28 MARCH 1903, Page 14

GERMANY AND HOLLAND.

[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—When in Rotterdam in 1877 I heard another version of the story related by " H. E. B." in your issue of March 21st. At that time there was some talk of Holland being absorbed by the recently created German Empire, and I mentioned the matter to the Dutch pilot of the ship in which I was sailing. He said : " Oh, the Germans will never come here; if they do, we will open the dykes,—and," he added with a laugh,

" Bismarck is not able to swim."—I am, Sir, &c., E. H.