Great Britain -- Defenses; Imaginary wars and battles
It was reported to Parliament at its sitting at Bristol yesterday that
the Cabinet had refused to entertain any idea of paying the indemnity
demanded by Germany, and that their reply to Von Kronhelm is one of open
defiance. The brief summary of the speeches published shows that the
Government are hopeful, notwithstanding the present black outlook. They
believe that when the hour comes for the revenge, London will rise as a
man, and that Socialists, Nonconformists, Labour agitators, Anarchists,
and demagogues will unite with us in one great national patriotic effort
to exterminate our conquerors as we would exterminate vermin.
Mr. Gerald Graham has made another great speech in the House, in which
he reported the progress of the League of Defenders and its wide-spread
ramifications. He told the Government that there were over seven
millions of able-bodied men in the country ready to revolt the instant
the word went forth. That there would be terrible bloodshed he warned
them, but that the British would eventually prove the victors he was
assured. He gave no details of the organisation, for to a great measure
it was a secret one, and Von Kronhelm was already taking active steps to
combat its intentions; but he declared that there was still a strong
spirit of patriotism in the country, and explained how sturdy Scots were
daily making their way south, and how men from Wales were already
massing in Oxford.
The speech was received on both sides of the House with ringing cheers
when, in conclusion, he promised them that, within a few days, the fiat
would go forth, and the enemy would find himself crushed and powerless.
"South London," he declared, "is our stronghold, our fortress. To-day it
is impregnable, defended by a million British patriots, and I defy Von
Kronhelm--indeed, I dare him to attack it!"
Von Kronhelm was, of course, well aware of the formation of the
Defenders, but treated the League with contempt. If there was any
attempt at a rising, he would shoot down the people like dogs. He
declared this openly and publicly, and he also issued a warning to the
English people in the German official "Gazette," a daily periodical
printed in one of the newspaper offices in Fleet Street in both German
and English.
The German commander fully believed that England was crushed; yet, as
the days went on, he was puzzled that he received no response to his
demand for indemnity. Twice he had sent special despatch-bearers to
Bristol, but on both occasions the result was the same.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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