For some time past German papers had suggested
the retention of Alsace-Lorraine. The former Ger-
man provinces were to be annexed. The histori-
cal argument was not quite tenable, therefore the
strategical reason was made more prominent: as a
rampart they were absolutely necessary in case of
future wars. It is well known that the strategic
grounds are the most important, the most incon-
testible — the ethical reasons must take second
rank. On the other hand, as France had lost
in the struggle, was it not fair that the winner
should hold the prize? In case of the success of
the French, they of course would have claimed the
provinces of the Rhine. What is war for except
for the extension of the territory of the one or the
other antagonist?

In the meantime the victorious army did not halt
in its march on Paris, — the Germans were already
at her door. The consent to the cession of Alsace-
Lorraine was officially demanded. In response the
well known reply was given: " Not an inch of our
territory — not a stone of our fortresses."

Yes, yes — a thousand lives — not an inch of earth.
That is the foundation principle of the patriotic
spirit. "They seek to humiliate us!" cried the
French patriots. " We would rather be buried
under the ruins of Paris."

We attempted to leave the city. Why should
we stay among a people so embittered by hate
that they clenched their fists if they heard us speak
German. We had succeeded in making arrange-
ments for departure, when I was seized by a nerv-



268 "GROUND ASMS!"

ous fever of so dangerous a character that the
family physician forbade any attempt at removal.
