(_MADE IN GERMANY._)
According to the _Hochliche Zeitung_, His Imperial Majesty said that
although the sky was apparently cloudless, the atmosphere might be
charged with electricity. He knew what that electricity denoted. There
were thunderbolts in the clouds and thunderbolts on earth. Those
on earth meant war and invasion. He warned those who threatened the
Fatherland, that there were a million of swords ready to spring forth
from a million of scabbards. It was well enough to be neighbourly
when those who lived in your vicinity were benevolently inclined. But
when they showed a disposition to be offensive, then it was necessary
to sharpen your swords and keep your power dry. They had already
conquered France, and were not afraid of Russia. Besides, the Army
contained young soldiers who would be the better for a real campaign.
He himself had no objection to visiting Paris and St. Petersburg, as
a German Emperor should--at the head of a German Army. Still he might
again remark, it was splendid weather, he saw nothing but blue sky.
[Illustration: Nose Everything.]
According to the _Nichtgeboren Zeitung_, His Imperial Majesty said
that, although the sky was apparently cloudless, he recognised dangers
a-head. He was willing to put himself forward as the Leader of the
toilers. It was their duty to secure the best possible constitution,
and then to force that constitution upon all neighbouring people, if
needs be, at the point of the bayonet. He was not an alarmist, and
said exactly what he meant. He had no wish to beat about the bush. War
was the Hand-servant of Peace, and the sooner that servant came back
the better. He did not wish to threaten, but he told Russia and France
that Germany was ready to begin, when and where they chose to meet
him. But he might again remark it was splendid weather, and he saw
nothing but blue sky.
_Authorised Version_ (_all others declared to be misleading and
inaccurate_).--His Imperial Majesty merely observed that it was a fine
day.
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ON BOARD A YACHT.--The conversation at lunch-time had turned on recent
publications. A learned Theban from Oxford inquired of the Skipper,
if he had seen the "_Rig-Veda_." "What sort of Rig's that?" asked the
Skipper, a bit puzzled. But the Oxonian wisely declined a rigmarole
explanation, and told him that all further inquiries must be made to
Professor MAX MÜLLER.
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