Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/348

 332 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

have witnessed a notable stimulation of Danish shipping interests, which have resolutely entered the field of trans- oceanic competition, tending to vindicate for Copenhagen, backed by her excellent new free port, her historic position as the commercial center of the Baltic.

It will thus be seen that in the economic progress of the last decades Denmark has not lagged behind. Side by side with, but independent of, the phenomenal growth of German com- merce and industry, her own development has been the more remarkable since it has been accomplished in spite of or because of? a low-tariff policy, in marked contrast to the dominant ideals of the German empire, whose protectionistic barriers have practically closed the German market to Danish products. As modern Denmark more and more looks to Anglo- Saxon models in politics and social reform, so commercial conditions have steadily served to strengthen the ties uniting her with her kinsfolk across the sea.

Here the case may rest. Can a people such as this be classed among the decadent nations of the world ? Can it be justly charged with being on that downward grade which must needs end in extinction or oblivion ? The facts above enumer- ated will not bear out such theory. Reduced to a footnote in the text- books on geography, to a pigmy among countries, Denmark is today a factor, stronger than ever before, in the world's intellectual advancement.

Left to herself, she will keep her place in the van. At peace with her neighbors, with nothing to fear from an outward foe, she will continue to progress along lines of democratic culture and enlightened liberality. Hers is not a dying race ; her culture not in decay.

For years after the war, while yet bleeding from many wounds, there were resentment and bitterness in her feelings toward Germany. That was but natural. Germany was the hereditary enemy ; her unjustified attack and later breach of faith were not apt to make Danes adore her name or the spirit making such things possible. Quietly Denmark cherished the