[24] Need it be noted here that even if in any locality an imprudent
civilian had fired a shot, it would still remain--in accordance with the
Hague Convention, International Law, and plain morality--a veritable
crime to massacre in a heap, haphazard, and without enquiry, so many
innocent souls?
[25] L.H. Grondijs, "Les Allemands en Belgique," p. cxix. (Paris,
Berger-Levrault, Publishers).
[26] Liebknecht was too honest and embarrassing a witness for Germany.
He has been thrown into prison. We salute him.
[27] The martyrdom of Dinant began on August 24th; that of Louvain on
the 25th August, at 5 p.m.
[28] It may be recalled that commissions of enquiry, at which _both_
sides should be represented, were offered by Belgian Socialists to
German Socialists, by Belgian Freemasons to German Freemasons, by
Belgian Bishops to German Bishops. Three proposals. Three refusals!
[29] France has suffered from similar calumny. We alluded above (note,
p. 37) to the declaration of a German army doctor that orders were given
to amputate, as a reprisal, "all wounded limbs." So _we_ are said to have
done that? A monstrous lie, which will be spurned indignantly by all who
know the honourable traditions of our ambulances and of our French
doctors. The _method of systematic lying_ has been shown to the life in
connection with the use of asphyxiating gas. The Boches made immense
preparations for the use of this gas. When their organization was
complete, they took care, before acting, to publish each day for a week
in their communiques, little notes announcing that the enemy were
"making wide use of this new method of warfare,"--a statement contrary
to fact, and known by them to be so, but one that was calculated to
mislead public opinion. When they considered that public opinion was
sufficiently "prepared," they launched their deadly gases and their
flaming liquids; and we needed a long time, needed also to overcome our
moral hesitation, to make sure of our defence and our reply. _Cynical
lying_ with the Germans is not only admitted, but _gloried in_. When it
was completely proved that, in order to start the war of 1870, Bismarck
had committed _forgery_. Professor Hans Delbrück exclaimed, "Blessed is
the hand that forged the Ems despatch."
[30] Who, except the specialist in mental diseases, can deal with this
proclamation of the Kaiser to his Army of the East?: "Remember that you
are the chosen people! The Spirit of the Lord has descended upon me as
Emperor of the Germans! I am the instrument of the Most High. I am His
sword. Woe and death unto those who resist my will! Woe and death unto
those who believe not in my mission!"