92 THE GREAT WAR 



people, indeed, would welcome any steps taken 

 by Parliament to make provision for the returned 

 soldiers. They would regard them as a means of 

 discharging the debt of gratitude they owe them 

 for their services to the community. That grati- 

 tude is strong and universal. It is shown in 

 many affectionate ways. Whilst watching some 

 wounded soldiers a sympathizing lady said to 

 the writer : " Dear fellows ; I wish I could mother 

 them all." This observation no doubt is a 

 sentimental one ; but sentiment is a controlling 

 factor in human affairs, and should be taken 

 into account by our law-makers in any legis- 

 lative action they might take. 



A correspondent of a neutral country, in sum- 

 ming up his impressions derived from a visit to 

 Germany, says in a letter published in " The 

 Times " of June 10th, 1915 :- 



" The contrasts between Germany and England are 

 striking and instructive. One such is afforded by a 

 comparison of the wide and fertile lands of England 

 where grass is grown, and broad parks stretch for miles 

 in wonderful summer beauty, with the sandy soil of 

 Brandenburg, where one travels, mile upon mile, through 

 well-cultivated fields, covered with green wheat and 

 rye, and where old folks and children plant every spare 

 foot of ground with potatoes. This is an object-lesson 



