In the special Note presented to the Pope we get
a double dose of religious and humanitarian phraseology. We hear of the " un- limited treasures of civilization being destroyed," of "extensive areas soaked with blood," and of " grief and sorrow filling almost every house." There is even a crocodile tear for the neutrals and all the terrible things they have suffered. Trade and commerce have been depressed, and the best forces of the nations have been with- drawn from the production of useful objects, and Europe now re- sembles an immense war camp, &c., &o., &e. [No mention of course is made of the preparations for destruction which the Germans carried on in secret during the throe years preceding the war.] But Germany, though fighting solely in her own defence, realizes how sad will be Europe's future if the war continues. " Seized with pity in the face of the unspeakable misery of humanity, the German Empire seeks for a basis of understanding." No doubt the appeal to the Pope was meant to be a great achievement, but some- how or other we do not think that those clear-brained Italians, the Pope and his counsellors, will be as much moved as the German Foreign Office expects.
