The rumour about the King of Spain was doubtless invented
for Stock Exchange purposes, but no one would have been surprised had it been true. The crime would be no worse than the kidnapping of Prince Alexander, which all Europe has agreed to forgive, and part of it to profit by. The truth is, Europe is distinctly receding in public morality. In every country except France, a party of assassination is threatening statesmen, making repression harder, and rendering advance next to impossible. In Bulgaria, Prince Alexander was twice attacked, the second assault being an attempt to wreck his train. In Roumania, the Opposition have just shot at the Premier, M. Bratiano. In our own country, Mr. Chamber- lain is to be accompanied on his travels by a skilled inspector of police. In all three places, those who would prat by assassina- tion look on placidly, while in Bulgaria the Administration is publicly forbidden by a Great Power to try its kidnappers. Europe is descending to the level of Asia, where the assassin is considered a weapon like any other ; or is, indeed, sinking below it, for there a little fair-play is allowed, and a King may hang his assailant if he can. If there is any truth in history, the Sove- reigns and statesmen will have terrible reason before long to regret the impunity which they are helping to ensure to riminals. It is not in their interest that the Decalogue will be abolished.
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