William II., as Prussian King, sustained on Wednesday a severe
defeat. He is extremely desirous of constructing a canal between the Elbe and the Rhine, which will, he thinks, greatly develop trade, and as the Conservative majority in Prussia has always supported him, he foresaw no legal diffi- culties in his way. The Conservative gentry of Prussia, however, who elect the majority in the Lower House, while entirely agree. ing that the canal will develop trade, assert that it will develop it at their expense. In other words it will cheapen Dorn and cattle. They are, therefore, furious, and in spite of firect appeals from the Government and the Emperor him- self, they, on Wednesday, threw out the Bill by a majority of 88. The Emperor was amazed, and at a loss what to do next. It is of no use to dissolve, for the farmers agree with the gentry, and if he dismisses his Ministry, and accepts Liberal substitutes, he must yield to Liberal ideas, which he will not do. He has decided, therefore, it is said, to accept the vote for this session, and reconstruct his Ministry at leisure, but the breach between him and the Conservatives is irreparable. They are, indeed, talking sheer Liberalism, and advising that the King should not personally interfere in Parliamentary questions. The Emperor-King is of a different mind, but still " the strength of Kings is in the men that gather round the throne," and he may be compelled to yield.
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