(Before the Emperor of Germany, Talma had played a part in the presence of an audience of kings.)

The gift offered by the German subjects of the city of Metz, by way of thanksgiving for the extraordinary performance given by William II, proves by its very nature that not a single Frenchman had anything to do with its selection.  In its form and substance, and in the taste which it displayed, it is a typically German present, this casket of green plush full of candied fruits.  No doubt, the Empress will be delighted and all the little princes too.

[1] La Nouvelle Revue, January 15, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[2] La Nouvelle Revue, February 15, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[3] La Nouvelle Revue, March 15, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[4] La Nouvelle Revue, April 1, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[5] La Nouvelle Revue, May 1, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[6] Ibid., May 15, 1893.

[7] La Nouvelle Revue, June 1, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[8] La Nouvelle Revue, July 1, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

[9] La Nouvelle Revue, September 16, 1893, “Letters on Foreign Policy.”

CHAPTER IV

1894-1895

Treaty of Commerce between Germany and Russia—­Opening of the Kiel Canal; why France should not have sent her ships there—­Germany proclaims her readiness to give us again the lesson which she gave us in 1870.

March 29, 1894. [1]

William II is triumphant in Germany, and his officious newspapers vie with each other in proclaiming the grandeur of his ideas.  Meanwhile, the people of Berlin hiss him and sing rebel songs about him on the review ground at Tempelhof.

Beyond all doubt the King of Prussia got the better of much opposition when he secured the vote for his commercial treaty with Russia.  Our friends of the north cannot doubt that they have our best wishes, that their commercial and agrarian position may be improved thereby, but the more favourable the treaty proves for them, the more we would beg them to profit by its advantages, but not to allow themselves to be entangled in its dangerous consequences.  If they act thus, if Germany’s sacrifices should prove of benefit only to her neighbours, if the advantages of influence and penetration aimed at by William II under cover of this treaty, should be revealed to Russian patriotism, Germany may prove to be the party deceived.

If William II is clever it is only because of our lack of cleverness and foresight.  It is because we leave the door open that he is able to make his way in.  Prussian policy is completely lacking in honesty.  It forces an entry by all possible means, keeps listening ears at every door, and weakens its rivals by the dissensions which it creates, maintains and fosters.