11 JANUARY 1902, Page 1

The Berlin correspondent of the Times sends a vigorous account

of German policy during the year. Its general drift is that the usual anxiety of the German Government not to quarrel with Russia has been fully maintained, Germany having been especially complaisant as regards the ques- tion of Manchuria, which she considers wholly out side her interests. The Russian Government, nevertheless, has been cool even about China, having in particular encouraged,Prince Chun to refuse to perform the " kOw-tow." In spite of its friendliness towards Russia, the German Foreign Office has had its hands full, Austria having been annoyed both by the persecution of Catholic Poles, and the threats of higher duties upon .all imports. At the same time; Ge.rinans watehed with attention the- approach of France

towards Italy in the Mediterranean, which may, it is thought, one day impair the solidity of the Triple Alliance ; and the quarrel between France and Turkey, which might have produced embarrassing applications from the Sultan to his great friend the Emperor. Altogether, though no great event has occurred, the year has been a busy one for Count von Billow, and his success in producing universal friendliness cannot be called complete.