! The past is but a promise! When my Saturnalia comes,
Then the Saxon stands uncovered to a march of muffled drums,
Then the northern snows are trampled where the Slavic horsemen sleep,
And the Latin women tremble for their lovers as they weep!

[Illustration: GEN. LIMAN VON SANDERS PASHA,

Commander in Chief of the Turkish Army.

(_Photo_ (C) _by American Press Assn._)]

[Illustration: GEN. KAMIO,

Commander in Chief of the Japanese Tsing-Tau Expedition.

(_Photo from Paul Thompson._)]

Why England Fights Germany

By Hilaire Belloc.

[_Copyright, 1915, by The New York Times Company._]

_Hilaire Belloc has for years been among the most prominent of
English writers, his political and economic opinions being
widely quoted. As a historian he has given special attention
to the French Revolution, being the author of "Danton," "Marie
Antoinette," "The Girondins," and other studies which are
regarded by scholars as standard works. Mr. Belloc's military
knowledge and experience (he served in the Eighth Regiment of
French Artillery) and his understanding of history have made
him an acute and interesting chronicler of the present war.
The following article appeared in_ THE NEW YORK TIMES _of Jan.
17, 1915._

I shall attempt in what follows to answer the question "Why is England
at war with Germany?" It is perhaps the most important question upon
which neutral countries, and especially neutral English-speaking
countries, should have a true answer. Upon their just appreciation of
England's position in this war a great deal of the immediate future of
the world will depend.

But before proceeding to answer the question directly, we must get rid
of certain misconceptions.

The question must be, as the French say, not only "put," but "put in its
due proportion." It is not enough to answer the question "Why is England
at war with Germany?" unless we know to begin with what that event means
to this gigantic war as a whole.

Let us begin, then, by saying that this great war is not primarily a war
between England and Germany at all. England and Germany are not the two
chief combatants. The issue is not a victory to be achieved by Germany
on the one side, or England upon the other. The victory of one of the
parties in the great struggle would not produce a much stronger England,
though it certainly would produce a much stronger Germany.

The strug