SIR,—I hope you will allow me, as a resident Englishman
in Germany, to express my appreciation of the remarks made on this subject by Mr. Rime in your issue of June 11th. During a period of 'eleven years lived' in Germany I have had the opportunity (much against my will) of observing the ever- growing spirit of antagonist* against Great Britain which is manifested by- all classes of German society. The extra- ordinary development and intensifying of that movement are attested on every hand, and gather volume steadily. But the most embittered expressions and fanatical special pleading again' st our nation have emanated from that section of the nation of which the English public least dreams,—the German Professors. I can see little signs of- regret at the nation's attitude towards us during the Boer War, much as I should welcome them. I have heard more than one die- tinguisited University dignitary, even in the academic environment of the lecture-room, assail us in unmeasured
terms, tinged even with venom. No virtues are now ever ascribed to US: there is no vice to which we are not prone. Believe me, Sir, that my long residence in Germany has con- vinced me of two undeniable facts: (1) official and intel- lectual circles alike are fostering a legacy of hate against our nation ; (2) there is an assiduous movement, popularised in every form, to secure as quickly as practicable a Navy which may be formidable enough to cope with ours. These facts the British public should never lose sight of, and our Press does quite right in keeping them in the forefront. We are not a suspicious race, nor an alarmist one; but a wolf in sheep's clothing need not be confounded with the gentler animal.—I am, Sir, &c., METomos.
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