An article in one of the. July magazines ask,s the question: “Is Ponce Possible?" mid then proceeds to reply to the query. It is a very thorough examination of doctrines and catch-words which have gained a great vogue without being properly understood. Dr. Shadwell, the author of the article, examines the change which has come over the general conception of Germany since the beginning of the war, and shows how the ease against her lias been strengthened by the revelation of her methods, by the treachery of her diplomatists, by the brutality of her soldiers and by her conduct with the submarine campaign. ITc takes as the best expression of the minds of those statesmen among the Allies who have kept all the facts in mind, two speeches by President AVilson and one hy Afr Lansing. As Air Lansing’s is the least known, we may quote one passage from it: —“AYhntcver may have been past judgment, we now realise the sinister character of Prussianism which lias been manifested in this war; and yet with this realisation of the truth we find that many Americans even among those intellectually equipped, have only a vague idea of the perverted mental attitude which makes Pi-us .danism possible, and of the reason why a compromise founded on the Prussian conception of international rights must not (.ven lie considered. True Prnssianism and the idea of an enduring and just peace among the nations can never lie brought into harmony. They arc the very antipodes of lnimnil thought. However long it may take, however great the sacrifices may be, physical might uncontrolled by morality must never again be considered the standard of international right. Much as enlightened mankind may revolt at the idea, the only way to stay this onrush of blood and desolaton, which is the direct consequence of. the mad impulse that now holds sway in the German mind, is to prove conclusively, that the Prussian masters of Germany, though armed with the full strength of the Empire and it’s, subservient Allies, do not possess the physical might to impose their will on the human race, that the ancient gods that- the philosophy which has east over the German people the robe of superior attributes is merely a product of consuming vanity and pride.” In other words, the only peace possible in the judgment of the Allies, is a victorious peace which will secure to this generation and posterity the fruits of the great sacrifice and cost of Pnissianism lias called on the world to make to obtain its salvation from the thraldom under the heel of the modern Run..
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Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1918, Page 2
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436Untitled Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1918, Page 2
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