Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/351

 THE NOR TH SLES WIC Q UESTION 335

long, unnatural enmity between the two related peoples. These should not forget how infinitely difficult the present mode of administration has rendered the task of those who in Denmark urge conciliation and amity. When every approach on the part of Denmark is met by a fresh outrage in Sleswic, it is small wonder that the advocates of friendly relations sometimes halt and hesitate. The rapid abatement of the indignation caused by the expulsion policy among large classes of Germans, coupled wiih certain later developments, has warned the Danish people against being too sanguine in their reliance on German public sentiment.

Naturally, then, they turn to the outside world. With as strong a voice as the weaker, who knows himself to be in the right, can command in addressing the stronger, Denmark will say to Germany : " Be just ! Do not stoop to measures unworthy of a great people and a civilized nation!" And in this she desires and hopes for the moral support of all liberal-thinking, liberty-loving individuals the world over. Humanity cannot afford to view with indifference such measures of suppressing a nationality as are now being employed against the Danes in North Sleswic, who are bound and gagged and treated like a band of criminals for no worse fault than their refusal to abandon their language and their national traditions. The sense of justice of the world at large must be invoked, must step in, must speak to the conscience of the German nation, in terms so unambiguous that every German cheek reddens with the blush of shame.

The United States of America have entered the arena of inter- national politics. Their mighty voice will be heard with increas- ing frequency in the councils of the nations ; and, wherever heard, it will be heeded. By their magnanimous treatment of Cuba they have pointed the way and set a precedent that is bound to be of far-reaching importance. More and more, in years to come, will every oppressed, downtrodden people on the face of the globe look to liberal America for sympathy and succor.

With the object of placing before an American public the facts in one such case of international injustice, these pages have

been written.

Louis WARMING.

CHICAGO.