The cure would appear to be to train every German for an officer, and then put him under himself.

It is certain he would order himself about with discretion and judgment, and see to it that he himself obeyed himself with smartness and precision.
For the direction of German character into these channels, the schools, of course, are chiefly responsible.

Their everlasting teaching is duty.
It is a fine ideal for any people; but before buckling to it, one would wish to have a clear understanding as to what this "duty" is.

The German idea of it would appear to be: "blind obedience to everything in buttons." It is the antithesis of the Anglo-Saxon scheme; but as both the Anglo-Saxon and the Teuton are prospering, there must be good in both methods.

Hitherto, the German has had the blessed fortune to be exceptionally well governed; if this continue, it will go well with him.
When his troubles will begin will be when by any chance something goes wrong with the governing machine.