“La guerre,” said Mirabeau, “est l’industrie nationale de la Prusse.” She came into existence by that industry and no other; and until civilisation can crush that industry, peace terms with Prussia must not depend upon her promise to fulfil them but upon our power to make her do so. To cry “Down with militarism!” therefore is emphatically to play the German game, and she will always support that cry in other mouths, just as she applauds our “Free Trade” and other traditions that have played into her hands so long. Holland at least is alive to danger, and since the artist drew this picture we have learned by _communiqué_ from Dutch General Headquarters that the army is equipped in every possible respect, and able to face the prospect of war with confidence. The nation as a whole has supported Parliament with enthusiasm, and the preparations have been directed and inspired by the spectacle of modern warfare and its highest needs. EDEN PHILLPOTTS [Illustration: THE DUTCHMAN: “Down with militarism.” THE GERMAN: “That’s right. So much the sooner you will be ours.”] Our Lady of Antwerp “Here I and sorrows sit. This is my throne, bid Kings come worship it.” Such seems to be an appropriate legend for Raemaekers’ beautiful triptych which he has entitled “Our Lady of Antwerp.” Full of compassion and sympathy for all the sufferings of her people, she sits with the Cathedral outlined behind her, her heart pierced with many agonies. On the left is one of the many widows who have lost their all in this war. On the right is a soldier stricken to death, who has done his utmost service for his country and brings the record of his gallantry to the feet of Our Lady of Antwerp. Antwerp, as we know, was at the height of its prosperity in the sixteenth century. We have been told that no fewer than five hundred ships used to enter her port in the course of a day, while more than two thousand could be seen lying in her harbour at one time. Her people numbered as many as one million, her fairs attracted merchants from all parts of Europe, and at least five hundred million guilders were put into circulation every year. We know what followed. Its very prosperity proved a bait to the conqueror. In 1576 the city was captured by the Spaniards, who pillaged it for three days. Nine years later the Duke of Parma conquered it, and about the time when Queen Elizabeth was resisting the might of Spain Antwerp’s glory had departed and its trade was ruined. At the close of the Napoleonic wars the city was handed over to the Belgians.