Permit me, gentlemen, to recall, in conclusion, something which I said recently. I said: "The dominant chord of the passionate feeling which prevails in wide circles is the will of Germany to assert herself in the world with all her strength and capacity"; and I continued: "That was the good and great revelation which we have experienced and which has supported me, even when it was directed, in speech, against me." What has to be done now is to give this spirit its freedom and to hold fast to its dominant chord. We have passed through a difficult and serious and through a threatening time. This has been rightly appreciated by the people. May it now clearly perceive what it owes to itself-that is to say, neither depression nor provocative arrogance, but a free outlook, cool blood, calm strength, and steadfast unity in great national questions. |