Germany declared a blockage of
Britain, Britain declared a blockage of Germany, and these Orders
in Council had a far greater effect on American trade than the
Berlin Decrees and the Orders in Council in the day of Napoleon.
Difficulties arose with both countries. But the difficulties which
arose with Britain were such as wise statesmanship might allay.
They were concerned with such things as the censoring of mails, and
other irritating delays, which interfered with and caused loss of
trade. With Germany the difficulties were of a far more serious
order, and soon all sane and freedom loving men found it difficult,
if not impossible, to remain neutral in spirit.
The German cause had never been a good one. No danger threatened
the country. No European nation desired to make war upon them.
They went to war wantonly, and without just cause. Soon it became
plain that they meant to wage war with a ruthlessness and inhumanity
the world had never known. They threw to the winds all the laws
of "fair play." Treaties became for them mere "scraps of paper,"
to be torn if necessity demanded. They marched through Belgium
murdering and torturing the people, wantonly destroying the splendid
buildings which had been the country's glory and pride. Zeppelins
attacked watering places and fishing villages, ruining peaceful homes,
slaying women and children, without reason or profit.
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