Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1866-07-12
.elmpnt Chronicle.
ST. CLAIRSvILLE, O.:
Thursday, July IL, 1865.
A Conversation with Count
Bismark.

The Paris Steele prints conversation be-
tween Bismark and distinguished French
man who visited the Count in Berlin lately,
and frankly expressed his opinion about the
part played by the leader of Prussia. The
Steele appears to believe in the genuineness
of the dialogue, which has significance of
its own in any case. Bismark is reported
to have said: 81 know very we'll that am
as unpopular in France as am in Germany.
L am everywhere made responsible for a sit,
nation which did not create, but which
was pressed upon me as 1t Was upon every
body. am the scapegoat of public opin-
ioa, but don't much care. I strive with
q good conscience after an object which I
consider useful for both Prussia and Ger.
many. As regards the means, have en-
ployed such as offered themselves, faute de
n.ie,eo. There is good deal to be said
about the internal situation of Prussia. To
be able to judge of this impartially il is me-
cessary to know and study thoroughly the
peculiar character of the inhabitants of that
country. While France and Italy form great
social communities, animated by the samo
spirit and the same sentiments, in Germany
individualism predominates. Every one
lives for himself with wife and children in
his small corner, cherishing theory of his
own, always suspicious Of his government
and his neighbors, and always judging by
his own and not BY the general view. The
sentiment OF individualism, and the desire
to contradict are developed in Germany to
an incredible extent No government will
ever be popular in Prussia. whatever it may
do. The great majority will always oppose
The fact of its being the Government. and
acting authoritatively toward the individual,
brings it into bad repute with the moderate
party, and still more with the advanced sec
ton. Neither the Liberal nor the reactona.
ministers have found favor with our politi-
Clans" On being asked whether he did
not think that the general dissatisfaction
might produce revolution, Bsmark re.
Piled "The Government does not think
that any revolution is to be expected, and il
does not fear il. Our revolutionists are not
so very formidable. Their hatred fin is vent
IN number OF bad names given to the Min.
listers, but they respect the King. 1 am
the guilty party from beginning to end, as
1t IS alone against whom they rave. With
little more impartiality they would see,
perhaps, that did not act differently be.
cause 1t was impossible to act otherwise. -
10 the present position of Prussia in Ger
many, and especially considering Austria,
we wanted above all things an army. That
is the only powerin in Prussia which can be dis.
ciplined. A Prussian who would get his
arm smashed at barricade would come
home rather depressed, and get we'll scolded
by his wife. In the army, however, he is a
magnificent soldier who fights like q lion
for the homer Of his country. y
Sixteen years ago lived quietly as coun.
try gentleman when the will of the King
1.-THE latel called me to Frank fort as Minister
to the Diet. had been brought up in tho
admiration, ! might say veneration of the
Austrian policy But it did not take me
long. to get thoroughly disabused Of my
youthful illusions about Austria, and | be.
came its firm antagonist. | did not know
that l was ever to play part; but at that
time already l conceived the plan which
now try to carry out; viz, to free Germany
from the Austrian pressure--that part of it
at least which, by spirit, religion, manners
and interest, is closely allied with the fate
Of Prussia. To reach this goal I
shall defy everything, even exile and the
galows. / once told the Crown Prince, who
by education and tendencies is more the man
otparliamentary government, What matters
II they hang me- if only that rope ties your
throne more firmly to the fortunes Of pur1
Germany|"