It was announced on Monday that the German Emperor had
accepted the resignation of the Prussian Minister of Agriculture, General von Podbielski, on the ostensible grounds of ill-health. General von Podbielski, it will be remembered, was connected with the Tippelskirch firm of • colonial contractors, and the revelations of their business methods aroused widespread indignation against the Minister and made his retirement inevitable. He was a man of some ability, an extreme Agrarian and Protectionist, and a repre- sentative of the narrowest section in Prussian politics. Even in Germany public opinion makes itself felt in the long run, and his share in the Tippelskirch scandals, combined with the increased price of meat consequent on his agrarian policy, have roused strong, popular indignation. At the same time, he does not go with any marks of disgrace. The Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle in brilliants solaces his retire- ment.
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