The alterations in conditions among civilized nations during the last half-century, more especially in all that relates to international intercourse—­political, financial, commercial, social—­makes it reasonable to suppose that changes must follow in the conduct of their foreign policies.  The fact also, recognized by no country more clearly than by Germany, that the profitable regions of the earth are already appropriated makes an economic policy for her all the more advisable.  An economic policy, moreover, is, notwithstanding her apparent militarism, most in harmony with the peaceful and industrious character of her people.  Unfortunately, the stage in progress where the political and commercial interests of all nations have become defined and adjusted has not yet been reached, though the numerous agreements between the Great Powers of recent years go far towards clearing the way for so desirable a consummation.  Unfortunately, too, it is in the very process of finding bases for such agreements that international jealousies and misunderstandings arise; and hence in securing peace, governments and peoples are at all times nowadays most in jeopardy of war.  This consideration alone might very well be used to justify nations in keeping their military and naval forces strong and ready.  Perhaps some day such forms of force will not be wanted, though admittedly the great majority of people still refuse to believe that the changes which have occurred have altered the fundamental attitude of countries to each other, and remain firmly convinced that to-day, as yesterday and the day before, great nations are moved by an irresistible desire to add to their territories and in every way aggrandize themselves, by diplomacy if possible, and if diplomacy fails, by force.

It is, of course, impossible to say with certainty what the real designs of the Emperor and his Government in this regard were during the Morocco episode, or are now.  Some believe that their designs have always aimed, and still aim, at depriving Great Britain of her position of superiority in respect of territory, maritime dominion, and trade.  Others hold that they seek and will have, coute que coute, new territory for Germany’s increasing population, and look with greedy eyes towards South America and even Holland.  Others yet again represent them as incessantly on the watch to seize a harbour here or there as a coaling station for warships and a basis of attack.  But an unbiased survey of the annals of the Emperor’s reign hitherto does not bear out any of these assertions.  A policy of territorial expansion as such, mere earth-hunger, cannot be proved against him.  Prince Bismarck was no colonial enthusiast, though he passes for being the founder of Germany’s present colonial policy; and even to-day the colonial party in Germany, though a very noisy, is not a very large or influential one.  Samoa—­East Africa—­Kiao-tschau—­the Carolines—­Heligoland—­the Cameroons:  how can the acquisition of comparatively insignificant and unprofitable places like these be used for proving that the might of Germany is or has been directed towards territorial conquest?