the Prussian Army understands business; and, with brevity, reduces
to a minimum its own trouble, and that of other people, non-
fighters, who have to do with it. Non-fighters, I say; to fighters
we hope it will give a respectable maximum of trouble when applied
to!" [ Helden-Geschichte, i. 492-499.]

The Gotter Negotiation at Vienna, which we saw begin there that wet
Sunday, is now fast ending, as good as ended; without result except
of a negative kind. Gotter's Proposals,--would the reader wish to
hear these Proposals, which were so intensely interesting at one
time? They are fivefold; given with great brevity by Friedrich, by
us with still greater:--
1. "Will fling myself heartily into the Austrian scale, and
endeavor for the interest of Austria in this Pragmatic matter, with
my whole strength against every comer.
2. "Will make treaty with Vienna, with Russia and the Sea-Powers,
to that effect.
3. "Will help by vote, and with whole amount of interest will
endeavor, to have Grand-Duke Franz, the Queen's Husband, chosen
Kaiser; and to maintain such choice against all and sundry.
Feel myself strong enough to accomplish this result; and may,
without exaggeration, venture to say it shall be done.
4. "To help the Court of Vienna in getting its affairs into good
order and fencible condition,--will present to it, on the shortest
notice, Two Million Gulden (200,000 pounds) ready money."--
Infinitely welcome this Fourth Proposition; and indeed all the
other Three are welcome: but they are saddled with a final
condition, which pulls down all again. This, which is studiously
worded, politely evasive in phrase, and would fain keep old
controversies asleep, though in substance it is so fatally