The Prince of Orange, heir-apparent of the Netherlands, died in
Paris on June 11th. Many years ago this unhappy Prince quitted Holland, openly declaring that he detested his country and the prospect of reigning over it, and went to Paris, where he subsequently resided, leading a life which scandalised his country- men. His death is, nevertheless, of some political importance. The House of Orange has now but one living, direct heir, Alexander, brother of the deceased Prince, believed to be a man who will never marry, he having incurable spinal disease. Unless, therefore, the old King, who has recently married, has a son, the direct line will end, and the Dutch will be forced, therefore, either to accept an agnate of the Nassau family, which Germany would not like, or to declare herself once more a Re- public, and elect a new Stadtholder, a step which might, under conceivable circumstances, bring on a European convulsion.
The Germans wish Holland to enter the Federation on the Bavarian terms.
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