11 JANUARY 1902, Page 1

Count Wolff-Metternich's words are, however, warm as compared with those

of Count von Billow. Count lido von Stolberg took occasion on Wednesday to say that Mr. Chamberlains comparison between British methods in the Transvaal and German methods in-France had excited pro- foUnd .indignation in the German Army, and therefore, as that Army is the nation in arms, in the entire German people. Thereupon the Chancellor read Mr. Chamberlain, who had done nothing except state that if Great Britain resorted to severities in future she would only be imitating many countries, among them Germany in the French War, a solemn lecture. He-said that a Minister ought to be careful not to hurt feeling in a foreign country, and that the German people were naturally indignant at an attempt to Misrepredent the heroic character and -moral basis of their struggles for unity.. They should, however, remember the counsel of Frederick the Great. He was told that some one was attacking him and the Prussian Army, but he said : " Let the man alone, and do not excite your- selves; he is biting at granite." That is neither calculated nor intended to soothe unreasonable excitement ; but the Ger- mans feel on some points like habitual duellists. who must see insult in every argument they do , not like, and Count von Billow has many difficult Bills to carry. If he can earn popularity by scolding Mr. Chamberlain, that is easier and safer than bargaining -with the Centre or conciliating the

Agrarians. • • •