Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/138

118 This was a startling revelation.

To the American mind it would carry terrible consequences in its train. It meant the political control of America in the hands of the kings of Europe. It meant the forcible and final introduction of the monarchical system of government on this continent. It represented a death blow throughout the world to the expansion of the right of revolution and the principles of the "will of the governed." And not least, the ultimate prospect that "we should have to fight upon our own shores for our own institutions."

In order to realize the nature of the catastrophe thus suddenly presented to our minister, it is necessary to examine the nature, purpose, and power of this sanctimonious league.

It consisted primarily of their majesties the Emperor of Austria, the King of Prussia, and the Czar of Russia, all three dominated by the "biggest rascal and liar" in Christendom, the celebrated Prince Metternich, Minister of Austria. Every little while this "voting trust" of