Canada -- Fiction; World War, 1914-1918 -- Canada -- Fiction
accession to the throne he used his influence on the side of peace, but
I have every reason to believe that for some years past he has cherished
another purpose, the purpose of war.”
At this point Switzer sprang to his feet and cried, “I challenge the
truth of that statement. Modern European history proves it to be false,
and again and again the Kaiser has prevented war. So much is this
the case that the trustees of the only European fund that recognises
distinguished service in the interests of peace bestowed upon the Kaiser
the Nobel Prize.”
“That is quite true,” replied Mr. Romayne. “But let me recall to this
young man's mind a few facts. In 1875 Bismarck was determined to make
war upon France. He was prevented by the united action of England
and Russia. Germany made the same attempt in '87 and '91. In 1905 so
definite was the threat of war that France avoided it only by dismissing
her war minister, Delcasse. Perhaps my young friend remembers the
Casablanca incident in 1908 where again the Kaiser threatened France
with war. Indeed, for the last twenty years, even while he was doubtless
anxious to maintain peace, he has been rattling his sword in his
scabbard and threatening war against the various nations of Europe. In
most of these cases even when he wanted peace he bluffed with threats
of war. Then came the Agadir incident in 1911 when once more the Kaiser
bluffed. But Great Britain called his bluff that time and the great War
Lord had to back down with great loss of prestige not only with his own
people but with the whole of Europe. It hurt the Kaiser to think that
any nation in Europe should move in any direction without his consent.
Agadir taught him that he must quit bluffing or make up his mind to
fight.”
Again Switzer was upon his feet. “This is a slanderous falsehood,” he
cried. “How does this man know?”
“I happened to be there,” was the quiet reply.
“How do we know?” again cried Switzer.
“Will you kindly repeat that remark?” said Mr. Romayne quietly.
“I believe this statement,” shouted Switzer, “to be a slanderous
falsehood.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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