The depth of the military alarm felt on the Continent
may be gauged by the German vote of Thursday on the new Mili- tary Bill. That the Austro-Hungarian Delegations should vote General von Bauer's supplies, is not surprising, for they are a picked body, and on military questions really guided by the Imperial Government ; but the Liberals in the German Reichstag promised resistance, and were backed by all the economists in the Empire, who say plainly they do not see where the money is to come from. For all that, the second reading of the Bill adding 54,000 men to the number in barracks —18,000 men annually, who remain three years—and 420 guns was carried by 211 to 128 votes. No party really liked it, even the Conservatives dreading the taxation, while the Centre was furiously discontented; but none but the Radicals dare face the responsibility of leaving the country insufficiently armed, or rather, for this is the truth, insufficiently prepared for instantaneous mobilisation. It is an invasion without warning that is expected, not a mere declaration of war. It is an extraordinary situation to arise in an era of philanthropic talk and honest effort to improve the position of the masses ; but it has arisen, and may continue. Popular opinion is omnipotent for any purpose except that of guarding the popular throat. For that, by universal consent, something more scientific is required.
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