our part. What
can diplomatic intervention do now? We have great and vital
interests in the independence--and integrity is the least
part--of Belgium. The smaller States in that region of Europe ask
but one thing, to be left alone and independent. If in this war
which is before Europe the neutrality of one of those countries
is violated, and no action be taken [by the powers] to resent it,
at the end of the war, whatever the integrity may be, the
independence will be gone. Mr. Gladstone said:

"We have an interest in the independence of Belgium which is
wider than that which we may have in the literal operation of the
guaranty. It is found in the answer to the question whether,
under the circumstances of the case, this country, endowed as it
is with influence and power, would quietly stand by and witness
the perpetration of the direst crime that ever stained the pages
of history, and thus become participators in the sin.

"If Belgium's independence goes, the independence of Holland will
follow. I ask the House from the point of view of British
interests to consider what may be at stake. If France is beaten
in a struggle of life and death, loses her position as a great
power, becomes subordinate to the will and power of one greater
than herself--consequences which I do not anticipate, because I
am sure that France has the power to defend herself with all the
energy and ability and patriotism which she has shown so often,
and if Belgium fell under the same dominating influence, and then
Holland, and then Denmark, then would not Mr. Gladstone's words
come true, that just opposite to us there would be a common
interest against the unmeasured aggrandizement of any power?

"It may be said, I suppose, that we might stand aside, husband
our strength, and that, whatever happened in the course of this
war, at the end of it to intervene with effect to put things
right, and to adjust them to our own point of view. If, in a
crisis like this, we run away from those obligations of honor and
interest as regards the Belgian treaty, I doubt whether,
whatever material force we might have at the end, it would be of
very much value in face of the respect that we should have lost.
And do not believe, whether a great power stands outside this war
or not, it