It is reported, apparently on good authority, that the German
Chancellor has resolved to withdraw his Bill restricting freedom of speech in the German Parliament. He declares that he only wanted to increase the disciplinary powers of Parliament, and that as his proposal is unpopular, the Reichstag must now initiate reforms for itself. We trust the report is correct, and it possibly is so, as there is some doubt whether the proposal is quite accept- able to the Federal Council, where some Members fear its appli- cation to Catholics, and some fancy it might be used in aid of centralisiug projects. Resistance to any unifying law might easily be described as treason to the Empire. Prince Bismarck is not good, however, at giving up anything, and we do not feel sure that the proposal will not come from within the Chamber, and be supported by the Government. The effect of this will be that the Bill would have as much chance as ever, while if the re- luctance of Members to accept it proved invincible, the Govern- ment would be able to recede from its position without a visible defeat.
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