The struggle between the German Emperor and his Opposition over
the Army Bills has ended in his de- feat. The final vote was taken on Saturday, when the vital clause of the Bills, as they originally stood, was rejected by the Reichstag so decidedly, that the President did not even order the counting of the Members ; and the division took place on Herr von Huene's amendment, which the Government had accepted, and which reduced the addition to the Army while making the increase of expenditure more gradual. This also was rejected by 210 to 162, a majority of 48, the Catholic Centre voting almost unbroken against the Bills. The Chancellor, Count Caprivi, immediately rose, and read out the decree of dissolution, fixing the new elections for June 15th. The scene was one of grave, but intense, excitement, though the issue was fully anticipated, it being known that the majority of the Centre would not venture to displease their constituents by concession. The Radicals also held firm, though they have since split into two factions ; and the Government was supported only by the Con- servatives and National Liberals, with twelve aristocratic Catholics, six Radicals, a few Poles, and two or three unattached Members, Ahlwardt being among them. It is calculated that the new Reichstag will be equally hostile, the only chance for the Government being an outburst of loyalty among the Prussian subjects of the Empire. Failing that, the increase in the Social Democrat vote, which is certain, and the growing democracy of the Catholic Centre, render a majority for the Government almost hopeless.
