THE KAISER'S REIGN.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1778, 17 June 1913, Page 4

THE KAISER'S REIGN.

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the accession of the Kaiser is now being celebrated with much enthusiasm by his people, and, in view of the improved relations between Britain and Germany, the_ words of the President of the Reichstag, who described the Emperor as a prin.ee of peace, and declared that the Germans would only draw the sword to defend their means of existence, will meet with a sympathetic response throughout the British Empire. William II is certainly one ■ of the most striking figures in Europe at the present day—a man of great versatility and intense self-confidence. He refused to play a subordinate part in directing the policy of the nation even to Bismarck, one of the most astute statesmen of modern times. Soon after his accession it became evident that the Kaiser intended to play his own hand, and he did not hesitate to express his disagreement with his great' Minister on important points of home and foreign politics. The climax was precipitated by a visit of Windthohst, the Catholic leader, to the Chancellor. Bismarck refused to discloso to the Emperor the nature of his conversation with Windthorst, and two days later the Emperor demanded his resignation. It was a daring thing to do, but William II has become famous for doing daring things in .a dramatic way. There could ue only one master in Germany, and that was^ himself. He was not content with a great army, thoroughly equipped and trained; but with his memorable utterance, "Our future lies on the water," he inaugurated an ambitious naval policy which brought Britain and Germany into keen rivalry. His country is, however, beginning to stagger under the financial strain of the double burden, and there have recently been indications that a slackening off in the German naval programme is contemplated. Though many of his actions and utterances are_ not in accordance with British ideas of kingship, all will recognise the Kaisep.'s exalted sense of duty. On one occasion he declared: "I see in the people and the land which have descended to me a talent entrusted to me by God, which it is my duty to increase. Those who will help me. I heartily welcome: those who oppose me I shall dash in pieces." A speech like this gives an excellent insight into the character of the man> I