Many other hopes, bearing on internal affairs in
Russia, had been created by the authors of the intrigue which I have
endeavoured to expose. We know how deeply rooted is the religious and
pacific character of the Russian masses. No initiative could stir
their hearts so profoundly as that which seeks to lessen the horrors of
war and to relieve the people of the crushing burden of armaments. One
has only to remember the sects which exist in Russia which are opposed
to military service and duties. Such an initiative coming from their
adored Tzar was bound to produce far-reaching results.
After our experiences of 1868 and 1869--and even 1870--how can we be
guilty of running the same risks again? Was not William I, King of
Prussia, amiable enough? Did he not do everything to lull the
suspicions of Napoleon whilst he himself was arming to the teeth? We
all allowed ourselves to be sufficiently fooled by Bismarck's agents
and spies in 1870 to be able to recognise the secret agents of William
II to-day.
It is not only a shameful thing, that the _Iphigenie_ should have
hoisted at her mainmasthead the Imperial flag, bearing the insulting
device of 1870, it is also an encouragement to William II in the
treachery which he is plotting against us. One's heart is heavy with
the grief of hopelessness when one thinks of our easy-going short
memories, and the suffering courage of the people of Alsace-Lorraine.
During the past few days, whilst our Parisian newspapers have been
discussing the probability of the obnoxious presence of the Kaiser in
Paris for the Exhibition, the _Strasburger Post_ has been heaping
bitter reproaches on the inhabitants of Alsace-Lorraine for their lack
of enthusiasm and meagre contributions towards the proposed statue in
honour of the late Emperor William.
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