With regard to the matter of treaty obligations generally, the German
Chancellor excuses the breach of Belgian neutrality by military
necessity--at the same time making a virtue of having respected the
neutrality of Holland and Switzerland, and saying that it does not enter
his head to touch the neutrality of the Scandinavian countries. A virtue
which admittedly is only practiced in the absence of temptation from
self-interest and military advantage does not seem greatly worth
vaunting. To the Chancellor's concluding statement that "to the German
sword" is intrusted "the care of freedom for European peoples and
States," the treatment of Belgium is a sufficient answer.
* * * * *
MR. ASQUITH AT EDINBURGH.
Speech in Usher Hall, Sept. 18.
A fortnight ago today, in the Guildhall of the City of London, I
endeavored to present to the nation and to the world the reasons which
have compelled us, the people of all others which have the greatest
interest in the maintenance of peace, to engage in the hazards and
horrors of war. I do not wish to repeat tonight in any detail what I
then said.
The war has arisen immediately and ostensibly, as every one knows, out
of a dispute between Austria and Servia, in which we in this country had
no direct concern.
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