An ever so slightly victorious Germany would presumably retain Belgium,
in whole or in part. Does such a conquest have your moral assent?
Or suppose the rather improbable event of a Germany driven out of
Belgium, but otherwise slightly victorious. In such case not a pfennig
of indemnity would come to Belgium. Do you believe that no indemnity is
morally due Belgium?
Knowing your reputation as a man and philanthropist, I can hardly
believe that your desire for a "not too victorious" Germany includes its
logical implication of a subjugated or uncompensated Belgium. But if
this be so, candor expects an avowal. Until you have made yourself clear
on the issue that most concerns your fellow-citizens they will remain in
doubt as to your whole moral attitude on the war. Does your pacificism
contemplate a German Belgium? I feel sure you will admit that no fairer
question could be set to any one who comments on the sequels of the war.
I am, most respectfully yours,
FRANK JEWETT MATHER, Jr.
Princeton University, Oct. 23, 1914.
The Eliot-Schiff Letters
_On Nov. 22_ THE NEW YORK TIMES _printed this interview with
Jacob H.
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