The manipulation of the Press is one of the weapons which Bismarck
taught German Imperialism to use. Like others it has been developed by
his successors into an instrument which the master himself would hardly
have recognised. It is one of the most potent means of that “peaceful
penetration” of all other countries which was nothing but a preparation
for war. And it has been used in the war with a purposefulness of aim
and a versatility of method that betoken long and systematic study. It
is a ubiquitous influence and the most subtle of all. Yet the Press
is held in greater contempt by official and other ruling circles in
Germany than in any other country. They despise the tool, while tacitly
acknowledging its utility by unsparing use.
This curious state of things is the fault of the Press. What has
rendered it such a pliant tool in the hands of German Imperialism is
either credulity or venality; and both are contemptible qualities.
Credulity is probably the more prevalent, at least in this country,
where shoals of newspapers, blinded by their own prejudices, were the
dupes of German duplicity. But there has been venality, too, both
crude and subtle. The case of the “Vlaamsche Stem,” here satirised by
Raemaekers, is exceptional. So crude and gross a method of influencing
the Press as bribing the proprietor of a newspaper (probably with
the aid of threats) to hand it over with its staff and good-will
could hardly be practised where any independence survived. It was not
practised with success even in conquered Flanders, for the staff, to
their eternal credit, refused to listen to the new master’s voice.
But there are journalists who, less intelligent than the terrier,
faithfully accept the voice from the _Pickelhaube_ and wag their little
tails when they hear it. To them is offered the parable which shows
their relation to their master.