A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator,' 22 October 1870—There is an idea rapidly gaining ground among our own people, in Germany, and in America which ought to be discussed. Is it not possible, ask grave men, astounded by the events of the war, that France is something more than defeated,— that she is in decadence, that her history is over, and that she will never revive? . . . Fighting power, if not a high form of power in a race, is an essential form if the race is to keep its independence, and France appears to superficial observers to have lost its fighting power. We all, friends and enemies alike, ask with General Blumenthal, in simple amazement, what change has come over the French? Why do they run away? The linesmen who in one place—Metz- fight to the death, everywhere else run, or capitulate, or mutiny, or do something or other for which explanation seems as difficult as apology. The citizens in many places give them- selves up on mere rumours of a German ad- vance. The departments seem utterly unable to organize anything, not only an army, but a regiment, a company, anything of any value for defence . . . What can it all mean, if it be not that France is in decay, that the attack has not made ruin, but only revealed it?
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