In spite of these protestations, it is, of course, obvious
that the real struggle is between the German Emperor and the German Parliament. Is the Reichstag to exercise the power of the purse in reality, or only in name P If those who claim the power of the purse win at the next Etection, the cause of Parliamentarianism and of liberal institutions in Germany will have been immensely advanced. If, on the other hand, the voters endorse the action of the Kaiser, autocracy will be more firmly established in Germany than ever. Authorities seem to differ very much as to what is likely to be the result of the Dissolution. If the anti-autocratic forces are to win, it will be necessary for the Clerical Centre and its Polish and Guelph auxiliaries to combine temporarily with the Social Democrats. But this, though not impossible, is a difficult business for people who appear, as the Germans do, to be somewhat wanting in the Parliamentary instinct. Again, it is possible that before the poll is taken the Kaiser will be able to offer terms to the Clerical Centre of so tempting a nature that they will accept them and separate themselves from their present allies. On the other hand, it is just conceivable that the voters generally may take it into their heads to stand up for the principle that those who pay the taxes ought to decide how they shall be spent. No doubt the German Emperor has lost a good deal of his prestige, if not of his popularity, during the last year, and this may affect the contest. We must never forget, however, that the German people, even when in an
angry mood, have always in the past, when called sharply to attention by the Imperial voice, dropped their grumblings and assumed an obedient attitude.
