The Daily News. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1915. WHAT ARE THE GERMANS THINKING?

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1915. WHAT ARE THE GERMANS THINKING?

Aa there at present exists no direct means of ascertaining the trend of public opinion in Germany on the subject of war, we are compelled, in order to arrive at an approximate conception of the views of the nation, to have recourse to such information as can be relied upon, but mainly to arrive at conclusions by means of inferences of a more or le3s scientific character. As a starting point it is necessary to remember that there are two distinct classes in Germany—the ruling class and the people. In the former may be grouped not only those actually taking part in the government of the country, but what is known as the military caste—the Prussian Junkers, who regard the rest of the inhabitants aa mere creatures to carry out orders. This is the essence of such a state of militarism as exists in Germany, where the God of War is so slavishly worshipped. The male inhabitants are soldiers by compulsion, mid not by choice, and no efforts are spared by the authorities to foster the spirit of patriotism as exemplified in the Fatherland's invincibility and faith in the destiny of the nation as befitting supermen. By means of a complete series of agencies, specially organised, equipped, «nd financed by the State, the people have been trained cleverly and effectively in all the artifices necessary to attain the one great end in view—military glory and world power. So far as the present war is concerned, so thoroughly have the people been permeated with the teaching that it was forced .011 Germany, that they believe they are lighting for their own freedom instead of basely attacking innocent neutrals, and seeking annexation of territory. No other version is allowed to reach the German people, so they at least cannot be blamed for theft exhibitions of mad hatred so cunningly planted and watered by the ruling classes. The awakening will not come to the people—unless by a miracle —until the war is over. What they will do then may l>e left for the future to reveal, The position is, then, that the thoughts of the ruling classes are attuned to their desires, while those of the Commonalty are made to order. No more striking change has taken place since the war started than that which is evidenced in the proclaimed sentiments of the ruling classes. They knew the country was in every way prepared for war, and their boastfulness of certain victory in an incredibly short space of time grew more and more pronounced. It is extremely significant to-day that a most marked change has taken place. The arrogant boasting gave place to mere confidence in the result, that, in turn, was succeeded by what may be called alcoholic exhilara-

tion—an artificially worked up enthusiasm in ultimate victory, but now that Germany lias nothing to show for her twelve months prodigious expenditure of men, money, and munitions, except a hollow and perilous victory over the Russians (who are luring the Gentians on to destruction) there are mysterious wire pullings connected with pea ( .n overtures that clearly denote the presence of a dread of that defeat which is surely awaiting the Austro-Geruian force?, The militarists may dilate on the fact that no enemy has a footing on German territory, That only establishes beyond all question two facts that the German people should clearly understand—(l) That the enemies of Germany are defending * their territories and not attacking her for the sake of aggression; (2) that the German attempt to crush France and Russia as a preliminary to settling accounts with Britain, and incidentally wiping oil the map such countries as Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and others, lia3 completely failed. The Allies now are fully manned and equipped, while the German resources have been and are being rapidly drained. Blocked in the west, foiled in the east, the German military octopus is now directing a portion of its tentacles towards the Dardanelles by way of the Balkans in order to try and extricate Turkey from her fate. Well may the Kaiser exclaim: "Watchman, what of the night?" Meanwhile, what are the millions comprising the glasses of Germany thinking? In no country of the world has social democracy made such headway under adverse circumstances as in Germany, as may be readily understood, for social democracy and militarism are as wide apart as the poles, the only fusing factor being the danger of invasion by an enemy. That the one thing the German authorities will not allow the people to know is the truth is evident by the recent suppression of the Socialist organ Vonvart9 for publishing an outspoken manifesto in favor of peace, issued by the central committee of the party—the most significant document issued by any organised party since the war began. It accurately reflects the views held by thousands of Germans, and it forms a grave indictment against the horrors of the war, which German democracy up to the last moment tried to avert. It was only when the Russians crossed the border and invaded German territory that the democrats put themselves at the service of the -Fatherland. The party, while willing to resist invaders, is adverse to annexation of foreign territory. What the people want! is peace. The manifesto evidently represents a widespread movement of opinion, and the German Government was manifestly afraid of the effect it would have on the working classes. It is quite conceivable that the people have no desire to sacrifice their life blood and their economic future to realise the ambitions of Prussian Junkers and pan-Germans. Unfortunately for the people the militarists liavo them under the whip, hence the suppression of the Vonvarts. Little by little it is being brought home to the Gorman people that the war is not being waged for the defence of national independence, and its real object—annexation —revealed. For' the time being the militarists are supreme, but it would seem that the force of public opinion must sooner or later prevail. Meanwhile the desire of the people for peace is gaining strength, even outstripping the huge casualty lists that have caused millions of mothers, wives, and children to weep for their sons, husbands, and fathers.