Page:The Jail, Experiences in 1916.pdf/188

 old classic author, has today become a ghastly reality. We all know the origin and cause of this unexampled struggle. A number of European States have for a long time and with unconcealed hatred observed the progress and prosperity of our Monarchy and of our powerful neighbour-state, whose victorious troops are fighting shoulder to shoulder with our dauntless armies. Trade, industry and commerce flourished, the people enjoyed a wide degree of liberty, our Empire was a paradise upon earth. But hatred is an evil and malicious neighbour. Hatred, yes it was hatred, which flung the torch of war into our heavenly prosperity. Hatred, of which our immortal Grillparzer so strikingly said, that the gods placed it in the soul of evil instead of virtue.

The enemy reckoned upon two factors to help him. Upon the military unpreparedness of the Monarchy, and upon those among its subjects which it had nurtured like serpents in its bosom. But they reckoned falsely. The empire rallied around its waving banner with the noble device: "With united strength",—and the serpents at home did not dare to show themselves and to set about their work with poisoned fangs.

Of course, there were a few exceptions. And let me say immediately that one of them you can see here in the dock. His name is Simon Lamm.

Our armies have courageously resisted the enemy without, we, in a no less arduous service, we servants of military justice and state integrity, have thwarted the enemy within.

Gentlemen, I must, at the very beginning, point out that our feeble resources have, in themselves, not been able to defeat this inner enemy, small in numbers though he was. But in this we received assistance, and here on behalf of our mighty country, I will express thanks to all who afforded us support in this respect.