There is no sense or reason in
this view, but the German philosophers, historians, and statesmen are
all maintaining it at this moment.
England, France, and Russia have no such expectations or desires as
regards the fate of Germany. What they propose to do is to put a stop to
Germany's plan of attaining world empire by militarism. Have you any
means of getting into the minds of some of the present rulers of Germany
the idea that no such alternative as life or death is presented to
Germany in this war, and that the people need only abandon their
world-empire ambitions while securing safety in the heart of Europe and
a chance to develop all that is good in German civilization? Sincerely
yours,
CHARLES W. ELIOT.
Jacob H. Schiff, Esq.
Mr. Schiff to Dr. Eliot.
The Greenbrier,
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va.,
Dec. 1, 1914.
Dear Dr. Eliot:
I have received today your letter of the 28th ult., and I hasten to
reply to it, for I know of nought that is of more importance than the
discussion between earnest men of what might be done to bring to
cessation this horrible and senseless war.
I believe you are mistaken--though in this I am stating nothing,
absolutely, but my personal opinion--that Germany would not listen to
the suggestion for a restoration of peace until it has either come into
a position to dictate the terms or until it is utterly crushed.
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