"It is a war of rapine! On that I take my stand. I cannot do otherwise." Liebknecht was the one member who protested against the war.] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- THE DUTCH JUNKERS Some of these drawings remind us that the great cartoonist's message was primarily delivered to his own countrymen. They explain why he was accused, but not convicted, of endangering the neutrality of the Netherlands. He presents the German monster as a menace to all freedom, and not least to the freedom of the Dutch people. Germany's allies have sold theirs; they are harnessed to the Prussian war chariot, and must drag it whither the driver bids them, whip in hand. The nations in arms against Germany are fighting for their own and each other's freedom; and the neutrals stand looking anxiously on. Raemaekers warns them that their freedom too is at stake. He sees that it will disappear if the Allies fail in the struggle, and he shows his countrymen what they may expect. In every country there are some ignoble souls who would rather embrace servitude than fight for freedom. They have a conscientious objection to--danger. How far the Dutch Junkers deserve Raemaekers' satire it is not for foreigners to judge. But we know the type he depicts--the sporting "nuts," with their careful get-up, effeminate paraphernalia, and vacuous countenances. So long as they can wear a sporting costume and carry a gun they are prepared to take a menial place under a Prussian over-lord and submit with a feeble fatalism to the loss of national independence. It is light satire in keeping with the subject, and it provides a relief to the sombre tragedy which is the artist's prevailing mood. A. SHADWELL. [Illustration: THE DUTCH JUNKERS "At least we shall get posts as gamekeepers when Germany takes us after the war."] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- THE WAR MAKERS _Who are the Makers of Wars?_ The Kings of the Earth. _And who are these Kings of the Earth?_ Only men--not always even men of worth, But claiming rule by right of birth. _And Wisdom?--does that come by birth?_ Nay then--too often the reverse. Wise father oft has son perverse, Solomon's son was Israel's curse. _Why suffer things to reason so averse?_ It always has been so, And only now does knowledge grow To that high point where all men know-- Who would be free must strike the blow. _And how long will man suffer so?_ Until his soul of Freedom sings, And, strengthened by his sufferings, He breaks the worn-out leading-strings, And calls to stricter reckonings Those costliest things--unworthy Kings. Here you have them!--Pilloried for all time! And what a crew! These pitiful self-seekers and their dupes!