But this institution is nothing but the duel of the Dark Ages, prolonged into this generation, and showing itself in portentous barbarism.

Therefore am I right, when I call the existing combat between France and Germany a Duel.

I see no practical method, which shall reconcile the sensibilities of France with the guaranties due to Germany, short of a radical change in the War System itself.

That Security for the Future which Germany may justly exact can be obtained in no way so well as by the disarmament of France, to be followed naturally by the disarmament of other nations, and the substitution of some peaceful tribunal for…

Any dismemberment, or curtailment of territory, will be poor and inadequate; for it will leave behind a perpetual sting.

Never in history has so great a calamity descended so suddenly upon the Human Family, unless we except the earthquake toppling down cities and submerging a whole coast in a single night.

But how small all that has ensued from any such convulsion, compared with the desolation and destruction already produced by this war!

Garnier-Pagès exclaimed, in words worthy of memory: “It is dynastic questions which trouble the peace of Europe.

These simple facts, insufficient for the slightest quarrel, intolerable in the pettiness of the issue disclosed, and monstrous as reason for war between two civilized nations, became the welcome pretext.

Some there were who saw the fearful calamity, the ghastly crime, then and there initiated.

And now, before we witness the mutual slaughter, let us pause to consider the two parties, and the issue between them.

France and Germany are most unlike, and yet the peers of each other, while among the nations they are unsurpassed in civilization, each prodigious in resources, splendid in genius, and great in renown.

Looking at finances, Germany has the smaller revenue, but also the smaller debt, while her rulers, following the sentiment of the people, cultivate a wise economy, so that here again substantial equality is maintained with France.

France has been a nation, while Germany has been divided, and therefore weak.

There can be no quarrel in a straw or for an egg-shell, unless men have gone mad.

Nor can honor in a civilized age require any sacrifice of reason or humanity.

Instead of constituting a Republic at once, in harmony with those popular rights which had been proclaimed, the half-hearted leaders proceeded to look about for a King; and from that time till now they have been in this quest, as if it…

By what title did France undertake to interfere with the choice of Spain?

If the latter was so foolish as to seek a foreigner for king, making a German first among Spaniards, by what title did any other power attempt to control its will?

Animated by that calm perseverance which is true force, your Majesty has known how to wait; but in the last four years you have carried to its highest perfection the arming of our soldiers, and raised to its full power the organization of…

Thus, according to the President of the Senate, France, after waiting, commenced war because she was ready,--while, according to the Cabinet, it was on the point of honor.

The war was declared because the Emperor thought himself ready, and a pretext was found in the affair of the telegram.

Considering the age, and the present demands of civilization, such a war stands forth terrific in wrong, making the soul rise indignant against it.

One reason avowed is brutal; the other is frivolous; both are criminal.

If we look into the text of the Manifesto and the speeches of the Cabinet, it is a war founded on a trifle, on a straw, on an egg-shell.