yachtsman, has made it a point - to be present, as we have seen, at nearly all of the Hamburg - regattas. As he was this year to visit the Czar in the furtherance - of his "personal diplomacy," he had already been forced to decline - their invitation; but finding it possible to attend at the last - moment, he made all possible speed to arrive at Hamburg, where his - recently constructed yacht _Meteor_ was to make her first start. - The banquet, at which the Emperor spoke, took place on board the - Hamburg-American Liner _Deutschland_. - -YOUR MAGNIFICENCE: - -I pray you accept my most cordial and heartfelt thanks for this -friendly greeting in the midst of men so well known and sympathetic -to me. It was, indeed, a severe struggle of conscience for me, placed -between my duty and my pleasure, to have to give up eventually the -pleasure of being the guest of Hamburg. But it goes without saying -that, as compared with the welfare of the realm, personal wishes must -be silent, and with a heavy heart I decided, therefore, to send word -that it would not be possible for me to be your guest and take part -in the series of sports. Happily, however, things arranged themselves -favorably. That ship which you all know, delivered to me by Vulcan, my -yacht _Hohenzollern_, has again competed with her ancient and renowned -reputation. We hurried and flew through the Baltic, and what the yacht -could not accomplish the railroad took care of; and so it was possible -for me to arrive in time for the splendid arrangements for the Hamburg -racing day and, while responding to the wishes of M. S.,[43] at the -same time to enter again that circle of men and women whom I prize -so highly. It is my duty on the present day to express my deepest -gratitude to the city of Hamburg for her warm and hearty reception, -which seems to increase from year to year, if that be possible. I must -also express my appreciation of the hospitality extended to me in the -house of your Magnificence, and also for the beautiful boat which I -have received from the hands of a Hamburg master of his craft. We have, -therefore, at last before us the proof for which I have been striving -for years--that, just as in the building of war-ships and of liners, -so too, in yacht construction, we now stand upon our own feet. It is a -worthy vessel, built with German hands, out of German materials, and -manned from stem to stern by German men. I hope that before the year is -out she will clip the waves and show herself to advantage in foreign -ports. We follow sport here, and not politics; but your Magnificence -has been good enough to touch upon points which now deeply move all -German hearts. I still hope that the sense of collective responsibility -will, in the hearts of the representatives of our people, be stronger -than party feeling, for I assume that no one among you wishes to take -upon his shoulders the responsibility of thwarting a reform which is -absolutely necessary to the Fatherland's internal and external welfare. -[Bravo!] You have followed with interest my journey to the Finnish -coast, where I was so warmly and hospitably received by his Majesty, -the Emperor of All the Russias, and by his people. I am pleased to -be in a position to give you, as representatives of the commercial -and business world, the following interpretation of the significance -of that visit, since you are particularly interested in the peaceful -shaping of the future. His Majesty, the Emperor, and myself have -agreed that our meeting is to be looked upon as an important pledge -of peace. As monarchs we consider ourselves responsible to God for -the weal and woe of our people, whom we wish to advance as far as -possible along peaceful paths and bring to fullest fruition. All -peoples need peace in order that under its protection they may devote -their undisturbed attention to the great cultural problems of their -economic and commercial development. For this reason we shall strive -as far as lies in our power to work, with the help of God, for the -furtherance and maintenance of peace. Naturally, in such a time, -sport also can be developed to the fullest degree. I therefore empty -my glass to the hospitable city of Hamburg and to my colleagues who -are here assembled. Three hurrahs for the city of Hamburg and the -Hamburg-American Line! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - -[43] Max Schinckel, president of the Racing Club, who had invited the - Emperor. - - -REVIEW OF THE FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS - -KARLSRUHE, SEPTEMBER 11, 1909 - - The following address was delivered at Karlsruhe by the Emperor - after his return from Austria in 1909. - -I extend to you my heartiest thanks for the friendly words of welcome -which in the name of the citizens of Karlsruhe you have offered me. I -have so often stopped here at Karlsruhe that I am no longer a stranger -among you. With you I have lived through joyful and sorrowful days. -On the present day, as you have said, I am here to inspect this -portion of our army. We Germans are a people who rejoice in weapons -and who lightly and joyfully wear our uniforms, because we know that -it preserves the peace for us in which alone our work can prosper. -The review from which I have just returned showed me the soldierly -sons of Baden, who, commanded by their distinguished sovereign, have -given me the deepest satisfaction. As long as there are wars our army -constitutes the "_rocher de bronze_" upon which peace is based. Our -army serves to protect it and to maintain the position in the world -which is rightfully ours. For this purpose also such strenuous days of -effort are devoted to its development. I am convinced that, if need -arises, with the help of God and under His protection, it will give -a fitting account of itself. I ask you, Herr Burgomaster, to be the -interpreter of my thanks and of those of her Majesty, the Empress, for -the splendid and hearty reception which the citizens of Karlsruhe have -offered us. - - -EMPEROR BY DIVINE RIGHT - -KÖNIGSBERG, AUGUST 25, 1910 - - It was at Königsberg that the coronation of the Emperor's - grandfather took place, or rather, it was here that William I - crowned himself King of Prussia. This express disclaimer of any - responsibility to the people may be found in several speeches, but - nowhere was the _ex me mea nata corona_ attitude more forcibly - expressed than on this occasion. Ordinarily there had been no - coronations in Prussia, as they were considered a useless expense. - As the predecessor of Emperor William I had granted the people a - constitution, William I was evidently going to insist upon his - prerogative and did so by taking the crown unto himself and making - his famous statement. His conduct and that of his predecessors has - been discussed in chapter I. - -My heart bids me express to the men of this province the pleasure -which her Majesty and I feel on finding ourselves again within the -borders of this beautiful country and on having been received with such -enthusiasm by the citizens of our loyal city and of the province. The -sentiment that finds expression now in Königsberg proves that it is -an entirely unique bond which joins the city and the province to our -house. And, in fact, if one looks back upon the history of the country -and of the house it becomes evident that great and important portions -are common to both. Here it was that the Great Elector, by his own -right, created himself the sovereign Duke in Prussia; here his son set -the King's crown upon his head; and the sovereign house of Brandenburg -thus became one of the European powers. Frederick William I established -here his authority as "_rocher de bronze_"; under Frederick the Great, -the province shared in the joys and sorrows of his reign. Then came -the difficult time of trial. The great soldier Emperor of the French -resided here, and after the power of Prussia had been shattered he let -both the city and the country feel his merciless hand. Here, however, -the thoughts of raising up and freeing the Fatherland were first put -into action. After Tauroggen,[44] when the old, unyielding York stirred -up the people with his flaming speeches, came the courageous decision -of the Prussian Diet to begin the work of liberation. And here my -grandfather, again, by his own right, set the Prussian crown upon his -head, once more distinctly emphasizing the fact that it was accorded -him by the will of God alone and not by parliament or by any assemblage -of the people or by popular vote, and that he thus looked upon himself -as the chosen instrument of Heaven and as such performed his duties as -regent and sovereign. And adorned with this crown, forty years ago, -he rode forth to battle to win the Emperor's crown also. Truly it -was a long way to the time of the famous telegram of the Emperor to -my late grandmother: "What a change through the providence of God!" -This picture would, however, be incomplete if I did not mention one -figure which especially in that year had occupied and gripped anew -the Prussians and, I may truly say, the whole German people. It is -not possible to think of the time of our collapse and our revival, -without remembering