The German Parliament was opened on the 9th inst., the
Emperor's speech, prepared, it is presumed, by the Crown Prince, being read by Count Stolberg, the man whom German official opinion marks out as Prince Bismarck's successor. The speech alludes only to one important subject, the "Bill providing means to suppress the agitation of Social Democracy," which in declared to be imperative, as the " evil is widespread," and "threatens the foundations of the life of the State and all cul- ture." The Bill, which enables the police to suppress any Socialist
meeting, lecture, or publication, has already been circulated, but its fate is still doubtful. The House has elected a Liberal Pre- sident, and it is believed that the Ultramontanes will help the Liberals to reject the Bill ; but this is not quite certain, and the Liberals may be so impatient of such allies as to propose some compromise. We have elsewhere argued that Prince Bismarck may obtain unexpected support from the Catholic readiness to put down aggressive atheism.
