The awakening of Germany has begun, and the promise of a speedy peace falls
on deaf ears. In the process of enlightenment the Americans have played a
conspicuous part, in spite of the persistent belittlement of the military
experts in the official German Press. The stars in their courses have
sometimes seemed to fight for Germany, but they are withdrawing their aid.
[Illustration: "COMPLETE ACCORD"; OR, ALL DONE BY KINDNESS
IMPERIAL TRAINER (to his dog Karl): "Now then, no nonsense: through you
go!"]
[Illustration: THE CELESTIAL DUD.
KAISER: "Ha! A new and brilliant star added to my constellation of the
Eagle!"
GENERAL FOCH: "On the wane, I think."
(It is anticipated in astronomical circles that the new star, _Nova
Aquilae_, will shortly disappear.)]
The long struggle between von Kuehlmann and the generals has ended in the
fall of the Minister; but not before he had indicated to the Reichstag the
possibility of another Thirty Years' War, and asserted that no intelligent
man ever entertained the wish that Germany should attain world-domination.
There was a time when this frank reflection on the Hohenzollern
intelligence would have constituted _lese-majeste._ Coming from a
Minister it amounts to a portent. Now he has gone, but the growing belief
that military operations cannot end the war has not been scotched by his
fall, and Herr Erzberger vigorously carries on the campaign against
Chancellor Hertling and the generals.
Pages:
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218