find the real
causes that have led to this struggle of nations, as they lie solely in
the conditions and latest developments of the political life of Middle
Europe generally, and Germany and Austria particularly.

In order to ascertain the real cause it will be necessary for me to
explain the policy of the above-named two Governments on one side and
the evolution of the character of the German Nation on the other side.
In glancing at the map of Germany, and particularly her frontiers and
geographical position, she being wedged in between two powerful
neighbors, Russia in the east and France backed up by England in the
west, it is apparent that her situation is very delicate, owing to the
lack of marked natural boundaries.

Tremendous military power and highly developed diplomatic ability are
the two necessary elements to create friendly relations with her
neighbors. After the creation of the great German Empire in 1870, Prince
Bismarck succeeded in establishing and maintaining for Germany friendly
relations with the other great powers. It was his policy to acquire
colonies for Germany outside of Europe, and to carefully avoid any
territorial encroachments on the neighboring States. He sounded his
warning to his countrymen not to try to increase German territory at
the expense of Russian territory.

Germany's colonial acquisitions created a new era in her policy, and, if
I may be permitted to so express myself, changed completely the face of
the German Empire. The protection and development of her colonial
possessions and her commerce required a strong navy. England's
competition of the commerce controlled by Germany started the tremendous
growth of England's naval power, and gave Germany second place. Her
rivalry with England compelled Germany to increase her army, too, and we
observed how from a quiet, inoffensive, modest State Germany gradually
became very strong and endeavored to play the first violin in the
concert not only of all Europe, but also of the whole world. Such seems
to be the fate of all nations that acquire sudden power--they get
conceited and aggressive.

The political events of the last ten years prove sufficiently the
aggressiveness of the German policy--the events at Agadir, the
annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria, the ultimatum sent by
the latter to Servia are only passing instances in the growing conceit
of the German policy. It should be remembered that in March, 1909,
Chancellor