war. The anti-militarists are clamoring mournfully, believing that it
is in the power of the government to prevent the clash. . . . A country
degenerated by democracy and by the inferiority of the triumphant Celt,
greedy for full liberty! . . . We are the only free people on earth
because we know how to obey."

This paradox made Julio smile. Germany the only free people! . . .

"It is so," persisted Hartrott energetically. "We have the liberty best
suited to a great people--economical and intellectual liberty."

"And political liberty?"

The professor received this question with a scornful shrug.

"Political liberty! . . . Only decadent and ungovernable people,
inferior races anxious for equality and democratic confusion, talk about
political liberty. We Germans do not need it. We are a nation of masters
who recognize the sacredness of government, and we wish to be commanded
by those of superior birth. We possess the genius of organization."

That, according to the Doctor, was the grand German secret, and the
Teutonic race upon taking possession of the world, would share its
discovery with all. The nations would then be so organized that each
individual would give the maximum of service to society. Humanity,
banded in regiments for every class of production, obeying a superior
officer, like machines contributing the greatest possible output of
labor--there you have the perfect state! Liberty was a purely negative
idea if not accompanied with a positive concept which would make it
useful.