the figure of Queen Louise. The people of the -city of Königsberg and the province of East Prussia likewise saw this -angel in human form wandering among them and they were influenced by -her and helped her to bear her grievous ills. The noble Queen has been -described by many as going about among her subjects, and our people -hold her in grateful remembrance. But I think that one thing cannot be -sufficiently emphasized, and that is that in the general shattering of -our Fatherland, when even the statesmen and leaders of the army gave -up everything as lost, the Queen was the only one who never for one -moment doubted for the future of the Fatherland. Through her example, -through her letters, through her conversation, and through the bringing -up of her children she showed the people the way in which to find -themselves again. She showed them the way back to religion and with -it to a recognition of and a confidence in themselves. She encouraged -our people in the thought of rallying about the King again and of -winning back our freedom. And after she--a noble martyr--had faded -away and enthusiasm flamed forth in the land again and old and young -seized their weapons to drive the intruder from the country, then, -in spirit, she marched before the colors and inspired the warriors -with courage that the great work could be accomplished. What does the -noble figure of Queen Louise teach us? It teaches us that, as she once -imbued her sons with the one thought of restoring the country's honor -and of defending the Fatherland, so we men should cultivate all warlike -virtues. As in the time of the liberation young and old rallied to -the standard and gave everything they had--when even women and girls -did not spare their hair--so we must ever be prepared and keep our -equipment intact, in view of the fact that the neighboring powers have -made such astounding progress. For only upon our preparedness does our -peace rest. And what shall our wives learn from the Queen? They will -learn that the chief duty of German women lies not in the province of -meetings and club life, not in reaching out after imaginary rights so -that they may do as men do, but in the quiet work in the house and in -the family. They are to educate the younger generation, especially in -obedience and in respect toward their elders. They are to make clear -to their children and to their children's children that it is not a -question to-day of living their own life at the expense of others or -of achieving their own aims at the expense of the Fatherland, but that -they must singly and solely keep the Fatherland before their eyes and -singly and solely devote all their powers and their thoughts to the -good of the Fatherland. That is the lesson which has been bequeathed -to us by this noble figure whom the Fatherland and the citizens of -this city have so beautifully described on her simple monument as "the -good genius of the Prussian people." I cherish the hope that all of -the people of East Prussia who have gathered here will understand me -and that, as they return again to their work and their occupation, -they will think of these things. We must co-operate for the good of -the Fatherland, no matter who and where we are. And for me, too, the -conduct of this vanished Queen will be an example, as it was for -my grandfather. Looking upon myself as the instrument of the Lord, -without regard for daily opinions and intentions, I go my way, which is -devoted solely and alone to the welfare and peaceful development of the -Fatherland. But in this work I need the co-operation of every one in -the country and to this co-operation I would like to invite you also. I -empty my glass in the hope that this attitude may ever prevail in the -province of East Prussia and that it may lend me its assistance in my -labors. Long live the province of East Prussia!--Long may she prosper! - -[44] In 1812 Prussia was ostensibly an ally of France. It was due to - General York, the commander of the Prussian Auxiliaries, rather - than to the Emperor's somewhat pusillanimous ancestor, King - Frederick William, that Prussia was liberated from the rule of - Napoleon. York commanded the Prussian troops who were to serve - as auxiliaries to Napoleon. On December 30, 1812, he, on his - own authority, concluded the convention of Tauroggen with the - Russians by which he broke with the French and declared his corps - neutral. The vacillating Prussian King, in spite of his country's - humiliation, was too solicitous about maintaining his throne to - dare venture upon any really decisive action. It was popular - pressure far more than the King's (or even the Queen's) initiative - which brought about the national uprising against foreign - domination. - - -THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BERLIN - -BERLIN, OCTOBER 11, 1910 - - The active interest which the Emperor has always taken in higher - education in Germany is evident in the following address. If he - has given it a powerful organization he has taken from it by - unconscious processes a large measure of its earlier freedom. The - professorial caste has always been highly influential. During the - Emperor's reign it has been pressed into his service. Its present - system of organization and its connection with the government - puts the Emperor, or at least the minister appointed by him, - in a position to distribute rewards. It is said that there are - practically no Social Democrats teaching in higher institutions of - learning. - - In the early years of its foundation the university of Berlin - rendered immense services to the patriotic cause, especially - through the work of Fichte and Schleiermacher. - -To my loyal Frederick-William University, I offer greeting and -congratulations on this its hundredth anniversary! - -From the day of its founding its fortunes have been intimately bound -up with those of the Prussian-German Fatherland. When my ancestor King -Frederick William III called it into existence a hundred years ago, he -did so in order to compensate the state with spiritual powers for what -she had lost in physical power. Thus the University of Berlin was born -out of the same creative genius from which sprung the regeneration of -Prussia. And this spirit, which raised up Prussian Germany and which -lived in Fichte, Schleiermacher, Savigny, and their friends, made -the university even in a few years the centre of the spiritual and -intellectual life of the Fatherland. - -Truly, the University of Berlin was still far from being a _universitas -litterarum_ in the sense of William von Humboldt, but it has come ever -nearer and nearer to this ideal. A stronghold of wisdom, she has won, -far beyond the boundaries of Prussia and Germany, an international -significance. Through the exchange of teachers and students these -relations are visible externally. Through the activity which it shares -in common with the rest of the universities of the country it now forms -the "general institute of learning" which was intended at its founding. - -In the meantime Humboldt's plan, which comprised besides the university -the totality of intellectual institutions, has not yet come to complete -realization, and these hours of consecration seem to me especially -fitted for preparing the way for the completion of what appeared to -him as the goal. - -His great educational plan demanded, besides the academies of learning -and the university, independent institutes for research as an integral -part of the general educational organization. The founding of such -institutions has not kept pace in Prussia with the development of -the universities, and this defect, especially in our natural-science -equipment, is becoming more and more noticeable as a result of -the powerful forging ahead of the sciences. We need institutions -which reach out beyond the limits of the universities, institutions -untrammelled by aims of instruction, yet in close touch with the -academy and the university, which shall serve entirely for research. - -To call such research institutes into being as soon as possible seems -to me a sacred duty of the present, and I hold it as my task, as father -of my country, to bespeak the general interest for this undertaking. -This high aim requires great expense and can be accomplished only if -all circles interested in the progress of the sciences and in the -welfare of the Fatherland are ready to co-operate in this significant -task and to make sacrifices for it. I should like, therefore, to-day -to lay upon the conscience and place before the eyes of every one the -new aim with the impressive warning: "_Tua res agitur._" I hope and -firmly trust that this work will succeed; indeed, although the plans -have been disclosed only to a limited circle, from various parts of the -country I have already received enthusiastic expressions of support and -very considerable means; between nine and ten million [marks] have been -placed at my disposal. I feel the need of expressing here in this place -my warmest thanks to these unselfish donors. - -But to secure lasting support for this undertaking, it is my wish, -under my protection and my name, to found a society which shall set for -itself the task of erecting and maintaining institutions for research. -To this society I will gladly turn over the money given me for that -purpose. To see to it that the institutions so founded shall not lack -help from the state will be the care of my reign.