The Government of Prussia has asked the Federal Connell of
Germany to authorise the Emperor to dissolve Parliament, Prince Bismarck hoping that amidst the excitement caused by Nobiling's attempt on the Emperor's life the electors may send up a Conservative Assembly. Should they do so, he intends, it is stated, to propose a series of Bills, placing Socialists under disabilities such as Catholics once suffered in England, and Huguenots in France. No Socialist pamphlet, newspaper, or public meeting will be allowed, and no Socialist will be permitted to enter Parliament or to hold any office under the Crown. The National Liberals, although ready to invest the Police with great powers, dread these measures, and intend to go to the country with the cry, " Re-elect the old men !" the cry which proved so successful in France. It is doubtful if the Crown Prince will sanction extreme measures, as he has assured the municipality of Berlin that he knows the heart of the vast majority of the nation to be sound, and that the Socialists are " miseducated persons." The proverbial difficulty, however, of reading the hearts of Kings extends to Crown Princes in an aggravated degree. It is good policy for them to seem more liberal than the monarchs.
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