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Caption: War Publications - WWI Compilation 1923 - Article 25
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to live on good terms with his neighbors. Germany was satisfied with the accomplishment of her unity, and Bismarck's influence was largely and strongly thrown against extra-territorial ambitions. But when the present Emperor came to the throne and forced Bismarck's retirement, a change gradually came over the mind of the German nation. As one writer, Frymann, put it some years ago: "Since Bismarck retired there has been a complete change of public opinion. It is not longer proper to say Germany is satisfied. Our historical development and our economic needs show that we are once more hungry for territory, and this situation compels Germany to follow paths unforeseen by Bismarck." The ambition of the nation became the domination of Europe, on the ground that they needed more land for their growing population. They proceeded to argue that the land of the world was practically all occupied. Everywhere we go, they tell us, we find that the Englishman has been before us; and, they added, we know that America has begun the same landgrabbing policy, by your seizure of the Philippines, your tutelage of Cuba and Central America. Therefore, they concluded, we must tear the land from the possession of those who have it. A simple illustration will make clear the ethics of this wonderful proposition. In this country, since the adoption of the Constitution until now, there has been abundance of land open to settlement on easy terms, or for nothing. Hundreds of thousands of enterprising citizens have gone in and occupied the land, so that now our population reaches in an unbroken stretch from ocean to ocean. Now there are no more opportunities. The present generation and the next and the next, and all succeeding generations, will be born only to find the land all occupied. They want it, however, as ardently as you wanted, or as your fathers or grandfathers wanted it. when tney took up the government patent for the acres that now are yours. What shall we think of a proposition that we who have come later and find the land all occupied, shall now drive you off because w e , forsooth, in our opinion, can make a better U8 « of it? Y e t this precisely is the proposition of the German Empire. 18
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