NEWS OF THE WEEK.
GREAT anxiety is felt throughout Europe as to the results of the German elections, to be held on Monday, there being a consensus of journalists that on them peace or war mainly depends. A similar consensus, however, exists that as the Pope has declared for Prince Bismarck, he mast carry his Bill. We have given elsewhere some reasons for doubting this conclusion, but may add here that the German Chancellor himself is evidently far from confident. A rumour had been spread that the Emperor himself in- tended to appeal to the electors, and the North German Gazette, in denying this, adds, on the authority of Prince Bismarck himself, that the step would only be taken in the event of the returns to the Reichstag compelling his Majesty to decree another dissolution. That is intended as a threat, not to the electors, who do not care if there is a dissolution once a week, bat to the candidates, who dread the expenses, which even in Germany are considerable. The balance of probabilities is in favour of the Prince ; but it is only a balance. He evidently dreads the Socialist vote in the cities, and is striking hard at them by seizing their presses and publications, as is also the Bavarian Government. They may deserve to be seized, but the seizures will not bring votes.
