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 sympathies are with the French, that the Emperor of Germany was no more master of the proceedings than they themselves, and that they had no intention of figuring either as members of his suite or of his general staff, in accordance with the wish which he had expressed to Von Caprivi. (Before the Emperor of Germany, Talma had played a part in the presence of an audience of kings.) The gift offered by the German subjects of the city of Metz, by way of thanksgiving for the extraordinary performance given by William II, proves by its very nature that not a single Frenchman had anything to do with its selection. In its form and substance, and in the taste which it displayed, it is a typically German present, this casket of green plush full of candied fruits. No doubt, the Empress will be delighted and all the little princes too. [1] _La Nouvelle Revue_, January 15, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [2] _La Nouvelle Revue_, February 15, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [3] _La Nouvelle Revue_, March 15, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [4] _La Nouvelle Revue_, April 1, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [5] _La Nouvelle Revue_, May 1, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [6] _Ibid._, May 15, 1893. [7] _La Nouvelle Revue_, June 1, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [8] _La Nouvelle Revue_, July 1, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." [9] _La Nouvelle Revue_, September 16, 1893, "Letters on Foreign Policy." CHAPTER IV 1894-1895