read the Spectator regularly, and my interest, as a German,
is particularly directed to your articles on Germany and the German Emperor. Especially I studied your article, "The German Emperor's Speeches," in the Spectator of May 7th, but I do not intend to touch upon that, because an Englishman and a German never will have the same point of view with regard to Germany and her Emperor. I want only to say a few words concerning Mr. de S. Fowke's letter in the Spectator of May 14th, which makes some comments on your above-mentioned article. (1) There can be no doubt that the writer of this letter is not intimately acquainted with Germany, since he writes : "The Army is not at all a popular institution." The Army is Germany's pride, and will be a popular institution so long as a "Hohenzollern" is German Emperor. All well-bred classes in Germany regret sincerely that books appear designed to undermine the sympathy of the German people for their Army; but I maintain that those books never give a reproduction of the feelings of the whole German nation, but only of a few solitary agitators. Perhaps it may be hard for some to serve one, two, or three years in the Army, and sometimes it may not be easy to obey the orders of an officer, especially when he is "aristocratic, over- bearing, and insolent." I accept the case we have in Germany such officers, but we are all strictly convinced that those officers will show in case of war, by their courage, that they are worthy to wear the uniform of their King. Our officers have shown their courage in the past, and should the necessity arise would do so again; therefore, owing to that, the people are willing to execute the orders of their officers. (2) Abroad it is the general opinion that the Socialists in Germany are so powerful that it is impossible to do anything without asking for their permission. We have, thank God, at the present no such conditions in Germany, though the Socialists have had apparently great successes at the last Election. When the call comes, "The Fatherland is in danger! "it is obligatory that the whole nation should go out to defend it, to save it; then we are all convinced in Germany that also those men professing Socialistic doctrines will not hesitate to follow to the battle- field to fight for the Fatherland. Goal and rational-thinking people in Germany maintain that in ease of war, at the moment of national enthusiasm, the terrible influence of the leaders of this party will go to pieces ! And for the rest, why should not the Emperor remember sometimel his people on his duties ? In conclusion, permit me a few words in general. I have only been four weeks in England, and have only seen a little of your country, but all that I have seen has shown me the greatness and wealth of your nation. I regret deeply the fact that always, again and again, the Press both of England and Germany try to set these nations the one against the other. Every enlightened German knows how impolitic and injurious the behaviour of the German Press was against England during the Boer War ; we will try to correct our faults in the same way as our Emperor began to do by his visit to England during the Boer War, showing that he dis- liked the conduct of the German Press. Every German coming to England, every Englishman coming to Germany, has a good reception. Why, when individual men are kindly one to another, should it be impossible that also both nations should try to have friendly relations ? I think that would be a blessed work of the Press of both countries to help to bring • about a good understanding between both nations. The visit of the English King to Kid may be the beginning of this • great peace-work.—I am, Sir, &c.,
BERTHOLD DELBEC OK.
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