GERMANY’S DEFENSIVE WAR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9792, 16 October 1917, Page 8

GERMANY’S DEFENSIVE WAR

. How well the Reichstag's resolution as to their “defensive war” accords with tho policy • initiated by Bismarck (says an exchange). The position today is analogous with that of 1870. Mark how oven the terms repeat themselves. When Bismarck, Roon (the "War Minister), and Moltke- had concluded their infamous compact to bring about .tho, Franco-Prussian War, “the two generals suddenly recovered their pleasure in eating and drinking,” Bis raarck tells us, adding that Roon said: “Our God of old lives still, and. will not let tis perish in disgrace.” That after, the fabrication of the Eras telegram, which deliberately precipitated the war. ■ Truly the Kaiser has read ■well. We can follow tho militarist spirit further. Germany has cried out for Hindenburg as a military dictator. Bismarck wished to be a sort of dictator, with the aid of his military confederates. “How keenly, he says of Moltke, “he wanted to put m ;pra6tice his military and strategic tastes I observed not on this occasion only. ... His lore of combat and delight in battles were a great support to me.” Moltke s comment on the war-compelling forgery was: ,iT f I may hut live to lead our armies, then the devil may come directly afterwards and fetch away my old carcase-To-day it is the Crown Prince whose soldiers “could fetch men out of hell.