The same writer claims that the Germans had conquered Antwerp before its fall, by peaceful penetration.  “In 1880 the British share of Antwerp’s trade was 56 per cent., Germany’s 9 per cent.; in 1900, British 48 per cent., German 23-1/2 per cent.  Not only had the British flag been beaten in percentages but also in absolute figures; in the year 1912-1913 German trade to Antwerp increased by 400,000 tons, while that of Great Britain decreased by 200,000 tons.  The commercial future of Antwerp will be German!"[153]

[Footnote 153:  Ibid., p. 64.]

“To-day Antwerp is the second largest port on the Continent, with over 400,000 inhabitants, and now Germany’s war banner waves above its cathedral.  Germany’s maritime flag has waved during the last twenty years above Antwerp’s commercial progress.  Antwerp’s progress was German progress."[154]

[Footnote 154:  Ibid., p. 68.]

After which follows a glowing account of Belgium’s mineral wealth.  “It is Belgium’s mission to be a gigantic factory for the rest of the world,” and of course this mission will be directed by—­Germany!

“Those who had warned us for years past that England is our greatest enemy were right.  To-day every German recognizes who is our principal opponent in this world war.  Against Russia and France we fight, as the poet expresses it, ’with steel and bronze, and conclude a peace some time or other.’  But against England we wage war with the greatest bitterness and such an awful rage, as only an entire and great people in their holy wrath can feel.  The words of Lissauer’s ‘Hymn of Hate’ were spoken out of the innermost depths of every German soul.

“When Hindenburg announces a new victory we are happy; when our front in the Argonne advances we are satisfied; when our faithful Landsturm beats back a French attack in the Vosges, it awakes a pleasurable pride in our breasts.  But when progress is announced in Flanders, when a single square yard of earth is captured by our brave troops in the Ypres district, then all Germany is beside herself with pure joy.  The seventy millions know only too well, that everything depends upon the development of events in Flanders, as to when and how, we shall force England to her knees.

“Hence of all the fields of war, Belgium is the most familiar to us, and we love best of all to hear news from that quarter.  May God grant that in the peace negotiations we shall hear much more and good tidings about Flanders."[155]

[Footnote 155:  Dr. Fritz Mittelmann:  “Kreuz und Quer durch Belgien” ("Round and about Belgium").  Stettin, 1915:  p. 8.  Dr. Mittelmann is a personal friend of the Liberal leader, Herr Bassermann, who accompanied him on some of his journeys.]

Dr. Mittelmann’s book is a prose-poem in praise of Germany’s ineffable greatness.  He sees in the present war, “a holy struggle for Germany’s might and future,” and like all his compatriots, makes no mention of Austria.  If the Central Powers should be victorious, there is no doubt that Germany would seize the booty.  In justifying the destruction of churches, cathedrals, etc., Herr Mittelmann asserts that “one single German soldier is of more worth than all the art treasures of our enemies” (p. 12).