New York Times Current History: The European War from the Beginning to March 1915, Vol 1, No. 2: Who Began the War, and Why?Various
History
New York Times Current History: The European War from the Beginning to March 1915, Vol 1, No. 2: Who Began the War, and Why?
Various
World War, 1914-1918
The people will gain more by this struggle in all lands than they
comprehend at the present moment. ["Hear, hear!"] It is true they will
be free of the greatest menace to their freedom. That is not
all. There is something infinitely greater and more enduring which is
emerging already out of this great conflict--a new patriotism, richer,
nobler, and more exalted than the old. [Applause.] I see among all
classes, high and low, shedding themselves of selfishness, a new
recognition that the honor of the country does not depend merely on the
maintenance of its glory in the stricken field, but also in protecting
its homes from distress. ["Hear, hear!"] It is bringing a new outlook
for all classes. The great flood of luxury and sloth which had submerged
the land is receding, and a new Britain is appearing. We can see for the
first time the fundamental things that matter in life, and that have
been obscured from our vision by the tropical growth of prosperity.
["Hear, hear!"]
"The Vision."
May I tell you in a simple parable what I think this war is doing for
us? I know a valley in North Wales, between the mountains and the sea.
It is a beautiful valley, snug, comfortable, sheltered by the mountains
from all the bitter blasts. But it is very enervating, and I remember
how the boys were in the habit of climbing the hill above the village to
have a glimpse of the great mountains in the distance, and to be
stimulated and freshened by the breezes which came from the hilltops,
and by the great spectacle of their grandeur. We have been living in a
sheltered valley for generations. We have been too comfortable and too
indulgent, many, perhaps, too selfish, and the stern hand of fate has
scourged us to an elevation where we can see the great everlasting
things that matter for a nation--the great peaks we had forgotten, of
honor, duty, patriotism, and, clad in glittering white, the great
pinnacle of sacrifice pointing like a rugged finger to Heaven. We shall
descend into the valleys again; but as long as the men and women of this
generation last, they will carry in their hearts the image of those
great mountain peaks whose foundations are not shaken, though Europe
rock and sway in the convulsions of a great war. [Enthusiastic and
continued applause.]
* * * * *
Teachings of Gen. von Bernhardi
By Viscount (James) Bryce.
* * * * *
London, Oct. 3.
The present war has had some unexpected consequences. It has called the
attention of the world outside of Germany to some amazing doctrines
proclaimed there, which strike at the root of all international morality
as well as of all international law, and which threaten a return to
primitive savagery, when every tribe was wont to plunder and massacre
its neighbors.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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