Some of the pessimists who are suggesting that Germany cannot
make reparation for the wilful damage done by her in France and Belgium and elsewhere and to our merchant shipping have revived the old paradox that France benefited in 1871 by having to pay an indemnity of £200,000,000 and that Germany suffered by receiving it. French finance, doubtless, profited when the peasants, to save their country, invested their little savings in Government stook instead of hoarding the money. But this indirect benefit was only a at-off against the heavy price of defeat, which burdened the
Republic for many years. If the money had been spent on French railways and canals and schools instead of being sent to Berlin, France would clearly have been the gainer. Moreover, the condi- tions to-day differ widely from those of 1871. This has been a far longer and more exhausting war than that made by Bismarck, and the chief claim made on Germany is for the restoration of these towns and villages which she has destroyed. It is idle to suppose that France will suffer if Germany has to pay for rebuilding Reims.
Previous page
