business at the end of the war. Finally, there are numbers of commissioned officers now in retirement who are much experienced in the handling of troops and have served their country in the past. Let them come forward, too, and show their willingness, if need be, to train bodies of men for whom at the moment no cadre or unit can be found.

I have little more to say. Of the actual progress of the war I will not say anything, except that in my judgment in whatever direction we look there is abundant ground for pride and for confidence. I say nothing more, because I think we should all bear in mind that we are at present watching the flucutations of fortune only in the early stages of what is going to be a protracted struggle. We must learn to take long views, and to cultivate, above all, other faculties-those of patience, endurance, and steadfastness. Meanwhile, let us go, each of us, to his or her appropriate place in the great common task. Never had a people more or richer sources of encouragement and inspiration. Let us realize, first of all, that we are fighting as a united empire, in a cause worthy of the highest traditions of our race. Let us keep in mind the patient and indomitable seamen, who never relax for a moment, night or day, their stern vigil of the lonely sea. Let us keep in mind our gallant troops, who to-day, after a fortnight's continuous fighting under conditions which would try the metal of the best army that ever took the field, maintain not only an undefeated but an unbroken front. [Cheers.] Finally, let us recall the memories of the great men and the great deeds of the past, commemorated, some of them, in the monuments which we see around us on these walls, not forgetting the dying message of the younger Pitt, his last public utterance, made at the table of one of your predecessors, my Lord Mayor, in this very hall: "England has saved herself by her exertions, and,

will, as I trust, save Europe by her example." The England of those days gave a noble answer to his appeal, and did not sheath the sword until, after nearly twenty years of fighting, the freedom of Europe was secured. Let us go and do likewise. [Prolonged cheers.]

What influence had Asquith's The Call to Arms on the growth of American political ideals?

From what points of view was the Great War an attack on democracy?

Point out practices in the government of Germany in 1914 that were repudiated by the English previous even to American independence.

Had it been customary in England for the prime minister to appeal directly to the people?

What purpose was served by Asquith's reference in the first paragraph of his speech to the peace treaty with America? Compare Asquith's statement of Germany's aims with the accounts given by Lloyd-George and President Wilson.

Comment briefly on Britain's attempts to avoid the war. What, according to Asquith, was the predominating motive that led England to engage in the war?

Contrast the style of Asquith's speech with that of Patrick Henry's Does the difference indicate corresponding degrees of sincerity and determination.

If you were to judge by the applause recorded in this speech, what motives or emotions chiefly animated the audience?

What was the effect of the war on the solidarity of the British Empire?

How does this speech point to a democracy broader than any that had yet existed?

PRESIDENT WILSON'S MESSAGE TO

CONGRESS

April 2, 1917

WHEN the Germans invaded Belgium, Americans were appalled by the ruthless violation of treaties and of the principles of humanity and international law. The suddenness of the attack and the effects of unsuspected German propaganda, however, clouded the issues and made it seem uncertain what course of action ought to be followed. It seemed best to remain neutral. Accordingly early in August, 1914, President Wilson appealed to the American people in these words, “Every man who really loves America will act and speak in the true spirit of neutrality, which is the spirit of impartiality and fairness and friendliness to all concerned." It is true that at this time there were Americans who fully appreciated the sublime heroism with. which Belgium was holding back the foes of civilization, but the nation as a whole was not then ready for

war.

For years America had devoted herself to thoughts of peace. The military establishment of Germany had been looked upon with amusement, for it was a common American view that the last war in the history of the world had been fought. Very little was known about European politics and false statements made by German agents were easily believed. One-third of the population of the United States was foreign born and naturally as regards European affairs divided in their sympathies. In addition to the hundreds of thousands

of German-Americans who were hostile to the Allies, there were numerous other persons who for one reason or another were unfriendly to England or France or Russia. Even some of those citizens who thought it our moral and political duty to take the side of Belgium advised in 1914 that America continue for a longer period its policy of neutrality since the American army was so poorly equipped and was so pitifully small.

The situation, however, gradually changed. When through diplomatic means Germany had failed to prevent American firms from selling munitions to her enemies, she endeavored through paid agents and spies to initiate a campaign of violence in the United States. by inciting strikes, encouraging sabotage, and dynamiting buildings. Although such actions on Germany's part naturally cost her many supporters, the feeling against her did not become intensely bitter until February, 1915, when in utter lack of regard for international law, Germany announced that she was about to use submarines to destroy, instead of capture, enemy merchant vessels on sight and to prevent neutrals from trading with England and France.

Even this contempt for American rights, nevertheless, did not stir Americans so deeply as the growing conviction that England and France were fighting a battle for civilization. The cockneys of London, many of them miserable little men, had left their cabs and high stools in the offices, had sent their poorly nourished wives and children to the munition factories and the farms, and had gone to Ypres and the Somme and there had laid down their lives by thousands in support of the principles from which had grown the sweetness and light of American life. At Verdun the German hordes determined that France should be bled

white and Prussians would hew a way to the west. With poison gas and bayonet, with shell and machinegun, they cut down division after division of French soldiers. The poilus blocked the roads with their bodies and the Germans did not pass. As the months went by it became clearer to most Americans that England and France were fighting our fight while we stood idly by.

Meanwhile submarine activity was becoming more serious. After numerous vessels had been torpedoed with the loss of some American lives, the great liner Lusitania, carrying 1,918 men, women, and children, was sunk, May 7, 1917. Among the 1,154 passengers drowned were 114 Americans. So great was the horror and resentment created throughout the country by this act that probably a majority of United States citizens believed that the time had come when America should enter the war to help the Allies. President Wilson, however, still cherished the hope that if America remained neutral the United States might be the means of reconciling the contending powers and thereby saving endless suffering and millions of lives. The President's forbearance and patience were sorely tried when soon after the destruction of the Lusitania other ships were sunk without any effort to save passengers. His spirit can be compared only to that of Lincoln in the Civil War when resisting alike the taunts and slurs of radical abolitionists and the threats of Southern sympathizers, he waited with infinite patience until the time was fit before he issued his proclamation that the slaves were free.

On January 31, 1917, the German government announced that the next day it would begin unrestricted submarine warfare of a far more ruthless character and would sink enemy and neutral ships alike if found