Disputes between the German Emperor and his Parliament rarely end
to the advantage of the latter; but upon the question of Protection the Reichstag seems to be unusually stubborn. The German Government is willing to grant moderate Protection to the agricultural interest, but not a Tariff which would enable the landlords to drive up prices almost at discretion, and by stopping imports deprive the Treasury of an important source of revenue. It is, moreover, afraid of reprisals, especially from Russia, Austria., and the United States. The "Agrarians," on the other hand, insist that unless they are to be ruined they must have the home market, and week by week they add something to the duties proposed by Government on food. Neither threats nor sup- plications move them, and the situation would end in a Dis- solution but that the Government dreads an election in which its regular supporters would all be against it. The Chancellor therefore falls back on delay, seeks from different Courts an extension for one year of the commercial treaties, and, it is presumed, hopes to wear the Agrarians out. He is in conse- quence fiercely attacked, and has for the present lost all popularity, and much of the confidence felt in his skill as a manager of men.
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