As we expected, the Parties in Berlin are so arranging
themselves that the idea of effective resistance to the new Military Bills is almost abandoned. According to the Berlin correspondent of the Times, the relics of the old National Liberal Party are drawing towards the Government, and affirming that, in the present situation of Europe, they dare not resist the demand for men, though they are still disin- clined towards the methods proposed of raising the necessary cash. The Centre refuses to commit itself, and is clearly only bargaining ; and even the Conservatives, who were very bitter, are hesitating, and will, perhaps, end by giving in their adhesion. No party, in fact, except the Radicals, will take the responsibility of leaving the country inadequately defended ; and when the resolve to increase the forces is accepted, the provision of means becomes a matter of detail. It will probably be found impossible to increase the tax on beer, the resistance from the minor Governments being so great ; but spirits can be farther taxed, tobacco, and not im- possibly salt. A considerable tax on the latter article would not be a heavier burden than the one Englishmen are bearing for the benefit of a few millionaires without even knowing it. The regraters of salt here have only this week, it is said, de- cided to increase the price of salt, already much greater than it was, by 4s. a ton, and one does not see that they have nearly reached their limit. The Germans, too, are talking of heavy taxes on Stock Exchange transactions, a resource of which, as yet, we have hardly begun to avail ourselves.
