The Emperor William made an interesting speech on Tuesday at
the dinner of the North German Yacht Club.
Dealing with the Government proposals for the reform of Imperial finances, the Emperor assured his hearers that the Chancellor's antecedents were a guarantee for the soundness of the scheme, and that they might rely fully on his right-hand man, Herr Sydow. He could not reveal the contemplated measures, but "if I were allowed to lift the veil a little, those of you who are unmarried might perhaps catch sight of a tax on bachelors. But this is not certoin."
He compared his welcome in Hamburg to "the pressure of a. friendly hand to a man who resolutely pursues his way
without hesitation, said who knows that he has yet somebody behind him who understands him and who is willing to help him." The speech is interpreted as designed to exert a, reassuring influence on the public, and is certainly not calculated to disturb the international atmosphere.
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