It is my own belief that the material
in the German Army (which is the best fighting machine that the world
has ever seen) will compare favorably with that of any army in the
world, and that the percentage of wrongful acts on the part of the
German soldiers has been small. Such misdeeds, sometimes to be
characterized as atrocities, are the inevitable result of war, and they
bring a grave responsibility upon a Government which (to accept as well
founded the frank utterances of the leaders of opinion in Germany) has
initiated this war for the purpose of "crushing France and of breaking
up the British Empire."
You appear to think that it is in order for Germany to visit upon
unoffending Belgians reprisal for the misdeeds (as far as such misdeeds
may be in evidence) committed by Russians in East Prussia. I cannot see
that this contention is in accord with justice or with common sense.
GEORGE HAVEN PUTNAM.
New York, Oct. 28, 1914.
"The United States of Europe"
INTERVIEW WITH NICHOLAS MURRAY BUTLER.
Dr. Butler is President of Columbia University; received
Republican electoral vote for Vice President of the United
States, 1913; President of American Branch of Conciliation
Internationale; President American Historical Association;
Trustee Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Commander
Order of the Red Eagle (with Star) of Prussia; Commandeur de
Legion d'Honneur of France.
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