VII TEUTON POLITICS 88 VIII A MACHIAVELLIAN TRICK BY WHICH RUSSIA'S HAND WAS FORCED 99 IX GERMAN PROPAGANDA IN SCANDINAVIA 108 X GERMANY AND THE BALKANS 116 XI THE RIVAL POLICIES 136 XII PROBLEMS OF LEADERSHIP 146 XIII PROBLEMS OF FINANCE 161 XIV READJUSTMENTS 175 XV THE POSITION OF ITALY 192 XVI ROUMANIA AND GREECE 214 XVII GERMANY'S RESOURCEFULNESS 227 XVIII THE PERILS OF PARTY POLITICS 236 XIX PAST AND PRESENT 246 XX PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE 272 XXI THE FINAL ISSUE 296 OURSELVES AND GERMANY CHAPTER I THE CHARACTER OF GERMANY During the memorable space of time that separates us from the outbreak of the catastrophic struggle, out of which a new Europe will shortly emerge, events have shed a partial but helpful light on much that at the outset was blurred or mysterious. They have belied or confirmed various forecasts, fulfilled some few hopes, blasted many others, and obliged the allied peoples to carry forward most of their cherished anticipations to another year's account. Meanwhile the balance as it stands offers ample food for sobering reflection, but will doubtless evoke dignified resignation and grim resolve on the part of those who confidently looked for better things.