WHO ARE THE HUNS?

46 Mobilization and the Morality of Nations.
CHAPTER II.
Mobilization and the Morality of Nations.
The right of mobilization at such times as may appear
necessary for purposes of state is a right which is naturally
enjoyed by every sovereign power. A neighboring state, of
course, has also the right to meet measures of mobilization
by similar measures. The political and international
responsibility for the consequences must be borne by that
country which is first to begin a movement for mobilization,
and which forces the other to resort to measures of defence and
necessity. The formal declaration of war does not reveal the
aggressor. The occasion of a war is seldom the real cause. The
apparent aggressor is frequently as justified in his action as
the defender. It is for this reason that modern international
law has rejected the examination of the jus ad helium as maintained
by Grotius and others. Naturally every state also
enjoys the right of demanding an explanation with regard to
the threatening measures of mobilization undertaken by another.
In the event of its not receiving this, no course is left to it
save a declaration of war or the sufferance of a continued and
humiliating threat which may finally, despite all, lead to war.
The mobilization which Russia began against Germany
without the slightest justification—the matter of the date
is a subject of contention, since some declare it to have begun
in May, others at the end of July—was in the mere nature of
things, morally improper, treacherous and dishonorable.
According to the indisputable despatches of the German
White Book, the Russian Minister of War, on the 27th of July
1914, gave his word of honor to the German military attaché
that no order for mobilization had been issued,—"no reservist
has been called up and no horse requisitioned."
the driving power. England succeeded in estranging Russia from Germany.
England has kept on inciting France without intermission, it was a
handful of men who in cold blood, and for the furtherance of purely
material interests, determined upon this step some years ago. The primary
instigator was King Edward VII, the intellectual element was furnished by
a soulless and crafty diplomat, who honored the ancient English principle
that lies and hypocrisy were the best weapons in affairs of state."