412 HEREDIiy AND SELECTION IN SOCIOLOGY 



France is due far more to reminiscences of the past than to comprehension 

 of the present. A nation whose population, in spite of all efforts, remains 

 stationary; which is divided by internal dissension, brought about by anti- 

 clerical fanaticism ; which is being slowly undermmed by internationalism 

 and anti-patriotism, is not in a position to render the services to European 

 civilisation which it formerly rendered. The war of 1870 was a warning ; 

 and to those who maintain that, since 1870, France has completely re- 

 covered her former strength, it may be replied that the Moroccan compli- 

 cation in 1906 found her entirely unprepared ; and it is no secret for anyone 

 living in Paris, and acquainted with French afEairs, that the administration 

 of the War Oifice by General Andr6 has done much to sap discipline, to 

 stir up feud and dissension, and to encourage anti-patriotism. It may 

 further be replied that the fact that M. Picquart, who some years ago 

 was condemned by court-martial for insubordination, has since become 

 Minister of War — this fact shows us with sufficient emphasis what might 

 be expected from France in the event of a European conflagration. 



What we would particularly insist upon is that the actual policy of 

 England seems to be based rather on accidental occurrences than on 

 ultimate consequences. The fact that Germany, by reason of her geo- 

 graphical position and of her superiority in organisation, is bound to be 

 the Continental centre of the Germanic confederation against the Slav 

 is overlooked. The fact that England, as a Germanic nation, is as much 

 menaced by the Slav as Germany herself, is likewise overlooked ; and 

 importance is attached only to an accidental occurrence — ^namely, the 

 commercial rivalry between Germany and England. In the same way 

 the realities of the situation in France are overlooked. No care is taken 

 to examine seriously the question as to whether a French alliance is likely 

 to be of permanent and lasting benefit to England ; and the whole atten- 

 tion of the English nation is concentrated on a side-issue : can France 

 be used effectively as an instrument against Germany ?^ Friendship is 

 cultivated with the United States, and we hear that any idea of dissension 

 between England and America is impossible ; and no care is taken to 

 inquire if this friendship is reciprocated, and stiU less to ascertain whether 

 the United States discern between England and the rest of Europe in the 

 war they have undertaken against immigration and foreign importations. 

 An aUiance is concluded with Japan without any regard to the possible 

 consequences of conflict between the white and the yellow races ; and 

 merely in order to satisfy a grudge against Russia, with whom an alliance 

 is now also advocated. 



1 From the French point of view the benefit of the famous Anglo- 

 French Convention of 1904 may equally be doubted. In return for the 

 abandonment of undisputed rights in Egypt, France obtained a hornets' 

 nest in Morocco. 



