It has been said that the new Government excites great
dis- trust at Berlin, but not so, says the only legitimate authority on such a subject, Prince Hohenlohe, the German Ambassador at Paris. On New Year's Day, Prince Hohenlohe addressed the usual compliments to M. de Freycinet in a very emphatic manner, using these words :—" Monsieur le Ministre,—I am charged by Prince Bismarck to tell you, in the name of my Government, that, notwithstanding the regret we feel at the departure of the Comte de St. Vanier, we see no reason why our relations with the present Cabinet should not bear the impress of the same sentiments of cordiality and peace we felt and manifested with regard to the preceding Cabinet. I may add, for my own part, that I rejoice to be the bearer of these words, which exactly harmonise with the feelings of esteem I cherish towards yourself, and to enter into official relations with you, thus performing an agreeable and reassuring mission." The truth is, that though the new Government is clearly Gambettist—all its chief members being men identified with the national defence under M. Gambetta's dictatorship at Tours,—they are chosen by a statesman for- statesmanlike purposes, and may be trusted not to embark hastily in a policy of febrile revenge.
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