The reports as to the result of the German elections
are at present favourable to Prince Bismarck. It is believed that a much greater number of Conservatives will be elected, and that the unity of the Catholic districts will be broken. The Chan- cellor is labouring for this latter end, and with such success, that a complete pacification has been arranged with the Pope. Indeed, it is asserted that the Pope himself intends to issue a public letter to the King of Prussia thanking him for the con- cessions made, and expressing a hope that all disagreement between him and the Catholics will now end. Such a letter would greatly influence the elections ; but it is hardly probable that Leo XIII., who is moat anxious to keep the peace with France, will be so undisguised in his support of the military law. It seems certain, however, that the Cniturkampf is finally closed, and that the great German effort to master a ghost by armed force has ended in total failure. It is the greatest and the moat characteristic mistake that the Chancellor has made.
Previous page
