Show till ifon amii TOW M firm SHE WILL MAINTAIN HER EIGHTS Bis marcks menaces to swiss neutrality the reply of the swiss was received at the foreign office yesterday though civil in tone it is none the less defiant it does not recede a step from the position previously taken by switzerland and is throughout a vindication di of the rights of refugees and of the swiss toward german police agents the tenor of the reply was communicated munica ted to the german minister at eairly in the week the communication muni cation was the signal for the adoption of stringent measures for the scrutiny of travelers crossing the swiss frontier baggage being mercilessly overhauled and goods wantonly searched and delayed to days national denies that these regulations are reprisals and declarers aers that they are due to the from the imperial custom of ficiala uninfluenced by government the swiss cantonal authorities believing other wise direct travelers to proceed through austrian territory the attitude of the swiss government is probably strengthened by the knowledge that Bis marcks menaces to swiss neutrality occasion dissatisfaction the emperor has advised bismarck to modify his tone and thus avoid aggravating the difficulty fi the north german gazette tonight to night commenting on the situation explains that the dispatch of june ath was the an russia and proceeds to point out its object which was by giving it the tone and tenor of an identical russian note presented at the same time the impression was intended to produce its purpose so far has been attained the swiss authorities giving due consideration to russian representations and it is expected that they will ultimately recognize the german claims though in a less friendly and less expeditious manner the diplomatic action of germany is aimed at social democracy in switzerland against switzerland itself this policy is directed only in so far as elements hostile to the german empire are protected and promoted there to combat these elements is the task of the imperial policy and the fight will not be abandoned until the task is fulfilled court circles are talking about the conversion of empress augusta victoria to the catholic church she has made confessions of faith before abbe Radi jewski who is attached to the household of prince the grand marshal himself a catholic witnessed the ceremony in company with prince ead siwill the emperor had previously been apprized of her intention severe thunder storms prevailed throughout central germany yesterday sweeping over west thuringia bavaria and the rhine provinces and doing much damage A number of buildings were struck by lightning |