The controversy over the Prussian Franchise Bill is being continued
hotly throughout Germany. Nor is it easy to see why the bitterness should disappear so long as the glaring contrast remains between the manhood suffrage of the Reichstag and the intolerant franchise of the Prussian Diet. The most remarkable contribution to the dispute during the week was described in the Times of Tuesday. It is an article in a South German review by Count Posadowsky, who was formerly Secretary for the Interior, and who was practically dismissed by Prince Billow because he disapproved of the policy which crushed the Socialists in the elections of 1907. He was succeeded as Secretary for the Interior by the present Chancellor. Count Posadowsky says that a temper is rising which is not very friendly to the institutions of the Empire. He thinks that every one ought to recognise that under the Reichstag franchise a great work of civilisation has been accomplished, and that the Deputies returned by this franchise have never failed to vote the supplies necessary for the national defences_ He holds it unwise to discredit such a franchise, and dangerous to suggest that some day a choice will have to be made between it and the interests of the Empire.
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