The Prussian Government has laid its naval programme before the
Chamber. It wants a fleet which shall impose respect on all second-class maritime Powers —say Sweden, or is there a side glance at Russia ?—and considers that ten iron-clad frigates, ten iron-clad batteries, and twenty corvettes will accomplish this end. The cost is estimated at .R4,200,030... The money will of course be refused, but the suggestion is extremely adroit. All Germans, Prussians included, desire a fleet—desire it so strongly that the refusal of a small loan, the interest of which will be scarcely per- ceptible in the budget, will tend to irritate them with the Chamber which refuses it. The Liberals should offer the money, provided half of it be deducted from the military budget, and so gratify the popular passion while checkmating the Premier.
