The Germans have been holding their general election, but the
results will not be known till next week, the rule that a. candidate must have a clear half of all the votes given compelling many double appeals to the polls. It is known, however, that the united fractions now called " Liberalists " have suffered heavily, losing, it is believed, thirty seats. These have been captured either by Conservatives or by Social Democrats, who have won ten seats already, and may end with twenty-two. In Berlin two Socialists, Singer and Hasenclever, have each received more than 24,000 votes, being nearly double the highest number given to anybody else. It is reported that they have also shown strength in Breslau, Brunswick, Carlsruhe, Darmstadt, Dresden,. Elberfeld, Erfurt, Gotha, Konigsberg, Hanover, Magdeburg, Mayence, and Nfirnberg, the " poison " having apparently attacked most working cities, however varied in local circum- stances. On the other hand, the Clericals return their full numbers, as do also their weaker allies, the " Gnelfs " of Han- over (11), and the Poles. It is calculated, therefore, that Herr Windthorst will still hold the balance of power, and that Prince Bismarck cannot organise for his Government a trustworthy majority. He will, nevertheless, go on governing.
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