The German elections are fixed for September, and it is
re- ported that the struggle will be unusually keen. The object of both parties will be to win the workmen, who, it is stated, in spite of the promises made them, will decide againt the Govern- ment. Unfortunately, the old difficulty of the Liberals, that Of being united among themselves, is not yet overcome. Half of the Protestants and sceptics want Liberalism, plus Bismarck, which they cannot have ; while the other half will sacri- fice anything, rather than give Catholicism fair 1
-p.a y . The, Catholic Liberals, again, think that if they join the body of the party, Bismarck will sharpen the Falk Laws ; while the Liberals will not voluntarily relax them. The elections are sure, therefore, to yield at least four Liberal parties, who will have the greatest difficulty in uniting. There are those who will follow the Chancellor to any point ; those
fit who will resist him till he threatens to resign; those who wilt let him resign; and the Catholics. The Prince will, there '... be able to play off the fractions as before, and nothing wil accomplished, except the few things upon which he is so deter.i mined that the first and second fractions will join the Govern- m.ent party.
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