ings, when the man is in my power?" he said to Wolfgang Buck. "Colonel von Haffke is also throwing him over." He calmly added: "Now he sees that there are people more powerful than himself. To his own disadvantage Wulckow did not learn in time to adapt himself to the modern conditions of large scale publicity, which have left their mark on our present course!" "Absolutism tempered by the craving for notoriety," added Buck.
In view of Wulckow's downfall Diederich began to find that speculation in land values, which had been so disadvantageous to himself, more and more offensive. His indignation grew to such a point that the visit which Reichstag Deputy Napoleon Fischer just happened to be paying to Netzig, became a real opportunity for Diederich to relieve his feelings. Parliamentary immunity had its advantages, after all! For Napoleon Fischer repaired immediately to the Reichstag and made revelations. In perfect safety he exposed the manoeuvres of Governor von Wulckow in Netzig, his net profit on the site of the Emperor William Monument, which, Napoleon declared, had been extracted from the town, and the presentation of 5000 marks, which he described as "palm grease." According to the press this caused an enormous sensation amongst the representatives of the people. It is true, they weren't excited against Wulckow but against the man who had exposed him. There was a furious demand for proofs and witnesses. Diederich trembled lest the next line should mention his name. Happily it did not appear. Napoleon Fischer did not betray the duty of his office. Instead the minister spoke. He left to the judgment of the House this unheard-of attack, unfortunately made tinder cover of immunity, against one who was absent and could not defend himself. The House gave judgment by applauding the minister. The matter was at an end, so far as Parliament was concerned, and it remained only for the press also to express its horror and, where it was not entirely irreproachable, to wink its eye gently. Several Social Demo-
