PREFACE
Should any optimist feel disposed to object to the doleful picture of man's character, life and destiny depicted in this drama, let it be remembered that it is—all a dream. Yet, dreams come true! Since this work was written a great war has devastated Europe and embroiled the entire world. In the midst of universal culture, when mankind was serenely contemplating an age of peace and enlightened development, the great storm broke. The barbarities of primitive ages were duplicated, and, even surpassed. Rapine and torture; the taking and killing of hostages; the bombardment and destruction of unfortified places and the ruthless murder of non-combatants—all of these brutalities were unexpectedly revived; to the horror and amazement of a startled world.
In the wake of all this came other ills hardly less discreditable to human nature: While the true men of the world were fighting the battles of civilization, other men, debased and sordid, preaching patriotism in the meantime at a safe distance from the zone of danger, were insidiously profiteering in all the necessities of life; turning the sacrifice of their brothers-in-arms to their own selfish advantage. And now, with the war over, the evil still continues. Even religious intolerance, suspended for a time, has reawakened and, while its blinded votaries are struggling for tactical
