Page:The Great War.djvu/59

This page needs to be proofread.

England Makes Up Her Mind 49 His people had believed him. England had be- lieved him, and believing, reluctantly, with every evidence of repugnance, she again drew her sword to fight for her familiar object, the balance of power. " The mainspring of English policy toward us is national egoism, that of F>ance is national ideal- ism," Prince von Buelow had said in his recent study of " Imperial Germany." Here was an illuminating analysis of all British policy and history, wholly ap- plicable to the present hour. Of the value of England to her allies, once she had enlisted, it is idle to speak. She brought the mastery of the sea. Her armies were of doubtful value, but German harbors were at once closed to food supplies by sea, the German flag disappeared automatically from the high seas. France on her part could now deal decisively with the weak Aus- trian fleet on the Mediterranean. In the opening moves France and Russia had plainly scored two tremendous triumphs in obtaining the aid of England and the promise of Italian neu- trality. Unmistakably this left Germany and Aus- tria to fight against odds, with the great army of Germany as the only real reliance. If it sustained its splendid tradition it might prove adequate, as it did under Frederick the Great for seven years with far heavier odds against it.

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.