Ir Germany Hap Arrackep Russia and Russia 
only in its present belligerent program there is no doubt 
that public sentiment all over the world would have been 
in sympathy with Germany. But under the present con- 
ditions it is apparent that Germany held in her hands 
the power to precipitate or to prevent a great international 
conflict. If, as it has been asserted, Russia was mobiliz- 
ing and intended to attack Germany, Germany had every 
natural and national right to defend her own territorial 
integrity. At that crisis Germany held the powers of 
peace in her power. At that moment her very prepared- 
ness for war could have averted war. But Germany was 
short-sighted and war-crazed and in rapid succession the 
ultimatums against France, Russia and England followed. 
The violation of the Belgium neutrality was a crime 
against international law and order and a treacherous 
violation of the rights of the brave little republic. If 
Germany had maintained poise and good sense in the 
first days of this direful contest the war never would 
have been precipitated. For all of the powers would 
have united with Germany in its protest for peace against 
Russia and Austria-Hungary. Professor Munsterberg 
(who summers at Swampscott) has made a plea to the 
American public for considerate criticism of his father- 
land. Any right that Germany had to the sympathy of 
the United States in its conflict was sacrificed in its un- 
fair play with Belgium. Against the Slavs of Europe and 
Asia, Germany has a just complaint, but its strategical 
blunders in menacing the French, the English, the Belgian 
and the Dutch industrial and territorial integrity has lost 
to her any help that she might have easily had in sub- 
duing the Russian aggressions. ‘The American people 
hate war and wish no part in any conflict of arms, and 
America’s protest against Germany at this time is that 
the Kaiser deliberately sacrificed an opportunity and re- 
sponsibility to safeguard the peace of the world. Ger- 
many may lay the cause for its belligerent quarrel upon 
Russia, but it remains unproven that Germany used every 
strategic influence known to Great Powers to avert war. 
Consequently, Germany must be held responsible for pre- 
cipitating the general war which she could have averted 
by the use of moral suasion with the conscious power of 
its military efficiency. 
ALSACE AND LORRAINE again in the Republic has been 
been the dream of every French citizen. If Alsace and 
Lorraine should go back to France, the enmity and re- 
venge will be transferred from French to German bosoms 
and the world will not have made progress. War and 
bad blood hinder the progress of nations despite the tem- 
porary gains made by conquest. And when this war is 
“settled” the feelings of enmity and hatred will be smoth- 
ered to break out anew at an opportune time of possible 
advantage. 
It Is NEARLY TIME To SPECULATE on the future con- 
dition of political Germany. Does this conflict mean a 
new European republic? Kaisers and Kings die hard but 
nothing can hinder the progress of republicanism. 
SoME oF Our Boston NEWSPAPER FRIENDS are much 
exercised about the defences of the North Shore against 
motor boat thieves. ‘The thieves know thaat the shore 
is carefully guarded and after all things are considered 
the losses by breaks and entrances on the North Shore 
have not loomed large in the last twenty-five years. The 
Shore will have its motor boat patrol and ought to have 
it, but in the meantime why worry? 
Ir Is ImposstBLe for the new world to entirely forget 
the conflict in the old world, but it is a rare spirit that 
has the ability to find rest and peace of mind in the midst 
of this martial conflict. The point at issue is not that 
one should steel one’s heart to the old world troubles, 
but the question is whether the exhausting emotions 
which our sympathies create will help the foreign situa- 
tion. 
THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS are pro- 
tected against an exclusive German policy in respect to 
its potash supplies, asserts Mr. W. H. Bowker, who from 
his extensive experience is an authority. The fortunate 
need Germany has of phosphate, which America can 
supply, will place America in an advantageous position in 
arranging for the potash trade. ‘There is some light on 
the clouds. 
THE Scuoor CoMMITTEE IN BEVERLY faces a unique 
problem the coming fall with nearly six hundred new 
scholars to enroll, the children of refugees from the Salem 
fire. To add to the embarrassment, many of these child- 
ren have always attended schools in which French has 
been the language of instruction. Beverly has a foreign 
problem all its: own thrust upon it. 
Ir Is Sato THat America by trade gains, will profit 
by the present conflict of arms. What an unfortunate 
advantage America will have in such profits! The gains 
of peace are mutual. America prefers peace to the most 
advantageous war profits. 
Tue New Conprrion oF AFFATRS IN EuRopPE will 
present T. R. witha splendid opportunity to shunt the pro- 
gressive party program and hurry to cover within the 
republican fold. What an influence European affairs will . 
have: on our own politics! 
Tost WuHo Have Looxep Forwarp to disarmament 
as a peace program in Europe must have been startlingly 
disillusioned by the present outbreak. 
Tuere Is SomerHinc TRONICAL in the embarrass- 
ment the present war caused the delegates to the peace 
convention. 
Tur RAILROAD STOCKHOLDERS of this country have 
not been pirates or petty pilferers. Why should the 
government and the press continue their uniust aggres- 
sions? 
