NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE Emperor of Germany opened the Reichstag on Thurs- day in a long speech, rather too full of his own individuality, he invariably using " I " or " we " where most Sovereigns say " my Government." He wishes clearly not only to rule, but to be seen to do it, which is weak, the engineer of a great steamer being more potent than the coachman of the finest team. He intends to proceed with social legislation, and to work with England in the task of repressing slavery, and " reclaiming Africa to Christian civilisation." He declares himself personally devoted to peace. " To plunge Germany needlessly into the horrors of a war, even of a victorious one, I should not find compatible with my belief as a Christian, or with the duties which I, as Emperor, have undertaken towards the German people." He accordingly visited all his neighbours, and states as the result of his tours that " the confidence that was shown in me and my policy at all the Courts which I visited, warrants me in hoping that I and my allies and friends will, with God's help, succeed in maintaining the peace of Europe." Nothing can be better than the sentiments of the young Emperor, or more lofty than his own notion of his place in this world. That place is; we fully admit, the place of an axle in the wheel ; but when axles are heard, something is wrong with the coach.
