On Saturday last, the Reichstag passed the third reading of
the German Army Bill by a slightly increased majority,- i.e., 16 (201 to 185). This was due to the fact that Ahlwardt and two other Anti-Semites, who were absent before, voted for the Bill at the final stage ; and that two Ultramontanes, who had previously voted against it, abstained. Herr Bebel, the Socialist, made on the third reading one of those speeches which have earned him the reputation of the most eloquent and persuasive speaker in Europe. It was characteristic of the new regime that the impatient Emperor visited the Reichstag building just before the vote, and decorated Herr von Stumm—the leader of the Free Conservative party, who has throughout been a warm advocate of the Bill—with the Order of the House of Hohenzollern. There is a general sense of relief in Germany that the Army question has at last been settled. Meantime, public opinion is annoyed and bewildered by the mischievous activity of Anti-Semites.
