Page:Counter-currents, Agnes Repplier, 1916.djvu/127

Women and War war,"—an easy generalization. Dr. Stephen S. Wise, an unblinking enthusiast, held that one great gain will follow the tragic conditions of to-day. We shall see the end of "man-made government." "World peace" and "world welfare" will come with woman's rule. Miss Mary Johnston was of the opinion that "war has still a fascination for most men," but that few women feel its seduction.

Miss Johnston's view is the only one which invites comment, because it is shared by a great many women who have not her excuse. "The Long Roll" and "Cease Firing" are pretty grim pictures of battle, but there is a heroic quality about both books; while in that jolly, chivalrous, piratical romance, "To Have and to Hold," combat follows combat with dizzy speed and splendour. Miss Johnston's heroes take so kindly to fighting that she naturally believes in the impelling power of war; but, outside the covers of a historical novel, the martial 111