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equal or barely exceed the number, which a great power can
command for its fully equipped army.
In olden time, a small high-spirited people might with
success fight against a greater and more powerful neighbour.
In consequence of the weak organization, the feeble spirit
of cohesion and the slightly developed art of war, it was
then possible.
Now this condition is changed. As a rule we find that
the military strength of a State is in direct proportion to its
population and material wealth.
The consequence is that the smaller States have virtually
ceased to be belligerent powers. Such examples as
Germany’s proceeding against Denmark in 1864, and England’s
against Egypt in 1882, or in general, when the stronger
State only needs to consider how large a portion of its forces
must be employed to accomplish its object, are not to be
considered as wars, but as military executions.
As to our own country (Sweden), it certainly has, together
with Norway, an advantage in its situation above other
small powers. But it concerns us that we utilize this
advantage with wisdom and at the right time. This is not
to be done by turning Sweden into a military State, because
even if we did so to the greatest possible extent, we should,
if left to ourselves, not even so be in a condition to defend
ourselves against our powerful neighbours.
In proportion as a nation exhausts its resources by
military preparations, its ability lessens to cope with an
overpowering enemy.
In our day, not only are great and well-disciplined hosts
required for carrying on war, but great material riches are
equally indispensable. The relation between a nation of
four or five millions, and one of forty or fifty millions, is like
that between the dwarfs and the giants.
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