Count von Billow made a third speech on Wednesday in
reply to Herr Richter, the Radical leader, who, after a detailed criticism of Imperial expenditure, reverted to the decision of Count Ballestrem and the Chancellor's responsibility for the Emperor's public utterances. " It could never have been so difficult," be incidentally remarked, " to be a Minister as at that moment,"—and here Count von Billow expressed his assent by nodding. Count von Billow began by some ex- tremely interesting observations on the drawbacks and ad- vantages in a Constitutional State of having a Monarch with a strong individuality. Having candidly set forth his own difficulties, he then declared his readiness to accept all responsibility and serve the Emperor's shield against all attacks. Finally, he met th charge that Ger- many's foreign policy had been marked b excessive friendli- ness to other countries by saying that Germany did not throw herself at any one's head. " Nowhere will we play Cinderella, neither will we act the part of braggarts, but we shall play the role of the strong, still man who, without weakness, but also without provocation, protects himself and his property." On Thursday the attack was continued by Herr Bebel, the Socialist leader, who discussed the Kaiser's Essen and Breslau speeches without protest from the President. Count von Billow, in his reply, repudiated the adoption of a pro- vocative policy by Germany. " Even after the Navy Law has been fully carried out, our Fleet will only take fourth or fifth place in the world." As regards the alleged hatred of Germany, Count von Billow observed that " hatred and envy—hatred generally proceeds from envy—are always sweeter than commiseration." We cannot imagine any one envying Count von Billow his position during the past week.
