le of negotiations which
offered good outlook of success mobilized her forces, wherewith she
proved that she did not mean in earnest what her assurances of
peaceful intentions indicated.

Now Germany's frontiers are menaced by Russia which drags her
allies into the war, now Germany's honor is at stake. Is it
possible under these circumstances that the most peace-loving
monarch can do otherwise than take to the sword in order to defend
the most sacred interests of the nation?

And, finally, the German people! In them is firmly rooted the word
of Prince Bismarck against aggressive wars: "One must not try to
look into the cards of Fate."

It must be stated again: Russia alone forces the war upon Europe.
Russia alone must carry the full weight of responsibility.

* * * * *

STATEMENT TO AMERICA.

Issued to The Associated Press from General Headquarters, Sept. 2.

I do not know what is thought of this war in America. I assume
there have been published in America the telegrams exchanged
between the German Emperor, the Emperor of Russia, and the King of
England, containing the history of the events that preceded the
outbreak of the war, and which bears irrefutable testimony of how
the Emperor, until the last moment, strove hard to preserve the
peace.

These efforts had to be futile, as Russia, under all circumstances,
had resolved upon war, and as England, which for decades had
encouraged the anti-German nationalism in Russia and France, did
not avail herself of the splendid opportunity offered her to prove
her often-emphasized love of peace, otherwise the war between
Germany and France and England could have been averted.

When once the archives are opened the world will learn how often
Germany extended to England her friendly hand, but England did not
desire the friendship of Germany. Jealous of the development of
Germany, and feeling that by German efficiency and German industry
she has been surpassed in some fields, she had the desire to crush
Germany by brute force, as she in former times subdued Spain,
Holland, and France. She believed the moment had arrived, and
therefore the entry of German troops into Belgium gave her a
welcome pretext to take part in the war.

Germany, however, was forced