The German Diet has refused permission to prosecute the Socialist
Deputies who did not rise when the Emperor's name was cheered, by 168 votes to 58. The Government, of course, gives way, but has resolved to prosecute Herr Liebknecht, as soon as Parliament rises, for insult to the Emperor. The debate was marked by an excellent speech from Herr Bennigsen, who condemned the motion, but called on all parties to defend the State ; and by an ably bitter one from Herr Bebel, the Socialist chief, who declared that "in Germany the days of Tiberius had come," and that "servility was inherent in the German character." This last un- popular remark was produced by the reflection that in no other Parliament of Europe would abstinence from cheering be considered an offence. That is of course quite true; but Herr Bebel would find that in Austria, Italy, or England, insult to the Sovereign in the representative House would be very sharply put down. The disciplinary powers of the German President are evidently imperfect, and a Committee has been appointed to consider how they can be improved. The Government is to blame for trying to punish ungentle- manliness ; but the House has a right to establish its own code of etiquette. If not, it has not a right to establish its own code for maintaining order.
