CHAPTER XVII.
RETIREMENT AND DEATH.
1887-1898.
Well was it for Germany that Bismarck had not allowed her to fall into the weak and vacillating hands of a Parliamentary government.

Peace has its dangers as well as war, and the rivalry of nations lays upon them a burden beneath which all but the strongest must succumb.

The future was dark; threatening clouds were gathering in the East and West; the hostility of Russia increased, and in France the Republic was wavering; a military adventurer had appeared, who threatened to use the desire for revenge as a means for his personal advancement.

Germany could no longer disregard French threats; year by year the French army had been increased, and in 1886 General Boulanger introduced a new law by which in time of peace over 500,000 men would be under arms.

Russia had nearly 550,000 soldiers on her peace establishment, and, against this, Germany only 430,000.