Ten days later, another attempt was made on the Emperor's life; this time a man of the name of Nobeling (an educated man who had studied at the University) shot at him while driving in the Unter den Linden, and wounded him severely in the head and arms with large shot.
The Emperor was driven home to his palace almost unconscious, and for some time his life was in danger.

This second attempt in so short a time on the life of a man almost eighty years of age, so universally loved and respected, who had conferred such benefits on his country, naturally aroused a storm of indignation.

When Bismarck received the news his first words were, "Now the Reichstag must be dissolved." This was done; the general elections took place while the excitement was still hot, and of course resulted in a great loss to those parties--especially the National Liberals--who had voted against the Socialist law; the Centre alone retained its numbers.

Before this new Parliament a fresh law was laid, drafted with much more skill.

It absolutely forbade all speeches or writing in favour of plans for overthrowing the order of society, or directed against marriage and property.