NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE German second elections are not yet completed ; but it is known that the Government have secured 212 seats, giving them a majority, without the help of the Centre, of 13. The Chancellor still, however, dreads some kind of resistance, for when the Reichstag met on Thursday, it was found that the speech from the Throne contained no reassuring word. The Emperor only said, or rather wrote, that "the foreign policy of his Majesty the Emperor continues to aim at preserving and fostering peace with all the Powers, especially with our neigh- bours. This pacific policy of the Emperor may receive most effective support from the Reichstag if it quickly, cheerfully, and unanimously assent to the Bills having for their object the immediate and enduring increase of oar defensive power. If Parliament, without hesitation and schism, give unanimous ex- pression to the will of the nation, to meet every attack on our frontiers, now and ever, with the full armed force of all our defen- sive power, then the Reichstag., by its very decisions alone and before they are carried out, will have materially strengthened the pledges of peace." The Emperor praises the Pope, mentions two or three " Socialistic" Bills which be wishes passed; but ends by saying that the Empire must have more money, and that its financial system must be reorganised. Part of this gloomy tone may be due to policy ; but much of it must arise from well-founded dread.
