ABSTRACT
Although from one point of view the sphere of international relations has suddenly become greatly extended it has also, through the development of mechanical devices, become greatly contracted. This contraction has brought to the fore certain unfortunate aspects of the wretched drama of human misery. The evil of hypersensitiveness seems to increase continually among the nations. When the storm clouds gather in eastern Europe the alarm bells begin to ring in eastern Asia. A threatening situation in North America disturbs the peace of northern Europe. A discarded scrap of flesh upon the Asiatic continent has power to assemble the hungry vultures from the whole earth. If a piece of bread is thrown out in southern Europe it has power to assemble the ravening lions from every region. The veriest scrap of flesh or portion of bread exposed, even in the most distant corners of the earth, has power to throw the whole world of men into wildest confusion. Why is it that the degeneration of humanity proceeds apace? Certainly justice is dispensed, morality urged, and benevolent teachings of all kinds recommended. Unfortunately, however, such things are only effective in a limited sphere and to a strictly limited extent. Truly, the countries of the world cannot rest in safety behind their boundaries. Human kind cannot afford to put its trust in the mere enforcement of moral precepts. It is only when we have the
strength to repulse our strongest enemies that we can in tranquillity sing the praises of peace. Is this not a true description of the present situation? How unfortunate is this state of affairs!
