mous in their verdict that
any delay in the arrangement of peace and the resumption of trade,
ashore and afloat, could mean only revolution. Whole streets of shops
had been sacked and looted already by hungry mobs, who gave no thought
to the invasion or to any other matter than the question of food supply.
A great, lowering crowd of hungry men and women occupied Westminster
Bridge and the southern embankment (no German soldiers had been seen
south of the Thames) waiting for the news of the promised conclusion of
peace terms.

There is not wanting evidence that certain members of the Government had
already bitterly repented of their suicidal retrenchment and
anti-defensive attitude in the past. But repentance had come too late.
The Government stood between a hungry, terrified populace demanding
peace and food, and a mighty and victorious army whose commander, acting
upon the orders of his Government, offered peace at a terrible price, or
the absolute destruction of London. For General von Fuechter's brief
memorandum of terms alluded threateningly to the fact that his heavy
artillery was so placed that he could blow the House of Commons into the
river in an hour.

At six o'clock the German terms were accepted, a provisional declaration
of peace was signed, and public proclamations to that effect, embodying
reference to the deadly perils which would be incurred by those taking
part in any kind of street disorder, were issued to the public. As to
the nature of the German terms, it must be admitted that they were as
pitiless as the German tactics throughout the invasion, and as surely
designed to accomplish their end and object. Berlin had not forgotten
the wonderful recuperative powers which enabled France to rise so
swiftly from out of the ashes of 1870. Britain was to be far more
effectually crippled.

The money indemnity demanded by General von Fuechter was the largest ever
known: one thousand million pounds sterling. But it must be remembered
that the enemy already held the Bank of England. One hundred millions,
or securities representing that amount, were to be handed over within
twenty-four hours. The remaining nine hundred millions were to be paid
in nine annual instalments of one hundred millions each, the first of
which must be paid within three months. Until the last payment was made,
German troops were to occupy Glasgow, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Devonport,
Chatham, Yarmouth, Harwich, Hull, and Newcastle. The Trans