The German Reichstag seems to be dying of lassitude. Its
Members see clearly that substantial power has passed to other hands, the Deputies are bored by the discussions, and on most days it is difficult to get a quorum together. As it was absolutely necessary that the Tariff Bill should be closely considered, the Government resolved to try the expedient of paying the Committee, and introduced a Bill, which was at once called "The Pocket-Money Bill," for giving each Member who would stay in Berlin for this Committee 2120. The House languidly passed it, reducing the amount, however, to 2100; but the device only cures, and that for a moment, part of the evil. The Radicals quote the incident as proof that all Members ought to be paid, and perhaps they will be ; but the Government is not anxious for perpetual attendance, and is afraid that payment will make it much easier for Socialists to find candidates. Englishmen think they are right; but it must be remembered that incomes on the Continent are much below the usual English level. The best candidates the Liberals can find are professional men, who cannot afford to part with any portion of their time unless it is paid for, and the conse- quences are inferior candidates and lax attendance upon all but the " greatest " days. The obvious alternative—a heavy party subscription for payment of Members—seems unsuited to the national manners, and indeed would be raised with difficulty even here.
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