Baron von Richthofen's speech seems to have slightly bewildered German
opinion, though, except among the more fanatic Pro-Boers, the change is not unwelcome. No explanation, however, is offered, and the National Zeitung, usually well informed, even asserts that none is required, Count von Billow "having said nothing to wound British susceptibilities." The problem is almost as obscure to Englishmen as to Germans, but there is at least one con- ceivable explanation. The Emperor is obviously determined to conciliate America, and has possibly been informed by Prince Henry that extreme hostility to Great Britain is at the present moment unacceptable to those who rule the Union. The Prince was told everywhere that if there was to be an understanding at all, it must be one of the three Teutonic Powers, and probably divined that Washington just now could not be set against London. The Emperor, who is quick to perceive, caught the situation, and instructed Baron von Richthofen to soothe English irritation as far as possible. If the Anglo-Saxons are pulling together, Germany must be civil to both, at all events until her Fleet is ready and her alliances are rearranged.
