NEWS OF THE WEEK • T HE Emperor opened the first
Session of the German
Parliament just elected on Thursday, in a Speech from the Throne of much interest. He declared that the meeting at Skiernievice had " sealed " his friendship with the Monarchs of Austria and Russia in such a way as "to warrant me in looking upon an undisturbed continuance of peace for a long time as assured." He proposed to continue his reforms in social laws, by extending the Accident Assurance Bill to the labourers, and by enlarging the Savings-banks ; and hoped thus, so far as the imperfection of human affairs will allow, to secure domestic peace. The Empire had begun to realise its Colonial aspirations; and "in agreement with the French Government, I have invited hither representa- tives of most seafaring nations to deliberate on the means by which trade with Africa may be promoted and secured from disturbance by international disputes." That conjunction of the Empire with France in a document of high ceremonial and diplomatic importance, must be intended to be significant, and to imply that England is in some way to be treated with dis- regard. It is the only confirmation we have yet seen of the report that Germany has in Africa allied herself with France. We do not know that it greatly matters ; but Prince Bismarck sometimes takes his tone from opinion, and Germany just now is possessed with the notion that England holds too much of the world, and that in Africa she must receive a check. We must allow something for the moods of nations as well as individuals ; and Germany is in the mood for acquisitions beyond sea. When she has annexed a kingdom or two in Africa she will find that acquisition is not all pleasure ; and that Great Britain, if she possesses much of the world, is also heavily burdened by those possessions. Properties of that sort bring work as well as wealth.
