against Russia, and to take his precautions in case of defeat,
precautions which would at the same time, safeguard the rear of the
German Empire.

November 29, 1891.

Germany is becoming uneasy; she has heard the rustling of the wings of
defeat. Accustomed to victory, she is suffering, as rich people suffer
under the least of privations. Bankruptcies, one after another, are
spreading ruin in Berlin. Bismarck and William, united in a very
touching manner on this subject, conceived the idea of bringing about
Russia's financial ruin, and of importing into the Prussian capital the
vitality of the Paris market. The fall in Russian securities was unlucky
for the German Bank, and all the scrip that the Berlin Bourse so greedily
devoured, for the sole purpose of preventing Paris from getting it, does
not seem to have been easily digested. The middle class is suffering
from the bad condition of the market, and the increase of taxation; the
lower classes are hungry.

Impassive in his majesty, the Emperor contemplates himself upon the
throne. Now you will find him copying Louis XIV and writing in the
golden book of the city of Muenich _Regis volontas suprema lex_. And
again he will imitate St. Louis, but not finding any oak tree within his
reach, he administers justice on the public highway, as in the
Skinkel-Platz. He is having his own statue made of marble, to be placed
alongside of his throne. Great Heavens! If some day, this were to be
for him the avenging Commander's statue! [16]

But no, it cannot be, for has he not been converted? Is he not the
_summus episcopus_, who conducts the service in person? Has he not
composed psalms? Could anybody be more pious, a more resolute foe of
those vices which he pursues with such energy? Could any one be more
determined to be a pillar of the Church? In his interviews with the
delegates of the synod of the United Prussian Church, has not the
_summus_ said that the Reformation drew its strength from the hearts of
princes? True, you may say, that this does not sound very like a humble
Christian; but then humility had never anything to do with William.

At the administration of the oath to new recruits, after having held
forth to them on the subject of the hardships at the beginning of a
soldier's life, he added, "It shall be your reward when you have learnt
your trade, to manoeuvre before me."

December 13, 1891. [17]

The nations of Europe desire peace, and