I propose to lay some of the motives bare and let the reader judge whether there may not be an insidious plot on foot to make a deal between the big nations to crush the little ones.

For this purpose I will consider two books on the question, one by Mr.Norman Angell, "The Great Illusion," and one by M.
Jacques Novikow, "War and Its Alleged Benefits." In the work of Mr.
Angell the reader will find the suggestion of the deal, while in the work of M.Novikow is given a clear and honest statement of the anti-militarist position, with which we can all heartily agree.

Those of us who would assert our freedom should understand the right anti-militarist position, because in its exponents we shall find allies at many points.

But with Mr.Angell's book it is otherwise.

These points emerge: the basis of morality is self-interest; the Great Powers have nothing to gain by destroying one another, they should agree to police and exploit the territory of the "backward races"; if the statesmen take a different view from the financiers, the financiers can bring pressure to bear on the statesmen by their international organisation; the capitalist has no country.