The German Emperor evidently takes himself very seriously indeed. A
recent murder case in Berlin has revealed the fact, or rather, has called attention to the fact, for it was well known before, that part of the population of that city is ex- ceedingly depraved. In particular, a vicious class of men who live on the earnings of prostitutes is also a dangerous class, and responsible for much of the violent crime of the great city. The Emperor is shocked, and besides issuing strict orders to the Minister of Justice to institute an inquiry, has published a sort of proclamation, not signed by any Minister, the text of the vital paragraphs of which will be found else- where. His Majesty, in effect, promises the police his protection if they outstep law in pursuing such offenders, commands all Judges to give maximum sentences, even in case of a first offence, and directs advocates not to secure acquittals by technical defences. All this is, of course, outside his legal prerogative, but so great is the patronage and the prestige of the Crown, that he will probably be obeyed. The Rescript is that of a heady young man of good instincts, rather than that of a statesman who knows that social evils can be extirpated only by the steady pressure of law, and it has not added to the respect felt for the Emperor's judgment.
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