The Emperor of Germany opened the Prussian Parliament on Tuesday,
in a speech which was of interest chiefly in rela- tion to finance. The Emperor could assure the Reichstag that he expected peace, but the necessities which had induced him to ask for more indirect taxes still existed. Many of them could wait, but there was one which could not. The income-tax in Prussia reaches down to persons with 221 a year, or 8s. a week, and as one-third of the Prussian population have no more than that pit- • tance, it is indispensable that the four lowest grades of the tax,. those on persons with £50 a year or less, should be abolished. The loss will be only £350,000 a year, but still, it must be made good. The notice of abolition was received with unanimous marks of approval, but the Government has still no majority for its sug- gested substitutes for the tax. The Clerical Centre still holds the balance of power, and the speech, though friendly to. Catholics, promises no concession. Indeed, even if it did, it is. very doubtful if the Centre dare vote the beer or tobacco duties. Catholics like tobacco as well as Protestants, and, allowing for Saints' days and holidays, perhaps drink a trifle more beer. Re- ligious freedom is dear to one's heart, but to be thirsty,—is not. that purgatory come too soon
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