[45] - -[45] On the Emperor's initiative, the Emperor William Society for the - furthering of the sciences was founded. It has already called into - being two scientific institutes, the Emperor William Institute for - Chemistry and the Emperor William Institute for Physical Chemistry - and Electrical Chemistry. They were dedicated by the Emperor, - October 23, 1912. - -So may to-day be not only an occasion of jubilation for the University -of Berlin, but may it also signify a further step in the development of -German spiritual life! - -And still one wish more I give to the university on its way into a new -century. May she, in loyal remembrance of the time of her founding, -preserve her Prussian-German character! Learning is, indeed, the common -property of the whole cultural world, and her acquisitions to-day -halt at no boundaries. And yet--as every nation must preserve its own -manner of life if it would emphasize its independent existence and its -value for the whole--may the _alma mater Berolinensis_ remain forever -conscious that she is a German university. As formerly, so may she be -for all time the seat of German manners and of German art! And may -every one who has the honor to investigate, to teach, and to study -within her walls devote himself to his task, filled with the sense for -truth and for thoroughness with the earnestness and the love for all -work which Goethe prized as the ornament of our people. - -May the university further exercise her splendid privilege of fostering -true knowledge, which, as Humboldt has so well said, comes from man's -inner being to be planted again in his inner being, which creates and -reshapes character. Let her do this with that noble freedom which -sets laws unto itself and with that sense of exaltation which comes -from being the administrator of a treasure which belongs to the -whole of humanity. "_Communis hominum thesaurus situs est in magnis -veritatibus._"[46] But all truth is God's, and His spirit rests upon -every work which is grounded in and strives toward the truth. May this -spirit of truth live also in you students; may it be found in all the -workings of my dear institution of learning! Then will her age be like -her youth; she shall remain a city upon the hill, to which the peoples -make pilgrimage, and an ornament and treasure of the Fatherland. - -[46] This phrase is taken from Leibnitz's dedication of the - _Miscellanea Berolinensia_ to King Frederick I. - - -THE EMPEROR IN BRUSSELS - -OCTOBER 27, 1910 - - The Emperor and Empress, accompanied by the Princess Victoria - Luise, came to Brussels in order to repay the visit which the King - and Queen of Belgium had made to Potsdam in May, 1910. At the time - of the visit of King Albert to Berlin the Emperor did not take part - in the festivities, as he was suffering from a wound in the hand. - The honors were done by the Crown Prince. The Emperor's speech at - the banquet at the Royal Palace in Brussels calls for no comment. - -The sincere words of friendship which your Majesty, in the name of her -Majesty, the Queen, has just addressed to us, the Empress, my daughter, -and me, as they sprang from warm hearts are welcomed by warm hearts. -We remember with greatest pleasure the visit which your Majesties made -to us last spring at Potsdam, and it was a welcome duty of gratitude -to return it as soon as possible. The brilliant reception prepared for -us by your Majesties and the Belgian people in this splendid capital -has stirred us to the depths and inspires us to heartier thanks in that -we see in it an expression of the close bond which unites not only our -families but our peoples. It is with friendliest sympathy that I and -all Germany follow the astounding results which have accrued to the -untiring energy of the Belgian people in all departments of trade and -industry, the crowning display of which we have seen in the brilliantly -successful World Exposition of this year. Belgian commerce embraces the -whole circle of the earth, and it is in the peaceful work of culture -that Germans and Belgians everywhere meet. Their cultivation of the -more spiritual arts fills us with similar wonder when we behold to what -a conspicuous place the poets and artists of Belgium have attained. -May the trustful and friendly feelings, to which in recent times the -relations of our governments bore such pleasing evidence, be ever more -closely preserved! From your Majesty's reign may happiness and blessing -stream forth upon your house and upon your people! It is with this -wish, which comes from the very depths of my heart, that I propose -long life to your Majesties, the King and Queen of the Belgians! - - -ALCOHOL AND THE SCHOOLS - -CASSEL, AUGUST 19, 1911 - - The Emperor had been a student at the Friedrichs Gymnasium in - Cassel, and in 1875 his parents had presented a flag to the school, - which had now to be replaced. In turning over the new flag to the - first man in the upper class, the Emperor took occasion to give the - students certain advice, particularly with regard to the use of - alcoholic beverages. His attitude here marks a decided innovation - in Germany, and if his address is compared with the one delivered - at Bonn (April 24, 1901), it will be seen how keenly aware he is of - the changing tendencies of the times. - -I have decided to have a new flag woven for the upper class instead of -the one which my parents bestowed when I was a student and which has -fallen a victim to time. The high school has asked to have the old one -back again; I will have it mended so that it may be hung. I wish you to -remember, through it, that from your walls and your studies a German -Emperor has gone forth. - -You have been busy with the studies of antiquity. Do not lay too much -stress upon the incidents of their political life; for these relations -have so changed that they cannot be applied to the present. You may -well rejoice in many of the great figures and characters of antiquity, -but Greek culture has one special trait which no other nation has -shown. The harmony which our own time so sadly lacks, the Greek people -showed in art, in life, in their motions, in their dress, yes, even in -their systems of philosophy, and in the handling of their problems. I -especially advise you to read what Chamberlain so trenchantly says on -this point in the Introduction to his "Foundations of the Nineteenth -Century." - -And then, above all, strive to know the history of your Fatherland. -Learn to know the misery of our people in the later years of the -Middle Ages, in the struggles between church and state and between the -princes, in the strife of creeds during the Thirty Years' War, when -our people were trodden down and brought into the service of foreign -peoples and dynasties with whom its interests had nothing in common, -until the final great downfall in the time of Napoleon. The year 1870 -first brought us a united German state again. And if you enter upon -a political career, keep your eye upon the field as a whole, and do -not be disturbed by parties. For these shove their interests before -those of the Fatherland and often draw a curtain between you and it. -And if your political efforts threaten to bewilder you, I advise you -to withdraw from them for a time--travel or go on a walking tour--and -let Nature have her way. Then when you return you will have a clearer -vision of the real relations. If at any time the waves overwhelm you, -if the many phenomena of modern art and literature bewilder and depress -you, you can always turn to these ideals of antiquity as a means of -recovering your balance. - -You are now ready to enter the university. Therefore I would like to -give you one more counsel, which you must not take lightly, for it is -to me a very serious matter. Alcohol is a great danger to our people, -which, believe me, gives me great anxiety. I have led the government -now during twenty-three years, and through the reports which pass -through my hands I know how many crimes have been committed through -alcohol. Direct your gaze for a moment to a neighboring land. The -Americans are far ahead of us in this. At their universities there they -do great things, as you may convince yourselves, since so many students -come to us from there. There, at the reunions and at the great academic -gatherings--for instance, at the inauguration of a president--no wine -is seen on the whole table; and they get along very well without it. If -you enter the university, steel your body through sport and through -fencing--a thing I would blame in no one--or through rowing; but do -not seek to make a record for yourself by seeing who can gulp down the -greatest number of intoxicating drinks. Those are customs which come -to us from another time. If you will take this attitude in the corps -and societies, I shall be grateful to you. We have other tasks now than -they had in former years and must strengthen our knowledge of national -economy and finances. For it