The proposals of the Gernian Government for reorganising the Imperial
finances are meeting with oonsiderable opposition throughout the Empire. In particular, the proposed spirits monopoly, and the new taxes on spirits, gas, electricity, and ' advertisements, are exciting strong hostility in conimercial • circles, as imposing unnecessary restrictions on freedom of trading, hampering production, and handicapping Germany.' in competition with other countries. These objections and criticisms, according to the Berlin correspondent of the Times, are negligible compared with the indifference and coldness with which the proposals for reorganising the financial relations between the Empire and the States have been received. In view of the independent attitude of the Centre, there seems little prospect that the Government will be able to carry their scheme as it stands. Either the proposals will have to be modified, or a new alliance sought to replace the Conservative-Liberal bloc.
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