attack by the Republic. In France they express the same fear with regard
to us. The consequence of these misunderstandings is to ruin us both. I
do not know where we are going on this perilous route. Will not a man
appear of sufficient goodwill and prestige to recall every one to reason?
All this is the more ridiculous because, during the crisis we are
traversing, the two Governments have given proof of the most pacific
sentiments, and have continually relied upon one another to avoid
conflicts."

On this Baron Guillaume comments:--

Baron Schoen is perfectly right, I am not in a position to examine German
opinion, but I note every day how public opinion in France becomes more
suspicious and chauvinistic. One meets people who assure one that a war
with Germany in the near future is certain and inevitable. People regret
it, but make up their minds to it.... They demand, almost by acclamation,
an immediate vote for every means of increasing the defensive power of
France. The most reasonable men assert that it is necessary to arm to the
teeth to frighten the enemy and prevent war.

On April 16th he reports a conversation with M. Pichon, in which the latter
says:--

Among us, too, there is a spirit of chauvinism which is increasing,
which I deplore, and against which we ought to react. Half the theatres
in Paris now play chauvinistic and nationalistic pieces.

The note of alarm becomes more urgent as the days go on. On January 16,
1914, the Baron writes:--