is worth Germany's while to protect her -position in the world, especially in the world market. Therefore we -must all hold fast together. - -I herewith turn the flag over to you. The _primus omnium_, so I -understand, will carry it and will consider it an honor that he is the -first one to do so. - - -INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION - -HAMBURG, AUGUST 27, 1911 - - After a religious service for the army, the Emperor and Empress - visited the race-course at Grossborstel. The relations between - Germany and England were becoming strained. At the time of the - uprising in Morocco on the twenty-first of May, 1911, the French - general Moinier took measures, so he said, to protect Europeans - in Morocco and later besieged certain native cities. Germany, - pursuing her world-policy, immediately sent the gunboat _Panther_ - and later the cruiser _Berlin_ to the harbor of Agadir, and assumed - a threatening attitude, as she had done at Tangier and as Admiral - Diedrichs had done at Manila. When the English made it plain that - they would support France, in accordance with the _entente_ reached - in 1904, with regard to Morocco and Egypt, feeling between the two - nations became tense and has remained so. The Emperor here, while - insisting upon the place in the sun, is at the same time insisting - on friendly competition. (See the discussion of the speech of March - 31, 1905.) - -YOUR MAGNIFICENCE: - -As often as her Majesty and I have the happy opportunity of coming to -Hamburg, it becomes our duty to express our gratitude for the joyful -reception and warm, heartfelt greeting which is accorded us by all -classes of the Hamburg citizens. We have felt this again to-day and are -constrained to express anew our thanks for the welcome on the part of -the city. It is an index of how close the relations have become between -the citizens of Hamburg and our house. As the highest commander of my -army, I would at the same time like to express the joy I take in the -fact that the Hanseatic cities are now about to express again their -lively interest and their love and fondness for the regiments which -bear their names. To me it is a proof that the relationship between -the garrisons and their cities is a deep and a close one, and that they -are proud to give some outward recognition for the service which their -sons have rendered in the past and for the zeal which they showed in -their work of peace. - -When, yesterday, the city of Hamburg enthusiastically greeted a portion -of that army which has so long maintained peace, she did a very proper -thing, for she understands that under the protection of peace she can -devote herself to her labors. She is a world city and is situated on -one of the greatest rivers of our Fatherland, and the breath of the sea -and the wave beat of the tides come to her wharves. Just as for the -human body, it is necessary for a nation to breathe in order to live. -The breath of the body politic gives it life and strength. This breath -is commerce. Long ago the far-sighted Great Elector coined the phrase: -"Trade and navigation are the two main pillars of my state." - -In the twenty-three years since I mounted the throne it has been a -pleasure to me to follow the progress which the Hanseatic cities and -especially Hamburg have achieved in their restless advance. If I do -everything that I can on my side to help the Hanseatic cities, it is a -duty that I gladly discharge. - -But we need not wonder that the great increase of trade in our -newly united Fatherland has disquieted many people in the world. I, -nevertheless, believe that in the domain of commerce competition is -healthful; it is necessary in order to spur on states and nations to -new achievement. Indeed, it is the same thing with sports, as we have -seen to-day at the magnificent race-course, where before the eyes of -thousands of Hamburg's men and so many of her beautiful women the -officers of my army rode in competition. There we see one rider who in -thought has already won first prize, and on the right and on the left -the next two work up to him and it becomes an earnest contest between -the three. Then he who up to this point was at the head reaches for his -whip, not in order to strike his two rival riders but his own horse, -and he gives him the spur. In the same way competition between nations -can be fought out in peace. - -The powerfully developing German fleet of war, which is distinguished -by its cult of manliness and discipline, has in the last decades been -created by the German people as a protection to trade and navigation. -It represents the will of the German people to count for something -upon the seas. This growing young fleet is particularly proud of the -interest of Hamburg's citizens. If, then, I have correctly interpreted -this expression of your enthusiasm, I believe that I dare assume that -it is your purpose to further strengthen our fleet in order that we -may be certain that no one will dare challenge the "place in the sun" -which should be rightfully ours. I, therefore, raise my glass to the -health of the Hanseatic cities, and especially to Hamburg, the greatest -of them all! The gentlemen know what I think about Hamburg and how I -feel myself bound to her. And at the risk of repeating myself I say it -again: the citizens of Hamburg and I understand each other! The city of -Hamburg--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -IMPERIAL GLORIES - -AIX, OCTOBER 18, 1911 - - The special fondness of the Emperor for Aix is indicated in the - address of June 19, 1902. With his assistance the cathedral had - been restored in this year, and a marble tablet had been set - up in his honor. If the Emperor's father was concerned about - restoring the splendor of the crown, it is also true that he was - by nature one of the most liberal of the Hohenzollerns. The book - which Frederick I gave his son to read was in all probability the - magnificent volume, "Die Reichskleinodien" by Doctor Fr. Bock, - published in Vienna in 1864. - -MY DEAR BURGOMASTER: - -You have strengthened with your friendly words of greeting the deep -impression which I received to-day as I found myself within your walls. -I thank you, the city magistrates and the citizens, most heartily -for this memorable day. I do not see how the eightieth birthday -of my father, who was all too soon taken from us, could have been -celebrated more beautifully than through the solemn unveiling of the -magnificent equestrian statue dedicated to his memory, which we owe -to the unselfish reverence of the citizens of Aix for the favorite of -the German people. I congratulate the city on this new monument, which -will serve as a bond and a joy for generations yet unborn. It will -indicate that, in spite of all the frictions and political, social, -and religious differences of our time, a firm bond of love and trust, -nevertheless, surrounds and binds together the prince and the people. - -If ever a prince deserved a monument here in Aix it was my late -father. From my childhood I had occasion to observe with what interest -he devoted himself to the study of the German Emperors and of their -traditions and how deeply he was impressed by the power of their -position and the splendor of the old German imperial crown. When as a -lad I played in his room and had earned some reward through my good -behavior, he allowed me to turn the leaves of a magnificent volume in -which were represented the jewels, insignia, robes, and weapons of the -Emperors, and finally, in brilliant colors, the crown itself. How his -eyes glistened when he told stories of the coronations at Aix with -their ceremonies and banquets, of Charlemagne, of Barbarossa, and their -greatness! He always closed by saying: "That must all come again, the -power of the empire must rise, and the glitter of the Emperor's crown -must shine forth once more. Barbarossa must be freed from the tower -again!" And it was granted him by Providence to play a large part in -the accomplishment of this great work. On the bloody field of battle he -helped his honored father to win the Emperor's crown and the unity of -the German people. - -Educated by my father for the high position which was one day to be -mine, I grew up in wonder and in reverence for the Emperor's crown, -which, with its burden and its responsibility, I have taken over from -him. It is a sacred jewel from which, under God's protection, many -blessings have gone forth upon the Fatherland and which has proved -itself a shield for the national honor. All Germans can look up to -it with trust, and it will show itself the stronger the more it is -surrounded and supported by loyal affection and earnest co-operation. - -As my forefathers bestowed their special favor upon Aix, so with me -it has always been a pleasure to be able to show her my interest and -good wishes, within whose walls here, in the extreme western part -of the empire, German culture and German manners have found a place -fortified by a famous past and traditions many hundred years old. May -the city in the future also, with her salutary springs and beautiful -wooded hills, with her manifold industries and her far-reaching -commerce, grow, flourish, and