Christianity and Patriotism
of war spoke not of hatred for those who had forcibly annexed provinces, but of some sort of love which in some way feels hatred.
But the cunning of all people suffering from mental derangement is well known, and it is just the persistent repeating of the phrase, "We do not want war, but want peace," and the silence about what all are thinking of, that is the most menacing symptom.
In his reply toast at the banquet in the Élysee the Russian Ambassador said: "Before proposing the toast which will meet with the deepest response not merely from all who are within these walls, but also from all those whose hearts, far and near, in every spot in this great fair realm of France, as well as in all Russia, are beating at this moment in unison with ours, allow me to convey to you the expression of our profound gratitude for the words of welcome addressed by you to the Admiral whom our sovereign has charged to return the Cronstadt visit. With that lofty eloquence of which you are the happy possessor, your speech has formulated the true significance of the splendid peaceful festivities which have been celebrated with such remarkable unanimity, loyalty, and purity of heart."
The same irrelevant allusion to peace is found also in the speech of the French President:
"The bonds of love uniting Russia and
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