Although beaten at Sedan, she would have
remembered Jena, and Germany's revenge would have quickly been forgotten.
Let us remember the words of the Emperor of Germany--
"I would rather that all my people should fall upon the field of battle
than give back to France a single clover-field of Alsace-Lorraine."
The _Post_ of Strasburg, recalling this declaration, adds--
"The French _bourgeoisie_ is too cowardly to begin a war. It is willing
to smile at the words of Deroulede, but does not move. The people of
Alsace-Lorraine have done quite rightly in turning away from these
talkers. We have _permitted_ them to become Germans, why then, should
they refuse the privilege?"
But William II continues to evoke the red vision of France militant, in
order to obtain the vote for his military credits. It would seem that
his liberalism has gone to join his socialism. At the dinner of the
Brandenburgers he said "God inspires me; the people and the nation owe me
their obedience." No matter whether he bungles or blunders, God alone is
responsible, and it is not for the people or the nation to argue. And
what is more, has not the new President of the Evangelical Church just
proclaimed William II as _summus episcopus_? Just as William claims to
decide infallibly every political question he will now decide all
theological questions, without asking any help from the supreme council
of the Evangelical Church.
Pope, Emperor and King--but does anybody suppose that this will satisfy
him?
March 27, 1891.
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