against Europe, by a combination of elements hostile to Europe and
opposed to European influence in the world. Her strategic importance
is a factor of supreme weight to Europe and is to-day used in the
scales against Europe. Ireland is appropriated and used, not to the
service of European interests but to the extension of anti-European
interests. The _arbitium mundi_ claimed and most certainly exercised
by England is maintained by the British fleet, and until that power
is effectively challenged and held in check it is idle to talk of
European influence outside of certain narrow continental limits.

The power of the British fleet can never be permanently restrained
until Ireland is restored to Europe. Germany has of necessity become
the champion of European interests as opposed to the world domination
of England and English-speaking elements. She is to-day a dam, a great
reservoir rapidly filling with human life that must some day find an
outlet. England instead of wisely digging channels for the overflow
has hardened her heart, like Pharaoh, and thinks to prevent it or
to so divert the stream that it shall be lost and drunk up in the
thirsty sands of an ever expanding Anglo-Saxondom. German laws, German
language, German civilization are to find no ground for replenishing,
no soil to fertilize and make rich.

I believe this to be not only the set policy of England, but to
be based on the temperamental foundations of the English character
itself, from which that people could not, even if they would, depart.
The lists are set. The English mind, the English consciousness are
such, that to oppose German influence in the world is to this people
a necessity. They oppose by instinct, against argument, in the face
of reason, they will do it blindly come what may and at all costs, and
they will do it to the end.