The Austrians could not allow their
venerable and sorely stricken monarch to be wounded and insulted any
longer. This reasonable and honorable sentiment on the part of Austria
has caused Russia to put itself forward as the patron of Servia, as the
enemy of European thought and civilization.
Russia has an important mission to fulfill in its own country and in
Asia. It would do better in its own interest to leave the rest of the
world in peace. But the die is cast, and all nations must decide whether
they wish to further us by sentiments and by deeds, or the government of
the Czar. This is the real significance of this appalling struggle, all
the rest is immaterial. Russia's attitude alone has forced us to go to
war with France and with their great ally.
The German Nation is serious and conscientious. Never would a German
Government dare to contemplate a war for the sake of dynastic interest,
or for the sake of glory. This would be against the entire bent of our
character. Firmly believing in the justice of our cause, all parties,
the Conservatives and the Clericals, the Liberals and the Socialists,
have joined hands. All disputes are forgotten, one duty exists for all,
the duty of defending our country and vanquishing the enemy.
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