NEWS OF THE WEEK.
UROPE was excited on Thursday by a statement,
I originating in the Cologne Gazette, but obviously official, that Prince Bismarck had tendered his resignation to the Emperor. It appears that Frederick M. and the Empress Victoria, moved, it is said, rather by parental affection than policy, are friendly to a marriage between Prince Alexander of Battenberg and Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of the Imperial House. They desire, therefore, to sanction a formal betrothal. Prince Bismarck is opposed to this step, alleging that it will be misconceived by all Slays as a departure from the policy of the Emperor William, and that the Czar is personally so hostile to Prince Alexander that recon- ciliation between the dynasties will become impossible. Under those circumstances, the Czar may turn to France, and the danger of a conjoined attack upon Central Europe would be gravely increased. These reasonings, which are weighty but not quite conclusive, as Germany never profits by concessions to Russia, have not yet prevailed with the Emperor, and Prince Bismarck and his sou have not only threatened to tender their resignations, but have allowed the German people to become cognisant of the fact.
