“But a change was notable in Germany before the war began, and will be far more notable after it has ended.  The socialistic movement waxes strong throughout the nation, and the proceedings of the Reichstag show us that the nation is marching steadily, though perhaps slowly, toward a real democracy.

“I believe the first election to follow peace will result in a demand by the Reichstag that it, alone, shall be given power to declare war.  It will be argued, and it is evident that it then will be amply provable, that it is the people who suffer most through war, and that, therefore, their representatives should utterly control it.

“That itself would be a most important step toward peace, and I feel certain that it is among the probabilities.

“As things stand in Germany, although the Reichstag has its powerful influence in regard to war expenditure and might accomplish important results by refusing to vote amounts demanded, the fact remains that until it has been given the power of making or withholding declaration of war the most important results cannot be accomplished.”

“In Fried’s volume,” I suggested to Mr. Carnegie, “you are credited with saying that Emperor William, himself and by himself, might establish peace.  Granting that that might have been the fact before this war began, is it your opinion that he, or any other one man, could now control the situation to that extent?”

“Assuming that the Germans should come out victorious,” Mr. Carnegie replied, “the Emperor would become a stronger power than ever toward the maintenance of peace among the nations.  At one time I believed him to be the anointed of God for this purpose, and did not fail to tell him so.

“Even if his forces should be defeated in this present carnage, I am sure he would be welcomed by the conference I have suggested as the proposer of the great world peace, thus fulfilling the glorious destiny for which at one time I considered that he had been chosen from on high.”

I asked Mr. Carnegie what part he thought this country, the United States, should play in the great movement which he has in mind and thoroughly believes is even now upon its way.

“The United States,” he answered, “although, happily, not a party to the world crime which is now in progress, seems entitled to preference as the one to call the nations of the world to the consideration of the greatest of all blessings—­universal, lasting peace.”

Woman and War

“SHOT.  TELL HIS MOTHER.”

By W.E.P.  French, Captain, U.S.  Army.

What have I done to you, Brothers,—­War-Lord and Land-Lord and Priest,—­ That my son should rot on the blood-smeared earth where the raven and
     buzzard feast? 
He was my baby, my man-child, that soldier with shell-torn breast, Who was slain for your power and profit—­aye, murdered at your behest.  I bore him, my boy and