One of the most important events of the week has
been the resignation by Prince Hohenlohe of the office of Chancellor of the German Empire, and the appointment of Count von Billow to the vacant post. It is said that Prince Hohenlohe's resignation was due to his age, and the Emperor's farewell letter to him is most cordial, but in all probability the late Chancellor was not altogether in sympathy with his master in the matter of forcing on the policy of a world-wide Empire at high pressure. No change of policy, however, is to be expected, for Count von Billow, who has held the post of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has been consulted of late on all important matters. Count von Billow is an able man, and has the ear of the Emperor, and his opinion will probably have great weight, but at the same time it must never be forgotten that the Emperor is in reality his own Chancellor and Foreign Minister, and not merely holds a veto on doubtful questions, but initiates as well.
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