Berlin, Aug. 6.
* * * * *
"TO THE LAST BREATH OF MAN AND HORSE."
Proclamation by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Since the foundation of the empire it has been for forty-three
years the object of the efforts of myself and my ancestors to
preserve the peace of the world and to advance by peaceful means
our vigorous development. But our adversaries were jealous of the
successes of our work. There has been latent hostility on the east
and on the west and beyond the sea. It was borne by us till now, as
we were aware of our responsibility and power. Now, however, these
adversaries wish to humiliate us, asking that we should look on
with crossed arms and watch our enemies preparing themselves for a
coming attack. They will not suffer that we maintain resolute
fidelity to our ally who is fighting for its position as a great
power and with whose humiliation our power and honor would equally
be lost. So the sword must decide.
In the midst of perfect peace the enemy surprises us. Therefore to
arms! Any dallying, any temporizing would be which our fathers
founded; to be or not to be, is the question for the empire which
our fathers founded. To be or not to be German power and German
existence. We shall resist to the last breath of man and horse, and
shall fight out the struggle even against a world of enemies. Never
has Germany been subdued when it was united. Forward with God, who
will be with us as He was with our ancestors!
Berlin, Aug. 6. WILHELM.
* * * * *