why I should
have remembered this far-off incident on learning that the German
Emperor, King of Prussia, had come on horseback from Potsdam to open
the new Reichstag. As a comedian, William II does not follow the
methods of Melingue. He rides, in order to present a calmer appearance
at his entry upon the scene. Clad in the uniform of a Hussar, he read
the speech from the throne with an evangelical mildness. He was
playing the part of a soldier-clergyman. The soldier said--

"My august allies agree with my conviction that the Empire, in view of
the development of military institutions by other Powers, can no longer
delay to give to its armed forces such increase as shall guarantee the
security of its future."

The clergyman had upon his lips the honey of promises of concessions,
and he concluded with these words, added to the speech from the throne--

"And now, gentlemen, may the Lord grant His blessing to every one of
us, for the successful issue of a meritorious work in the interests of
our country. Amen!"

In the course of the latest discussion of the military law in the
Reichstag, we have been able to gather certain unforgettable
information. In the first place, Von Caprivi has told us that the
increase of the army is directed really and more especially against
France. Herr Richter declares that Germany, single-handed, can carry
through victoriously any struggle against us. Liebknecht says that
Turkey can hold Russia in check together with Poland, and finally,
that: "Germany counts upon England as surely as upon Austria and upon
Italy."

September 13, 1893. [9]

The Emperor, King of Prussia, has addressed to our brothers that are
cut off from us, the following words--

"You are Germans, and Germans you will remain; may God and our good
German sword help us to bring it to pass."

To which words, every Frenchman has replied--

"They are French and French they shall remain, God and our good French
sword helping us."

Calmly we await the final provocation. The German manoeuvres have only
served to teach us one thing more, viz. that William II wishes us to
know that the moment is at hand for a last challenge. All the German
Sovereigns who were present at the manoeuvres in Alsace-Lorraine,
appeared to be weary of the supremacy which William, the hot-headed,
asserts throughout all the territory of the Empire. Certain of their
number stated in the presence of several people whose