The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-08-12
GERMANY.
GERMANY.
The PrussSan Ministsr of War as an
Amthor.


The Prussian Minister of War, Herr Albert
TheodOr Emil Won Room, wrote previous to the
year 1869, since which he has occupied his post
In the Cabinet, number OF highly esteemed
treatses on geography and ethnology, which
are looked upon as standard works OF instruc-
tion, aud have been published ia numerous
editions. Born in the year 1903, in the Pome-
ranian town and fortress of Kolberg, he re-
ceived his education at the military academies
of Culm and of Berlin; was then
appointed instructor at the same;
in 1888 to the command of the Typographical
Bureau, In 1886 to the staff, in 1912 tutor Of
Prince Frederick Charles in geography and
tatics, accompanying in l846 this Prince to the
University of Bonn, and in 1848 chief of the
staff of the 9th army corps. In 1850 he was
made colonel, 1856 major.general, 1859 lieu.
tenantgeneTal, and is at present q full general
and member OF the Rechstag, representing
Breslau city district. After this brief sketch OF
the authors position, some extracts from his
manual of Political Geography" which has
Just appeared in a twelfth edition, and brought
up to the present year, may be found inter-
estbg.
OF England he says: - Next to significant,
almost republican rights of the lowest classes
we perceive a strict upholding of the privileges
OF the high.born even up to the throne. Great
wealth of organic life in all public affairs coun-
teraCts that which is obsolete. Permanent party
strife favors not only egotistic tendencies, but
also public welfare The system Of administra-
tion, the judiciary and military management, all
are based upon the history OF the country, upon
CublOn ana pTdCtlCe, ana not upon JneOTelD. fOr
this reason we observe, Notwithstanding certain
limited views, immense multifOrmlty in every
branch of public life. The finances show an
inexhaustible supply OF resources coupled with
an extravagant national debt. The army of the
land, not numerous, without systematic organi-
Zatlon, mostly consisting of the breadless and
lazy, corresponds, however, owing TO its eX-
teTnal discipline and sustained by national
spirit, to the most diversified and difficult de-
mands, while the better situated of the nation
dlsdain service ana have yet to develop and
give proof of the efficiency of militia.
OF the Government OF France the author says:
After the revolution of lS49, in consequence of
which the inviolable monarch with ms cbdrte
uef1te was forced to give way to q President
elected by the fCkle nation and to 4 republican
constitution, the latter has been set aside since
the coup detdt OF December 2, 1851. The liberty
of the sovereign people was then limited to q
very narrow measure. as accorded by the new
constitution of January a. 1852, granted by
the absolutely ruling President now heredi-
tarY Emperor of the French, who has
nally, these liberties. Though the people
are allowed by this constitution some
share in the management of publIc affairs, yet
In reality, even after the concessions af wards
made, which are without hardly an exception
but apparent ones, the whole legislative as we'll
as executive power rests solely in the hands of
the Chief of the State. A modification
OF the already very respectable and Wel-trIed
army establishment has recently taken place.
Its purpose is to furnish the army-the ain
prop OF the Imperial power with q numerous
and well trained reserve for a war, and TO i'm
prove the organization Of the militia. Tue gene
raj liability TO serve in the army is adhered to-
but IL is limited as heretofore, by the privilege
Of furnishing substitutes.