It was expected in Paris that M. Gamier Pagbs' interpellation
on German affairs would elicit from M. Rouher Some distinct state- ment of the Imperial policy, perhaps a declaration that Prussia should " never " have Rastadt. Prussia, however, has breech- loaders, while Italy has none, and M. Rouher contented himself with repeating that the Emperor "did not allow himself to be taken in tow by events accomplished in the name of nationalities," but thought always of the interests of France. France would watch events in Germany patiently, unless her interests or her dignity were threatened. No insults, one perceives, for Count von Bis- marck, no talk of unscrupulous proposals, no menace that France will maintain, at all hazards, the treaty of Prague, no statement that the Emperor had always disapproved German unity. M. Rouher, who talks to Italy like a public prosecutor, speaks to Germany like a diplomatist.
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