In our issue of to-day " Tigilans sed 2Equus "
concludes the remarkable series of letters dealing with Germany, Britain, and the United States which be has contributed to our columns,—a series which we are glad to say he has decided to republish in book form. His introductory remarks to the final letter contain two quotations of special import. The first is the remark of Madame de Steel that "thinking calms men of other nations; it inflames the German." The other is Nietzsche's aphorism,—" the German Empire will destroy the German mind." Those who have followed the army of quota- tions made and marshalled by " Vigilans sed sEquus " will realise the extraordinary significance of these words. But though " Vigilans sed ./Equus " has made German aims and aspirations plain from the words of German writers, he has, we are glad to think, never, in dealing with their country, been tempted to follow the German example. Besides, we must never forget that the Germans, in spite of Bismarck, are a great people, and that the world owes them much. If only they could add liberty to their political institutions, and allow the liberal spirit free play in the hearts and minds of the people, there need be no fear as to their future. Freedom of the person, government in the interests of the governed, and the avoidance of the canker of monopoly,—these are the secrets of oversee Empire, but, unfortunately, secrets which Germany seems determined not to master. To tell the Germans this, however, is not to show either hostility or prejudice.
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