The Kaiser throughout his reign has posed as a peace man although he has been first a soldier and then an executive.  So when the Big War broke out the Kaiser had a chance to make real what had been play for him for forty years.  Is it surprising then that he should urge the people to go on with the war and promise them to reform the government when the fighting was over?

The Kaiser’s proclamation itself shows that the Kaiser is not through fighting.

“Never before have the German people proved to be so firm as in this war.  The knowledge that the Fatherland is fighting in bitter self defence has exercised a wonderful reconciling power, and, despite all sacrifices on the battlefield and severe privations at home, their determination has remained imperturbable to stake their last for the victorious issue.”

Could any one except a soldier who was pleased with the progress of the war have written such words?

“The national and social spirit have understood each other and become united, and have given us steadfast strength.  Both of them realise what was built up in long years of peace and amid many internal struggles. This was certainly worth fighting for,” the Emperor’s order continued.  “Brightly before my eyes stand the achievements of the entire nation in battle and distress.  The events of this struggle for the existence of the empire introduce with high solemnity a new time.

“It falls to you as the responsible Chancellor of the German Empire and First Minister of my Government in Prussia to assist in obtaining the fulfilment of the demands of this hour by right means and at the right time, and in this spirit shape our political life in order to make room for the free and joyful co-operation of all the members of our people.

“The principles which you have developed in this respect have, as you know, my approval.

“I feel conscious of remaining thereby on the road which my grandfather, the founder of the empire, as King of Prussia with military organisation and as German Emperor with social reform, typically fulfilled as his monarchial obligations, thereby creating conditions by which the German people, in united and wrathful perseverance, will overcome this sanguinary time. The maintenance of the fighting force as a real people’s army and the promotion of the social uplift of the people in all its classes was, from the beginning of my reign, my aim.

“In this endeavour, while holding a just balance between the people and the monarchy to serve the welfare of the whole, I am resolved to begin building up our internal political, economic, and social life as soon as the war situation permits.

“While millions of our fellow-countrymen are in the field, the conflict of opinions behind the front, which is unavoidable in such a far-reaching change of constitution, must be postponed in the highest interests of the Fatherland until the time of the homecoming of our warriors and when they themselves are able to join in the counsel and the voting on the progress of the new order.”