There is a little rift in the perfect accord between
Germany and Austro-Hungary. The Magyars, though on the whole favourable to Prince Bismarck, whom they regard as a bulwark against the Slav tendencies which threaten their ascendancy, are •bitterly annoyed with his Protective tariff, which deprives them of their best market. M. Tisza, the Premier, has accordingly been remonstrating for some time ; and that failing, has openly threatened in the Correspondence of Buda-Pesth to com- mence a war of tariffs, and introduce a Bill which "will bear in the most thorough fashion upon German ex- ports." He is willing to give Germany special economic privileges, but wants similar privileges in return. As Prince Bismarck always fights, be will adopt retaliatory measures, and we may see the two closest allies in Europe doing their best to ruin one another. Free-trade, however perfect, is no bond of friendship, as we saw when North and South went to war, and now see in the British struggle with Ireland; but a war• of tariffs always induces political bitterness. Prince Bismarck's economic heresies may yet affect the position of his country in Europe, which depends upon the Austrian alliance nearly as much as upon the proved superiority of German arms.
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