18. Essays from "Deutsche Wochenschrift"

The Week of April 26-May 2, 1888

There was no shortage of attempts in the Austrian Reichsrat last week to get Liechtenstein's school proposal on the agenda before the negotiations on the education budget. Despite all the efforts made by the clerical side of the House of Representatives, it was finally agreed to give priority to the government bill. The budget debate was interrupted by the presentation of the reservist law, which, as in Hungary, was also passed by a large majority in the Austrian House of Representatives. The debate on the budget of the Ministry of Education began on April 30. Both the right and the left launched fierce attacks against the Minister of Education, and his reply satisfied neither the Czechs nor the clerics. Mr. von Gautsch declared that he had to demand knowledge of the German language from graduates of Czech universities and that he would never admit to lowering the level of education. If only he keeps his word!

Happily, the German Emperor's health continued to improve, only the very latest news is somewhat less favorable. Every day, the illustrious monarch receives touching evidence of the deep love and admiration of his people. The publication of Emperor Wilhelm's last will and testament is to follow shortly. The April issue of the "Preußische Jahrbücher" confirms that Emperor Frederick III wrote both the appeal "To my people" and the decree to the Imperial Chancellor, two documents which bear brilliant witness to the noble sentiments of the monarch, in San Remo himself and handed them over to Prince Bismarck in Leipzig. The next day, the Imperial Chancellor presented these documents to the Emperor without reminder.

The appointment of the Russian General Bogdanovich, known for his passionate hatred of Germany, as Section Chief in the Ministry of the Interior caused a justified stir in German political circles. Bogdanovich is also an ardent supporter of the Russian-French alliance, a fact which casts the general's appointment to such an influential post in a peculiar light.

The trip of the President of the French Republic to the southwest of France was quite successful. In Bordeaux itself, the President's reception was very good. He gave a politically significant speech there in which he called on all republicans to unite. And in view of the Boulangist machinations, which are increasing in audacity every day, this is truly necessary.

The Prince of Bulgaria is currently touring his country. Everywhere he goes, he receives a warm and enthusiastic ovation from the people. Proof enough that the time has finally come to change the attitude of the powers that be. In any case, hardly any reasonable politician doubts that the young prince will hold his own on his throne, and least of all should anyone in St. Petersburg be deluded about this.

A change of minister has taken place in Serbia. Gruitsch's radical ministry has resigned and a ministry largely made up of civil servants, headed by Kristics, has taken over the reins of government.