the individual personality.  The Social Democratic organization, opposed though it is to the military organization, is also composed of Germans and is, therefore, directed by the same basic principles as the military organization, although for entirely different purposes.  For this one reason it was almost a matter of course that the Social Democrats offered their services for the war at the moment when they recognized that it had become of imperious necessity to set aside personal wishes and ideals and to put in the foreground only the duty of the defense of their country.  The idea of our opponents, that they would find a support in the Socialists of our country, rested on a complete misunderstanding of the German character.

A foreign woman wrote to me in the days of the mobilization:  “I do not understand the German enthusiasm for war—­how it is possible that one can become enthusiastic about murder!” The woman only saw the exterior and superficial phase of things.

In its endeavor to unite itself with the world the German soul had suddenly come upon the wildest hatred * * * numerous high ideals of culture fell to ruin within a few hours.  Deeply wounded, it was hurled back into its most personal possessions.  Here it found itself face to face with tasks which far surpassed anything demanded heretofore of it as fulfillment of duty.  And now there came to pass a wonder which will be unforgettable for every one who lived through this period.  Everything dry, petty, pedantic, connected with German ways, which had often made many of us impatient with ourselves, was suddenly swept away by the storm of these days.

A gigantic wave of fiery hot feeling passed through our country flaming up like a beautiful sacrificial pyre.  It was no longer a duty to offer one’s self and one’s life—­it was supreme bliss.  That might easily sound like a hollow phrase.  But there is a proof, which is more genuine than words, than songs, and cheers.  That is the expression in the faces of the people, their uncontrolled spontaneous movements.  I saw the eyes light up of an old woman who had sent four sons into battle and exclaimed:  “It is glorious to be allowed to give the Fatherland so much!” I saw the controlled calm in the features of sorrowing mothers who knew that their only sons had fallen.  But the expression in the faces of many wounded who were already returning home gripped me the most.  They had lived through the horror of the battle, their feet had waded through blood, their young bodies were horribly maimed.  I saw this strangely serene, quietly friendly expression in the young faces.  They were men who had sacrificed their ego.  They were great patient conquerors of selfishness.  And with what tenderness, what goodness are they surrounded, to lighten their lot, to give them joy.  How the general sentiment is often expressed in the gesture of a single person—­you did that for us—­how can we sufficiently requite you?