15 DECEMBER 1883, Page 2

Germany is greatly agitated by a report that the Crown

Prince, who is going to Rome on his way home through Italy, will call upon the Pope. It is imagined that he will discuss ecclesiastical politics with his. Holiness, and perhaps end the Culturkampf, and the papers cry out that this is "going to Canossa." We thought it had been admitted that some modus vivendi between Prussia and the Papacy must be found, and if that is the case, why should not the Crown Prince arrange prin- ciples as well as any other diplomatist. The objection is not raised on constitutional grounds, and the Crown Prince, who is by no means a person of ecclesiastical proclivities, is not likely to give way unduly ; while he will have this advantage, that if he gives assurances, the Pope will be secured against changes consequent on a new reign. A visit of courtesy, which, indeed, if the Prince goes to Rome, could hardly be avoided, is not in itself an act of submission.