A large number of the Belgians are said to have been in German pay,
and their support contributed to put the country helpless under German
power. Does this cartoon show Belgians of that class, or only the
ordinary selfish and pleasure-seeking element of society, too weak to
be even worth purchase by the enemy? The scene is a café at The Hague.
In the background the band is making music with all its heart and all
its power. Two Belgians going out enveloped in greatcoats with capes to
face the stormy weather stop for a moment to speak to an acquaintance,
one of a party who are enjoying themselves at ease. They are joining
the army.
The party is evidently not interested in such a trifle as their
country and its fate: they are well out of Belgium, which must be an
uncomfortable place to live in at present, and they are not going back
till Belgium is a fit home for the butterflies of fashion. The fifth
of the party, down in the right-hand corner, has the vacuous face of
an imbecile. Two of the others wear a foolish grin, as the word passes
between one of them, a lady, and the more capable-looking man seated
next her: “Fancy, they’re off to fight.” What fools to think of duty
and country, when it means leaving comfort and the life of society, and
facing the storm, with the risk of death!