The Polish Expropriation Bill in its amended form passed its
second reading in the Prussian ,Chamber on Thursday. As originally brought forward it was rejected by the Com- mittee, and a compromise was accordingly agreed to by the Conservative Right and the National Liberals by which the Government grant was reduced from £15,000,000 to 210,000,000, and the area which might be compulsorily acquired was limited to 70,000 hectares (about 173,000 acres). Prince Billow, in accepting the modification, said that he accepted full responsibility for the Bill, and disclaimed on the part of the Government any intention to treat the question in a Chauvinistic spirit. He added that the discussion so far led him to hope that the majority in the House would never leave the Government in the lurch when it was a question of up- holding the German idea and overcoming the resistance which was sEilrbeing offered to the indissoluble union of Prussia's Eastern provinces with the Empire. The Colonisation'
Committee would have a free hand in the selection of estates to be compulsorily acquired. In conclusion, be thanked the parties which had supported the compromise for the patriotic manner in which they had overcome their scruples in order to preserve the national character of the Prussian State. The Bill was passed by a majority of 198 to 119, the minority being made up of the Poles, Centre, and Radicals.
