15
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THE
FOREWORD.
HE Patriotic Organization of Great Britain, whose object is the preparation and diffusion in Neutral Countries of appropriate literature in regard to the origin and objects of the War, invited the China Association to undertake the part for China. The General Committee felt that this appeal, though outside the ordinary scope of their activities, could not be disregarded, especially in view of the many calumnious state- ments that have been propagated in China through German agencies. The result is the short brochure which follows. The compilation is mainly the work of a well-known Chinese Scholar, assisted by a sub-committee of the Association.
The object has been to put the case as from a Chinese point of view, and with as much fulness of detail as was possible in the limited space. For this purpose it has been necessary to trace the antecedent causes more at length than The work has to would be needful for an English reader. some extent been anticipated by able translations already published in China; nevertheless it is sent forth in the hope that it will further make clear to the ordinary Chinese reader that the responsibility for this great War rests not on Great Britain or her Allies, but that it is due solely to the over- weening ambition of Germany.
THE GREAT WAR:
ITS ORIGIN AND THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.
I.—Introductory.
Although To Ying (Great Brave), Ta Fa (Great Law), To Te (Great Virtue) are the Chinese names for England, France and Germany, the original European names have not the meaning of Ying (Brave), Fe (Law), or Te (Virtue). They are but transliterations of the foreign names of these countries, the names themselves conveying no meaning whatever of (Brave), (Law) or (Virtue). Nevertheless, Germany has hitherto possessed a distinct advantage in China in that its abbreviated name Ta Te Kuo (Great Virtue nation) conveys the idea to the ordinary man that Germany is distinguished above all other nations for its to (virtue). Whether its deeds justify its name, or whether it has the name without possessing the reality, let the wise reader himself judge.
A conscientious citizen of one of the belligerent countries will naturally hesitate to speak dogmatically concerning a lapse in the moral character of his nation's foe. If it be right to be" exacting towards oneself and generous to others" in regard to individuals, how much more must it be so towards the innumerable individuals who form a nation? If it be wrong to defame a person, how much worse is it to defame a whole people? Therefore, a conscientious citizen of one of the belligerent countries must hesitate to express his own judgment on so serious a matter as the loss, by his nation's foe, of that priceless possession, moral character (#). But when he finds that neutral countries have unanimously, deliberately and regretfully come to the conclusion that a great débâcle of character has occurred in Germany, then his own opinion is confirmed, and he is justified in giving expression to it, yet in all possible calmness and equity.
Whichever side may succeed in this dreadful war, no man of virtue can possibly rejoice over Germany's loss of virtue, but will rather profoundly sorrow. If Germany were to be successful—which no one outside Germany believes to be possible-her success would be to
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