Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1905. THE EXPANSIVE KAISER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8098, 24 March 1905, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1905. THE EXPANSIVE KAISER.

It would be interesting, and somewhat difficult, to know how far the popular sentiment in Germany is with the Kaiser in his policy of Imperial expansion. We fancy he is a long way ahead of his subjects in the matter, and that the disturbing elements within German borders will seriously impede his daring and vigorous efforts, which is, perhaps, just as well for the peace of Europe. Just now, when absolutism appears to be very rauch on its trial everywhere, the new German policy challenges the attention of political philosophers, as well as economists, by its contrast with the reactionary methods so fatuously and fatally adopted elsewhere. Despotism, with progress, has hitherto been looked upon as a paradox; but the Kaiser gives the world a striking proof that it may be a great reality. Apart from the anxiety and irritation, which the übiquitous activity of Wilhelm 11. is causing among his neighbours, it is impossible no.t to admire his magnificent ambition, and his strong personality. He is a perfervid patriot with tke most intense convictioß of his divine right and the most devotional sense of his responsibilities. That a man of such extraordinary gifts should be an object of fear, and that that fear should often manifest itself in ridicule, is only another evidence of the success with which he is pursuing his plans. Whether the German national temperament is quite in accord with him, it is difficult to determine ; but so masterful a sovereign is capable of revolutionising his countrymen and enlisting their sympathies. The Roman Csesar, who boasted that he found Rome mud and left her marble, has a noble successor in the German Caesar, who may fairly boast that, whereas he found Germany comparatively obscure, he has made her something of a world-Power. The Kaisa- is no mere visionary. As we pointed out in reference to his renewed assurance of loyal neutrality in the war now raging, his Majesty is shrewd. He is a Bagstock among monarchs—" tough, sir, tough; and devilish sly!" His prescience has hitherto been remarkable, and no doubt he has considered very carefully his position in regard to Morocco, for it is a particularly ticklish one. French susceptibilities are by no means dead, or even numbed, and the Kaiser is about the last man who can hope to wound them with impunity.. According to the news reaches us, a determined effort is being made'by the Kaiser to oust French influence in that part of Northern Africa. This must bring him into direct conflict with' France, and the violation of the Anglo-French agreement

which it involves may place Anglo-German relations in jeopardy. The Kaiser is no foolhardy enthusiast. He knows what he is doing. But, though too wise to rashly resort to arms, he is also too spirited to shirk the dangers with which his policy is fraught. That danger appears to us to be just now very greatly in evidence. For though France has undergone many changes, is mHch chastened, and has entered upon a new path of peaceful progress, she has by no means forgiven or forgotten the events of 1870-1.