Proclamation by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

     After three and forty years of peace I call the men of Germany to
     arms.

     It has become necessary to protect our most sacred possessions, the
     Fatherland, our very hearths against ruthless destruction.

     Enemies on every hand!  That is the situation.  A mighty struggle, a
     great sacrifice confronts us.

I trust that the old spirit of battle still lives on in the German people, that powerful spirit of battle which grapples with the foe wherever it meets it, be the cost what it may, which has ever been the terror and fear of our enemies.

     Soldiers of Germany, in you I place my trust!  In each one of you
     lives the passionate will to conquer, which nothing can subdue. 
     Each one of you knows, if need be, how to die a hero’s death.

     Remember our great and glorious past!

     Remember that you are Germans!

     God help us!

     Wilhelm.

     Berlin, Schloss, Aug. 6, 1914.

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[Illustration:  Augusta Victoria, German Empress. (Photo from M.E.  Burner.)]

TO GERMAN WOMEN.

An Appeal from the Kaiserin.

On the summons of the Emperor our people are preparing for an unprecedented struggle, which it did not invoke and which it is only carrying on in its defense.  Whoever can bear arms will joyfully hasten to the colors to defend the Fatherland with his blood.  The struggle will be gigantic and the wounds to be healed innumerable, therefore I call upon you women and girls of Germany, and all to whom it is not given to fight for our beloved home, for help.  Let every one now do what lies in her power to lighten the struggle for our husbands, sons, and brothers.  I know that in all ranks of our people, without exception, the will exists to fulfill this high ideal, but may the Lord God strengthen us in our holy work of love, which summons us women to devote all our strength to the Fatherland in its decisive struggle.

     The organizations primarily concerned who should be supported first
     have already sent out notices regarding the mustering of volunteers
     and the collection of gifts of all kinds.

     Auguste Victoria.

     Berlin, Aug. 6.

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“To the last breath of man and horse.”

Proclamation by Kaiser Wilhelm II.