WHO ARE THE HUNS?

262 English Business Morals.
of special stipulations. The English theory, for instance, is
that a freight contract is automatically dissolved in case the
transportation was to have taken place during the period of
war. This is of particular significance for all those branches,
of trade which import so-called products of the season from
England. In case it proves impossible to make a timely delivery
of the goods owing to the war, as has been stipulated,
the purchaser is to be absolved from the duty of accepting
the goods or paying for them.
On the other hand insurance contracts if concluded before
the war become invalid, if the event that entitles the insured
party to damages occurs during the course of the war.
The obligation of paying interest, since all claims are
suspended during the war, is likewise abrogated by English
law. A demand for interest can be made only after the conclusion
of peace.
The German Imperial Government has naturally been
forced to adopt corresponding economic measures in the shape
of reprisals for those passed by Great Britain. We are concerned
in this book only with the complete and ruthless disregard of
signed compacts and agreements on the part of England.
II. It is an unfortunate fact, and emphatic reiteration
of it may be made without committing the slightest injustice
against England:—there is no nation in all the world which so
wantonly disregards the rights of other nations, or the sanctity
of international treaties or the neutrality of other lands, as England
herself. This fact shouts from every page of English history.
From Copenhagen to Alexandria, from Alexandria to Persia
and the Boer Republics. Once more England bases her principles
upon wrong, in this case upon the unmoral aspects of the debtor's
law. But this too will be bound to have disastrous consequences
for this nation of tradesmen. It is really nothing less
than applying to ordinary commerce the rights of sçizure at
sea, the privilege of capturing prizes and booty. The purpose,
the end is the same,—the ruthless annihilation of the opponent.
And annihilation at any price! And yet England does not see
that she is merely digging her own grave. "Business as usual,"
exclaimed the English papers and this variety of patriotism
finds expression in England's every utterance.