One hundred years ago
WE CANNOT but believe that war is rapidly approaching. The German Par- liament assembled on Thursday, and the speech from the Throne not only contains no reassuring word, but is based on the theory that Germany has only the 'plenitude of her own strength' to defend her against attack. It is true that the Government has still to pass its Military Bill, and may therefore be disinclined to reassure the Deputies; but Prince Bismarck had before him the returns of the second elections, which show that a clear majority of the whole House is pledged to grant the Septen- nate. Under such circumstances, the absence of any expression of confidence is most remarkable; and all other inci- dents are exceedingly disquieting. The Austrian Government continues its armaments with almost reckless haste. It is concentrating its cavalry in Galicia, a flat province nearly as large as Scot- land, in which the huge masses of Russian horsemen could operate with effect. The Spectator, 5 March 1887
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