So, since the month of Augusr you indicate with perfect perception the real point being disputed between France and Prussia. Mr. von Bismarck had not stated it yet. He had not yet said aloud that we must wage war to take Alsace and part of Lorraine. But already, Sir, you were a good prophet and you announced the pretentions and goal of Prussia. You ascertained what would be the purpose of this new war that she would undertake in her turn against our nation. No one can continue to be ignorant of it today: what places the entire military population of Germany and the whole able bodied male population of France in the balance, is this question, frankly stated: Will Alsace belong to France or to Germany?
Prussia counts on settling the question by force; but force is not enough; she must take the law into account as well. Also, while her armies invade Alsace and bombard Strasbourg, you must endeavor to prove that she is in the right and that Alsace and Strasbourg belong to her legitimately. If we were to believe you, Alsace is a German province, therefore she must belong to Germany. She used to be a part of it; you conclude from that that she must be returned. She is German-speaking and from this you draw the conclusion that Prussia can seize her. By virtue of these reasons, you "claim" her; you want her to be "restored." She is yours, you say, and you add: "We want to take all that is ours, nothing more, nothing less." You call this the principle of nationality.
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