approve of Germany attacking a foreign foe; there was no excuse that
could be found.

Therefore, as he himself has confessed, he started France into
empire-colonial upbuilding in Africa and Asia, with the full intention
of leading her into a clash with England. When this point was reached
many years afterwards, Delcassé clearly saw the situation, and, instead
of war, made friends with England. All the world knows the result.
Germany demanded his resignation from the French Cabinet under threat
of war. France was humiliated, Delcassé dropped. Later he led the
movement to strengthen the navy of France as well as the army. It may
be declared that Delcassé created the Triple Entente and thereby saved
France and Europe. To-day France fights a wholly defensive battle,
supported on the one side by the Russian bear and on the other by the
British lion. And strongest in the new cabinet of France stands
Delcassé.

France was chastened by the war of 1870. She will be crushed or
redeemed by the war of 1915. The spirit of her people to-day is the
spirit of sacrifice. The French character never before shone forth so
nobly.

"What a terrible disfigurement!" exclaimed a thoughtless lady as she
visited the wounded in a great French hospital.

"Not a disfigurement at all, madame," exclaimed the French soldier. "A
decoration!"

Out of this war may come great political and military heroes. There is
one general in France to-day whose name is not widely known but of whom