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DR. LYTTELTON AND GERMANY

AN UNNECESSARY SERMON

30 March 1915

SIR,—HAS NOT A LITTLE too much been made of the address of the Headmaster of Eton? It seems a well-meant effort to do what is not necessary—viz., to stir in Englishmen feelings of moderation as regards Germany. As a matter of fact, throughout the whole of the war, we have been remarkable for the calmness with which we have taken the actions of our enemies and for the extremely reasonable attitude of speakers and of the Press on the subjects at issue.

Dr. Lyttelton has not lived as many years in Germany as I have done, and he cannot remember Prussia at the time of the Franco-Prussian War. He seems under the impression that only in recent years has there been feeling against England on the part of Germany. I can remember July, 1870, when it was not easy for an English boy even to walk along the streets of some German towns without being hooted and having distinctly unpleasant statements hurled at one. For one or two days in that month we were popular, because an idea prevailed that we were going to join Germany; then for a day or two we were unpopular, because it was said we were going to join France. After that time we were thoroughly disliked, because we decided to remain neutral. The dislike for England dates back certainly to that period and has never been lost. Dr. Lyttelton assumes that we are to take the German view of ourselves as being correct, and that because they have a particular view we are to take up an attitude of weakness in order that we may “save 60,000,000 people from the ruin of a poisoned mind.” One thing is certain—we shall never do that by showing any weakness. Only the other day we were told that our kindly treatment of German prisoners meant that we were afraid of what would happen at the end of the war. Germany is not at the present time able to see with unprejudiced eyes anything like generosity of action. I am perfectly satisfied that the one thing we must do now is to bring Germany to her knees, and to show her that the ideals which have been hers ever since Prussia became the dominant power in Germany are unworthy and lead to disaster.

Of course, I would go further myself, and I would say this—that England, having been placed in a position in which she can, through her naval power, to a very large extent lay down the principles in international life, should now accept the responsibility, ensure for the future that her wishes shall be carried out, and secure for her great Allies and herself relief from the constant strain of knowing that there is a Power accumulating every conceivable strength in order to foist upon nations principles alien entirely to the spirit of Christ. There seems to be in some people nowadays the idea that Christianity means a weak application of what is called the principle of Christian charity, but there is a forgetfulness that Christ advised strict dealing with, and strict punishment for, national unworthiness.

Frankly, I think our duty at the present time is not so much to consider how to behave when peace comes as how we are to gain the victory which will bring peace. At any rate, one would beg public men to whom the curious twists in the German mind are not well known to refrain from rather dangerous suggestions at the present time. Dr. Lyttelton’s address was meant well, but when read in Germany will only form the text in a great many places for suggestions that we are beginning to weaken and are prepared to give Germany very good terms.

Yours faithfully,

H. R. BIRMINGHAM

TO GOLFERS

6 April 1915

SIR,—MAY I TRESPASS upon your kindness to allow me to call the attention of those who take their cars to golf to take wounded soldiers from one of the hospitals with them and give them luncheon and tea? They will be more than repaid by the gratefulness of our wounded heroes.

Yours truly,

ONE WHO HAS TRIED IT