Germany a large
section of her eastern lands--Alsace and northeastern Lorraine. It was
true that these provinces had long ago belonged to Germany. All of this
territory, however, had been French for generations, and much of it for
over two hundred years; and in both provinces the population was loyal
to the French government and violently opposed to being transferred to
the rule of Germany. But defeated France had no choice in the matter,
and the provinces became part of the German Empire. France has never
forgotten or forgiven this humiliation. Lloyd George, the British prime
minister, in speaking of the Alsace-Lorraine problem (January, 1918)
said, "This sore has poisoned the peace of Europe for half a century,
and until it is cured healthy conditions cannot be restored."

[Illustration: ALSACE-LORRAINE]

German rule in Alsace-Lorraine has been unwise as well as severe. The
teaching of the French language in the elementary schools of the
provinces was forbidden. Military service in the German army was made
compulsory despite the protests of the inhabitants, who felt a horror of
some day being forced to fight against the French, whom they regarded as
brothers. All important offices were filled by Germans from beyond the
Rhine. The police constantly interfered with the freedom of the people.
French newspapers were suppressed on the slightest excuse. Attempts were
made to prevent Frenchmen from visiting Alsace and Alsatians from
visiting France. German army officers stationed in the provinces openly
ignored the rights of the population and were upheld in their conduct by
the German government. As time passed the inhabitants grew more and more
dissatisfied with the strict German rule.

In France also hostility to Germany was increased by the conditions in
Alsace-Lorraine. Frenchmen could not forget that they had been robbed of
these provinces. Hope was kept alive that some day they might be won
back. In the city of Paris, in the Place de la Concorde, there are eight
large marble statues each representing a great city of France. One of
these represents Strassburg, the chief city of Alsace. Every year, on
July 14, the national holiday of France, the people of Paris have placed
a wreath of mourning on this statue. This custom expresses the sorrow of
France for the loss of her eastern provinces, as well as her hope that
some day they may be restored.

ITALIA IRREDENTA.--_Italia Irreden'ta_ in the Italian language means
"u