The official organs of Vienna assert that a Russian loan,
said to be for £50,000,000 sterling, is about to be admitted to the German market, "thanks to the benevolent tendencies of the German Imperial Government." Germany in fact, it is added, means to have no differences with Russia. The same authorities affirm that the German Emperor and the Czar are about to meet, doubtless to discuss Manchurian affairs ; but this is denied in St. Petersburg, where there is great faith in the proverb, Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes, and where, also, it is probably felt that Nicholas II. is no match for William II. in personal mastery of diplomacy. It seems certain, however, that if the German Emperor desires the interview, the Russian Emperor must yield, as the latter really needs help, both as regards his loans, and his purchases of war material from German workshops. The negotiations are said to be carried on through the Military Attaches, who, at the request of the German Emperor, are now permitted in each country direct access to the Sovereign. That was, we believe, the old "wire" between the two Courts which William I. said ought always to be maintained.
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