lize this ideal
the German Kaiser and the German people have made many sacrifices in the
past 43 years. In proportion to the development of our strength, we
should be able to lay claim to more territory than we now possess in the
world. But we have never attempted to force this claim. We held that the
strength of our nation should be in its zeal and in the peaceful fruits
of that zeal. Great Britain has begrudged us that; she has been jealous
of our powers, jealous of our fleet, jealous of our industries and our
commerce, and jealousy is the root of all evil. Jealousy it is which has
driven Great Britain into the most fearful war which history knows and
the end of which is unforseen.

What course is open to you, gentlemen, once you are enlightened as to
the policy of your country? In the name of our Christian culture, which
your Government has frivolously placed in jeopardy, I can offer you but
one counsel: To burden your consciences no longer with Servia and
Belgium, which you must protect, but to face about and stop your
Government in its headlong course; it may not be too late. As far as we
Germans are concerned, our way is clearly indicated, though not so our
fate. Should we fall, which God and our strong arm prevent, then there
sinks with us to its grave all the higher culture of our part of the
world, whose defenders we were called to be; for neither with Russia nor
against Russia will Great Britain be able longer to maintain that
culture in Europe. Should we conquer--and victory is for us something
more than mere hope--then shall we feel ourselves responsible, as
formerly, for this culture, for the learning and the peace of Europe,
and shall put from us any idea of setting up a hegemony in Europe. We
shall stand by the one who, together in fraternal union with us, will
create and maintain such a peaceful Europe.

For the continuation of your cordial attitude toward me I am personally
grateful. I would not unnecessarily sever the bond which holds me to the
upright Christians and the learning of your country, but at the present
moment this bond has no value for me.

PROF. VON HARNACK.

P.S.--It is in your power now to wage a battle which would be of honor
to you. As a fourth great power arrayed against Germany, the lying
international press has raised itself up, flooded the world with lies
about our splendid and upright army, and slandered everything that is
German. We have been almost entirely cut off from a