idea of alliance with Austria instead of alliance with Russia.  The feeling, it is highly probable, is strong, if not equally strong, in the mind of the Emperor to-day, if only out of respect for the memory of his ancestor.  There is not, to use a popular expression, much love lost between the two peoples, not only because of racial differences between Teuton and Slav, but because of the differences in religion and in degree of civilization.  There are not a few Germans who assert that Germany’s next war will be with Russia, and that from the dominions of the Czar will be obtained the fresh territory Germany needs for her constantly expanding population.

The Czar returned the Emperor’s accession visit in Berlin in October, 1889, and it was on this occasion that the first sign of trouble between the Emperor and the old Chancellor showed itself.  When the Emperor first proposed to make his round of visits of accession to foreign sovereigns, Bismarck agreed except as regarded Russia and England, objecting that visits to these countries would have an alternatively bad effect in each.  The Emperor, however, as has been noted, went to Russia.  During the return visit in Berlin, Bismarck had an interview with the Czar which resulted in the final adjustment of Russo-German relations, but at its close the Czar said, “Yes, I believe you and have confidence in you, but are you sure you will remain in office?” Bismarck looked surprised, and said, “Certainly, Majesty; I am quite certain I shall remain in office all my life”—­an odd thing, one may remark, for a man to say, who must have been familiar with the saying, “Put not your trust in princes.”

When the Czar was going away, both the Emperor and Bismarck accompanied him to the station, and on their return the Emperor gave the old Chancellor a seat in his carriage.  The talk concerned the visit just over, and the Emperor again announced his intention of spending some time in Russia the following year.  Bismarck now advised against the project on the ground that it would arouse hostility in Austria, and because “it was not suitable considering the Czar’s disposition towards the Emperor.”

“What disposition?  What do you mean?  How do you know?” questioned the Emperor quickly.

“From confidential letters I am in the habit of receiving from St. Petersburg, in addition to official reports,” replied the Chancellor.

The Emperor expressed a wish to see the letters, but Bismarck gave an evasive answer.  The result was a temporary coolness between Emperor and Chancellor.

From a memorandum of Prince Hohenlohe’s we get a glimpse of one of the political currents and anti-currents just now running high.  Prince Hohenlohe writes under date, June 27, 1888, when the Emperor was hardly a fortnight on the throne:—­