Prince Bismarck made on Tuesday a remarkable speech to the
German Parliament on his Colonial policy. He complained of British delay in affirming or rejecting the German claim to Angra Pequena, but allowed that the question was over now, and disclaimed any intention of "making the debate a de- monstration against Great Britain." He, however, wished to make known that while Germany, with her small fleet, could not follow the English and French plan of seizing possessions, and leaving the rest to the bureaucracy, she would protect any colonists she might have. She was a Power to be respected ; and if France, in particular, wronged her subjects beyond sea, France, "which stood at the gates of Metz," would find that there was "reaction in the region of Metz." This remark, which is menace of the most open kind, appears to apply specially to French action on the Congo; but Germans are to be encouraged to settle everywhere. Englishmen can have no objection to German colonies, if Germans can found any ; and if Europe is to dominate Asia and Africa, as the general drift of events would indicate, it is time Germany took lip her share of the work. But it would be convenient if Prince Bismarck would state plainly in what direction he looks for colonial influence. "Peaceful settlers," backed by such threats as the one contained in the sentence about Metz, are not the most cheerful neighbours. Would he like South Africa beyond the Orange River, or Asia Minor, or Morocco ; or is be only intent on defending anything anywhere which Germans may acquire P
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