27 DECEMBER 1884, Page 2

A correspondent of the Daily News, evidently well- informed, declares

that the single object of Prince Bismarck in resisting British policy in Egypt, and producing small embarrassments for the British Government, is to bring about the fall of Mr. Gladstone. The German Chancellor regards that statesman as the great obstacle to certain designs which he thinks essential to the completion of Germany, and which, if England would but stand aside, he could carry out. He is, therefore, straining every nerve to place the Liberal Government in such a position that Liberals will desert it, and consent to the substitution of a Tory Ministry of affairs. That is quite a possible explanation of Prince Bismarck's action. It has long been known that he wished to effect some grand stroke for which the British annexation of Egypt would give the signal, and he may feel that his term is run- ning out without an opportunity offering for his scheme. The mistake he makes is in showing so much of his hand. If the English people once suspect that an ambitious Continental Power desires to see Mr. Gladstone removed, his hold over the people will become stronger than ever. Ambassadors are always working to help or hurt Ministries in the capitals to which they are accredited; but they usually keep their influence carefully concealed.