_The_ GERMAN EMPEROR _to_ KING FERDINAND _of Bulgaria at Nish, Serbia, December, 1916._ [Illustration] _THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE_ _The Kaiser_: "_Don't bother about your people, 'Tino. They must do what we say._" * * * * * The Venizelist "Patris" took another view of the situation on the same date: Only those who are unable to foresee things, or who are panic-stricken, would be unable to foretell the evolution of the events immediately following the Austro-German attack on Serbia. The Central Empires, not disposing enough troops for this campaign, needed the Bulgars, with whom they associated; but they also needed the neutrality of Greece, because without it Bulgaria would be unable to cooperate with them, as she would have to defend herself against Greece. In order to secure Bulgar help, the Austro-Germans used the method of compensation. The whole of Serbian Macedonia, a part of Old Serbia, an exit on the Adriatic Sea, concessions at the expense of Turkey--all this was a part of the national problem of the Bulgarian lust of conquest. It was in this way that the Bulgarians undertook the assassin's job of striking Serbia from behind. In order to secure the neutrality of Greece, the Austro-Germans resorted to the Prussian method of terrorism, inasmuch as no other concessions and compensations were at hand. Both methods have been equally successful. _The Athens "Patris" Current History. Special Staff Correspondence. December, 1915._ [Illustration] _TRUTH_ _As painted by the German Chancellor_ * * * * * It is well known that France granted loans to Russia only under the condition that it develop its Polish fortresses and railroads against us; also that England and France regarded Belgium as their route of advance against us. We must protect ourselves politically and militarily against this, and also insure our economic development. As I said on Aug. 19, we are not the ones who are threatening the small nations. We are battling in this struggle, forced upon us, not to subjugate foreign nations, but to protect our life and freedom. This war remains for the German Government what it was in the beginning and what has been maintained in every pronunciamento--a defensive war of the German Nation for its future. VON BETHMANN-HOLLWEG. _Reichstag, December 9, 1915._ [Illustration] _THE EVACUATION OF GALLIPOLI_ "_What are you firing at? The British left twenty-four hours ago!_" "_Sorry, Sir--and what a glorious victory._" * * * * *