rect appeals. By a subtle system of intellectual buccaneering
this reserved Englishman winnows from much chaffy verbiage the real
seeds of thought. In fresh-turned fallow of his fertile fancy the grain
germinates into better growths. They wonder at his quick perception,
profound discrimination, and marvelous craft of readjustment. That this
British subject can see in the different policies of more absolute
powers and in less flexible modes of civic alignment so much to commend
or excuse to them is queer indeed. They surmise that by habitual
globe-trotting Oswald has become a "citizen of the world."

Strange that he who would resent the least show of arbitrary
interference with his own interests finds so much to justify in rigorous
German and Russian policies.

When Oswald did express an opinion on any of the subjects under
discussion, Karl and Ivan seemed to accept his comments as oracle,
making no adverse suggestions. Such deference is no infrequent tribute
to well-bred reserve.

To some criticisms of Karl Ludwig, Oswald showed much sympathy with
aspirations of Emperor William for military resources promptly available
in all emergencies. He said:

"Increased land and naval equipment should be voted by the Reichstag in
the interest of German tranquillity. Such expenditures are economic
precautions against expensive wars. Thereby the solvency of the German
exchequer would be moderately insured. So far from unduly fostering a
bellicose spirit tending to war, these would be tactful preventives of
wasteful foreign and civil broils. Fifty years' current expense to
insure the empire's peace would not equal waste of one such serious
conflict. There is no doubt that this sturdy sovereign possesses much
military spirit. This is natural heritage, coming down in direct royal
line from hero ancestry. Fostered by severe German tactics, it tends
toward ambition for martial prestige, but has been consecrated to the
arts of peace. It is but natural that such trend and discipline tinge
this consecration with heroic shades. These are not the results of
diseased caprice, but suggest potent considerations which it would be
well to respect. Let none think that William would falter in any crisis.
The same imperial foresight prompting some strange assertions of royal
prerogatives would head German armies, for success of colonial
extension, in chastisement for wanton treaty violations, or to preserve
the integrity of his empire. Much light