Prince Billow then went on to describe the efforts which
the Emperor had made during two decades, often in very difficult circumstances, to bring about friendly relations between Germany and Great Britain. The purity of his motives was above suspicion, but " we wish to discontinue everything which looks like excessive courting of foreign favour." Prince Billow continued :—" The knowledge that the publica- tion of his conversations has not produced the effect which the Emperor intended in England, and has evoked deep excitement and painful regret in our own country, will—and this is a firm conviction which I have gained during these days of stress—induce the Emperor in future to observe that reserve, even in private conversations, which is equally indis- pensable in the interest of a uniform policy and for the authority of the Crown. Were that not so, neither I nor any successor of mine could assume the responsibility." Prince Billow's declaration was greeted with loud cheers ; but an even deeper impression appears to have been created by his state- ment that it cost him a far greater effort to remain in office than to resign. Prince Billow concluded his speech by appealing to his hearers not to make a misfortune into a catastrophe. The damage done was not irreparable, and it was for the elected representatives of the nation to show the presence of mind which the seriousness of the moment demanded. Above all, they must not let foreign nations see them faint-hearted or discomfited.
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