We do not envy either the German Emperor or his
hosts: during his approaching visit, which commences to-day. The former is expected to spend his time here in a con- stant series of ceremonial functions which will leave him no leisure either for friendly intercourse with his. English acquaintances, or for seeing the sights, what- ever they are, which he most desires to see. The latter are oppressed by the wish to entertain royally a more than royal guest ; by the claims of all manner of Princes, corpora- tions, and "interests," who desire to utilise the visit either to. advertise themselves, to increase their magnificence, or to enjoy a great State function ; and by the necessity of taking strict precautions for the safety of their visitor. He is perfectly safe- with Englishmen, among whom he is personally popular ; but there are crowds of foreign anarchists in London, and a good many Frenchmen of a type more or leas approaching the insane. It is to be hoped everything will go off well, but State receptions. are rare here, and the worry to the entertainers is not decreased by the fact that they have not quite free hands. It is etiquette- on such occasions to consult the visitor, who is accustomed to have his own way, and whom it is not easy to convince that to- visit the Naval Exhibition on a Sunday would be to give pro- found offence to an important section of English opinion_ Wesuppose Kings are hardened to being bored, but we should have thought it more gracious to give the Emperor, as we give the Stipendiaries, a holiday from public work every second day..
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