prosper! May the citizens, through -loyalty to God, King, and Fatherland, pursue their work and enjoy the -fruits of their industry in peace! The old imperial city and her loyal -citizens--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - - - -VIII - -LAST MONTHS OF PEACE - -FEBRUARY 7, 1912--JUNE 23, 1914 - - -OPENING OF THE REICHSTAG - -BERLIN, FEBRUARY 7, 1912 - - As a result of the Morocco crisis and the increasing imminence of - international difficulties, the war footing of the German army - had been increased to 3,860,000 men. The navy had been steadily - extended, and projects for further increases in both army and navy - were to be introduced at this session of the Reichstag and to - be granted. The question of taxation was becoming more and more - serious. In view of the project for increased armament and higher - taxation, Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg had earnestly urged all - parties to unite against the Social Democrats. His efforts were - not nearly so successful as had been those of Bülow in 1907. One - hundred and ten Social Democrats were returned. It is perhaps - significant that at this session the Reichstag voted a bill - creating a German oil company, which was to conduct its operations - under the supervision of the government and thus render Germany - more independent of foreign countries in this regard. - -HONORED SIRS: - -In the name of the affiliated governments, I bid the newly elected -Reichstag welcome! - -To maintain the solid framework of the empire and the order of the -state undisturbed, to increase the welfare of the people in all classes -and conditions, to protect and raise the strength and credit of the -nation is the aim of all my efforts. In this I find myself in accord -with my honored colleagues, and I cherish the conviction that you, as -the chosen representatives of the nation, will exert your best powers -in this common work. - -For a generation past questions of social regulation have occupied -a prominent place in the legislation of the realm. Even at the last -session of the previous Reichstag the benefits of insurance were -extended to a large portion of the population. The same social spirit -with which the work has previously gone forward must prevail even -further. For development does not stand still. - -The finances of the realm have attained a firm position. On the basis -of definitely calculated contributions from the states, we have -succeeded in establishing a balance in the imperial economy, and by -the help of the surplus which resulted we have relieved the excess of -the budget. By holding fast to the rigorous policies in vogue up to -the present, the empire will within a short time arrive at a complete -restoration of its finances. - -It fills me with satisfaction when I think to what a point the free -spirit of enterprise has attained in industry and crafts, in trade, -and in commerce, and how, through the increasing perfection of its -technic, agriculture has gradually blossomed forth again. In view of -this gratifying progress, the affiliated governments will henceforth -not neglect to strengthen the foundation of our customs policy by means -of alterations and the addition of new trading regulations. - -A project which will be shortly put before you is to serve for the -strengthening of the German interests in foreign countries. It -regulates dependence upon the empire and the state in such a way that -it will be easier for natives of Germany in foreign parts to remain -citizens of the empire, or, in case they have lost their imperial -rights, to recover them again.[47] - -[47] This project resulted in a law promulgated by the Emperor July 22, - 1913. It has been made the subject of considerable hostile comment - in foreign countries, as it would seem under certain conditions, - not definitely fixed, to permit a German subject to divide his - allegiance. - - Article 17 of this law asserts that (German) citizenship is - lost through the acquiring of citizenship in a foreign country. - It, however, refers to Article 25, which makes the following - conditions: - - Art. 25, Sec. 2. Citizenship [German] shall not be lost by him - who, before acquiring citizenship in a foreign country, shall, - on his request, have received the written permission to retain - [German] citizenship from the proper authority in his home - state. The German consul is to be consulted before granting this - permission. - - Art. 25, Sec. 3. The Imperial Chancellor, on a vote of the - Bundesrat, can decree that the permission specified in Section 2, - shall not be granted to persons who wish to acquire citizenship in - a specified foreign state. - - On the face of it, this decree would seem to be open to the - interpretation that it lies within the power of the German - Bundesrat to allow a man who has ostensibly acquired citizenship - in a foreign country to be counted as a German citizen. - -The success of our work of peace at home and overseas depends upon -the empire's remaining powerful enough to stand for and protect its -national honor, its possessions, and its rightful interests in the -world at all times. On this account it is my continual duty and care -to maintain and strengthen by land and by sea the armies of the German -people, which does not lack young men capable of bearing arms. Bills to -this end are in preparation and will be laid before you together with -proposals which will provide for the increased expenditure. If, Honored -Sirs, you help to carry out this great project you will be doing the -Fatherland a great service. - -We have given a new proof of our willingness to settle international -points of dispute amicably wherever this can be done in accordance with -the dignity and the interests of Germany, through the conclusion of -our agreements with France. In addition to strengthening our alliances -with the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and the kingdom of Italy, my policy -is directed toward the maintenance of friendly relationships with all -powers on the basis of mutual respect and good-will. - -I trust the healthy power of the German people, and, counting upon the -support of a gracious God, I look out hopefully over the struggles of -the day toward the future of the empire. Therefore, at the beginning of -a new legislative session, I offer you, Honored Sirs, my greeting in -the hope that your activities will be exerted for the benefit of the -people and the country. - - -BRANDENBURG ONCE AGAIN - -MAY 30, 1912 - - The indications of particular good-will which the Emperor had - always exhibited for the Brandenburgers and the marks of special - favor which he had seemed to accord to them have occasionally - aroused a certain suspicion, not to say ill will, in the minds of - some of his South German subjects. In his hereditary provinces, - Brandenburg and Prussia, it will be noticed that the Emperor had - always expressed himself most freely with regard to his personal - pretensions that he ruled by divine right alone. The two speeches - which have been most criticised in this respect are the ones - delivered at Breslau (February 3, 1899) and Königsberg (August 25, - 1910). They served, unfortunately, to accentuate the differences - which existed between the subjects in various parts of the empire - and to remind them that they had a Prussian Emperor. If certain - portions of his audiences here acquiesced in these pretensions of - their hereditary ruler and were somewhat proud of the particular - confidence he vouchsafed to them, critics, and even conservative - critics, referred to these ideas of "_Gottesgnadentum_," - grace-of-Godism, with touches of what was at least irony. After - the unfortunate crisis following the _Daily Telegraph_ interview - Chancellor von Bülow had felt constrained to request the Emperor - "henceforward to observe, even in private interviews, that reserve - which is indispensable both to the interests of a consistent policy - and to the authority of the crown." As we have seen, in spite - of the Emperor's seeming acceptance of this necessity, it had - not modified to any particular extent the tenor of his speech at - Königsberg in 1910. It may be that by this time (1912) he had taken - the admonition to heart, for it will be noticed that, though we - have the customary reference to Frederick of Hohenzollern and the - glorification of his ancestors, and also the marks of special favor - and trust in the Brandenburgers, we miss any mention of the theory - of divine right. - - La Fontaine has said that it is difficult to please every one and - his father. The Emperor must have felt this when he learned that - certain of his subjects, nevertheless, resented that closing part - of his speech which would seem to imply that the Franco-Prussian - War was a sort of family affair through which the grateful - Brandenburgers decided to present the imperial crown to their - beloved overlord. Through such an interpretation the position and - interests of Bavaria, for instance, became for Bavarians somewhat - too incidental. If, then, foreign critics have drawn a distinction - between Prussia and Germany, the distinction has, therefore, a - certain warrant, since it seems