Little by little European history has been teaching this lesson; and in the course of time the correlation of national development with the improvement and definition of international relations will probably be embodied in some set of international institutions.
In the meantime the existing rivalries and enmities among European states must not be under-estimated either in their significance or their strength.

In a way those rivalries have become more intense than ever before; and it is only too apparent that the many-headed rulers of modern nations are as capable of cherishing personal and national dislikes as were the sovereign kings of other centuries.

These rivalries and enmities will not be dissolved by kind words and noble sentiments.
The federation of Europe, like the unification of Germany, will never be brought about by congresses and amicable resolutions.

It can be effected only by the same old means of blood and iron.

The nations will never agree upon a permanent settlement until they have more to gain from peace than from military victory.