OCR Text |
Show XOT A CASE OF IMPERIALISM The Germans are generally convinced con-vinced that the French policy means a determination to annex territory, hut the French energetically disdain, such intention, and there are plenty of reasons to justify the policy without with-out this one. The French people suffered suf-fered terribly, not merely by the devastation de-vastation Inevitably resulting from the movements of armies, but from wanton destruction by the Germans. They have expended enormous sums in reconstruction work, and have much more to do. Hundreds of thousands thous-ands of their people are still living in shacks, and it is impossible for the masses of the people to understand why. France can do so much, Ger many should not be able to do something. some-thing. The pressure of public opinion opin-ion upon the French government is very strong. It Is forcedl to- make a vigorous effort to compel Germany to meet its obligations. The French people remember that when the Germans levied the indemnity indem-nity of $1,000,000,000 upon France in 1871, the German armies were in France, andi under the terms of this treaty they were to remain there until un-til the indemnity was fully paid. They have not forgotten their own eagerness eager-ness to complete the payments in order that the ymight see the last of the German troops, and it is natural that they should believe that the presence of French troops in Germany Ger-many may have a similar influence. |