Introduction.
I have been asked to write a few words of introduction to the English translation of this eloquent appeal by M. Romain Rolland. In doing so, it is, I suppose, unnecessary for me to introduce M. Rolland himself, who is well known as the author of “Jean Christophe,” and of admirable appreciations of Michael Angelo and of Beethoven. The article translated here appeared in the “Journal de Genève” of September 22–23. It gives a view of the war truer and profounder than any that it is possible for the press of the belligerent countries to publish. While victory hangs in the balance the contending nations cannot and will not think. They are straining every nerve to win, and for that purpose it is necessary for them to believe that all the right is on their own side, and all the wrong on the side of the enemy. The Germans believe this of themselves as much as the English believe it of themselves, and each nation calls to its aid all the forces of devotion and heroism which still centre about the national ideal. Of this response to the call of country M. Rolland shows a full and passionate appreciation, an appreciation not confined to his own countrymen, but extending to the equal enthusiasm and equal sacrifices of the enemy. Would that anywhere in our press one could find a similar generosity and chivalry!
But while he sees all this, M. Rolland sees something more. He sees that this ideal of the nation, which leads, and leads inevitably to war, is in conflict throughout Europe with an international ideal which demands and presupposes peace. The nations of the modern world are bound together by the great civilising forces, trade, science, literature, art; and by those appliances of physical intercourse, the railways, telegraphs, posts, which are at once the cause and effect of spiritual bonds. In particular, the labouring classes of all countries have been coming to see and feel that their common interests are more vital and important than their national antagonisms. The war has cut right across this growing international
