War, As Regarded By Von Moltke

"Perpetual peaceis a delusion, a dream, and not even a good one at tliat. War is 111 plonicUL uf tile Olüei ur llilu., o4alueU jy Providence. The noblest virtues of man are developed during its continuance -courage and reslgnation, the truest perbrmance of duty and the spirit of lmmolation. The soldier sacrifices his Ufe. Without war the world would be attacked by jutrefaction, and would lose itself in uaterialism. I fully indoi-se the proposition mentloned, viz., that the gradual imelioration of manners and moráis must be shown by the mode and manner in which a war is carried on. But I go still f urther, and believe that the instigation of moráis is capable of leading us toward ruiniug an object which cannot be attained )y the aid of a codified edition of military av. Every law presumes an authority to watch over and guide it in its execuüon, and it is this very authority which is wantng in regard to enforcing obedience to international compacte. We are forced to ulinit that human progress, as far as the mode and manner of caHyiug on war is concerned, has in truth followed tlie general amelioration of inoráis. An important step in this respect has been made luring oiir days by introducing and requirng military service, so that the educainl classes are compelled to enter the army. J'he more uncouth and unbridled elementa are yet, as formerly a component part hereof ; but they are not any more, as in the past, alone. Jiesides this, governin. niwsst'ss two great and important remedí o prevent the worst excess, viz., stnee disipiio, tr whtoh the suluitrj uu ïMvome ac customed during times of peaco, and the great care of the army administration, which provides for the maintainance of the troops while they are in the iield. The most important and benelicial fact in war sits quick termination ; and in view ot his fact the use of uil means must be permitted, with the exception of tliose which mustbe positively condcmnivl. Under no consideration can I endorse the declaration of St. Petersburg, that 'to cripple the miliury resources of the enemy is the only DStlibtble way il carryiiif; on a war. No, sir, the attack must be made on all the resources oi the eaemy -upon hta flnances and railroads, npon all his stores, provisions - yes, even upon his prestige. "VVith guch energy, but with more moderation han ever before, was the last war againsl ?rance conducted. The fate of that camaign was already decided two montlis ifter its commencement, and the eontlicts and battles only assumed a bitter cbancttr vlien a revolutionary govermnent, to the freat detriment of France, prolonged (be war for mauy inonths thereafter."