The Austrian papers fully expect that if the new duties
on food are accepted by the German Parliament there will be a tariff war between Austria and the German Empire. The first effect of the proposals has been to alienate the sympathies of the strong German party in Austria, and the second to bring Hungary into line with the Clericals in questioning the value of the Triple Alliance. The total result is disastrous for Germany, and it is possible that the duties may be reconsidered, but most unlikely. The Agrarians really desire prohibition, and they can destroy any Govern- ment which rejects their demands. They are told very clearly that they are weakening the Government, which protects them against the Liberals, but they reply that Free-trade in cereals and meat will ruin them, and that, happen what may, they will not be ruined. There is some exaggeration in the attitude of both parties, but the whole business furnishes unpleasant proof of the extent to which economic considerations now rule in politics. ' Classes on the Continent, like nations, now postpone every consideration to a savage fear of growing poor.
