The first intention of Herr Muller when his Socialist Party
received more votes than any other party at the General Election, yet not enough to give them a working majority, was to try to form a " Grand Coalition." It was thought that he might even waive his_ personal claim to the Chancellorship in order to give his Govern- ment a sound ballasting. He preferred, however, to be Chancellor himself, though undoubtedly he contemplated _assigning at least three seats in the Cabinet to the Centre. :The Grand Coalition, however, refused to be formed. The various necessary parties could not be brought • together. Ultimafely a very strange expedient came to the rescue. It was arranged that a Government of Per- sonalities should be constituted, the Ministers agreeing to accept a common policy on their own undertaking, but Jeaving.their parties unpledged. In this way the personnel of a Grand Coalition was got together under another name.
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