"One of the things that has served to convince us that the Prussian autocracy was not and could never be our friend is that from the very outset of the present war it has filled our unsuspecting communities and even our offices of government with spies and set criminal intrigues everywhere afoot against our national unity of counsel, our peace within and without, our industries and our commerce."

the excerpt suggests that the Prussian autocracy was not seen as a friend because of its involvement in espionage activities and criminal intrigues that undermined the national unity, peace, industries, and commerce of the United States.

Explanation:

The excerpt suggests that one of the reasons the Prussian autocracy was not seen as a friend is because it had been involved in espionage activities and criminal intrigues against the nation. This undermined the United States' national unity, peace, industries, and commerce.

Here's an explanation to support this answer:

1. Mention of Prussian autocracy: The excerpt refers to the Prussian autocracy, which refers to the authoritarian rule of the Prussian government during that time.

2. Espionage activities: The excerpt states that the Prussian autocracy had filled the unsuspecting communities and government offices with spies. This implies that they were engaged in intelligence gathering and espionage activities against the United States.

3. Criminal intrigues: The excerpt also mentions that criminal intrigues were set in motion by the Prussian autocracy. This suggests that they were involved in illegal and covert activities aimed at harming the United States' national interests.

4. Impact on national unity: The presence of spies and criminal intrigues from the Prussian autocracy would have created mistrust and suspicion within the United States. This could have undermined the unity of counsel and the nation's ability to work together towards common goals.

5. Impact on peace, industries, and commerce: The excerpt further states that the activities of the Prussian autocracy were directed against the peace within and without the United States, as well as its industries and commerce. This suggests that the espionage and criminal activities were intended to disrupt and harm various aspects of the nation's well-being.

In summary, the excerpt suggests that the Prussian autocracy was not seen as a friend because of its involvement in espionage activities and criminal intrigues that undermined the national unity, peace, industries, and commerce of the United States.