actually was tottering on her throne. German propagandists had been so
well organized, and so effectively did they spread their poison;
especially in the western world that great men; national leaders were
deceived, while men in general were slow to get the true perspective;
much later than those at the seat of government.

A few far-seeing men had been alive to the German menace. Some English
statesmen felt it in a vague way, while in France where the experience
of 1870-71, had produced a wariness of all things German, a limited
number of men with penetrating, broadened vision, had beheld the fair
exterior of Kaiserism, even while they recognized in the background, the
slimy abode of the serpent. For years they had sounded the warning until
at last their feeble voices attracted attention.

France, with her traditions of Napoleon, Moreau, Ney, Berthier and
others, with rare skill set about the work of perfecting an army under
the tutelage and direction of Joffre and Foch. The defense maintained by
its army in the earlier part of the struggle provided the breathing
space required by the other allies. All through the struggle the staying
power of the French provided example and created the necessary morale
for the co-operating Allied forces, until our own gallant soldiers could
be mustered and sent abroad for the knockout blow.

As is usual where conspiracies to perform dark deeds are hatched a clew
or record is left behind. In spite of Germany's protestations of
innocence, her loud cries that the war was forced upon her, there is
ample evidence that for years she had been planning it; that she wanted
it and only awaited the opportune time to launch it. It was a gradual
unearthing and examination of this evidence that at length revealed to
the world the astounding plot.