The German people do not appear to be delighted with
their master's policy in China. Not only did the Liberal leaders in the Reichstag condemn it in the debate on Tuesday, Herr Richter pointing out that the expenditure had exceeded the whole value of German exports to " China, and declaring that a military force at Shanghai was useless, but the Budget Committee of the Reichstag has reduced the grant for China by one clear fifth. It was observed also in the debate that the trade did not increase with the outlay, that British trade was greater than that of all the Powers combined, and that Germany had much better follow American policy in the Far East. As the election takes place next year at furthest, it is certain that this view recommends itself to the electors. They are growing angry with the increase in expenditure, and it is by no means improbable that it is upon this rock that the Weltpolitik will ultimately break down. Colonies do not pay Germany any more than they pay France. The officials are too numerous, and their instinct for interfering repels alike traders and settlers, who, again, prefer more temperate climates.