to be made by the Emperor himself. - The heir to the Bavarian crown took occasion to object in one of - his speeches to the conception that the affiliated sovereigns are - "vassals of the Emperor." That he should have gone so far would - indicate that, in his mind at least, there was a disposition to - make them so. He was even more emphatic in a speech delivered in - May, 1900, before the Association for the Furtherance of Inland - Navigation in Bavaria. "I do not see," he said, "why we, if we - belong to the German Empire should not enjoy precisely the same - rights and privileges as North Germany, for the German Empire was - welded together just as much through Bavarian blood as through - the blood of any other German stock; and for that reason we do - not wish to be regarded as minor brothers, but as brothers with - full rights and privileges." So, too, it is said that the King - of Würtemberg left the Emperor's side in anger and withdrew from - the army manoeuvres in 1894. It will be plain to any one who - reads the Emperor's speeches that very few of them are made in - South Germany. Münich, Leipzig, and Stuttgart have been visited - by him less frequently than certain foreign capitals. This is due - in part, no doubt, to the fact that the reigning sovereigns of - these capitals do not wish to see a greater at their side. But it - is likewise true that in most of these districts the Emperor's - reception at the hands of the populace would be far less warm - than that accorded to him at Breslau and Berlin; for, if the - Emperor is warranted in expecting a particular loyalty from his - Prussians and Brandenburgers, so, too, are the hereditary rulers of - Bavaria, Saxony, and Würtemberg warranted in expecting a particular - recognition at home, which must necessarily be deducted from the - possible tribute which can be paid the Emperor, who is likewise a - rival King and King of a province which has not always enjoyed the - favorable consideration of South Germans. - - It was on this day, May 30, five hundred years before that the - Burgrave Frederick VI of Hohenzollern, the later Elector Frederick - I, entered the fortified place of Brandenburg, on the Havel. In - commemoration of this fact, a fountain and an equestrian statue - of the Elector by Professor Manzel were dedicated. The church of - St. Catherine had likewise been restored and was rededicated on - this day. After the unveiling, the Emperor proceeded to the old - town hall, where he inscribed his name in the city's Golden Book, - and after he had accepted the drink of honor offered him by the - burgomaster, he delivered the following address: - -I am deeply grateful to the city of Brandenburg for having thought -of inviting me to its celebration. It has been a celebration whose -importance extends far beyond the walls of Brandenburg, and I rejoice -that the Brandenburgers should have wished to have their Elector and -Margrave with them, just as it goes without saying that the Elector -is pleased when he can tarry among his Brandenburgers. The changes of -history which have swept over the German Fatherland have called forth -and laid tasks upon many a dynasty, and finally it was the dynasty of -my ancestors who first succeeded after many difficulties in laying the -corner-stone for the great work and at last in building up the work -itself--the establishment of German unity on a Brandenburger basis and -under the leadership of Prussia. We must not forget that it must have -been a difficult decision for the ruler of the land in those days and -the later Elector to undertake the task of coming into this country and -of bringing it back again to a flourishing condition. For he came from -the sunny south, which had progressed in culture and whose knighthood -at that time was also in its fullest flower of cultural development. -We have already learned from reliable lips what a frightful situation -existed at that time in the unhappy mark. And if he was successful in -re-establishing order little by little and in sowing the seeds for new -flowers, nevertheless the mark had to pass through many grievous storms -and became the arena of foreign powers and foreign lords. But at last -the Great Elector and the great King drove away the foreigners once -for all and won for the people of the mark and of Prussia the right -to live for themselves without having to see the products of their -industry and labor fall a prey to the caprices of strangers. And when -at last, through the help of God, the Prussian edifice was completed -and my grandfather, in the long period of peace, had sharpened the -sword which he must needs have in order to achieve German union, then -for a second time, on a grander scale, the same work was accomplished -which had previously been accomplished for the mark. And he succeeded -in finally forbidding the strangers to trample upon our fields and to -destroy our labor for the mere sake of following their own interests. -The German Empire and the German crown rest upon a Brandenburg basis -and a Prussian foundation. On that account we wish on this day to -remember the people of the mark and of Brandenburg and not least the -Brandenburgers who in 1870 risked their lives and all that was near and -dear to them in order to win the imperial crown for the old master. As -long as a Hohenzollern lives and as long as there are Brandenburgers -both of them will remember Constantine Alvensleben, Vionville, and the -Third Corps.[48] This was the old Brandenburger loyalty which had been -preserved through all the centuries, and I hope that this loyalty may -be the possession of the coming generations of the city of Brandenburg. -And I drink this cup in the hope that this loyalty may never be -extinguished. - -[48] Constantine Alvensleben, commander of the Third (Brandenburg) Army - Corps, played an important part in the battle of Vionville, on the - 16th of August, 1870. He checked the French army operating from - Metz and held it until the arrival of reinforcements. - - -HAULING DOWN THE FLAG - -HAMBURG, JUNE 18, 1912 - - As usual, the Emperor was present at the meeting of the North - German Regatta Association. Since 1897 he had been absent but - once. Certain references in his address here doubtless refer - back to the outcome of events at Agadir. It is difficult to tell - whether or not he is on the defensive. Whatever his qualities or - defects, it cannot properly be said that he has often or indeed - ever publicly weakened in a position which he had once taken. He - has, however, occasionally shifted his ground. Criticism, instead - of giving him pause, has usually had the effect of angering him - and of immediately drawing his fire upon his critics. So, in - regard to the criticism of his agrarian policy on the part of the - Prussian land-owning nobility, he replied that "opposition on the - part of the Prussian nobility is monstrous" [_ein Unding_]. As the - opposition had been directed solely against certain policies and - not against him personally, his statement implies that he expected - the Prussian nobility to support him in all of his positions. He - expected personal loyalty. As some of his opponents were members of - the Prussian Landtag, it is difficult to see what would become of - the idea of representative government in case the representatives - of the people waived their opinions and those of their constituents - in his favor. Some of the sharpest criticism which the Emperor - incurred was that which followed the incidents at Tangier in 1905 - and at Agadir in 1911. In both cases what may be called the war - party showed great resentment, and certain of the criticisms made - by them seem to indicate that war, to them, was a consummation - devoutly to be wished, and the failure to make war at these - opportunities was looked upon as a defeat. The Emperor seems here - to be insisting upon the fact that the flag has not been dishonored. - -Your Magnificence will certainly allow me to thank you for the address, -which glowed with flaming patriotism and which was delivered with such -a sweep of oratory that, I am convinced, it carried away all those -here assembled. We saw from the sketch which your Magnificence has -given us how in all centuries the history of our empire and of our -people, although in general attached to the Continent, nevertheless -always stood in close relationship with the water and the sea and that -it has always been more or less influenced by it. But as you have -shown, we formerly failed in gathering together our strength. The -flourishing of the Hansa, interesting and beautiful, and for a time -powerful as it was, had to pass away, because it lacked the support -of the imperial power. Through the founding of the empire under my -grandfather all things were changed, and now the German merchant can go -his way peacefully, not under a foreign but under his own flag; he can -exercise all his capacities and be sure that, when it is necessary, the -protection of the empire will stand behind him. That is only possible -when all our powers are united under our German flag. But, as you all -know, gentlemen, the flag must wave in honor; and it dare not lightly -spread its folds to the wind nor be lightly