The German Emperor. By Poulteney Bigelow. (Cassell and Co.)—Mr. Poulteney
Bigelow is an enthusiastic admirer of William II.; he has known him from boyhood, and is himself, we are told, a staunch Republican. He is much impressed with his courage and energy, as, indeed, is every one; and thinks he has done more to settle some vexed questions and to promote peace than. Bismarck. All this may be, and it must be admitted that, while doing his best for Germany's welfare, he ever keeps a sharp eye on his Army, and has done as much as any man to unite German feeling and create a personal enthusiasm. He is credited with tact, but in this we cannot help thinking our writer is wrong. The German Emperor seems to us to have little of that quality which is so necessary to him ; some things he does, being Imperial, may pass muster, others do not become even his position. William II. has no tangible aim that we know of, and though it will be said to keep a military monarchy together is occupation enough for any man, other nations would prefer some definite purpose to be visible; a military monarchy in charge of an extraordinarily energetic young man who has boundless confidence in himself, is a dangerous power, even if the aforesaid individual has no ambition. The most remarkable thing about the Army is the miserable pittance it earns ; even that marvel of long-suffering obedience may protest at it some day. Mr. Poulteney Bigelow's remarks are always to the point and incisive, and interesting from several points of view.
A very seasonable reproduction is Shakespeare's Henry VIII. (Cassell and Co.), in a most convenient little volume, easily carried in the pocket and held in the hand, and with legible type.
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