New York Times Current History: The European War from the Beginning to March 1915, Vol 1, No. 2 | Page 3

flames. The present situation did not
proceed from transient conflicts of interest or diplomatic entanglements,
it is the result of an ill will which has for many years been active
against the strength and the prosperity of the German Empire. We are
not incited by lust for conquest, we are inspired by the unyielding
determination to keep for ourselves and all future generations the place
which God has given us.
From the proofs which have been given you, you will see how my
Government, and especially my Chancellor, strove up to the last
moment to avert the worst. We grasp the sword in compulsory
self-defense, with clean hands and a clean conscience.
To the peoples and races of the German Empire my call goes forth to
defend with all their strength and in brotherly co-operation with our
ally that which we have created by peaceful labor. After the example of
our fathers, firmly and faithfully, sincerely and with chivalry, humbly
before God and battling joyfully before the enemy, let us place our trust
in the eternal Omnipotence, and may He strengthen our defense and
bring it to a good end!
To you, honored sirs, the whole German people, assembled about its

Princes and its leaders, look this day. Make your decision unanimously
and quickly. That is my heartfelt wish.
Gentlemen (addressing the Deputies directly): You have read what I
said to my people the other day from the balcony of my castle. I repeat
now that I no longer know any parties. I know only Germans. And in
order to testify that you are firmly resolved without distinction of party
to stand by my side through danger and death, I call upon the leaders of
the different parties in this House to come forward and lay their hands
in mine as a pledge.
* * * * *

TO THE GERMAN ARMY AND NAVY.
Proclamation by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
After three and forty years of peace I call the men of Germany to arms.
It has become necessary to protect our most sacred possessions, the
Fatherland, our very hearths against ruthless destruction.
Enemies on every hand! That is the situation. A mighty struggle, a
great sacrifice confronts us.
I trust that the old spirit of battle still lives on in the German people,
that powerful spirit of battle which grapples with the foe wherever it
meets it, be the cost what it may, which has ever been the terror and
fear of our enemies.
Soldiers of Germany, in you I place my trust! In each one of you lives
the passionate will to conquer, which nothing can subdue. Each one of
you knows, if need be, how to die a hero's death.
Remember our great and glorious past!
Remember that you are Germans!

God help us!
WILHELM.
Berlin, Schloss, Aug. 6, 1914.
* * * * *
[Illustration: AUGUSTA VICTORIA, German Empress. (_Photo from
M.E. Burner._)]

TO GERMAN WOMEN.
An Appeal from the Kaiserin.
On the summons of the Emperor our people are preparing for an
unprecedented struggle, which it did not invoke and which it is only
carrying on in its defense. Whoever can bear arms will joyfully hasten
to the colors to defend the Fatherland with his blood. The struggle will
be gigantic and the wounds to be healed innumerable, therefore I call
upon you women and girls of Germany, and all to whom it is not given
to fight for our beloved home, for help. Let every one now do what lies
in her power to lighten the struggle for our husbands, sons, and brothers.
I know that in all ranks of our people, without exception, the will exists
to fulfill this high ideal, but may the Lord God strengthen us in our
holy work of love, which summons us women to devote all our strength
to the Fatherland in its decisive struggle.
The organizations primarily concerned who should be supported first
have already sent out notices regarding the mustering of volunteers and
the collection of gifts of all kinds.
AUGUSTE VICTORIA.
Berlin, Aug. 6.
* * * * *

"TO THE LAST BREATH OF MAN AND HORSE."
Proclamation by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Since the foundation of the empire it has been for forty-three years the
object of the efforts of myself and my ancestors to preserve the peace
of the world and to advance by peaceful means our vigorous
development. But our adversaries were jealous of the successes of our
work. There has been latent hostility on the east and on the west and
beyond the sea. It was borne by us till now, as we were aware of our
responsibility and power. Now, however, these adversaries wish to
humiliate us, asking that we should look on with crossed arms and
watch our enemies preparing themselves for