set up where we are not -sure of being able to defend it. You will understand why I have acted -with this reserve in extending the reach of the German flag where many -perhaps would have desired and longed to see it. I have allowed myself -to be guided by an old Hanseatic proverb which stands in significant -letters over the town hall at Lübeck: "The little flag is easily tied -to the staff, but it is difficult to haul it down with honor." Now, -gentlemen, I believe that I can say without fear of contradiction that -up to the present no one has ever dared offer an indignity to our flag -so long as I have been reigning. I will promise and hold to it that -wherever you go ahead there my flag shall follow you. That is true in -great as in little things. Every man binds his flag to the staff in the -morning and hopes to conquer. Not every one is successful. In spite of -that, we rejoice that on this day of the Elbe regatta not only German -but also many boats of related and friendly peoples are present and -make the scene a picturesque one. Therefore we rejoice, and again I -whole-heartedly express the hope that sailing and water sport on the -Elbe and on the Baltic, on the inland lakes as on the sea, may grow and -prosper. We, however, who have gathered here under the flag of Hamburg, -on the beautiful ship of the Hamburg-American Line, raise our glasses -and drink to the health of the city of Hamburg and all seamen here -assembled. The city of Hamburg--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! - - -ACCIDENT TO A ZEPPELIN - -BONN, OCTOBER 17, 1913 - - Nineteen hundred and thirteen was a jubilee year in the history - both of Germany and in the Emperor's reign. In the first place, - it was the one-hundredth anniversary of the famous battle of the - nations at Leipzig, which marked the turning of the tide in the - fortunes of Napoleon. On innumerable occasions the Emperor, in - the speeches already printed, has referred to this crisis in - the affairs of Germany; he was, curiously enough, not to make - the address on this famous occasion, for the celebration was - to take place at Leipzig and the addresses were made by Doctor - Clemens and by the King of Saxony. The journals noted that during - the address of Doctor Clemens the Emperor, who was present, - showed no enthusiasm and looked bored. The joyous occasion had - been clouded by the unfortunate accident to the naval Zeppelin - L-2 on the previous day. As the Emperor had succeeded to the - throne on the fifteenth of June, 1888, the year marked also the - completion of twenty-five years of his reign, and the week of - June 15 had been one of continual celebration and many speeches. - He issued innumerable pardons and conferred many titles and - decorations, among them the title of general on his Chancellor, - Von Bethmann-Hollweg. His many speeches were, however, for the - most part, merely acceptances of congratulations and, aside from - the renewed expression of his hope to maintain peace, are not - particularly significant to the student. The sense of increased - tension is evident everywhere and seems to have reacted upon - him, as he does not express himself with his former enthusiasm. - He repeats his old themes, the necessity of disregarding party - divisions and in particular the need of holding fast to religious - ideals and of moral regeneration. - - On the seventeenth of October, 1913, on the eve of the great - national celebration, the naval Zeppelin L-2, shortly after - starting on a flight from Johannisthal to Hamburg, met with a - most distressing accident. An explosion occurred, the balloon - caught fire and burst, and the gondola fell with its crew. The - twenty-seven officers and men were killed. From Bonn the Emperor - issued the following statement. The text, as well as that of the - speech of June 23, 1914, is taken from the _Berliner Tageblatt_. - -Again fate has laid a heavy hand upon my navy. The dirigible L-2 was -destroyed by an explosion, and nearly thirty brave men, among them many -of the ablest in developing this new species of warcraft, lost their -lives. Their death in the service of the Fatherland will be honorably -remembered by me and the entire German people. Our very deepest -sympathy goes out to their relatives. But grief over what has happened -will only spur us on to renewed efforts to develop this so important -aerial weapon into a reliable engine of war. - - WILLIAM, I. R. - - -WE GERMANS FEAR GOD, NOTHING ELSE - -HAMBURG, JUNE 23, 1914 - - The following speech is, we believe, the last one delivered by the - Emperor before the murder of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June - 28), which precipitated the war. True to his custom, the Emperor is - again at Hamburg at the regatta which usually marks the beginning - of his summer holiday. This year his yacht _Meteor_ was to win - the Hamburg prize. The banquet at which he ordinarily delivered - his address was to be held on board the _Victoria Luise_, and the - president of the association, Doctor Schröder, who made the address - preceding the Emperor's, alluded to the disaster to the Z-1 and - the destruction of that boat off Heligoland. He followed it with a - discussion of Germany's progress in naval and aerial development. - The Emperor answers with his usual compliments to Hamburg. His - naval policy and his policy of expansion had profited the seaport - towns particularly, and he was always a welcome guest. In the year - of his jubilee, 1913, the Hamburg-American Line had done him the - honor to name one of their boats the _Imperator_, and this year - they had launched the great thirty-thousand-ton _Bismarck_. If - his speech on this occasion shows nothing particularly new, one - thing at least is interesting from the change which he introduces - in Bismarck's famous statement. The Emperor himself has quoted it - previously (April 24, 1901): "We Germans fear God, nothing else in - the world." Here it seems to have in it a little more of defiance - and possibly of challenge: "We Germans fear God and absolutely - nobody and nothing else in the world." - -May your Magnificence allow me to express my thanks for your friendly -words and for the picture of the past progress of important phases of -our national development! I would like to include in my expression of -thanks a heartfelt appreciation of the delightful reception which this -year, as in other years, was accorded me by the population of the city -of Hamburg. It was noticeable in the oldest citizen and in the youngest -child. I have been able to see how the hearty and close relationship -between Hamburg citizens and myself has gradually become traditional, -for it passes on from generation to generation. Your Magnificence, -has spoken of the sources which provide us with the material for the -Fatherland's activity on the seas and has cited some brilliant examples -in this line. Although I, too, have noted with pleasure how sport has -developed greatly, I would, nevertheless, like to call attention to the -fact that in one respect I believe our nation is following the right -path. We are right in attempting to bring the mass to a higher level -of development rather than to scoop out isolated great performances -from a generally lowered average. The water sports which we foster and -which have again brought us together here, have also seen a new yacht -appear under my flag, and it has been successful in winning the Hamburg -state prize, for which honor I am joyously grateful. The yacht is the -creation of a German Hanseatic shipbuilder and was built by experienced -hands at the well-known wharves of Mr. Krupp, on the water-front. -This, too, is an indication of the development of our technical skill, -which was possible only in the long period of peace which was granted -us after the stirring years of military prowess. It is a symbol of -peace which the merchant, the banker, the ship-owner needs in order -to develop, and which they have used each in his own calling to -such magnificent effect. I am sure I represent the feelings of all -those assembled here on this beautiful and well-known ship of the -Hamburg-American Line when I thank that line particularly for the great -day they recently prepared for us. As another symbol of the long period -of peace, a few days ago the _Bismarck_ left its stocks. It is the -greatest vessel now afloat. We all of us know very well that this was -no ordinary launching, both because of the size of the ship and because -of the impression and attitude of the spectators. The Hamburg-American -Line, through the building of this vessel, gave us the occasion for -a great national festival at the moment when the thirty thousand -tons glided down into the water. It was as if all the dross had been -taken out of the lives of those of us who were present, and even from -the lives of all other Germans, as we may judge from the expressions -which come to us from all parts of the country. Envy, pettiness, daily -conflicts disappeared. All hearts beat higher and remembered the great -time and the great men who wrought in it and thought of the Great -Emperor and of his Iron Chancellor. It is for us to administer further -the legacy that has come down