GERMAN MILITARISM 589 



red and white surfaces for sign-posts in their street. How peculiarly 

 unfortunate for the French soldiers with their red trousers that they 

 could not avail themselves of the result of these tests ! 



These few instances, which could be multiplied indefinitely, will 

 suffice to demonstrate the correctness of my contention as to the mani- 

 fold benefits conferred upon industrial development by militarism. 



Evidently, therefore, German militarism is not the horrible insti- 

 tution which the English try to make us believe it is. It suits the 

 German people, and it has made Germany one of the most powerful 

 and prosperous nations, and enabled her to compete successfully in com- 

 merce and industry with the richest countries in spite of the lack of 

 almost all crude materials, the natural resources consisting only of 

 coal, iron and potash salts. Compare this with our country, which 

 abounds in gold, silver, copper and practically all other metals, besides 

 furnishing cotton and petroleum to the whole world. Yet as the result 

 of wise legislation, incredible thrift and economy, the cooperation of 

 science and technique, and thanks to its militarism, the standing army 

 and general conscription, Germany has reached a most enviable position 

 among all industrial and commercial nations. 



German militarism is not the arrogance of a military caste whose 

 intrigues lead to war. To its salient features — compulsory service and 

 the standing army — Germany owes its organized industrialism, which 

 has made possible not only the efficient defense of home and family, but 

 the mighty victories gained by the nation in manufacture, commerce, 

 the arts and sciences. German militarism ultimately means progress 

 along the whole line — law, order and justice. 



