The Chronicle LEVIN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1916. A CANDID ORITIC.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 25 August 1916, Page 2

The Chronicle LEVIN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1916. A CANDID ORITIC.

A proof of tiie prevalence in Germany ol people with mi open mind as to the cause of the war is afforded occasionally by the open expression ol' opinions by the muir courageous of sectional leaders. J'o give public expression to views at variance with opinions held in high places is more- risky in Germany than in New Zealand ; tor here there "is" liberty of opinion lor those who are prepared to express it and stand to their guns — the case of the Thames >St-:ir notwithstanding. Hut in Germans-

•-oppressed by military autocracy--the I case is very different: and it goes as ! a truism that there must lie a considerable volume of public support tor .1 leader before he win publicly run counter to the professed convictions of those ill authority, backed with the power of life; and death. Vet instances multiply. One of the most outspoken of inner critics is Hen- Harden, who in a recent issue of the .journal Zukunft combats the German Chancellor's endeavours to fix on England the blame I'or the present great war. Tn the issue of Zukunft for i.Mav 27th he reviews the history of the year immedi ately preceding: the war. and shows the nbsnulitv of describing Kir Edward Grey ns a "firebrand." or of disputing hi- desire For peace Refcri'ng for instance, to the negotiations of Herr FlardeVi says: - Can any one reallv still prame the ])ractical qualities of a, treaty which would make its fulfilment depend upon the phrase "a war forced upon us"? The Chancellor must know that his opinion that the war--which Austria-Hungary declared five days later than we did—was forced upon us. lias found belief almost nowhere in the whole world. And is it reallv worth while at such a time to mention statements published 30 years ago in two London party newspapers? As to the Chancellor's attempt to charge England with ''militarism'' Herr Harden remarks that "the warrior ipirit only becomes militarist when it has no business to be." Herr Harden also condemns the Chancellor's talk about peace "according to the war map."/ ami observes that the enemy certainly wil not follow such adviee unless lie considers that his cause is lost.