But assuming other conditions—­a false sense of honour, a morbid conception of self-importance—­then hate seems to be a natural, although unhealthy result.  Unfortunately there is evidence that these factors influence modern Germany.  One of the roots of tragedy is to be found in the inequality between the will and power to perform.  In its helplessness the will recoils upon itself, turning to gall and bitterness, or seeks a solution in self-destruction.

It is noteworthy that some thirteen thousand individuals commit suicide every year in Germany.  Unwilling or unable to adjust themselves to the phenomena of life, they choose death in preference to the compromise—­life.  A leaning towards the tragic characterizes the German of to-day; an inclination not to compromise, not to admit defeat, thereby admitting the “will” to be incapable of transformance into actuality.

Between Germany and Britain fate has placed such a rock of destiny, i.e., this country’s position in the world, above all, her naval supremacy.  Germany has held that this rock hinders, even endangers, her just and historical development in the world.  With wonderful energy, perseverance, self-sacrifice and heroism, Germany has endeavoured to surmount or destroy the obstacle.  The united will of the nation was expressed in the momentum of the onslaught—­in vain.  And as no reconciling influences are at work, no tendency to accept the inevitable—­Germany hates.

Outside Germany there is, probably, no one who doubts the invincibility of the British Navy and the unchangeable will of the British (strengthened by the danger of the past year) to maintain its supremacy.  Yet even to-day responsible Germans are appealing to their nation to fight till “modern Carthage” is finally destroyed.

“In spite of the publications of our enemies, we in Germany, from the highest to the lowest, will believe unto all eternity that this war was caused by England alone.  All Germany replied to England’s declaration of war with a cry of indignation.  The hate for the hypocritical island kingdom was so bitter that it took the form of demonstrations against the British Embassy, while the representatives of the other enemy countries were able to depart unharmed.[210]

[Footnote 210:  Admiral Valois appears to be unaware that both ladies and gentlemen from the Russian Embassy were beaten with sticks, fists and umbrellas before leaving Berlin.—­Author.]

“Up till then political England was little known in Germany, but now the bitter hate which reigns throughout the land characterizes her as the incarnation of all that is base and vile.  It brings back to our minds the saying of the old Hanseatic towns: 

  ’England, thou land of shame,
  Why hast thou, Satansland,
  The name of Angel-land?’

“No sacrifice and no effort will be too great, for us to drag her from her imagined height into the dust.  By force of arms, starvation and the power of lies, they hoped to force us back to unimportance, and now the issue is:  Whether the categoric imperative of the East Prussian Kant, or the hypocrisy of British cant, shall gain the victory.