New-York tribune., 1906-12-26
THE GERMAN CAMPAIGN.

The leading issue in the German electoral
campaign is now clearly defined, and is seen to
be decidedly different from that which was at
first expected. Nominally, the government ap-
pealed to the country on the Southwest African
colonial issue Practically that matter has been
dropped from sight and consideration, and the
issue of German patriotism against UltramOn-
tame cericalism has been put into the forefront,
thus aligning the empire with France, Spain and
italy the side Of State against Church. For
this arlievement, which we must regard as
sngularly bold and perhaps adroit piece of
practical political management, the Emperor
is probably entitled TO the credit. Despite
the nominal disclaimer made by the Chancellor,
it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that, if he
did not deliberately seek and provoke cause for
dissolution William II at least welcomed it,
realizing that this the psychological moment
for an effort to rid the government Of its irk-
some and perilous dependence upon the Cler-
ical Centre. Had he waited until the expiration
of the qunquennlun in 1908, he would almost
certainly have found himself abandoned by the
Clericals and left without a majority in the
Reichstag. Precipitating a quarrel with the
Clerlcals now, and appealing TO the patriotism
of the nation on that issue, he has at least
fighting chance of securing a majority in the
Reichstag which viii be quite Independent OF
both Clericas and Socialists.
The facts of the case are these: The Cler-
tcals, Igho had been supporters Of the govern
ment, Joined with the Socialists in attacking the
government for It's conduct OF the Hottentot war
and for It's general colonial policy in Southwest
and West Africa. and thus defeated the apprO-
priation which had been asked for and that was
the cause Of the dissolution. Now, some Cler-
icai leaders are explaining that the Centre did
rot lrean TO defeat the government. but that it
and is quite willing 10 vote all the men and
money the government needs for Africa. These
explanations and protests are not however, ac-
cepted. The government persists IN regarding
the Centre as hostile. and adopts for its cam
paigp watcbword Gambetta's famous cry "C!er-
icalism is the enemy" To this the other parties
respond with exultation. Never before since the
organization OF the empire there so much
enthusiasm exhibited. Conservatives National
Liberals. Liberal Peoples party, Liberal Union
and German Peoples party have all sunk their
/ differences and have forsaken the critical atti.
| tude which some OF them held toward the gov
ernment, and are unitedly ralying to the support
/ OF the government against the CierIcals and
/ their Socialist alIes-an incongruous combina-
/ ton Of Black and Red. These parties have long
been weary and resentful OF the domination Of
, the Centre. In their eyes it is not a political
| party so much as a sectarian cabal Its :nem-
bers are all Catholics, and they are elected as
/ Catholics and vote as Catholics. So Il has come
/
| alien In inspiration and representing not more
| than one-third OF the people OF the empire, has
been the srbiter and dictator Of imperial affairs.
The political tyranny of the Ultramontanes 4"
| says the National Liberal leader Geheimrath
Paasche. "has become intolerable." Prince
| Bulow, Gays Herr Schrader, the leader OF the
Liberal Union, desires 10 raise the question
| whether the German government or the Ultra
"montnne party shall rule" 'sThe government"
says Herr Won Kardorf. the Conservative leader.
could not longer tolerate the tyranny OF the
"Ultramontanes. Every patriotic German must
approve the dissolution in these circum-
| stances"
1t would be IDLE, Of course. to ignore the fact
that Canossa Is still on the map The Clericais
are uncommonly we'll organized and understand
! every trick In the game Of politics In the Iato
Relchstag they had 1Oi seats, and they may
hold as many In the new one The Socialists
had 70 ssntss and. 10 judge from tas wsy they