Reports still continue to come in as to the outbursts of rage which tookplace in Germany when the news of our participation in the War reachedthat country. Seeing that we had merely been asked to allow our friendsto be robbed and murdered, our interference is looked upon as peculiarlygratuitous.
We hear, by the way, that the Germans, who hold Kiao-chau on a longlease, appealed unsuccessfully to Leaseholders Protection Societies allover the world to intervene in defence of their interests.
We understand that a new version of the Kaiser's famous "Yellow Peril"cartoon (it bore the inscription, "Nations of Europe, protect yourproperty!") is in preparation at Tokio, in which a jaundiced Kaiser isdelineated as the Yellow Peril.
Those persons who complain that the Allies are too frequently on thedefensive forget that it is very difficult to be as offensive as theGermans.
The report that among the troops which entered Brussels was a beardressed up in infamous taste to represent the King of the Belgians isdenied in Germany. It is quite possible that he was merely one of thePrussian officers.
The Giornale d'Italia reports that, at a meeting of cardinals held atRome, it was decided to issue an appeal to the belligerents to agree toa truce pending the election of a new Pope. It is thought, however, thatthe Kaiser will refuse even such a reasonable request as this.
It is rumoured that Wilhelm II. has despatched all his British uniformsto King George. This, anyhow, should be remembered to his credit. He didnot wish to disgrace them.
The temptation to call the Kaiser names is, of course, almostirresistible, but we are rather surprised to come across the followinghead-lines in our serious contemporary, The Observer:—
"Brussels—and After. The German Sweep."
There would seem to be no end to the social horrors of the War. TheTeuton journal Manufakturist is now prophesying that one of itsresults will be the substitution of German for French fashions.
The title of "The King of Prussia," one of the oldest licensed houses atBarnet, is to be altered. Every effort, we understand, is being made inGermany to keep the news from the Kaiser.
People must not come down too heavily on Keir Hardie. We honestlybelieve that he honestly believes that his little views are right.That's what makes his case so sad.
The Dominican Revolution, it is announced, has ended. It is supposed tohave been unable to stand the competition of the bigger war.
There appears to be considerable difference of opinion as to whetherthose persons who are in want of a holiday should take it as usual ornot. The "Take your Change" movement may be quite right for women andchildren; but the "Leave your Change" movement is better still.
According to The Evening News three elephants have been requisitionedfrom the Zoo at the White City by the military authorities. In Berlin,no doubt, this will be taken to signify that our heavy cavalry mountsare giving out.
The Committee of the Masters of the Foxhounds Association have decidedthat, while regular hunting wil