to us. Just as in our individual efforts -and in our sports we summon up and exert all our powers to reach our -goal, so too we must do the same for our Fatherland. We must be in -a position to take to heart and to exemplify practically one of the -finest utterances coined by the Iron Chancellor. We must so live and -act that we shall at all times say with him: "We Germans fear God and -absolutely nobody and nothing else in the world." With this feeling I -raise my glass and ask you to drink with me to the city of Hamburg, the -Regatta Association, and the Hamburg-American Line--Hurrah! Hurrah! -Hurrah! - - - - -IX - -AT THE OUTBREAK OF THE WAR - - -As there is no official edition of the Emperor's recent addresses, the -following five speeches and decrees are taken from the _Frankfurter -Zeitung_. - - -FORCING THE SWORD INTO HIS HAND - -BERLIN, JULY 31, 1914 - - On the 31st of July the Emperor made the following address from the - balcony of the Royal Palace in Berlin: - -A grievous situation has come upon Germany. Envious nations on all -sides are forcing us to justified defense. They are forcing the sword -into my hand. If my attempts are not successful in bringing our -opponents to their senses and in keeping peace at the eleventh hour, -I hope that with God's help we may so use the sword that we may be -able to sheathe it again with honor. Enormous sacrifices in life and -property would be demanded from the German people by a war; but we -would show the enemy what it means to attack Germany. And now I bid -you go to the church, bow down before God and ask His help for our -brave army. - - -AN END OF PARTIES - -BERLIN, AUGUST 1, 1914 - - After the order of mobilization, the Emperor made the following - brief speech from the window of the Royal Palace: - -If we must have war, all parties cease. We are only German brothers. In -times of peace this or that party has attacked me; I forgive them now -with all my heart. If our neighbors are not satisfied to leave us in -peace, then we hope and pray that our good German sword will come out -of the struggle victorious. - - -OPENING OF THE REICHSTAG - -BERLIN, AUGUST 4, 1914 - - The Emperor opened the special session of the Reichstag with the - following address: - -HONORED GENTLEMEN: - -At a time big with consequences I have assembled the elected -representatives of the German people about me. For nearly half a -century we have been allowed to follow the ways of peace. The attempts -to attribute to Germany warlike intentions and to hedge in her -position in the world have often sorely tried the patience of my -people. Undeterred, my government has pursued the development of our -moral, spiritual, and economic strength as its highest aim, with all -frankness, even under provocative circumstances! The world has been -witness that during the last years, under all pressure and confusion, -we have stood in the first rank in saving the nations of Europe from -a war between the great powers. The most serious dangers to which the -events in the Balkans had given rise seemed to have been overcome--then -suddenly an abyss was opened through the murder of my friend the -Archduke Franz Ferdinand. My lofty ally, the Emperor and King Franz -Joseph, was forced to take up arms to defend the security of his empire -against dangerous machinations from a neighboring state. The Russian -empire stepped in the way of the allied monarchy following out her -just interests. Not only our duty as ally calls us to the side of -Austria-Hungary, but it is our great task to protect our own position -and the old community of culture between the two empires against the -attack of hostile forces. With a heavy heart I have had to mobilize -the army against a neighbor with whom it had fought side by side on -many a battle-field. With unfeigned sorrow I saw broken a friendship -which had been faithfully preserved by Germany. The imperial Russian -Government, yielding to the pressure of an insatiable nationalism, -has taken sides for a state which through its sanctioning of criminal -attacks has brought about the evils of this war. That France, too, -should have taken sides with our enemy could not surprise us; too often -have our attempts to come to friendlier relationships with the French -Republic failed because of her old hopes and old resentments. - -Honored Gentlemen, what human insight and power could do to equip a -people for these uttermost decisions has been done with your patriotic -assistance. The hostility which has been making itself felt in the -east and in the west for a long time past has now broken out in bright -flame. The present situation is not the result of passing conflicts of -interests or of diplomatic conjunctions; it is the result of an ill -will which has been active for many years against the power and the -prosperity of the German Empire. - -No lust of conquest drives us on; we are inspired by the unalterable -will to protect the place in which God has set us for ourselves and all -coming generations. From the documents which have been submitted to -you, you will see how my government and especially my Chancellor have -endeavored even to the last moment to stave off the inevitable. In a -defensive war that has been forced upon us, with a clear conscience -and a clean hand we take up the sword. I issue my call to the peoples -and stocks of the German Empire, that with their united strength they -may stand like brothers with our allies in order to defend what we -have created through the works of peace. Following the example of -our fathers, staunch and true, earnest and knightly, humble before -God, but with the joy of battle in the face of the enemy, we trust in -the Almighty to strengthen our defense and guide us to good issue. -Honored Gentlemen, the German people gathered about their princes and -leaders are to-day looking to you. Come to your decisions quickly and -unanimously. Such is my most earnest wish. - - -TO THE ARMY AND NAVY - -BERLIN, AUGUST 6, 1914 - - On this date the following statement was issued to the army and - navy: - -After forty-three years of peace, I call all the available forces to -arms. We must defend our most sacred possessions, the Fatherland, and -our own hearths, against ruthless attack. Enemies round about us! That -is the characteristic of the situation. We must expect a great conflict -and to make great sacrifices. I have confidence that the old warlike -spirit still lives in the German people, that powerful warlike spirit -which attacks the enemy wherever found and at whatever cost and which -has always been the fear and terror of our enemies. I have confidence -in you, you German soldiers. In every one of you there lives the eager, -unconquerable will to triumph. Every one of you knows how to die like -a hero if need be. Think of our great and glorious past. Remember that -you are Germans. God help us. - - (Signed) WILLIAM, I. R. - - BERLIN, August 6, 1914. - - -PROCLAMATION TO THE GERMAN PEOPLE - -BERLIN, AUGUST 6, 1914 - - The following proclamation was issued on the evening of this date: - -TO THE GERMAN PEOPLE: - -Since the founding of the empire, for forty-three years it has been the -earnest aim of my ancestors and myself to maintain peace with the world -and to further our powerful advance in peace. But our opponents envy -us the fruit of our labors. In the consciousness of our responsibility -and our strength, we must endure overt and covert hostility from east -and west and from across the sea. But now they wish to humble us. They -demand that with folded arms we should watch our enemies prepare -themselves for an underhand attack. They do not wish to allow us in -loyal determination to stand by our ally, who is fighting for his -position as a great power and with whose humiliation our own power and -honor will also be lost. So the sword must decide! The enemy surprises -us while we are entirely at peace. Therefore, to arms! Any wavering, -any hesitation would be treachery to the Fatherland. We must fight for -the existence or non-existence of our empire, which our fathers lately -founded for themselves; for the existence or non-existence of German -power and German life. We shall fight to the last breath of man and -horse, and we shall continue this conflict against a world of enemies. -Germany has never yet been conquered as long as she was united. Go -forward with God, who will be with us as He was with our fathers. - - (Signed) WILLIAM, I. R. - - BERLIN, August 6, 1914. - - - - -Transcriber's Note - -Obvious printer errors have been fixed. - -Variations in spelling have been retained except in clear cases of -typographical error (see list below). - - Page xiv - Tangiers changed to Tangier - - Page 167 - unforgetable changed to unforgettably - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The German Emperor as Shown in his -Public Utterances, by Christian Gauss - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GERMAN EMPEROR--PUBLIC UTTERANCES *** - -***** This file should be named 43666-8.txt or 43666-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/6/6/43666/ - -Produced by Norbert Müller and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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