Speaking at a banquet at Strassburg on Sunday last, the
German Emperor said :—" I rejoice to be able to express to you my deepest conviction that the peace of Europe is not in danger. It rests on too solid foundations to be easily upset by the incitements and calumnies provoked by envious and ill-disposed individuals. A firm security exists, in the first place, in the consciences of the Princes and statesmen of Europe, who know and feel that they are responsible to God for the lives and prosperity of the peoples entrusted to their leadership. On the other hand, it is the will and desire of the peoples themselves to make themselves useful by tranquilly pursuing the development of the magnificent achievements of a progressive civilisation, and to measure their strength in peaceful rivalry. Finally, peace is also assured and guaranteed by our power on sea and land by the German people in arms. Proud of the manly discipline and love of honour of her armed forces, Germany is determined to keep them on their high level without menace to others, and to develop them as her own interests demand, favouring none, injuring none." We record these words with much satisfaction. We have never questioned the Emperor's personal desire for peace, but it is none the less necessary to read his words in the light of the events which are now making all Europe anxious. Incidentally, we may remark that it is a curious perversity which makes Germany follow up her complaints of isolation by conspicuously isolating herself from the rest of Europe of her own accord.
