14 SEPTEMBER 1912, Page 12

GERMANY'S ," PLACE IN THE SUN."

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")

Srit,—When the German Emperor used the famous phrase about Germany's "place in the sun" I took it for original, but I find the phrase was used by Pascal. In the Pensies, first part, article 9, section 53, you will find this sentence : "Ce chien set moi, disaient ces pauvres enfants; c'est La ma place an soleil; voila le commencement et l'image de l'usurpa- tion de toute la terre."

And Rousseau, in the second part of his "Discours snr l'origine de l'inegalite parmi lea hotumes," makes use of this quotation. It would appear, therefore, that the German Emperor was indebted to Pascal—he would hardly go to Rousseau—for his inspiration.—I am, Sir, &c.,

Lethara, Forfarshire. Joinr Yo uma.