Alsace-Lorraine is undisturbed, and all Europe bears witness to its
pacific tendencies; nevertheless, the German Emperor is bringing forward
a Bill before the Reichstag for declaring a state of siege in
Alsace-Lorraine, which includes even a threat of war, and opens the door
to every abusive power on the part of the civil authority. The speech
which he addressed to the members of the Diet of Brandenburg is the most
complete expression which the Emperor, King of Prussia, has yet given of
his latest frame of mind.

How dare they criticise him, or discuss his policy! Let them all go to
the devil! He, whose policy it is to block emigration, now wishes for
nothing better than that all his opponents should leave Germany. But it
is impossible to revoke public opinion wholesale, like an edict. If it
is difficult now to expel all malcontents from Prussia, what will it be
when their number is legion? William II has promised to his people a
glorious destiny, happiness, and the protection of Heaven. Truly these
Germans must be insatiable if they ask for more!



March 12, 1892. [21]

William II aims at concentrating all power, and, to organise the work of
espionage, in the hands of the military authorities. If the Prussian law
of 1851 is still effective, the Emperor in case of need will be able to
dispense with a vote of the Reichstag. This law confers on every general
and on his representative, who may be an officer of eighteen years of
age, the right to declare a state of siege in the event of war
threatening. On the other hand, the projected Bill against espionage
meets with very general approval. Your German has got spies on the