With regard to the text of the above proclamation, there are variations to be noted. In the _Vorwärts_ it runs "within and without our frontiers" in the second paragraph; the text as I have given it is taken from the _Leipziger Volkszeitung_. In the fifth paragraph the Nuremberg _Fränkische Tagespost_ gives "capitalistic" for "fatalistic."
A few extracts from Socialist newspapers will suffice to illustrate the complete change of front which happened in three days:
"We Social Democrats in this solemn hour are at one with the whole German nation, without distinction of party or creed, in accepting the fight forced upon us by Russian barbarism, and we are ready to fight till the last drop of blood for Germany's national independence, fame and greatness." _Der Folksfreund_ (Karlsruhe), August 1st.
"We desired peace and we have done everything humanly possible to secure that end. But when war is forced upon us by Russian Czarism, then, whatever the final decision may be, we must drop all class distinctions and differences of every kind, to form a single, determined people, prepared to defend Germany's independence and greatness against the enemy--even to the last drop of blood." _Volksstimme_ (Mannheim), July 31st.
"A defeat would mean collapse, annihilation and horrors most dreadful for all of us.[72] Our imaginations revolt at such a possibility. Our representatives in the Reichstag have unanimously declared on innumerable occasions that the Social Democrats could not leave their Fatherland in the lurch when the hour of destiny strikes; the workmen will now redeem the promise given by their representatives. The 'Fatherlandless fellows'[73] will do their duty, and in doing it, will allow themselves to be surpassed in no wise by the patriots," _Münchener Post_, August 1st.
[Footnote 72: These sentiments did not occur to this journalist when Germany began a ruthless war of invasion on Belgium.--Author.]
[Footnote 73: A phrase of contempt employed by the Kaiser when speaking of the Social Democrats in 1889, and which became proverbial.]
"Whatever our opponents have done to us, at this moment we all feel the duty to fight against Russian knout-rule. Our women and children shall not be sacrificed to Russian bestiality, nor the German people become a booty for the Cossacks." _Die Volksstimme_ (Chemnitz), August 2nd.