Raemaekers' Cartoon History of the War Volume II Part 8

"_n.o.bODY SEES ME, SO I CAN ALWAYS DENY IT._"

In March, 1916, a great neutral pa.s.senger s.h.i.+p, the Dutch Liner _Tubantia_, was sunk in the North Sea. All the pa.s.sengers and crew were saved with one exception. The Dutch Government protested to the German Government which disclaimed all responsibility, stating that the explosion which sunk the vessel must have been due to a British mine.

During the Dutch Government's investigation members of the crew testified to having seen the wake of a torpedo although no submarine was observed. Evidence was produced which indicated that the _Tubantia_ was the victim of a submarine attack.

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_PAN GERMANICUS AS PEACE MAKER_

_The Dove_: "_They say they do not want peace as they have time enough._"

_The Eagle_: "_Alas! That is just what we haven't got._"

Gentlemen, I have spoken candidly. I have been able to say openly that we desire peace, because the German Nation is sufficiently strong, and because it is resolved to continue the fight in defense of home and country should its enemies not wish for peace.

The Imperial Chancellor knows that the whole world is waiting in breathless expectation his reply to our interpellation. I trust that he will find the redeeming words, and that he will express his readiness to enter into peace negotiations.

PHILIP SCHEIDEMANN, _Chairman German Socialist Party, Reichstag, March, 1916._

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"_We have only come to see that the English don't threaten you._"

The Germans left no stones unturned to influence the Dutch in their favor. They deluged the newspaper offices with free propaganda, telegraphed at great expense from Berlin, and supplied free copies of the Berlin Journals. Everything possible was to spread distrust of the English, who were constantly accused of having designs on the integrity of Holland and of desiring to take possession of the Scheldt. This was carried so far that a panic was created on March 31, 1916, by the report of landing of the Entente forces in Zeeland. The report, which was without any foundation, was circulated by the Germans and spread like wild fire around the country.

_The Times History of the War._

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_HOHENZOLLERN MADNESS_

_The storming of Dead Man's Hill_

We figure that the attempt to rush this important position (their object was to capture Le Mort Homme, in order to render untenable the key sector of Pepper Hill and Douaumont) cost the Germans fully 30,000 men, of whom an unusually high proportion were killed, owing to their inability to succor and save the slightly wounded.

Perhaps now the enemy will realize that he has reached a stalemate, for the abrupt breakdown of yesterday's attempt against Vaux and Douaumont proves once more it is impossible to advance there while we hold Le Mort Homme, and the latter must seem to be impregnable.

_French Official Eyewitness.

March 26, 1916._

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_"MY SON LIES HERE, WHERE ARE YOURS?"_

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THE OLD POILU

Soldiers of the Army of Verdun! For three weeks you have been exposed to the most formidable a.s.saults yet attempted against us by the enemy.

Germany counted upon the success of this effort, which she believed to be irresistible, and to which she has devoted her best troops and her most powerful artillery. She hoped that the capture of Verdun would revive the courage of her allies and would convince neutral countries of German superiority. She had reckoned without you. Night and day, despite a bombardment without precedent, you have resisted all attacks and maintained our positions. The struggle is not yet at an end, for the Germans require a victory. You will succeed in wresting it from them. We have munitions and reserves in abundance; but, above all, you have indomitable courage and faith in the destinies of the Republic. The eyes of the country are upon you. You will be among those of whom it will be said: they barred the road to Verdun to the Germans.

GENERAL JOFFRE _to the French Army at Verdun, March, 1916._

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_"GERMAN CHIVALRY ON THE SEA"_

The British Submarine _E13_ ran aground on the Danish Island of Saltholm within the three mile limit. Whilst in this helpless position, unable to attack or to defend herself she was sh.e.l.led by a large German destroyer.

Of her crew of thirty, fifteen were killed.

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