the views and opinions of the day, I go my
way, which is devoted solely and alone to the prosperity and peaceful development of our Fatherland. But in this work I need the co-operation of each one in the country, and to this co-opera- tion I trust I may have summoned you now." The instant disapproval of these words expressed by a large part of the German Press—some papers declared that the Emperor meant to abolish the Constitution—caused Herr von Betlimann- Hollweg to publish an explanation of the Emperor's speech in the North-German Gazelle. He said that the "violent pro- tests" were uttered under a misapprehension, and that the Emperor had no thought of reviving absolutism. The speech was "not a Governmental action, but a personal profession of faith." It only breathed the spirit of duty "upon a religious foundation" which the Emperor had always professed. Nor was there anything inaccurate in the statement that the Kings of Prussia had never received the crown from Parlia- ment. Finally, the Chancellor annouzced that he would protect the Emperor from malicious misrepresentations.
