Germany is all in commotion as to an impending struggle
between the Emperor and Prince Bismarck. The ex-Chan- cellor has been excited by his reception in Dresden, Vienna, and Munich, and has been talking too freely to interviewers, the gist of his remarks being that "that young man" is making mistakes in his foreign policy, that Count Caprivi is a failure, and that, with the loss of his own influence over the Czar and his Ambassador, the tie which connected Russia and Germany has been needlessly cut. The Emperor is greatly irritated by these attacks, and on Jane 28th a grave article appeared in the North German Gazette warning the Prince that the Government would be compelled to take up. the gauntlet against him, and as he was trying to upset the train, "to clear away the obstacles together with the- wrecker." This menace is understood to imply that if the- Prince does not desist, he will be prosecuted under the Code for treason, or, as Count Arnim was, for revealing State- secrets. The German people appear almost unanimously dis- posed to approve this course, even the Radical journals strongly censuring the Prince; but it is to be hoped that the warning will be sufficient. "Rome may well bear the pride of him of whom herself is proud," and the Emperor will do- well to be tranquil under a criticism only to be disproved by events. The Prince is no traitor, and his trial for verbal indiscretions would call up feelings about the short gratitude of dynasties not favourable to the Monarchy. If he reveals- dangerous State secrets, it will be a afferent matter; and even then it is not good to forget that he made the State supposed. to be endangered. A thick skin is good armour for a King.
Previous page
