prevent the reforming of the bonds between the
thought of the hostile nations. Whatever nation
should stand aside would commit suicide. For by
means of these bonds the tide of life is kept in
motion.

But they have never been completely broken,
even at the height of the war. The war has even
had the sad advantage of grouping together through-
out the universe the minds who reject national
hatred. It has tempered their strength, it has welded
their wills into a solid block. Those are mistaken
who think that the ideals of a free human fraternity
are at present stifled! They are but silent under
the gag of military (and civil) dictation which
reigns throughout Europe. But the gag will fall,
and they will burst forth with explosive force. I am
agonized by the sufferings of millions of innocent
victims, sacrificed today on the field of battle, but I
have no anxiety for the future unity of European
society. It will be realized anew. The war of to-
day is its baptism of blood.

R. R.

April 10, 1915.

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