For the rest, the news from foreign countries during the
week has not been marked by any events of special interest. The French revenue returns are, however, interesting. They are nearly £2,500,000 below the estimate, and about 2500,000 below the receipts of 1901. An item of importance reported from Russia is that the Novoe Vremya has been allowed by the Censor to say in an article commenting on the Reval meeting that there is no idea of common political action between Russia and Germany. The aims of the two Powers in Asia are, it is declared, dia- metrically opposed. From Germany comes news of a charac- teristic act on the part of the Emperor. It seems that the Bavarian Chamber lately refused to vote £5,000 for the purchase of pictures and curios. Upon this the Kaiser tele- graphed to the Bavarian Regent that he had read " with the deepest of indignation" of the refusal. "I hasten to express my displeasure at the mean ingratitude which is displayed in this action," wires the Emperor, and he goes on to say that he will himself find the money. One may imagine the feelings of the courteous and "correct" Regent on receiving this astonish- ing telegram. He replied, however, with proper gratitude, but stated that the money had already been found by a Member of his Reichsrath. The Bavarians, who have never much liked Prussian interference, will hardly be reconciled to it by this last act. The telegram may, indeed, possibly rank next in importance among the Imperial "wires " to that sent to Mr. Kruger. When will the Kaiser remember Bacon's warning to Kings not to say short, sharp things that " fly abroad like darts" and do such infinite mischief P
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