The German Ultra.montanes have virtually defeated the severe repressive Bill
proposed against the Socialists by a trick of marvellous adroitness. The form of the Bill is a measure to punish all who, in speech or writing, "incite" any persons to attack the Emperor or the Army or property or the " patria," or, in fact, any civilised institution that exists. 'To this the Centre, gently smiling, agreed, but proposed to add similar punishment for any who condemn the belief in God, in the immortality of the soul, or in the religions character of marriage. All German Liberals, many of whom are perpetually guilty of these offences, are wildly excited, -and declare that the clause ends liberty of thought altogether, while even the Government finds the clause too sweeping, and begs for its omission. It is rather difficult, however, to show that the Emperor should be protected when God is not, and that property must be held sacrosanct, and not the immortality of the soul; and so the Bill, rendered palpably illogical, will, it is believed, be abandoned, or at all events deprived of its oppres- sive features. Humour of that kind is so unusual in German legislation, that it deserves to be recorded, more especially as the slight sway of the Centre towards the side of freedom is a characteristic sign of the times. The truth is, the German Courts are already quite sufficiently armed with repressing powers, and that the confusion made by the new Bill between discussion and resistance, would make the police virtually despotic. The IT1tramontanes, of course, do not proclaim aloud that they are indulging in satire; but their leaders are far too acute not to perceive the immediate effect upon opinion of their own proposals.
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