THE DUTCH AND THE GERMANS. [To THE EDITOR OP THE
"8rsornos.'1 SIR,—I have just read " Y's " "Flushing and the Scheldt " in the February Fortnightly, and wonder what object he has in view. As is evident- to -anY Dutchman. his statement thit oar nation are largely Germanophil is laughably incorrect. But interference and a few articles of this kind will soon do the work and drive them into the arms of Germany. If only your press would understand the irreparable harm they are doing ! The effects of the Boer War have scarcely worn of when this unpardonable folly undoes the work of time and counteracts the natural Anglophil tendencies of our nation. Have you no Foreign Secretary, no Ambassadors, no Diplomatic Service to attend to your interests quietly and unobtrusively P If you British really think our fortification policy hostile to your country or to Belgium, which it is not, you need not imagine that threats or overt pressure will have the desired effect. They will make a naturally obstinate race more obstinate. They will make a very touchy people unwilling even to reconsider their plans ; and, if you intend resorting to forcible measures, the Dutch would, much against their desires, be compelled to fall back on the Triple Affiance, and even you would not risk a European war for the sake of a few Flushing cupolas. Really the British press are showing about as much tact as a ploughboy, or less. A little diplomacy would have saved my country from the Kaiser's death-hug. Concluding, I draw your attention, firstly, to "Y's " too evident love of sensation, which tends to become a British characteristic, and which scarcely is conducive to cool-headed wisdom; and. secondly, to his corresponding want of accuracy. He does not even trouble to spell his geographi- cal names correctly.—I am, Sir, &c., I. L BRANTS. 19, Jordan Lane, Edinburgh.
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